What is Aussie T-Ball Aussie T-Ball is a national initiative managed by the Australian Baseball Federation, delivered by affiliated State and Territory Baseball Associations, and run by local clubs and volunteers. Aussie T-Ball is an age appropriate, modified, introductory program to baseball for boys and girls of all abilities. The game is a six a side, bat and ball game that is all about being active and having FUN, learning new skills and meeting new friends. Aussie T-Ball is supported by the Australian Sports Commission and Major League Baseball. Aussie T-Ball is baseball's junior entry point program to introduce children to the game. Aussie T-Ball can be delivered by local baseball clubs, schools, community groups, and various sporting associations. The target age group is: 5-8 year olds for clubs Primary years for school children
Major objectives of Aussie T-Ball Deliver a national junior entry point program that promotes baseball participation. To boost the level of support to clubs through quality resources and equipment to deliver a quality junior participation program. To utilise the Australian Baseball League as a successful development tool to promote Aussie T-Ball and the sport of baseball. To provide every primary school aged child in Australia with the opportunity to experience baseball. To provide opportunities for children and parents to participate in physical activity together.
Why the changes? Many children starting out in the game of baseball first play t-ball. Usually played with nine players per side, children who first start out in the game often do not have the strength to hit the ball into the outfield. This causes many children playing, in a team of nine players, to stand around waiting for their turn to field in a position where they will have minimal contact with the ball. When batting, with a team of nine players, if three players get out straight away, it can be a number of innings before a child has their turn at bat. The modified rules will provide: Much greater game involvement. Every player bats every innings. The leadoff hitter each inning becomes the last hitter in the next inning. Everyone gets a chance to lead off an inning. Fielders positions rotated every inning - more touch of the ball and experience all positions. Participant s greater developemnt - social, mental and physical development. Emphasis on FUN rather than winning and losing. Game duration is restricted to six innings or one hour (whichever comes first). Modified safety conscious equipment for beginners.
Why the changes? The major focus of club recruitment for a season is geared pre October. As a result, clubs are not able to leverage off the ABL for recruitment drives, which commences in November. In some circumstances club t-ball seasons can often run for up to 25 weeks, reducing the time poor parents to sign up their children. Many clubs run one season in the summer and or the winter. Many sports are running several seasons a year for junior members, improving the strength and numbers within the club. The split season will provide: Promotional activities through the ABL. Recruitment drives will leverage off the increased profile of baseball created by the ABL. More flexibility to entice the time poor ambivalent (potential) member to sign on. Ability to run four seasons a year, where demand and club resources can support. Greater revenue for clubs. Increased club membership.
Aussie T-Ball The program has been designed in collaboration with State and Territory Baseball Associations, Australian Sports Commission, Major League Baseball and devoted baseball players, parents and volunteers. Aussie T-Ball has been developed from a variety of the most successful t-ball programs from around Australia. Aussie T-Ball offers the sport of baseball an opportunity to reposition junior baseball as an exciting, fresh, quality, value for money sporting opportunity. The program aims to leverage off the ABL and increased profile of the proposition with the view to increasing the noise around the sport and ultimately attracting more participants to the game.
Program Partners
State Associations
Benefits of Aussie T-Ball Participant Much greater game involvement. Emphasis on FUN rather than winning and losing. Every player bats every innings. The leadoff hitter each inning becomes the last hitter in the next inning. Everyone gets a chance to lead off an inning. Fielders positions rotated every inning - more touch of the ball and experience all positions. Participant s greater involvement leading to increased social, mental and physical development. Participant packs. Parents Programs recommended to run for 8 weeks - more flexibility for the time poor family. Value for money. Enhancement of their child s social, mental and physical skill development. Community based environment for all parents to be involved in.
Clubs Benefits of Aussie T-Ball Free equipment kits for clubs and ongoing equipment. Deliver a nationally branded and promoted program. Assistance from your State or Territory Baseball Association. Potentially boost the number of children participating in your club. A national network of participating Aussie T-Ball schools and community groups in your local area to recruit future club members. Flexibility regarding the structure and delivery. Schools and Community Groups A practical resource which enables teachers to engage their class(es) in enjoyable physical activity with a minimum of fuss. Australian Baseball Federation and Australian Sports Commission endorsed set eight (8) week lesson plan with recommended game-sense activities to develop the children s basic physical competence. High quality and reasonably priced modified safety conscious equipment. Flexibility regarding the structure and delivery. The resource manual and kit can be used as a set eight (8) week lesson plan, inter and intra school competitions, standalone participation program, one or two day program delivered by development staff.
Aussie T-Ball: Club Nationally recognised program/brand. Club equipment and participant packs. Modified 8 week seasons. Additional recruitment drives post Christmas to leverage off the ABL season. Improved coach accreditation - support and resources. Linkages to local Aussie T-Ball schools for recruitment. Equipment and apparel support through national sponsorship. 6 players per side. Maximum 6 inning or 60 minute games. Player positions and batting line up rotated every inning.
Benefits for registered clubs Registered club will receive the following resources Club Coordinator Handbook. 5 x Resource manuals. Professionally developed recruitment and promotional material. Fill able posters and flyers 3x1 m banner A3 posters DVD of the 2010/11 Delta ABL Series Championships National PR / Marketing campaign Interactive and educational website. One stop shop for parents, coaches, players and schools to find out about the program. Find a registered club. Register and pay online. Club and school registration. Aussie T-Ball shop for discounted equipment for registered clubs. National promotion campaign Aussie T-Ball presence at ABL, national and state events. TV exposure Print and e media National brand
Club Equipment Kits Every baseball club that signs up to Aussie T- Ball will receive a free equipment kit including: 1 x Rawlings Equipment bag 1 x dozen Rawlings T-Balls 1 x dozen Rawlings sponge rubber balls 2 x Rawlings Quick Tee hitting tee s 2 x foam covered baseball bats 2 x sets of throw down bases 15 x marker cones
Participant Packs Every participant will receive a participant pack as part of their Aussie T-Ball registration, including: Rawlings ball and glove ABL highlights DVD MLB giveaways Aussie T-Ball camp out kit Pop up tent shelter Drawstring bag Torch Binoculars
Aussie T-Ball: School Practical resource and equipment kit which enables teachers to engage their class(es) in enjoyable physical activity with a minimum of fuss. Delivery by State and Territory development officers. A network of school s for school competition and club recruitment. The kit can be used as: a set 8 week lesson plan including a standalone participation program one or two day program
Critical Success Factors Price strategy ABL linkage Consistent delivery Successful partnerships Coach development/philosophy