FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOFTBALL
New entries have been marked with *.
Last modified 29th August 2003.
NEWSLETTERS
Question: Where can I find out more newsy information?
Answer: Log onto
www.amg2003.com/Softball/Newsletter
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS:
Question: Will there be social functions during the games?
Answer: Yes. Softball Canberra are planning a "Welcome Drinks" on Thursday 30th October, for teams to come to Hawker Clubhouse, after arriving in Canberra, to familiarise themselves with the draw and diamonds and to meet other participants.
There will also be a large screen to televise the Melbourne Cup in our Games Marquee. This will be a social place to meet and mix other players. Participants are free to attend the AMG Melbourne Cup Function at the Canberra Convention Centre.
Softball Canberra is planning a "Dug-Out Dinner" on Thursday 6th November. This dinner is FREE to all Games participants and Officials. The menu has not been decided as yet, but will probably be along the lines of a smorgasboard.
After the Games - Softball Canberra club house will be operating after the closing ceremony if any teams want to return to the Hawker Fields.
AGE GROUPS
Question: Can A Player Not Yet 35 Enter Into The Softball Fastpitch Masters Games?
Answer: Yes as long as they are turning 35 in the year of 2003.
Question: What is the age group for Slo-Pitch?
Answer: 30+ to encourage teams to enter.
Question: Can 45+ play in the 35+ age group?
Answer: Yes if they want to compete against younger players they can.
Question: Can 35+ compete in a higher age group?
Answer: No - because the 45+ don't want you there until you are 45.
Question: Will there be an age group for 55+?
Answer: Yes if the numbers permit - Remember if you are OLD enough you are GOOD enough.
*Question: Can a player register in TWO grades ?
Answer: The only team that dual register is anyone 55 and over.
EARLY GAMES
Question: Will there be games on the Friday the 31st Oct 2003?
Answer: Yes some games will be played from 2.00pm onwards on the Friday, as there will be no games played on Melbourne Cup Afternoon - Tuesday 4th November 2003 and the evening of Dug Out Dinner, 6th Nobember 2003.
PREVIOUS MEDALISTS
Question: Who won medals at the 8th Australian Masters Games in Newcastle?
Answer: View medallists on
www.australianmasters.softball.org.au website.
*MIXED SLOW PITCH
Question: Is there going to be a Slo-Pitch competition in the 9th Healthpact Australian Masters?
Answer: Yes if we get enough teams. If your team is graded in F Grade, you are welcome to notify Softball Canberra, that you would like to play in Slow Pitch if you have 5 females and 5 males.
DISTANCE
Question: How far is the Healthpact Games Centre from the Softball Fields @ Kaleen & Hawker?
Answer: From Hawker About 5-10 minutes by car, about 20 minutes walking. From Kaleen about 20 minutes in the car. Too far to walk.
TEAM NEWS
Question: Can teams advertise their sponsors on their playing uniforms?
Answer: Any team that would like to wear logos etc from their sponsors, must first send Softball Canberra an email, requesting to wear sponsors logos etc on their playing uniforms. Permission needs to be granted from the AMG organisers. This is done so that your sponsors do not conflict with sponsors for the games.
Question: Can teams wear numbers on their uniforms?
Answser: Yes, all members of the team MUST have numbers on the
back of their shirts. This is for player identification to the umpires.
If your team has team names, or sponsors on the back of your shirt, and not numbers notify Softball Canberra, immediately.
Question: Can Metal Cleats be worn ?
Answer: Yes
Question: How many teams do we expect at the Healthpact 9th Australian Masters Games?
Answer: More than 80 teams
Question: How do I register to be a pick up player, as I need a team to play in?
Answer: Send an email to Softball Canberra, authorising Softball Canberra to publish your contact details on this website, (Name, Address, Contact Number, E-Mail Address and Age Bracket). Once registered as a Pick-Up Player looking for a team, your details will be added to the "Pick-Up" players page under Team News. Once you have been picked up by a team, it remains your responsibility to notify Softball Canberra that you are no longer looking for a team.
UMPIRES
Question: Can Softball Canberra supply an Umpire if a team does not have an umpire?
Answer: No. We do not have the resources to supply Umpires. Each team must have their own umpire.
Question: Can the team umpire be a player as well?
