The 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival, April 19 and 26, 2009 in Hawaii-fun and friendship in the sun.

This Newsletter is a special invite to you, your team and your club to come and join us for some real fun in the sun at the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival in the wonderful Aloha Islands.

Fun and friendship in a great destination celebrating the great game of softball.

1st entries are in, enquiries are being received from all over and indications are that we are in for a truly international competition that will give you the chance to test your ability against teams from different parts of the softball world.

If you are over 35, love Softball and enjoy friendship and fraternity read this newsletter and take a look at our new updated website at www.vintagesoftball.com with stories and photos showing what Vintage Softball involves and how enjoyable a Vintage Softball Carnival can be.

In this our second Vintage Softball Carnival Newsletter read about:

1. Which Teams have entered already and booked their place at 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival.
2. Meet one of the Early Entry Teams based in Canada but with players from all-over.
3. Meet the Ground Operator sorting out accommodation, functions and transfers.
4. Learn a bit more about Vintage Softball.
5. Disabled Player Rule.
6. Umpires and Scorers Welcomed.
7. Carnival Packages-What is on offer and what is it going to cost.
8. Early Entry Bonuses.
9. A Big Day Out in the Heart of Honolulu.

Designed for players aged 35 and over the Vintage Softball Carnival is a mix of good competitive softball on the diamond and fun and parties off. The Carnival program is designed to allow each team to play 10 games, to enjoy a couple of really good parties and to have time to enjoy the delights of Waikiki and Honolulu. There will be competition for Slowpitch teams (mens, womens and co-ed) and Fastpitch teams (mens and womens) graded according to age and competitive ability.

So read on and learn how to

Let the Love of Softball take you to Paradise

Dianne McDermott
Vintage Softball Office
Level 1, 250 Mahurangi East Rd
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand
Telephone: ( 64) 9 425 5294
Facsimile: ( 64) 9 425 6956
Email: dianne@vintagesoftball.com
Website: www.vintagesoftball.com

Teams Already Entered for the 2009 World Vintage Softball Carnival.

The 1st entries have been received and places are now secure for the following teams:

Redbacks, Mens Fastpitch, Queensland, Australia
Redbacks, Womens Fastpitch, Queensland, Australia
Powersquad International, Slowpitch, USA and other countries
DJM Masters, Mens Fastpitch, Mt Isa, New South Wales, Australia
DJM Masters, Womens Fastpitch, Mt Isa, New South Wales, Australia
Rossini's Masters, Mens Fastpitch, Vancouver, Canada
SOS Rusty Studs, Mens Slowpitch, Alberta, Canada
Houston Force, Mens Slowpitch, Texas, USA
Seajades, Womens Fastpitch, Queensland, Australia
Ha Maumahara, Womens Fastpitch, North Shore, New Zealand
Redsox, Mens Fastpitch, Queensland, Australia
Southern Masters Womens Fastpitch, Western Australia

Enquiries have been received from various parts of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and the Netherlands. Entries are expected to follow with three Southern California Slowpitch teams in the process of entering right now.

The DJM Masters from Mt Isa, Queensland are another team making their second appearance at the Vintage Softball Carnival. Winners of the Nice Guys Award, the team previously known as Mt Isa Djiimarra have expanded from a women's team and umpires to a Mens and Womens team.

USA Based but from All Over - POWERSQUAD INTERNATIONAL

Mt Isa Djiimarra entering the Stadium
at the Vintage Softball Carnival,
Rotorua, New Zealand-March 2007.

Pierre Dungee, founder and CEO of the Powersquad International Softball Club which since 2003 has toured and played in Canada, Ireland, Wales and England plans to enter at least one team in the Vintage Softball Carnival in Hawaii. Disappointed at not having been able to take part in the 1st Carnival in Rotorua, Pierre has followed the development with interest and now looks very likely to be an important part of the Vintage Softball movement.

The team is truly international made up of residents of USA, Canada, England, Scotland and Brazil. 

Powersquad International travel the world to play softball and have the following Mission Statement.

The mission of The Powersquad International Softball Club is to play as much softball as humanly possible, for as long as possible, with as many different people in exotic locations while having fun doing so.

The intent and performance of Powersquad International totally coincides with the objectives of Vintage Softball. Powersquad International is truly an international phenomenon. More and more people are enjoying the team for what it is - a way to play some good softball with a group of fun people in exotic places.

