The 5th annual SGMA International Baseball/Softball Industry Meeting will be held October 2-4, 2003 at the Marriott DFW North Hotel in Irving, Texas. Sponsored by the SGMA Baseball/Softball Participation Committee (BSPC), this meeting attracts baseball/softball association executives, bat/ball performance research experts, USA Baseball members, and SGMA baseball/softball manufacturers. This three-day program will feature presentations, meetings, and roundtable discussions.
“This unique convention pulls together all key groups in the industry,” said Larry Carlson (Easton Sports), chair of the SGMA Baseball/Softball Council. “Its purpose is to discuss ways we can work together to increase recreational play in baseball/softball, exchange current information on bat and ball performance methods, safety data and other issues of common interest.”
Sponsorship funds are contributed by SGMA through its Baseball/Softball Participation Committee (BSPC). A key component of the program will be a Summer Fun Softball (SFS) Conference. Launched this year, SFS is a slow-pitch, co-ed, recreational softball program for children in grades K-12. As the BSPC flagship program, there will be half a day devoted to presentations by organizers, including success stories from individuals running SFS programs.
“In the first full year of Summer Fun Softball, over 40 communities are starting up programs. Our SFS Conference will bring together those pioneers of this new movement to share and build on our first-year experience,” said BSPC Chair Jess Heald (Worth, Inc.).
Other events include presentations of papers by research experts and successful program administrators, reports by SGMA International and other associations, separate meetings between manufacturers and various baseball and softball organizations, a USA Baseball Youth Council meeting, and a meeting of the ASTM Bat &Ball Subcommittee.
Researchers and other interested experts are encouraged to submit papers and presentations to SGMA for program consideration. Subjects are limited to promotion and enhancement of player participation, safety and game balance issues, specifications on equipment, and testing methods and results. For more information contact Sebastian DiCasoli, SGMA Baseball/Softball Council or visit the council’s website.
