AROUND the HORN

AROUND
the
HORN
A SOFTBALL CANADA PUBLICATION
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS
Softball Canada
NEWS
•
Canadian
Championships
•
NEW - Slo-Pitch
NEWS and
EVENTS
•
Officiating
•
Softball Canada
Staff
June 2009
Bob
Stanton
Honoured in Fredericton
Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn presenting
to Bob Stanton.
(Photo credit: Brian Smith)
ISF Vice-President Dale McMann presenting
to Bob Stanton.
(Photo credit: Brian Smith)
On May 9th, 2009, Softball Canada’s former National Director of Umpires and
current International Softball Federation Director of Umpires Bob Stanton was honoured
in his hometown of Fredericton, NB at the St. Mary’s Entertainment Centre. The event
was staged to recognize and honour Bob for his tremendous achievements, and featured
a variety of special guest speakers and presentations to Bob.
inside
we’ve got it
www.SOFTBALL.ca
In total, 244 people attended the event, which speaks volumes on how Bob has
impacted the game of softball at the provincial, national and international level. Among
the presenters were City of Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside, ISF Vice-President Dale
McMann, Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn, Softball New Brunswick President Bev
Adams, as well as several Regional Umpires in Chief of Softball New Brunswick.
In addition to the many guests in attendance, Bob was also recognized for his
accomplishments by the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, the Premier of New
Brunswick Shawn Graham and ISF President Don Porter through messages published in
a Tribute handout. The handout also summarizes Bob’s journey from his beginnings as a
player and coach all the way to his appointment as the International Director of Umpires.
Congratulations to Bob on his well-deserved accomplishments!
AROUND the HORN
Danielle Lawrie
wi n s
USA Softball National Collegiate
Player of the Year Award!
Danielle Lawrie (Langley, BC), a 2008 Canadian Softball Olympian and Senior Women’s National Team member,
has been awarded the prestigious 8th Annual USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year award. Lawrie plays for
the University of Washington – along with fellow Canadian Olympian Jenn Salling (Port Coquitlam, BC) – and the team
will won the 2009 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City earlier this month.
Lawrie was the PAC-10 leader in wins, earned run average, strikeouts and shutouts, and was in the Top 3 of each
of those categories in the entire NCAA. She certainly elevated her game against top competition, as she threw shutouts
against No. 1 Florida, No. 2 UCLA, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Stanford, No. 6 Arizona, No. 7 Michigan, No. 8 Georgia
and No. 11 Ohio State (rankings are at the time she played them), throwing no-hitters against UCLA and Arizona. The
University of Washington finished the season ranked #3 in the NCAA ranks. Lawrie broke her own school season records
with 472 strikeouts, 37 wins and 19 shutouts. In addition, she had a streak of 64.1 consecutive scoreless innings, and
90.0 innings without allowing an earned run.
In addition to her tremendous success in the pitcher’s circle, Lawrie also contributed at the plate this season,
propelling the University of Washington to the Women’s College World Series with two homeruns against Georgia Tech
– led by another Canadian Olympian, Jennifer Yee (North Delta, BC) – in the Super Regionals. Lawrie ended the regular
season with six homeruns and 25 runs batted in.
The other finalists for the award were Kaitlin Cochran (University of Arizona) and Stacey Nelson (University of
Florida). Past winners include Team USA Olympians Cat Osterman (three times), Stacey Nuveman and Monica Abbott, as
well as Jessica Van der Linden and Angela Tincher. Lawrie is the first Canadian to win the award.
Two Canadian
Softball Olympians
Earn ACC First Team
All-Star Honours
Congratulations to Kaleigh Rafter (Guelph, ON) playing at Florida State University and Jennifer Yee (North Delta, BC) playing at Georgia
Tech, as they were both named NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference
First Team All-Stars.
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New Zealand Has Strong
Island Connection at
U19
International Championship
Submitted by: Kevin Quinn
The New Zealand entry in the U19 International Men’s Softball Championship being held at the West Royalty
Softball Complex July 7 – 12, 2009 will have a very strong PEI connection when it arrives in Charlottetown. Mark Quinn
from Charlottetown, PEI has lived in New Zealand for the past eight years, playing Senior Softball and teaching school in
Masterton, New Zealand. During that time Quinn has been heavily involved in developing and coaching Softball in the
area around Masterton. Partly as a result of these efforts, Masterton has now developed a feeder system from the local
school system through to the Masterton Giants Senior Men’s team. As a result, Quinn is well known to Craig Waterhouse,
head coach of the New Zealand team taking part in the U19 Championship. Waterhouse has invited Quinn to be the
assistant coach of the New Zealand entry in the Charlottetown Event as Quinn will be vacationing in Charlottetown while
the U19 Championship is taking place.
