Australia's softball history began in 1939 when Gordon Young, Director of Physical Education in NSW, began to promote the game in schools and colleges. In 1942, during WW2, US army sergeant William Duvernet organised softball as a recreation for US nurses stationed in Victoria. Another American, Max Gilley, introduced the game to Queensland in 1946. Australia's first inter-state championship was played in Brisbane in 1947 and was won by Victoria. The second national championship was held in Melbourne two years later. It was at this championship that the Australian Softball Federation was formed with Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales being the founding members. The other States of Australia have since joined. Eight Australian Championships are now conducted each year - Women's, Men's, Under 23 Women and Men, Under 19 Women and Men, and Under 16 Girls and Boys. Softball has been a major sport in the schools program for some time now and it is estimated that more then 250,000 children play the game each year.
State Bodies
ACT - Australian Capital Territory Softball Association inc. (Formed 1961)
NSW - New South Wales Softball Association inc. (formed 194?)
NT - Northern Territory Softball Association (formed 19??)
QLD - Queensland Softball Association inc. (formed 1946)
SA - South Australian Softball Association inc. (formed 1944)
TAS - Tasmanian Softball Council inc. (formed 1954)
VIC - Victorian Softball Association inc. (formed 1942)
WA - Western Australia Softball Association inc. (formed 1949)
National Championships
Each year the Australian Softball Federation holds 8 National Championships. These are hosted by the various state bodies around Australia on a rotational roster.
Map of member states. ... Australians pride themselves on their active, outdoors lifestyle, and as such, sport in Australia is extremely popular, and plays a central role in many aspects of the local culture. ...
External Links
Australian Softball Federation http://www.softball.org.au
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