Softball Australia is deeply saddened to inform the softball community of the passing of 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, Scott Rindfleish yesterday in Sydney after a battle with cancer.  

Scott was an internationally accomplished umpire, a National Championship coach and former member of the National Umpire Committee.  His work in fostering and developing umpires, guiding, and developing talented athletes and his commitment and passion for the game are some of the many legacies that Scott leaves behind.  

Softball NSW Umpiring representative and great friend Jesse Smith remembers Scott: 

“The Rindfleish family has lost a beacon of light with the passing of their much-loved Scott on the afternoon of 10 October after a two year cancer journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Andrew, Adam, Kelly and, significantly, Peter at this very difficult time. Words cannot express the grief we all feel. Not only has the Rindfleish family lost a loved one, but the entire softball community - at a local, state, national and international level - has lost a true talent and dedicated “student of the game.” 

Scott was inducted into the Softball NSW and Softball Australia Halls of Fame. He was a Life Member of the Softball NSW Umpires Association and a long-term Director of Umpiring in NSW. Scott was also one of the Softball Australia National Umpires In Chief, having served on the National Staff over a number of years in various portfolios. His commitment to the sport was life-long, consistent with the Rindfleish name. On the diamond Scott was an accomplished player, coach, and umpire. Scott umpired four World Championships: Junior Men’s (Canada), Senior Women (Venezuela), Senior Men (New Zealand), Senior Men (Czech Republic). He also officiated at various international test series and Olympic Qualifiers. His last World Championship in Prague saw him appointed Plate Umpire in the Bronze Medal Game. Scott was a consummate professional on and off the diamond and highly esteemed as one of - if not the - top Australian umpire on the international stage in recent decades. Scott’s passion for the game was innate and followed the lifelong commitment of his parents, Sue and Andrew, and brother, Adam. 

The Rindfleish name is not only synonymous with softball in New South Wales but throughout the country and the world. The game was always bigger than the individuals who played it. This was the Rindfleish mantra that saw Scott rise through the umpiring, coaching and administrative ranks from a very young age. Scott’s passing will leave an indelible hole in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him - no more so than his closest family and friends. His network was extensive given how generous and committed he was to others within the sport. In recent years, his dedication to others inspired his desire to establish the “Scott Rindfleish Foundation.” 

The Scott Rindfleish Foundation is focused on 3 key priorities: 
1. Prevent bowel cancer by increasing awareness and early detection. 
2. Support cancer patients and their loved ones during cancer treatment. 
3. Raise money for bowel cancer research. 

The Scott Rindfleish Foundation will serve as one of his lasting legacies to the world - a legacy that focuses on supporting others as Scott did throughout his 40 short years. The memory of Scott will live on through his Foundation and the exceptional example he provided so many in his personal, professional and softball life. 

We who mourn Scott’s tragic and premature passing have one thing to sustain us in our grief that he never had: we have his inspirational example. Scott will never roam free from the shackles of our love whilst ever we who walk in his footsteps continue to live lives worthy of his example. 

Vale our eternally loved and missed Scott Rindfleish (1982-2022).”

Softball Queensland President and fellow up Darren Sibraa reflects on Scott’s legacy: 

“When Scott stayed with me prior to the 2003 ISF Certification, where we attended as observers, I wasn’t to know how entwined our umpiring pathways would become. Gaining ISF accreditation together with Warren (Duff) and Kevin (Broomhall) we were to travel with the successful Aussie Colts to the 2008 Junior Mens in Whitehorse, Canada. The photo is from the Japan vs Canada game. We would then share international tours to the 2010 Open Women’s World Championship in Caracas, and 2013 Open Men’s World Championship at North Harbour in NZ. 

We shared many stories, but also a shared passion to inspire others to become umpires. It was no surprise that we then became State Directors and served in roles on the National Umpire Committee. Scott’s passion for the game could never be questioned, and he set a high bar on his expectations for all umpires. Many umpires are where they are now because of the time and effort Scott put into their development. I know I will miss the discussions we had, sharing the many stories from our trips, the experiences we had together and the friends we made. 

When I next look out on the diamond I know that you too will be looking on, and taking notes.” 

Softball Australia extends our deepest condolences to Scott’s parents, Andrew and Sue, his husband, Peter, brother Adam and Adam’s partner Kelly.  We hope you feel the support of the softball community during this time.

Rest in Peace Scott, thank you for all that you did for the game.  You will be missed.