Month: May 2021

Introduction to Softball – Details

We hope everyone is looking forward to the “Introduction to Softball day” this coming Saturday. In advance of the session, we wished to share the following:

Finding the International Baseball Centre

The session is being hosted with the support of our colleagues in Ashbourne Baseball Club and Baseball Ireland at the International Baseball Centre in Ashbourne. We have listed directions to the fields from Dublin below together with a google maps link. As there is no parking at the field, please park at the Ashbourne Community Centre or Ashbourne Community School and walk to the venue (approx. 5 minute walk).

Directions from Dublin

Driving

Take the N2 North from Dublin
Exit at Junction 3 onto R135
Take 2nd Exit at roundabout to stay on R135
At the Ashbourne Community Centre (RHS) turn Right onto Deerpark.
Turn Right at the Ashbourne Community Centre

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/BuLHGFLbtSRTCtsT8

What should I wear?

The players should wear sports clothing they are comfortable in as there will be lots of movement and a little running on the day. Though the weather is forecasted to be sunny and dry, we would recommend bringing rain wear (we will still play in light rain) and a change of clothes just in case. We would also recommend bringing a cap/visor and sunscreen.

Footwear wise, if you have football boots/cleats they may be worn, alternatively a pair of runners will work fine also.

Equipment

All the equipment needed will be provided on the day for players to use. If you have your own glove/bat or helmet and wish to bring it along on the day, please feel free to do so. Gloves and helmets for the session will be distributed at the check-in desk. We would ask that if any of the players are left handed, can you please let us know in advance so can make sure we have the appropriate number of gloves available.

*In accordance with Fastpitch Ireland COVID-19 protocols all equipment provided on the day is either new out of the wrapper or has been sanitised in advance. All equipment will be sanitised after the session.*

Format

Players will be split into smaller groups to work through different skill stations over the course of the session and the day will conclude with a game. Our ethos is to keep everybody moving and engaged over the duration of the session.

Facilities

The International Baseball Centre has plenty of seating for those of you not playing on the day. In addition, Ashbourne Baseball Club run a snack-bar/coffee shop at the venue to help tide you over. Toilet facilities are also available at the venue.

First Aid

First Aid will be available on the day. If a player needs first aid attention, please bring it to the attention of one of the coaches.

COVID-19 Protocols

In accordance with Fastpitch Ireland’s COVID-19 protocols, we would ask that a COVID-19 symptom checker link is completed on Saturday morning before arrival at the venue – this will be sent out on Friday. On arrival, there will be a check-in desk to note who was in attendance in the unlikely event it is required for contact tracing.

Safeguarding

All Fastpitch Ireland coaches have been vetted by the National Vetting Bureau and have completed the mandatory Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 Workshop. A link to the Fastpitch Ireland Safeguarding policy is provided below. The nominated Designated Liaison Person for Fastpitch Ireland is Melanie Cunningham (director@fastpitchsoftball.ie).

We look forward to seeing everybody on Saturday and should you have any questions in advance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Helpful Links

Youth Introduction to Softball Session announced for May 29, 2021

Click Here To Register for the Softball Intro Session

Fastpitch (Softball) Ireland in association with Baseball Ireland are delighted to announce an Introduction to Softball Session for girls aged between 12 and 16. The session will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021, from 12 Noon in the International Baseball Centre which is located behind the Community Centre in Ashbourne.

The session will be hosted by the Irish Women’s National Team Head Coach Melanie Cunningham together with other National Team Coaches focussing on introducing players to Softball and teaching some basic skills.

Speaking on the planned day, Melanie Cunningham said ” The aim of the session is to show an alternative pathway for girls to continue in sport and to hopefully introduce new girls to our sport. We are excited to introduce girls to this fun Olympic sport and we are hoping that we get a great turnout on the day, everybody is welcome!”

Fastpitch Ireland will provide players with all equipment required on the day. The session will be run in accordance with COVID-19 Sporting Conditions.

If you have any questions about the session, please do not hesitate to contact Melanie Cunningham or Colum Lavery.

Click Here to Register for the Intro to Softball Session

Return of Softball Confirmed

Further to the confirmation of the Government that sports clubs in the Republic of Ireland may return to training in groups of up to 15 from May 10, 2021. Softball Ireland confirmed that having considered the recommendation of the Medical Committee, the Softball Ireland Board have confirmed that softball training may return in Republic of Ireland from May 10, 2021 subject to the following conditions:


(I) The Government continue to permit sports teams to partake in training sessions; and
(II) All teams in the Republic of Ireland to continue to train in accordance with Government advice and restrictions; and
(III) All training sessions are held in accordance with the updated Softball Ireland Return to Play Protocol set out on the Softball Ireland website; and
(IV) Players are only permitted to attend and train with teams (clubs) they are registered with.

Fastpitch Ireland will be in touch with members shortly on the relaunch of training and the FPI League.

Updated COVID-19 Resource Hub

Softball Ireland updated the COVID-19 Hub in advance of the 2021 season. The COVID-19 Hub is accessible from the ‘Resources’ tab above or by clicking here.

The latest updates to the COVID-19 Hub include:

  • Updated Return to Play Policy for 2021
  • A Risk Assessment Template that can be used and modified by the teams
  • A Risk Assessment Guidance Document to explain how to risk assess your team’s activities / venues
  • A status table outlining what events can happen where

The COVID-19 Hub will be updated regularly throughout the season, including document updates and FAQs. If there is anything you would like to see on the hub, please get in touch with us.

For all COVID-19 enquiries, Softball Ireland continue to have a dedicated email: covid@softball.ie.