Clubs and Associations race for Homeplate Status, Softball Australia’s highest recognition of Club and Association performance, by implementing programs and procedures in a number of areas.

Crucially, two of those areas are participation and retention, exactly what the #BackOnBase program is encouraging Clubs to innovate in with the new Grants program.

The below list contains Clubs and Associations own first-hand experiences with what has worked for them and how they put ideas into practice.

If your Club is struck by inspiration for your own #BackOnBase Grant, submit a response before the 9 September deadline by clicking here.

Examples of various recruitment initiative that have led to Membership growth or increasing in participation

• Casey Softball Association VIC – Increasing participation through delivering an introductory program for Women and Children
• Castle Hill Softball Club NSW – Membership growth through extensive advertising in local area including schools, shopping centres, newsletters and noticeboards as well as social media and web-based advertising.
• Glen Eira Moorabin Softball Association VIC – Increasing participation and membership through Social 7s and other inclusive programs and initiatives.
• Hawks Fastpitch Softball Club VIC – Membership growth through reaching out to past players, social media presence and successful come and try initiatives.
• Mackay Softball Association QLD – Growing participation and membership through programs such as Softball Batter Up and Social 7s.
• Newcastle District Softball Association NSW – Growing membership through come and try days, school gala days, social pre-season gala day and marketing and promotion.
• Northern Tassie Softball Association – Membership growth through Bus advertising and Social Media promotion and retention through communicating with members and keeping them informed and creating family friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Saints Softball Club TAS – Membership Growth through Radio advertising and Facebook advertising.
• Softball FNQ – Growing participation and membership through Sports Expos, Gala Days, interschool sport days at local schools and other events and the successful delivery of programs such as Softball Batter Up and Social 7s.
• Werribee Softball Association VICg. 1 – Engaging with local CALD community
• Werribee Softball Association VIC e.g. 2 – Engaging with local CALD community through Social 7s

Examples of various initiatives that have led to improved member retention

• Blue Mountains Softball Club NSW – Improving retention through creating a culture of having fun and less importance on winning.
• Cockburn Cougars Softball Club WA – Growing and retaining members through reviewing its programming and identifying alternative flexible playing formats and scheduling.
• Lilydale Ejays Softball Club VIC – Retention of members by being Family friendly, recognising and valuing its members and volunteers.
• Strikers Softball Club NSW – Providing a welcoming and inclusive culture through a dedicated Welcoming Officer.

From Softball Australia.