Following the advice provided this afternoon by Softball Australia (SA) in relation to the cancellation of 2021 National Championships for Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18, Softball NSW (SNSW) would like to provide the following advice to our community.

SNSW can confirm that we were part of the decision-making process and agree with the rationale and process undertaken by SA to reach this final decision. As mentioned in the release provided by SA, participant and spectator safety, lack of adequate insurance coverage and the unknown financial implications provided too many risks for these events to proceed. The management and welfare of athletes, officials and spectators continues to be paramount.

We certainly understand and appreciate the disappointment that this release brings to our impacted athletes, officials and their families. The National Championships opportunity has been a goal and ambition for many, and this announcement only adds to what has been a very difficult past 9 months for all.

With the decision of cancellation now made, SNSW will be supporting our athletes and officials moving forward in all categories through various programs. It’s imperative from both the individual and organisational levels, that we continue to provide development, competition and engagement opportunities for our pathway personnel.

What’s next?

As stated, SNSW will continue to provide opportunities to our athletes and officials in the categories affected. Given the timing of the released information, SNSW’s High Performance and Pathways Sub Committee (HPPSC) will be liaising with key pathway personnel to determine the opportunity of programs in the first quarter of 2021.

Further information in relation to each category will be provided in the coming weeks.

Selection processes, programming & pathways

The selection process at the State Championships for each of these categories will continue unimpacted. SNSW will be completing the selection process as per previous advertisement. This will include the selection camps of each category proceeding in January 2021. It is anticipated that the programming will be aligned with the previous National’s timeline of January-April 2021. As mentioned above SNSW will be working with key pathway personnel to finalise programs for all categories impacted by this announcement.

For further questions

If you have any questions in relation to this information please contact Daniel Rushworth Chief Executive Officer via ceo@softballnsw.org.au or 9677 4000

Download Memo: 2021 National Junior Championships Cancellation& NSW Programming