Malta Hosts the WBSC Europe Softball Technical Biennial Workshop 2024
02/03/2024 1 Minute Read

Malta Hosts the WBSC Europe Softball Technical Biennial Workshop 2024

Every two years, the Softball Europe TC Group, comprising all Technical Commissioners and Umpires-in-Chief, along with the Chairs of the Softball Scoring Commission, convene for a Workshop. This year, the event took place in Malta.

The WBSC Europe Softball Technical Biennial Workshop began with a thorough review of all Technical Reports from the 2023 season.

Participants shared insights into any unusual situations encountered and discussed the corresponding reactions. Learning points were debated, leading to necessary changes in documentation and procedures. Attendees were also updated on the changes to Regulations announced at the Congress in Malaga, now available on the website.

Subsequently, the TCs and UiCs split into separate sessions, each group accompanied by a Scoring Commission Chair, to delve deeper into their respective roles. The TCs focused on updating documentation and refining communication with teams and organizers.

Following these individual sessions, both groups reconvened to share conclusions and outline plans for 2024.

Additional sessions included a team-building exercise in mixed groups and an engaging presentation on the Challenges of Officiating by Kevin Azzopardi, Secretary General of the Malta Olympic Committee.

The Biennial Workshop serves as a reunion for colleagues who typically only meet in small teams during the events throughout the season. The Malta Federation's invitation and hospitality provided a conducive environment for this event.

"The Biennial Workshop for TCs, UICs, and SICs began in 2009, with the first edition held in London. The primary goal is to ensure consistency in our work, aiming for a uniform look and feel at our events", Gabriel Waage, Softball Vice President, remarked, "I extend my thanks to Mike Jennings for his excellent management of the current workshop and to all participants for their contributions. Special thanks to the Malta Baseball and Softball Association, particularly Andrew Bajo and Mario Debono. I also had the opportunity to visit the sports complex in Mellieha, observing the practice of women's national teams and youth teams. It is gratifying to witness the growth of our sport across Europe."

The workshop concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, setting the stage for a successful 2024 season.