MAY 20, 2021

Softball Australia, in consultation with Member States/Territories can confirm the expansion of eligibility for female athletes aiming to compete in the 2022 U23 Women’s National Championship.

Given that the U23 Women’s National Championship was cancelled due to COVID-19 in both July 2020 and July 2021, females born in 1998 are the only age group to miss out on playing in two National Championships within their age group.

The July 2020 championship would have been the second last opportunity for females born in 1998 to play in the U23 Women’s Nationals and the July 2021 event would have been their final opportunity.

No other age group will miss out on playing in two National Championships within their own age group.

Therefore, it has been decided athletes born in 1998 will have the opportunity to compete in the 2022 U23 Women’s National Championship to be held at West Beach, South Australia from 14 – 19 Dec 2021. This will be reflected in the 2022 Australian Championship Regulations.

The U23 Men’s National Championships were also cancelled due to COVID-19 in July 2020 and July 2021. However, Softball Australia extended the year of birth eligibility for the U23 Men, to allow those born in 1998 to play in the championship scheduled for January 2022, given that the WBSC has also extended its age eligibility for the 2022 U23 Men’s World Cup.

All other age groups have only missed out on one National Championship due to COVID-19 related event cancellations.

The 2022 National Championship Calendar is available at softball.org.au.