ISF Director of Competition Laurie Gouthro (Photo by f:11 photographic design)

Transformable Softball Venues are Cost Effective and Reduce the Environmental Footprint
Interview with Laurie Gouthro, ISF Director of Competition
2008-02-22

In view of the criteria set forth by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for environmental requirements, the International Softball Federation (ISF) has developed a guide for dual-use softball venues that shows how existing sports venues can be easily transformed into softball playing areas.

Today’s world sees the concept of “green sport” being targeted to reduce the environmental footprint of major sports events and maximize the use of facilities. By developing sustainable policies, this has made us ever more aware of the need to make venues more accessible and cost effective.

The IOC suggests that international federations and sports organizations strive for the proper management of sport and recreational activities in an environmentally responsible manner, and the ISF is seeking ways to meet the requirements.

This concept has been studied following the Olympic Charter that specifically requests organizations to encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues and to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic Games be held accordingly. Along the same lines it also asks them to promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities and host countries.

This is an environmentally friendly concept that opens doors, making it easier to set up softball diamonds in underdeveloped areas and potentially could have a huge impact on budgets. The idea of doubling up seriously saves on funding and extra expenses for upkeep and maintenance. The plan can potentially eliminate the need for stand-alone venues in certain events.

For multi-sport games organizers this is a smart way to get more use out of their venues, lower their bid costs, and utilize their maintenance time in a more effective manner without compromising their sports program.

Question) What types of existing venues can be transformed into softball fields?

Laurie Gouthro) “There are many types of venues that can be transformed, namely soccer, cricket, rugby, and baseball. Some alter better than others due to size and width.” 

Q) Which type of venue is optimal for the transformation and why?

LG) “Cricket is the easiest given the elliptical shape and the dimensions are perfect to inlay a softball field. Rugby follows second due to its larger playing area, and soccer is third because occasionally the width creates complications with the parallels being wide enough. However, cricket is optimal as the layout is extremely conducive to temporary backstops, outfield fences, and bases and they can be made more elaborate and add a clay infield if resources allow for the changes.

“Minimal changes can be made for a temporary backstop, benches for the team with a temporary protective fence, temporary outfield fencing, chalk line, and last but certainly not least, the bases. Elaborate makeovers can even include a clay infield but this depends on the budget and funding that is available.”

Q) How can multi-purpose venues impact bid budgets?

LG) “In regard to the Olympic Games it is optimal to have a stand-alone venue given the fact that as the Olympics represent legacy it would be important to have the individual identity that a stand-alone venue would provide. That said, for multi-sport events where you could have a program that might have a larger number of sports, there is the problem of trying to multi-task playing areas.

“In this instance there is also the potential for the softball venue to be the utilized for other sports events. This ability could have an impact on the overall funding and maintenance needed. This could also affect transportation costs. With clustering you are saving consistently on energy costs, water, electricity, less equipment, time, and staff.”

Q) Multi-purpose venues also save on maintenance fees. How much could this potentially save for a budget?

LG) “For example, employment costs could be cut in half in some ways. Each area has different pay scales, however if you are doubling up on utilization then you could potentially cut the costs in half. Also venues can be utilized for all sorts of cultural activities such as concerts, fairs, private parties, carnivals, festivals, and events so the multi-purpose effect grows.”

Q) Do you have any ready examples of a sports event being held with a transformed venue?

LG) “In 2003 at the All-Africa Games in Nigeria, they transformed a soccer field to accommodate softball. We have continued the trend with some of the recent multi-sport games such the Pan American Games in Rio ( 2007), Asian Games in Doha (2006), and Commonwealth Softball Championship (Australia, 2006) having all transformed an existing facility into a softball venue. Many of our member softball federations utilize different venues or areas to enable them to play softball games. Great Britain is an example where they clear a large park area in Leeds to play their slow pitch league games.”

Q) Wheelchair softball venues can also be transformed easily on tarmac areas and alternatively the sport can go indoors. It can be indoor or outdoor. If wheelchair softball were to be accepted into the Paralympics, how could the venues be easily positioned together?

 LG) “It is possible to play wheelchair softball on the tarmac. On the other hand, the Paralympics do not have as many sports as the Olympics and one of the existing hard surface venues could easily be used for wheelchair softball. Also many of these games are played indoors.

“Existing venues for gymnastics, fencing, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, hockey, and boxing can all become surface areas for wheelchair softball. In some instances even a field hockey pitch can be used, especially with their commitment to using mult-sport turf. This sport is both indoor and outdoor and very flexible and can fit into any time schedule.”

In conclusion, the ISF’s environmental concept and "sustainable development," like what is being done with multi-use or transformed venues, definitely meets the needs of the present generation and doesn't compromise what will be needed by future generations.