Answer: Yes. Teams must supply at least one Umpire, (non-playing) to be rostered to umpire games. BUT, teams that do not have a designated non-playing umpire, MUST supply TWO playing umpires. Umpires must be prepared to be rostered for either plate or base.
WEATHER
Question: Is it cold in Canberra during October/November?
Answer: The days are warm, but the nights can be cool.
GAME BALLS
Question: Do teams have to supply game balls?
Answer: Yes, teams supply their own game balls, either yellow or white, but a decision has not be made as yet (June 2003) as to whether Softball Canberra will be supplying balls for Finals. This decision will not be made before 15th August when registrations close.
REGISTRATION
Question: On the Softball website, we cannot see our team registered?
Answer: On the website
www.amg2003/softball, the teams listed here are only an indication of teams interested in playing Masters. Team Reports Data is not publicised, but once "one" person from a team has paid on line or by mail, that team will appear in Team Reports available only to Softball Canberra. Once the team numbers have been compiled the Competition will be planned.
ACCOMMODATION
Question: Is there plenty of accommodation in Canberra for the Masters Games?
Answer: Canberra has many accommodation venues, from motels, hotels to serviced apartments to caravan parks with self-contained units on site. Accommodation is filling up very fast for the period 30th October - 10 November 2003. Teams are responsible for booking their own accommodation.
Softball Canberra has booked RYDGES EAGLEHAWK RESORT on the Highway ten minutes from the border of NSW and ACT. Teams are encouraged to try Rydges Eaglehawk first, as they will guarantee you a reservation. Teams should indicate when calling that they are booking for Softball.
Triple Rooms$109.00 per room per night
Quad Rooms$125.00 per room per night
Multi-Share Rooms$24.50 per person per night (5 - 6 people in a 2-room unit)
Accommodation & Full Buffet Breakfast Prices
Single Rooms$119.00 per room per night
Twin/Double Rooms$133.00 per room per night
Triple Rooms$151.00 per room per night
Quad Rooms$181.00 per room per night
Multi-Share Rooms$38.50 per person per night (5 - 6 people in a 2-room unit)
Facilities at Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort include tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area, sauna, restaurant and bar, complimentary car parking and 24 hour Reception.
* If you have not booked your accommodation as yet, be quick, as Rydges will be open to the general public during the Games.
GRADING OF TEAMS
Question: What grades per age group will the teams be competing in?
Answer: Team Gradings, which is still under consideration by Softball Canberra, are:
Women 35+ A,B,C,D,E,& F
Women 45+ A,B
Men 35+ A,B,and C.
Men 45+ A, B,and C.
Men 55+ Undecided
Question: How will teams be graded?
Answer: Teams will be graded after registrations close, by the Grading Committee of Softball Canberra.
Team gradings depends entirely on how many teams are registered at the closing date of 15th September.
TRANSPORT
Question: Is there public transport to and from the softball grounds?
Answser: Yes, both fields are on public transport routes.Public Transport is FREE to all participants wearing an accreditation pass.
Question: Is there parking facilities at Hawker and Kaleen?
Answer: Yes but limited. Teams should be travelling in mini buses, as they will be given priority of parking areas at Hawker and Kaleen. Teams that use private vehicles, cannot be guaranteed parking at either field.
Question: If we stay at Rydges, will there be transport available to the fields?
Answer: Any team that stays, at Rydges Eaglehawk Resort, should travel to the fields by mini bus. If enough teams stay at Rydges, we are negotiating a bus shuttle service for morning and afternoon trips.
At the moment, this is not confirmed.
*Question: Can I bring a fold up gazebo to the fields to use for my team ?
Answer: Yes, but notify Softball Canberra of the size. Fold Up Gazebos are good for the back diamonds, but space is limited on the main diamonds. Fold Up Chairs are HIGHLY recommended also.
*Question: What surface will I be playing on?
Answer: The three main diamonds have a dolerite surface, and are of International Standards with lights. All other diamonds surfaces are grass.
*Question: Do we come to Softball Canberra to register?
Answer:
NO. All teams
MUST FIRST travel to the Belconnen Labor Club and register with the Australian Masters Games, to collect accreditation pass, and kit bag. Belconnen Labor Club is opposite the Australian Taxation Office in Belconnen, in Chandler Street.
Parking is to the rear of the club.