Although Quinn was extremely excited about the opportunity to be involved in coaching the New Zealand entry
he has turned down the opportunity of the full assistant coach’s role but will assist with the pitchers and catchers for New
Zealand during the event. This will allow him more time with family and friends while vacationing on the Island. Quinn believes that New Zealand will have a strong entry in the 14 team event and will bring a very committed group to participate
in the event. Quinn states, “The New Zealand team will be a young group with solid pitching and strong hitting. You will
have to be capable of putting runs on the board to beat them. As this event is not part of the normal U19 training plans
for New Zealand, each athlete has had to pay the cost of coming to the event. With flight costs of approximately $3,000
each, every athlete has had to contribute close to $5,000 apiece to travel to Charlottetown to take part in the event. This
is a clear statement of how committed each athlete is to participating.”
New Zealand is currently the reigning Senior Men’s Champions and has been now for the past thirteen years.
New Zealand has a very strong softball program and will be a real force in the U19 event. Softball Canada and the organizing committee of the 2009 U19 International Men’s Softball Championship are hard at work preparing for the event
that will take place in Charlottetown, PEI from July 7th to 12th, 2009 at the beautiful new West Royalty twin complex.
The event will feature a total of fourteen (14) teams, including eleven (11) Canadian Provincial and Territorial teams
(Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island), as well as three (3) International club teams (United States,
Mexico and New Zealand). The international flavour should add plenty of local excitement for the inaugural event!
Fans are encouraged to come out and support this extremely dedicated New Zealand entry in the U19
event as well as the other thirteen entries. Action will be fast and furious with lots of excitement for young and old alike.
The U19 International Men’s Softball Championship is a product of Softball Canada and each of its
Provincial and Territorial Softball Associations, and was organized to give male softball players under the age of 19 from
across the county the opportunity to play in a high-level tournament.
For more information and tickets, please visit
www.charlottetownsoftball2009.com
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ISF XII Men’s World
Softball Championship Schedule Released
(Ottawa, ON) – The International Softball Federation (ISF) has officially released the schedule for the ISF XII
Men’s World Softball Championships. Canada will be hosting the event, which will be held from July 17th-26th, 2009
at Bob Van Impe Stadium and Gordon Howe Park in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Sixteen (16) countries will be represented at the event, including three-time defending champion New
Zealand, as well as Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Indonesia,
Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, the United States and Venezuela. Each team will feature
the very best male softball players from their respective countries.
Canada previously earned silver medals at the ISF World Championship in 2004 in Christchurch, New Zealand
and in 1996 in Midland, Michigan. Their last Gold Medal came in 1992, when they defeated New Zealand in the Grand
Final in Manila, Philippines.
The sixteen-team field will be divided into two groups of eight that will play within their division in round robin
play, which will be played from July 17th to 23rd, 2009. The top four countries of each division will advance to the
playoff round on July 24th and 25th followed by the Bronze and Gold Medal games on July 26th.
The tournament’s first game will feature Botswana against Denmark on July 17th (10:00am local time). Canada will play its opening game against Argentina later that night (7:00pm).
Canada’s Schedule (All game times are Central Standard Time)
July 17th: Argentina vs. Canada (7:00pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 18th: Canada vs. Czech Republic (6:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 19th: Canada vs. Australia (3:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 20th: Canada vs. Indonesia (6:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 21st: Venezuela vs. Canada (6:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 22nd: Canada vs. South Africa (3:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 23rd: Puerto Rico vs. Canada (6:30pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 24th and 25th: Playoff Round – Bob Van Impe Stadium
July 26th: Bronze Medal Game (12:00pm); Gold Medal Game (3:00pm) – Bob Van Impe Stadium
The entire schedule can be seen here:
http://www.internationalsoftball.com/english/communication/MWC_schedule_2009.pdf
The official tournament website can also be found at http://www.2009worldmensfastpitch.com. Tickets are on sale now!
For more information, please contact:
Gilles LeBlanc, Manager – Marketing and Communications Services, Softball Canada
gleblanc@softball.ca, (613) 523-3386 ext. 3105
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AROUND the HORN
Meet the Men’s Team!
With the XII ISF Men’s World Championships are less than 2 months away (Saskatoon, July 17-26), we will be
profiling members of the Senior Men’s National Team who will be representing Canada at the event.
#42 Rob Giesbrecht – Utility Player
Date of Birth: September 5th, 1974
Hometown: Landmark, MB
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Rob has been part of the National Teams program off and on since 1993, when he made his International debut
by helping Canada win a Gold medal at the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship in New Zealand. Ten years later, he won
his first Pan American Games Gold medal with the Senior Men’s team, and participated at the 2006 Pan American Championship and the 2008 Three Nations Challenge.
