A Quick Overview of Softball Associations
Almost every day we read exciting headlines in the news of players travelling the world representing New Zealand in softball. In New Zealand, there are softball associations for every age, skill level, interest, and region. Everyone can get involved, participating as a player, coach, trainer, umpire, administrator, other support staff, or as a fan.
Current Softball Associations by Region
Softball New Zealand is the organisation that promotes National, School, and Recreational softball associations.
On the North Island, the regional softball associations include:
- Auckland Softball
- Bay of Islands Softball
- Counties Manukau Softball
- Hawkes Bay Softball
- Hutt Valley Softball
- Manawatu Softball
- North Harbour Softball
- Tairawhiti Softball
- Waikato Softball
- Wanganui Softball
- Wellington Softball
- Western Bay of Plenty Softball
On the South Island, the regional softball associations include:
- Aorangi Softball
- Canterbury Softball
- Central Otago Softball
- Eastern Southland Softball
- Marlborough Softball
- Nelson Softball
- New Zealand Defence Force Softball
- Otago Softball
- Southland Softball
- West Coast Softball
Associations by Age
There are softball associations for every age competing in seasonal and tournament play.
Associations fall under these divisions according to age: Small Sox, Tee Sox, Rookie Sox, Developing Sox, and Major Sox.
Associations start with Small Sox for ages between 0 to 4 years. Tee Sox (5-8 years) and Rookie Sox (9-12 years) associations include four styles of play: Arena, Over the Line, Play Ball, Wheelchair Softball. Developing Sox (13-19 years old) consists of six styles of play: Arena, Fastpitch, Over the Line, Play Ball, Slo-Pitch, Wheelchair Softball. Major Sox (adult, all ages) includes eight styles of play: Arena, Evergreens, Fastpitch, Masters, Over the Line, Play Ball, Slo-Pitch, Wheelchair Softball.
Kiwi Sox organises softball for primary and intermediate school students.
Men’s and Women’s National Teams are the pinnacle of athletic softball in New Zealand. These teams compete internationally under different age brackets from Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 years of age.