Contact our Development Manager:
Marty Grant
Ph 03 544 2520 or Cell 021 490 738
2009 / 2010 Pre-season Newsletter
It is not long now until we can all enjoy being out on a diamond with warm sunshine on our backs and a bat in hand having some serious fun and competition.
A start date has been set for the first playing day which is Saturday 3rd of October so it is timely that clubs and stakeholders are brought up to date with important information and news of developments for the coming season.
CLUB AFFILIATION COSTS
There will be a flat $50.00 increase for all senior teams for the 2009 / 2010 season. This increase is due to a nationwide levy handed down by SNZ, the proceeds going to towards the future sustainability of the White Sox.
Men's Intercity cost's for 2009 / 2010 season per team $1200.00
Women's Intercity costs for 2009 / 2010 season per team $ 1050.00
Senior Competition costs for 2009 / 2010 season per team $ 950.00
Full payment to be received by 1st November 2009
We would like to advise with advance notice that affiliation costs for the 2010 / 2011 season that an additional rise in fees will be inevitable, largely because of associated costs with the ongoing redevelopment of our facilities at Saxton's Field. (More information on these developments to follow.) The projected increase will not be to a level that has a negative impact on playing numbers for softball in Nelson but will reflect the improvements to the facility.
FACILITY DEVELOPMENTS
Hockey / Softball Pavilion
Work on construction of this has already started on this exciting development. For those not aware the shared pavilion will be sited between the new and old hockey pitches and fronting onto the pathway that leads to the diamonds. There has been a tremendous amount of hard work done by a number of people from both codes for this to come to fruition, but from a softball perspective Darryl Stratford and Derryn French deserve special mention and a huge thank you from everyone associated with Softball for their hard work and determination for driving this project forward.
Both local councils have contributed a significant amount of capital towards this and joint fund raising efforts have been going on for some time now and will be ongoing to ensure that both codes are proactive towards achieving the capital contribution required.
Ground Improvements
In case you are not aware there will be significant improvements made to our playing facilities with work due to start soon.
The bulk of the work will be on diamonds three & four which will be brought up to the same present standard as diamonds one & two.
Permanent outfield fencing will also be added to diamonds one & two and the dugouts extended.
Both the pavilion and ground development work will obviously have an impact on the coming playing season and will present challenges in terms of game scheduling and diamond allocations. We will do our outmost to keep disruption to a minimum and I would ask for your patience and cooperation as the work progresses. The pavilion is due for completion in March 2009 and the ground improvements will be finished in time for hosting the National under 17 boys tournament in January 2009. Once completed these developments will move Nelson Softball a huge step closer to the goal of becoming the premier Softball province in the country.
REGIONAL GAME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
This is a new role created by SNZ. Lesley McIntosh was the successful applicant and arrived in Nelson from the UK early in August. The fact that this position is based in Nelson is further recognition of the position that Nelson holds from a national perspective and will also assist us further towards the aforementioned premier softball province goal. In short Lesley is tasked with growing the game across the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions and I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce her to the wider softball community in Nelson. I hope to personally introduce Lesley to as many of you as possible at the ballpark during the course of the season.
2009 / 2010 TOURNAMENTS
Third Annual Three Rings Tournament 24th - 26th October
National Under 17 Boys Tournament January 21st - 24th
SI Secondary Schools Division II Tournament (Late March)
MANAGING THE GAME
I am rapt to be able to report that in the last two years we have been able to increase the number of people involved at governance level by nearly 100%.
We now have eleven members on the board namely, Roger Thorn - President, Derryn French, - Vice President, Danielle Fletcher - Secretary, Vicky Thorn - Assistant Secretary, Carol Cook - Treasurer and board members, Daryl Stratford, Hamish Fletcher, Simon Ashby,Neil Albury, Brendon Thorn, Janice Oliver, and Gavin Cook.
There is a great range of experience & skills across this group to drive Nelson Softball forward. However the most successful organisations are those with a good volunteer base beneath governance level and this is an area we need to continue to grow.
I would encourage anyone who has the motivation and time to assist with the development of Softball in Nelson to approach any of the above. There are a number of areas where help would be appreciated, Umpiring, Scoring, Coaching, Ground maintenance, Fundraising, Youth development assistance and the list goes on.
TOP TEAM FUNDRAISER
Remember the televised Top Town events from the 70's & early 80's? Top Team is based on the same concept and a regional competition culminating in a grand final at Moutere Hills is about to kick off. As a part of the fundraising for the new pavilion Softball & Hockey will be hosting the second and biggest heat at Saxton's Field on Sunday 1st November. So break out the terry towelling hats, bad moustaches and revealing stubbies and get a team together. An entry form and more information are attached. Listen out to MORE FM or visit their website for more details.
There will be periodical newsletters circulated throughout the season and all of the above will be open to fielding queries anytime at the ball park.
Im looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark soon.
Roger Thorn
President
Nelson Softball Association