Looking After Our Business-Ground Operators in Oahu

The Ground Operator for the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival is Sun Island Tours who have over 30 years experience managing tours and events. Sun Islands are working with the Vintage Softball Office to arrange meet and greet services as teams arrive at Honolulu Airport; transfers to and from the Softball Complex; the very favourable accommodation packages we are able to offer and the functions and tours that are part of the World Vintage Softball Carnival week in Hawaii.

Our man at Sun Island Tours is Tom Hanus who is already putting arrangements in place, is making sure all accommodation is up to standard, that the transport will be on time for the games and that the beer will be cold and the food superb at all the functions and tours.

All people attending the Carnival can be sure that we will be in good hands and that all arrangements will be just as we expect them to be.

If you have additional travel requirements before or after the Carnival just let us know. Tom can offer some great deals that will ensure you enjoy your extended stay. If you do want to spend more time in Hawaii and enjoy more of its wonderful attractions and if you think that Tom can help just click here and we will pass on your details to Sun Islands Tours.

Vintage Softball - What is it all about?

Vintage Softball-Slowpitch or Fastpitch is designed for maximum competition and fun for players of all ages, abilities, experience and agility 35 years and over. Teams are graded into age groups and into different levels of competition ranging from competitive to social. Entry is open to any team, individuals or group of players who wish to play, mix and mingle with teams from all parts of the softball world.

The games are played to the best of teams capabilities-there are 9 round robin games and then a finals day so all teams will play 10 games during the week.  To quote Dene Dormer, our Kiwi (based in Australia) Softball Manager….." the sports carnivals where you come to play on and off the diamond. We don’t play for sheep stations or town hall clocks.  No gold, no silver and no bronze medals.  We play to enjoy the sport that many of us have played most of our lives – but don’t be fooled we like to win the game. 

We really enjoy meeting players from other countries and making new friends.  We enjoy the camaraderie of other softball players.  We enjoy the opening ceremony (and the drinks).  We enjoy the traditional BBQ (or in the case of Hawaii- the Luau) (and the drinks).  We enjoy the last night party (and the drinks).

This is true Masters Sport played in true sports spirit."

In the true spirit of Vintage Softball we have recently added the following clause to our rules and regulations:

Disabled Player Rule 

If a player has a recognised disability, that is authorised by the tournament organisers, the following rule can apply.

If the disabled players bat and legally reach 1st base or better, then a substitute runner shall be allowed for the disabled player. This is not deemed as a substitution and the disabled player remains in the game. The substitute runner must be a player listed on the team line-up and shall not be 1 of the next 4 batters.

The Disabled Player Rule has been instituted following the entry of the Redsox Ramblers and the following message from Mark Willingham, their player-manager:

My name is Mark Willingham from Redsox Softball Club Inc in Brisbane Australia. I registered a men's team yesterday for the Hawaii tournament (Redsox Ramblers) in April 2009. Due to an accident whilst sliding in a baseball game, I have now been a disabled player for 25 years, being a below knee amputee. I am currently 50 years old and have played baseball/softball for most of these years with my disability.

We are pleased to adopt Mark's suggestion of the Disabled Player Rule and to welcome he and his team into the Vintage Softball Movement and to the Hawaii Carnival, 2009.

Full rules and regulations are displayed on the website… just click here for Slowpitch rules   and…. just click here for Fastpitch rules .   

Umpires and Scorers Welcomed (and Wanted)

All teams are encouraged to bring their own umpires and scorers and to include them in all Carnival social festivities.

On the diamond the umpires and scorers will be managed by one of Australian softballs great characters.

Leon and his trusty band of umpires
at the Rotorua Carnival.

Leon Leach of Queensland, Australia is an experienced and highly qualified umpire who experienced Vintage Softball for the first time at the World Vintage Softball Carnival in Rotorua, New Zealand earlier this year. Leon who has umpired at national and international level rated the Vintage Softball Carnival right up there with his umpiring experiences and readily accepted the Umpiring Managers position for the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival.

"While the softball is keenly contested, Vintage Softball is also about a good deal of fun and that was obvious from the behaviour on and off the diamonds. It was great to be part of the 1st Carnival and I am really looking forward to being part of the 2nd Carnival in Hawaii. It is a great way for people to keep their interest in the game going and to enjoy some real international competition. If you're thinking about making the trip be assured that umpiring standards will be excellent. All umpires or scorers with or without teams will be very welcome to sign up and be part of the fun" said Leon.