Other than softball, Rob also enjoys coaching golf and playing hockey, having won the Allan Cup (Canadian Senior AAA Hockey Championship) in 2003. A University of Winnipeg graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Rob
was also named Manitoba’s Athlete of the Year in 2003. His favourite television show is Hockey Night in Canada, and his
favourite music group is Coldplay.
#72 Dean Holoien – Pitcher/Designated Hitter
Date of Birth: April 18th, 1969
Hometown: Melfort, SK
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Dean Holoien is one of Canada’s hardest throwing pitchers, and has played in 19 Canadian Championships,
playing a major role in three Gold medal wins, earning MVP of the Qualifying Round and Top Player of the Championship
Round honours in 1999, All-Star Pitcher and Top Player in 2004, and Top Pitcher of the Championship Round in 2008.
His International Competitions include the 1992 Pan American Qualifier, the 1998 Pan American Qualifier, and the 2004
ISF Men’s World Championship where he won a Silver medal.
Born and raised in the Melfort area, Dean also enjoys hockey, golf and biking. Yet another successful
hockey player on the Canadian National Team, Dean won the Memorial Cup as a member of the Saskatoon
Blades in 1989. One of Canada’s most light-hearted players, Dean recognizes that having a close-knit
group is what makes a Championship team… that and having the higher number on the scoreboard!
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#30 Dale Levy – Outfield
Date of Birth: July 20th, 1971
Hometown: St. Mary’s, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Dale Levy, who was added to Team Canada’s roster earlier this year, is an aggressive hitter at the plate, and has an
excellent arm from the outfield. At 6’4” and 225 pounds, he is the biggest player on the Canadian team and will be counted
on to help produce some runs. After playing several years with the Kitchener Hallman Twins, Dale joined the Saskatoon Aspen
Interior Black Sox in 2008, helping them win the Canadian Championships as an All-Star Outfielder, and will play with them
again for the 2009 season.
Dale recently had his first child, a boy named Parker, when his girlfriend gave birth in January. The biggest highlight of
his softball career was when he hit a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning in the Gold medal game, leading St.
Thomas (ON) to Canadian Championship Gold in 2006.
#51 Keith Mackintosh – Second Base / Shortstop
Date of Birth: March 26th, 1968
Hometown: Melfort, SK
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
An 11-year veteran with the Men’s National Team, Keith Mackintosh is one of the leaders of the team and will have
the opportunity to play in front of his friends and family this summer at the ISF Men’s World Championships. Keith has won
Canadian Championship Gold on numerous occasions, including the 1986 Midget Nationals, the 1989 Junior Nationals and
Senior Nationals in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2008. He was also an All-Star Shortstop in both 2003 and 2004. At the
international level, he represented Canada at Pan American Qualifiers in 1998 and 2002, played in the 2000 ISF Men’s World
Championship and won Gold medals at the 2003 Pan American Games and the 2008 Three Nations Challenge.
Keith has a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and works for Ducks Unlimited. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf,
playing with his kids and he is also an active Level 6 hockey referee. His favourite foods are steak and perogies, and his favourite
actor is Kevin Costner.
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AROUND the HORN
#28 Todd Martin – Pitcher / Designated Hitter
Date of Birth: January 8th, 1970
Hometown: Bracebridge, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Todd Martin has played in every Canadian Senior Men’s Championship since 1993, winning two Gold, three Silver
and two Bronze medals. He has been part of the Men’s National Team program for eight seasons, participating in the 1998
Pan American Qualifier, the 1999 Pan American Games (Gold medal) and the 2000 ISF Men’s World Championship. Todd
is a pitcher for the Kitchener Rivershark Twins.
A Business graduate from Georgian College, Todd enjoys playing golf and reading in his spare time. His father
Gary is the person who most influenced Todd’s softball career, as Todd watched his father play and was also coached by
him. Gary also follows his son wherever he goes to play. Todd’s most memorable softball memory is standing on Canadian
soil and singing the National Anthem at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.
#9 Derek Mayson – First Base
Date of Birth: April 16th, 1984
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
The Canadian team’s youngest player, Derek Mayson has a very smooth swing with a lot of power. In his short career, he has already played in four Canadian Championships, winning a National title in 2007 as a member of the Vancouver
Grey Sox, garnering Most Valuable Player, Top Batter and All-Star First Baseman that year. At the International level, Derek
joined Team Canada in 2006 for the Pan American Qualifier, and also played in the 2007 Test Series against New Zealand
and the 2008 Three Nations Challenge.
Derek enjoys training, travelling, watching sports, spending time with his family, sleeping and eating. His favourite
country that he has visited is New Zealand, and he also notes that diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is his most
memorable experience outside of softball. A big Seinfeld fan, his favourite actor is Jerry Seinfeld.
