Recently there has been some confusion around the role of squads and the competitive outlets attached to each squad as well as how selection in a squad could lead to further access and AIS Categorisation.

As Softball is not part of the Paris 2024 cycle, further review and clarification of squads gives time to build and develop our player base, to offer clarity to athletes to enable them to plan their playing journey.  With the challenges faced in finalising international competitions, flexibility is crucial to manage  the player journey, qualification process and long-term success.

Squad One 

Athletes who are over 18 will be called the Elite Player Development Squad (EPDS). Teams will be selected from this squad to attend events depending on the specific requirements of each event. For example, the World Cup qualifier will require a different team than a one-off series against New Zealand. It is Softball Australia’s aspiration that all players selected for an Olympic Team will have at least ten international caps.  

The team required at any point in time will change and it is incumbent upon us to ensure our teams are best placed to win pinnacle events such as the Olympics. Teams will be selected depending on opposition and tournament type which will allow younger members to have time to mature in a positive environment surrounded by experienced international players. This approach will also maintain internal competition between squad members to ensure they are in the best mental and physical condition to be selected at any time. Squads will be selected every year and automatic selection, or progression will depend solely on performance. There may be times in the selection cycle where players may not be the right fit for a particular squad, but they will still be considered part of the system.

To maintain a position in the squad, athletes will be required to attend designated events both face to face and online as well as participating fully in training, monitoring, and testing program throughout the year. 

Within the squad, smaller teams will be developed – battery, infield, outfield. The battery program will be supported by coaching resources and be driven centrally with specific resources allocated to face to face and online training environments. The program will have specific annual targets and players will be taken in and out of the program based on their engagement in the program and their performance both on and off the field. 

Selection for this squad will be carried out in three parts – domestic selection will occur at the National Championships; overseas selection will consider players currently competing internationally and talent transfer will identify athletes from other sports  who demonstrate an aptitude to train as Softball players. 

Squad Two

Athletes who are under 18 years of age will form the Talent Development Squad (TDS). The focus for this squad will be the identification and development of talented athletes to become international Softball players. 

Athletes who are currently playing in Australia as well as athletes from the talent transfer program will be considered for this squad. Athletes will need to demonstrate both the physical and mental aptitude to develop into international Softball players. All athletes will be required to maintain home based training and learning programs as well as attending events when required. 

National Testing Program

To help develop performance benchmarks, all female players attending the 2023 National Championships will be asked to take part in a testing program, to be delivered during each event.

The testing program will cover grip strength, 20m sprints, long jumps, and vertical jumps. The tests will inform our selection criteria and provide us with the data to create tailored individual development programs.

Coaches Forum

We will be inviting all relevant State-level coaches to an online forum to discuss this updated squad concept to facilitate clear guidance and information on the matter.