Stoolball news in June 2007

Many primary schools are playing stoolball for the first time this season. Most have little or no budget for equipment and need donations to get started. If your team has any spare bats which it can pass on, whatever their condition, they are needed urgently. Please get in touch.

The National Stoolball Association (NSA) has plenty of spare older balls and Keith Younger has been restoring some old wickets for us, but all of our spare bats have already been donated to new teams. If you can help, please get in touch with Kay Price.

Maresfield is holding a ladies’ 8-a-side tournament on 24 June. Arrive at 11am for an 11.30am start. Please phone Chantelle on 01892 531993 if you would like to enter a team.

Barcombe is holding a mixed stoolball tournament at 12 noon on 8 July 2007 at Barcombe recreation ground. There will be a licensed bar and barbecue to keep you amused while you’re not playing, as well as various stalls. There will be parking in the school and teams should consist of 8 players, with no more than 4 men.

For more information or to enter a team call Kelly on 07762 287433 or email [email address available when you sign in]

Barcombe tries to hold a mixed tournament every year although, as you may remember, two attempts last season were both cancelled due to the weather. This year we’re keeping our fingers crossed for some sunshine!

A party of five Americans will be in Horsham on Tuesday 19 June and Wednesday 20 June on a quest to find out more about the origins of baseball, perhaps their most popular national game.

The party comes from the media group who are responsible for producing and running the website for the Major Baseball Leagues (MBL) in New York and will be led by senior producer Samantha Marchiano and her Assistant Daria Debuono. Included in the party is author David Block, internationally recognised as the leading researcher and most published author on the origins of baseball.

Read more on American visit to learn about baseball, rounders and stoolball…

Little Common is looking for 8-a-side teams to enter its ladies’ tournament. It take places on 22 July, 10-30am for 11am start, at Little Common Recreation Ground. Contact Rose Rainton at [email address available when you sign in] or on 01424 225633 if you would like to enter a team.

Officers of the National Stoolball Association (NSA) met at 53 Kings Road, Horsham on Monday 21 May 2007 at 7.30pm. Topics discussed include the Umpires’ Forum, Chiddingstone Causeway’s trip to France, radio and newspaper publicity and the coaching DVD.

Read more on Minutes of officers’ meeting on Monday 21 May 2007…

An Umpires’ Forum was held at Wivelsfield Green Village Hall, Eastern Road, Wivelsfield Green on Sunday 13 May at 10am to discuss any issues related to umpiring stoolball.

Umpires and players present were welcomed by John Fitzpatrick, who was chairing the forum. He was assisted by Kelvin Speirs (Sussex County Umpires’ Association) and John and Kay Price (National Stoolball Association (NSA)).

Read more on Umpires’ Forum notes…

North Division Stoolball Association is hosting the semi finals of the Sussex County Stoolball Association Divisional Championship on Sunday 10 June at Fords Green, Nutley. A full day of matches is scheduled, starting at 11am with the junior section.

Draw:

• Winners of Mid/East prelim v West Division
• North Division v Central Division

After a brief interval for lunch the senior matches will start at 2pm with the draw the same as for the juniors.

Refreshments, a raffle and a range of equipment including bats will be available to buy on the day.