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AROUND the HORN
Meet the
Border Battle Team!
The Slo-Pitch Border Battle will showcase some of the best Canadian and American Slo-Pitch players in a
one-game showdown on July 18, coinciding with the Women’s US World Cup Tournament at Hall of Fame Stadium in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Leading up to the game, we will be profiling members of the Canadian team who will be
participating at the event.
#54 Jeff Falardeau – Pitcher
Date of Birth:
June 11th, 1975
Hometown: Welland, ON
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Jeff Falardeau has a very solid baseball background, and has transferred those skills over to the Slo-Pitch game. A
former member of Baseball Canada’s U19 National Team, Jeff was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1993. He is a
two-time Canadian Slo-Pitch Championship All-Star and won a Gold medal in 2006 as a member of the Binbrook Brewers.
He is currently a member of the Toronto Orioles.
Now a teacher, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife (Becki) and playing with his children. He also likes playing golf
in his spare time, and also enjoys the sport of lacrosse. What he likes the most about Slo-Pitch is that he gets to meet great
people who enjoy the same sport as he does, and who will be his friends long after he’s finished playing the game.
#3 Jason Gallichen – Centre Field
Date of Birth: February 27th, 1979
Hometown: Langley, BC
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Jason Gallichen is a very strong player, leading the Destroyers to the 2008 Canadian Slo-Pitch Championship to a
Gold medal win by taking home Top Player of the Championship Round honours. The youngest player on the Canadian team,
Jason has been playing softball for eight years and the thing he likes the most about Slo-Pitch is the competition.
A trades worker for the City of Surrey, Gallichen is married (Lindsay) with a son (Kessler). His favourite movies are
the Bourne Triology, and he also enjoys hockey with the Vancouver Canucks being his favourite team. While his favourite
vacation spot is Maui, he also enjoys New York City because of the endless list of things to do.
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AROUND the HORN
#24 Jeff Gare – Second Base
Date of Birth: January 17th, 1973
Hometown: London, ON
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
A 13-year veteran of the sport, Jeff Gare has played in several Canadian Championships. He currently plays for the
Toronto Orioles and previously played for the SPC Padres and Lloyd’s Boys. Jeff has won five Canadian Slo-Pitch titles, and was
also selected as an All-Star on four occasions, also being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 2005.
Jeff owns a Billiards Service Company, and is married (Debbie) and two daughters (Annabell and Jessica), with another
baby on the way later this year. His favourite vacation spot is his cottage at Lake Huron, and he enjoys doing carpentry in his
spare time. A big baseball fan, Jeff always dreamed of playing professional baseball, and his favourite team is the Detroit Tigers,
with the person he most admires being Jackie Robinson.
#52 François Henry – Outfield
Date of Birth: July 16th, 1977
Hometown: St-Hyacinthe, QC
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
An outfielder from Quebec, François Henry has been a solid contributor for Team Novopharm Combat Transat (formerly Air Transat), one of the best teams in Canadian Slo-Pitch. Air Transat has won the Quebec Provincial Championship
for the past six years, and François is a four-time National Champion with three All-Star team selections. François has also
participated in numerous International tournaments with Air Transat.
A fitness center owner, François Henry attended Police College and loves training. His favourite athlete is Alex Rodriguez, while his favourite actor is Will Smith. François is very honoured to be representing his country at the Border Battle
and thinks the event is an excellent way to promote the game.
#7 Brian Higginbotham – Pitcher
Date of Birth: July 23rd, 1973
Hometown: Orleans, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
A very well-known softball figure in North America, Brian Higginbotham has been heavily involved with Combat in
both the United States and in Canada. A 15-year veteran of the game, Brian currently plays with Higgins/Pro Team/Combat,
and has previously played for Team Combat USA, Benfield and Mixed. He has won five World Championships and earned eight
All-World honours, also adding one World MVP title.
An engineer now living in Orleans outside of Ottawa, Brian enjoys spending time with his family, playing poker and
travelling. His favourite vacation spot is anywhere with sun, sand and water. To defeat Team USA at the Border Battle, Brian
believes Canada needs to play its own game, not be intimidated, catch the balls that they are capable of catching, no errors,
and sticking with what got them here.
