Softball Australia (SA) is pleased to confirm that the full program of the 2022 National Championships will proceed.

The SA Board and senior staff worked closely with the States and Territories to address many of the challenges thrown up by COVID. A number of changes were discussed and agreed to so the events can be managed safely in the current COVID environment.

In reaching the outcome, Softball Australia Chair Richard Lindell said that “by working as a unified sport toward our shared goals, I’m elated to confirm that the 2022 Nationals can now go ahead after two COVID affected years.

“The Omicron wave and COVID restrictions made it exceptionally difficult to plan for any type of major event. We are acutely aware the States and Territories have travel and logistical plans that require considerable financial commitment and flexibility, and the SA board appreciates and acknowledges the collegiate manner in which all members states have come together to achieve an outstanding result for our sport.”

The 2022 National Championships schedule has been revised and will proceed as follows:

Softball Australia Acting CEO, Bron Parry also commended the States who agreed to forgo hosting Nationals in 2022, so border and interstate travel issues could be overcome.

“The selflessness demonstrated by those affected States allowed us to move some events, so more players, officials and volunteers can reach them by ground travel. We know what the National Championships mean to so many involved in Softball, and this sacrifice allows more athletes to represent their state safely in the current environment.

“It also means our elite athletes have the opportunity to play in front of national selectors, so we can identify and nurture the best talent in the country,” Ms Parry said.

Regrettably, Softball WA is not yet able to confirm participation in the 2022 National Championships due to the hard border, quarantine requirements, and extreme risk jurisdictions currently in place in Western Australia.

Softball Australia is now moving to the next stage of the planning process, with COVID Safe Plans being developed for each event.

Travel concerns, participant safety, and competition formats and regulations are also being taken into consideration, with more information available as soon as possible.

Image courtesy Change of Focus Photography.