Leon's role will be to not only umpire himself but to manage the umpiring duties, allocating umpires to games and helping with any concerns about rules.

If you are an umpire or scorer who wishes to be involved, please let us know.

Umpires and scorers are required to purchase a special Carnival Umpires Package to cover their accommodation and travel but will be well hosted in all other aspects of the Carnival.

So if you want to be part of the fun just click here   and let us know and we will send you details of the umpiring arrangements.

Carnival Packages-What is on Offer and what will it Cost:

Entry fee per team is US$100. All members of teams and their supporters who wish to take part are required to take Vintage Softball Carnival Packages that will include:

• Individual Player registration.
• 8 days, 7 nights accommodation in the package of your choice (except for the non-accommodation packages)
• Transfers to and from the Opening Function, Closing Function and 4 Days of Fixtures (except for the non-accommodation packages)
• 4 Days of Fixtures-9 games per team plus Finals
• Quality Souvenir Gift pack per player, official and supporter
• Opening Welcome Party at a venue to be advised including 3 hours of substantial finger foods, four free drinks per person and a cash bar for local beers, spirits, cocktails and juices
• Closing Prizegiving Luau at a venue to be advised including a Hawaiian Feast , 3 free drinks per person and a cash bar for local beers, spirits, cocktails and juices, entertainment and prize-giving
• Waikiki Survival Pack and Carnival Handbook including discount vouchers and offers from local bars, restaurants and services
• Local service charges and taxes
• 24 hour Help Line and Medical Services
• Prizes and trophies in various categories recognising team and individual performances and behaviour during the Carnival
• Hire of diamonds including marking, provision of bases and maintenance
• Umpires fees
• Scorer's fees
• Supply of balls for the entire Carnival
• Score sheets

The accommodation packages available are as follows:

Price per person-player or official

Please Note for non-players and supporters please deduct US$80 per person from prices above.

For details about the hotels and the packages just click here and see what is on offer.

Early Entry Bonuses:

Now is a good time to enter and teams that take the time to enter before 30th June 2008 will receive the following Early Entry Bonuses:

All teams who have entered by that date receive a Welcome Pack of two cases of local beer, a selection of local fruit juices and soft drinks and a pack of nibbles – the first Carnival party will be on us! 

All teams that enter before February 2008 and whose deposits are paid will go into three draws for one of the following tours-

• A Sunset Dinner Cruise for the team and its supporters registered on full accommodation packages with the Carnival.
• A Team Dinner at Hau Tree Lanai Restaurant, one of Honolulu's leading eateries (meal only) for the team and its supporters registered on full accommodation packages with the Carnival.   
• Evening Show Tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Centre (meals excluded) for the team and its supporters registered on full accommodation packages with the Carnival.

Enter now to not only make sure of your place in the Carnival but to also enjoy the Welcome Pack and the chance to win one of the three great prizes detaimake sure of your place. If you are a  SLOWPITCH team just click here and if   FASTPITCH is your thing just click here and send us your details.

A Big Day Out in Honolulu:

On the softball rest day we are offering the Vintage Softball Carnival Big Day Fun Experience and Scavenger Hunt:

During the morning teams will transfer downtown to the Aloha Tower Marketplace. There all participants (one per couple) will be given a disposable camera along with a list of historic and cultural sights and exhibits. The groups will do a pre-planned   walking tour of Honolulu, get some great souvenir pictures, and then everyone will meet at Gordon Biersch for a two-hour lunch at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, including micro-brewed beer on tap or sodas, all done with a baseball décor. This is the chance for everyone to get some great pictures and memories. They will hand in their cameras at lunch, and we will have them developed, and distribute the photographs at the Farewell Luau.

Attached to the walking tour will be a Scavenger Hunt where the teams that get all the pictures of different places and spots on the list, will get a prize to be presented at the Finale Function. It’s a stimulating, active, and fun way to get to know downtown Honolulu, with a great luncheon party afterwards.

Price will be $90.00 USD per person. For a unique and fun way to see Downtown Honolulu, take some free photos, maybe win a prize or two and to enjoy a great luncheon with some fabulous local beer….. just click here and register your numbers.

Looking forward to having some fun with those who want to take part in the Vintage Softball Carnival Big Day Out.

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World Vintage Softball Carnival
Hawaii April 19th to 26th, 2009
www.vintagesoftball.com