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SENIOR WOMEN’S
NATIONAL TEAM
With Evaluation Camps currently in progress, the Senior Women’s National Team Coaching staff is hard at work to find
players to add on to its core of 2008 Olympians for the 2009 season, which will include the Canada Cup (Surrey, BC), the US
World Cup (Oklahoma City, OK) and the Pan American Qualifier (Maracay, Venezuela)
2009 Senior Women’s National Team Schedule
July 4-12: Canada Cup – Surrey, BC
July 16: US World Cup of Softball – Canada vs. Italy (9:00pm CDT) – Oklahoma City, OK
July 17: US World Cup of Softball – Canada vs. Australia (2:00pm CDT) – Oklahoma City, OK
July 18: US World Cup of Softball – Canada vs. United States (12:00pm CDT) – Oklahoma City, OK
July 19: US World Cup of Softball – Canada vs. Japan (2:30pm CDT) – Oklahoma City, OK
July 19: US World Cup of Softball – Canada vs. Netherlands (7:30pm CDT) – Oklahoma City, OK
July 20: US World Cup of Softball – Placement Games – Oklahoma City, OK)
July 31 – August 9: Pan American Championship – Maracay, Venezuela
So ftb all Can ada’s
2009 Annual Congress
This year, Softball Canada’s 2009 Annual Congress will be held in Ottawa, ON on November 12th through to the
14th. It will take place at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel at 100 Kent Street. Further information will follow in the July edition of
Around the Horn.
Celebrate World
Softball Day on June
13th!
Softball Canada invites all players, coaches, umpires, administrators, associations, leagues and teams to celebrate
World Softball Day on Saturday, June 13th. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, pull out your glove and have a catch
with a friend or family member. If you have any special softball activities planned for World Softball Day and would like to share
a story or picture, please forward them to Gilles LeBlanc (gleblanc@softball.ca). The stories and/or pictures will be shared in
future editions of Around the Horn and on the Softball Canada website!
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AROUND the HORN
OFFICIATING
New Home run Sports Website
Please Note that Home Run Sports has re-designed its website, thus changing the link for the Softball Canada Umpire
Apparel page. The new link is: http://www.homerunsports.ca/category-s/84.htm
Women in Officiating
New ODC Committee off to a Good Start
Submitted by Bonnie Gostola, Softball Canada ODC
Welcome everybody to a new and exciting time in the realm of the Softball Canada Umpire. In October of 2008,
Softball Canada approved the formation of a new committee operating under the Officials Development Committee (ODC). It
is aptly named the Women in Officiating Committee. As the newest member of the ODC, I was asked to take on this committee. What an exciting prospect, to put together a committee of female officials who will help guide the ODC in promoting the
game of softball, and, perhaps, build up our numbers of female umpires.
The first challenge I faced was to come up with a formula for inviting female umpires across Canada to put their
names forward. How would I approach this subject and how would I get the word out there that I was even looking? I decided
to utilize the network of Level V officials across Canada. From the female Level V’s I asked for active participation from each of
them. From the male Level V’s I asked them to submit names of female officials who might show interest in the committee. The
response was overwhelming. Before I knew it I had over 25 names on my list. The next thing I had to do was to find someone to
act as the Chair for the committee. I have had some conversations with the individual I ultimately asked, Tonya Ribalkin. I knew
of her involvement in recruiting young officials in the Softball B.C. program and felt that she could bring some good ideas and
experience to the position. From there I began talking to the individuals on my list. One of the mandates of the ODC for the
formation of this committee was that it had to represent every region of Canada. I took the mandate one step further; I wanted
women from different levels, thus bringing different perspectives on umpiring to the committee, as well. The final aspect which
needed to be reflected on the committee was representation from both Fastpitch and Slo-pitch.
With the formula set, I set about putting together the Women in Officiating Committee. All four regions are represented, every age (experience) category is represented, we have elite level umpires, as well as grassroots umpires. Slo-pitch
and Fastpitch are represented and have managed to include umpires who also participate as officials in other sports. After
confirming all of my selections with the National Director of Umpires, Brian Van Os, and the Provinicial UIC’s the committee
was set. I would like to introduce the Women in Officiating Committee to all of the members of Softball Canada. My name is
Bonnie Gostola, I am the ODC liaison to the committee, Tonya Ribalkin, Level V, BC., is the chair. Our members are Sandra
Allan, Level III, N.B., Genevieve Gaudreau, Level V, QC, Lori Smith, Level V SP. Ont., Daryl Way, Level V, Ont., Leslie Pipher,
Level IV, Ont., Kelly-Jo Murphy, Level III, Ont. Kim Dudzic, Level III, Ont., Hilary Lewis, Level IV SP. AB., Frankie Billingsly,
Level IV, AB., Kelly Hunter, Level V, BC, and finally, Clare Austring, Level III, BC.
Now that you have been introduced, what is it that Softball Canada can expect from this group of women? The first is
already begun, creating articles for the Softball Canada publications, Between the Lines and Around the Horn. One of the other
mandates the committee has identified as of primary importance; to formulate and present a subject at the Blue Convention.
