The Tribune

BURKET Dorsett, the president of the English Speaking Softball Confederation, led the ECASC federations in a collaborative effort with the federations of Latin America, the Spanish-Speaking Caribbean Canada, the United States and all members of WBSC Americas softball for a joint meeting in Cartagena, Colombia.

Dianne Miller was appointed as secretary general of ECASC to complete the term of former secretary general, the late Greg Christie.

Other appointments included Glenford Murdoro of the British Virgin Islands who was appointed director of umpires and Shomara Penn, also of the BVI, as a statistician in the office of the president working with Paula Stubbs, special assistant to the president.

Discussions were also held on how countries can access the solidarity funds from PASO to assist in their developments of official players, coaches, administration and equipment.

Each federation had a one-on-one meeting with the WBSC to express their needs.

Ted Miller, president of the Bahamas Softball Federation, represented the Bahamas and conveyed their needs to the WBSC.

In compliance with the new WBSC softball policy, softball and baseball will merge in several countries. There were four more tournaments added to the world cup championships all in the youth division.

The co-ed under 12, the under 15, 16, 18 and 23 in addition to the men and women. The logistics and schedule of these cups will be finalised at the January meeting after each confederation can set their calendar.

ECASC suggested that these tournments be held during school breaks so as not to disrupt school studies.

Also approved by ECASC was the men’s championship to be named in honour of the aforemetioned Greg Christie.

St Maarten’s application to join ECASC was also approved, with Anguilla pending. ECASC also established its facebook and webpage. Also coming out of the WBSC meeting, president Tommy Velazquez announced that each world cup is to have its own identity and logo. The cycle of world cups start in 2019. President Velazquez also detailed the way to access solidarity funds.

The path to being a participant in the various world cup which would comprise 16 teams inclusive of the host country and a wild card team.

The Bahamas’ region, the Americas, is to have five teams.