Finally, getting female officials to attend the Blue Convention was identified as part of recruiting and retaining female
umpires. The Committee has already made each of these initiatives part of their ongoing mandate to increase
the communication to our female officials. If you know these individuals who have taken on a position on the
committee, please take the time to talk to them and suggest ways to make umpiring in Canada better. They
have made the commitment to listen to you and bring your thoughts back for consideration. Together, we
can improve every aspect of umpiring in Canada. I look forward to working with this group.
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Blue Convention
2010
April 1-4 2010 – Regina, Saskatchewan
blueconvention2010.com
Book your travel to Regina:
Westjet has been selected as the official airline of the 2010 Blue Convention.
Please use the booking account QC#5890 when booking flights to the Blue Convention in Regina from April 1-4th, 2010.
Attendees must submit their booking request forms via fax at 1-800-582-7072 or email conventions@westjet.com.
For flight schedule information, please visit our website at www.westjet.com.
Westjet is offering a 10% discount off our best available regular fare at the time of the booking (excluding web and
promotional fares). Attendees must make their travel arrangements through our WestJet Specialty Sales Team and quote the
account number at the time of booking.
Discounted rates are available for travel up to 3 days prior and 3 days after your event.
For travel outside of these dates, we will offer the best available fare at the time of booking.
Fares are not applicable to group travel.
For groups of 10 or more travelling together, please contact Westjet for fare information.
WestJet serves the Canadian cities of Victoria, Comox, Vancouver, Abbotsford/Fraser Valley, Prince George, Kelowna,
Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, London, Ottawa, Hamilton,
Toronto, Moncton, Halifax, Montréal, Charlottetown, St. Johns, Saint John’s, Deer Lake and Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge.
blueconvention2010.com
Book your accommodation for the BLue Convention:
Book your accommodations on-line at the Regina Inn. See the Information below on how to make your 2010 Blue Convention reservations.
The following is a link that sends guests to the website with the group block ready to go:
http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=332609&hotelID=6877
OR guests can go to the website www.reginainn.com, click reservations, then click group rates and enter in BLUE in the attendee field.
Here is an example:
http://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?groupID=332609&hotelID=6877 from this link click “Group
Rates” (at the top) and enter in Blue.
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blueconvention2010.com
AROUND the HORN
REGISTRATION FORM
BLUE CONVENTION 2010
April 1-4 2010 – Regina, Saskatchewan
Please Fill Out All Sections and Include the registration fee for the workshops.
Softball Canada accepts Certified Cheque, Money Order, Visa, Master Card or American Express.
Payable to - Softball Canada
Name:
Gender (Check one):
Address:
City:
Prov./Terr.:
Postal Code:
H - Telephone:
W - Telephone:
Fax:
Email :
Certification Level :
Shirt Size:
FP
S
M
F
SP
M
L
XL
XXL
Registration: $135 includes participation in your selection of workshops and the Blue Convention 2010 Golf Shirt and Pin, plus a
welcome package. On Thursday, April 1st and on Sunday morning, April 4th, in conjunction with the Umpires of
Saskatchewan and the 2010 Blue Convention, we will be running a Level IV clinic and an Instructor/Evaluator
Clinic. NOTE: As a special inducement to assist people who wish to attend both, we are offering a combined fee of
$250.00 that will give you a full registration to 2010 Blue Convention and to the Level IV clinic or
Instructor/Evaluator Clinic.
You can download a copy of the Pre-convention package from the Softball Canada website by January 1st, 2010. The
package will contain the schedule, workshop selection form. The workshops are allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. NOTE: Workshops will be presented in English with only the materials translated into French.
You can also order a Canadian Indicator Club Banquet ticket at $55.00 each. The banquet will be held on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010.
You can also order a Closing Presentations Breakfast ticket at $25.00 each. The breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Would you be interested in purchasing extra golf shirts at a cost of $40.00 each?
Yes
No
How Many:
1
2
3
4
5
Shirt Size: S
Please Include Payment for Extra Shirts with Registration Fee
M
L
XL
(Indicate Size)
Registration Fee
Registration Fee and Level IV Clinic
Registration Fee and I/E Clinic
Additional Golf Shirts (@$40.00 each)
Banquet Ticket (@$55.00 each)
Breakfast Ticket (@25.00 each)
Please check one: Certified Cheque
Money Order
Cardholder Name
Card Number
Signature
Visa
Master Card
XXL
$135.00
$250.00
$250.00
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Add
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Total Enclosed
American Express
RECEIPT REQUIRED
Expiry Date
13
Deadline for Registration is March 1, 2010
Any refunds issued after February 1, 2010 will be subject to a $50 Administration fee.
To Be Returned To:
Donna Ozarko, Softball Canada, 223 Colonnade Road, Suite 212, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3
Tel: 613-523-3386, ext. 3101 - Fax: 613-523-5761 - dozarko@softball.ca
WELCOME
AROUNDTO
theREGINA
HORN
2010 Blue Convention
Hotel room rates from
$95*
From your hotel sponsor:
Regina Inn Hotel & Conference Centre
• Full service hotel
BOOK NOW!
Direct: 306 525 6767
Toll Free: 1 800 667 8162
Web: www. ReginaInn.com
Guests are to mention the
Group Code: “Blue”
Group Name: “Softball Canada Blue Convention”
• Great downtown location with easy access
to entertainment and shopping
• 235 spacious rooms with private balconies
• Complimentary high speed Internet access
• botaniCa Restaurant with Starbucks X-press
coffee counter
• Vic’s Lounge
• 24 hour fitness centre
when making reservations.
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*Based on availability. Valid from March 30, 2010 to
April 3, 2010.
1975 Broad Street, Regina, SK | 1 800 667 8162
www.ReginaInn.com
Québec City
AROUND the HORN
Level IV Clinic
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
From magnificient Quebec City’s neighborhood little town of St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, a Softball
Canada National certified Level IV clinic was held last April 25 & 26, 2009 allowing 13 Quebec umpires to attend the 2 day presentation.
Level V instructors Gabe Babineau from Dieppe, NB and Serge Laflamme from Lévis, QC were assisted by the
Provincial UIC, Michel Néron.
Among the subjects taught which allowed each participant to get a different and new point of view on subjects rarely
discussed were:
• Psychology of umpiring • Preventative umpiring • Canadian Championship preparation
Well after the day was over, various discussions continued at a local sports bar when the entire Blue Crew shared a
great meal watching the Flames and the Hawks along with a boxing match. Many thanks to the Quebec region umpire group
for their warm hospitality throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, all trainees met their expectations and successfully passed the written exam. The 13 umpires then celebrated their victory when a certificate ceremony was held.
Congratulations to all of you for your success at the level IV theoretical clinic that shall now allow you a great opportunity to officiate at a Canadian Championship soon.
This event was possible with the support of the technical committee under the supervision of Ariane Longtin and
with the collaboration of the financial committee managed by Jocelyn Lacroix.
Bottom row, left to right:
Serge Laflamme, Michel Néron,
Gabriel Babineau
Top row, left to right:
Yvan Rivard, Francis Néron,
Jocelyn Lacroix,
Steve Corriveau, Jean Lamer,
Sylvain Marticotte, Réjean Hudon,
Stéphane Rioux, Carol Bilodeau,
Jacques-Michel Audet, Marcel
St-Jean, Patrick Labbé,
Daniel Legault
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AROUND the HORN
LearnToPlayPrograms
throughout Alberta Submitted by: Scott Galenza – Softball Alberta
The Learn to Play Program continues to grow in popularity across the province. Over the past few years our overall
numbers in the LTP program have increased slightly from year to year and 2009 will be no different.
We continue to reach out to new communities and try to get out to new schools to promote the program in hopes
of educating parents/coaches and to spark the interest of the kids. We have been very successful in doing this by going out to
communities and holding LTP workshops and orientations on top of doing the school workshops as well.
So far this year we have held 11 school workshops reaching nearly 2,000 elementary students province wide. The
goal is, obviously, to get out to the schools prior to the start of the season so that could quite possibly spark the interest of
some of the kids in time for them to register within their local community.
The LTP workshops and orientations we do are mainly used to educate association boards, parents and coaches.
These have been great as the people who attend seem to have a better understanding of the program and the purpose behind
the program as well. Coaches and parents seem to come away from these workshops with a lot of enthusiasm and can’t wait
to get started. So far we have been out to 7 new communities this season, which is fantastic as we should be able to see yet
another increase in the number of kids registered in the LTP Program.
The Learn to Play Program continues to grow in popularity and remains a vital part of Softball Alberta and our
members across the province. We are extremely happy with how the season has started and we look forward to building off
another successful year!
For more information on the Learn to Play Program in Alberta or to find out what else is happening in Alberta contact the Program
Director of Softball Alberta Scott Galenza at sgalenza@softballalberta.ca or check out our website www.softballalberta.ca.
Future
Canadian Championships
2009
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
16
Guelph, ON
Oakville, ON
Brampton, ON
Prince Albert, SK
St. Catharines, ON
Owen Sound, ON
Kitchener, ON
St. Thomas, ON
Lethbridge, AB
Aug. 12-16
Jul. 29 - Aug 2
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 12-16
Aug. 30-Sept. 6
Aug. 10-15
AROUND the HORN
2010
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
Ile Perot, QC
Victoria, BC
Saint John, NB
Stratford, ON
Saskatoon, SK
Open Open
Charlottetown, PE
Surrey, BC
Aug. 11-15
TBD
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 11-16
Aug. 29-Sept. 5
Aug. 9-14
Open
Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg, MB
Open
Open
Open Open
Open
Bid Pending
Aug. 10-14
Aug. 10-14
Aug. 7-14
July 31-Aug. 7
July 31 – Aug. 7
July 31-Aug. 7
TBD
Aug. 28-Sept. 4
Aug. 8-13
2011
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
If you are interested in bidding on any of the open Championships, please contact Mike Branchaud of Softball
Canada at mbranchaud@softball.ca or 613-523-3386 ext 3103. Please note that all bids must be approved by your
local Provincial/Territorial office.
2009 Slo-Pitch
Canadian Championships
The 2009 Slo-Pitch Canadian Championship teams have been decided and there will be a total of 9 Senior Women’s
teams and 16 Senior Men’s teams representing their Provinces/Territories. The following is a breakdown of the teams representing each Province/Territory at the Championships.
BC
AB
SK
MB
ON
QC
NB
NS
PE
NL
Women’s
2
3
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
Men’s
3
4
0
2
3
2
1
0
0
1
17
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Join the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) efforts to get
women’s fast pitch softball reinstated in 2009 by the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2016 Summer Games.
Visit www.BackSoftball.com. Read the press release and ten-point
blueprint so you’re well versed on the matter.
Contact the media to have them give more attention to this issue
Speak out on the matter with a posting in the “Support Olympic Softball”
category on the official ISF website’s Message Board
Keep copies of this flyer circulating between now and the IOC’s October
2009 vote to increase the chances of exposure
Contact people that you know in other countries and encourage them to
get involved so that softball can show its universality and not be labeled
as “just a U.S. sport”
Wear Back Softball merchandise to draw more attention to the campaign
Attend international softball events or watch them on TV or online (a
calendar of such tournaments can be found in the Events section of
www.internationalsoftball.com)
Visit Back Softball’s (and the ISF’s) page on Facebook and, while there,
click on ‘Become a Fan’ (registration is free at www.facebook.com)
Watch videos at www.youtube.com/ISFsoftball to help demonstrate the
interest in and demand for interacting with the sport
Make a donation to the reinstatement campaign, either via the YouTube
channel or the Back Softball homepage
Tell others – friends, family, co-workers, neighbors – about the current
situation with Olympic Softball, and get them to act on the above steps.
(NOTE: The ISF has determined that petitions are not appropriate for this campaign. Also,
contact should not be made with IOC Members and the Olympic family.)
www.internationalsoftball.com
AROUND the HORN
SOFTBALL CANADA
STAFF Contacts
Chief Executive Officer – Hugh Mitchener – hmitchener@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3106
• General Management
• Board and Provincial/Territorial Liaison
• Strategic and Operational Planning
• Financial Management
• Policy Development
• Liaison with external funding partners (Sport Canada, COC)
• International Liaison and Hosting
ljubinville@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3108
Manager – LTPD/Coaching Services – Lise Jubinville – • Long Term Player Development Model
• New Provincial/Territorial developmental program initiatives
• Coaching
• University/Colleges initiatives
Manager – Officials/Publications Services – Donna Ozarko–
dozarko@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3101
• Officials
• Blue Convention
• Newsletters (Around the Horn, Between the Lines, Canadian Indicator Newsletter)
• Rule Book
• Volunteer recognition
• Publications
Manager – Financial Services – Kathy Stewart – kstewart@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3104
• Budget preparation
• Financial Monitoring/reports
• Accounts receivables/payables
• Tax receipts
• National Teams financial reporting to external funding bodies
• Annual General Meeting organization
Manager - Canadian Championships/
Domestic Services - Mike Branchaud – • Canadian Championships
• Parmalat Learn to Play program
• Slo-Pitch
• Canada Games
• Technical Standards
• Special Projects (Aboriginal, Wheelchair)
21
mbranchaud@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3103
AROUND the HORN
Operations Manager – National Teams – Harvey Stevenson – hstevenson@softball.ca
• Men’s and Women’s Teams program management
• Liaison with organizers/hosts of national team events
• COC Major Games liaison
Manager – Marketing/Communications Services – Gilles LeBlanc – • Revenue Generation
• Sponsor/Supplier liaison
• Development of promotional programs
• Media Relations
• Web site
• Hall of Fame and awards
• Ball Approval Program
Manager – Program Coordinator– Angela Murdock
• Long Term Player Development
• Competition Review
• After Learn to Play Program
• Coaching Curriculum Guides
• National Pitching Program
• Administrative Responsibilities (reception, orders, shipping, etc.)
gleblanc@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3105
amurdock@softball.ca
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3100
Softball Canada
223 Colonnade Road, Suite 212, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3
Phone: 613-523-3386 • Fax: 613-523-5761• Email: info@softball.ca
Providing Softball
Opportunities to all Canadians
www.softball.ca
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