Softball Victoria is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Victorian Softball Awards.

These awards celebrate the outstanding individuals who make Victorian softball such a strong and vibrant community. From volunteers and administrators to coaches, umpires, scorers and statisticians, the awards recognise those whose dedication, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on our sport.

Nine prestigious awards are available, including Softball Victoria Life Membership, Softball Victoria Hall of Fame and the Merle Short Service Award. If you know someone who has made a significant contribution to your club, association or the wider softball community, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Nominations open: NOW

Nominations close: Tuesday 18 August 2026

Please check the nomination form for eligibility for each award: Click HERE for the nomination form

Softball Victoria Life Membership

The Softball Victoria Life Membership credits the individuals who have played an active role in the sport of softball at a State administrative level for a period of at least 10-years. And as a result, demonstrated evidence of significant improvement to Victorian softball, generating the desire by the Association to retain a lifetime connection with that individual.

Softball Victoria Hall of Fame

The Softball Victoria Hall of Fame is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in softball. The honour recognises players and non-players who have influenced the sport across state and national level in various roles including; player, coach, umpire, team official, scorer or manager. This acknowledgment is testament to the way the individual has conducted themselves on and off the field, in a manner that would have them looked at as a role model with a distinguished career.

The Merle Short Service Award

Merle Short was a long serving representative of Softball Victoria beginning in the early 1950's when she served the Association in multiple administrative roles. The Merle Short Service Award was subsequently named in her honour in 1993, and is presented each year to softball volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service within the softball community. Regardless of whether that service is on the diamond, coaching or umpiring, or off the diamond in administration roles, more than 100 volunteers have been recognised with the Merle Short Service Award, honouring both the recipient and the award namesake.

Margo Koskelainen Victorian Umpire of the Year Award

This award is named in honour of Softball Victoria and Softball Australia Life Member Margo Koskelainen for her contribution to the Victorian and Australian umpiring program over many years. Margo's illustrious career and achievements within the umpiring community are indicative of the qualities required of the recipients of this award.

John Larter Umpire Development Scholarship

The John Larter Development Scholarship was introduced in 2006 in honour of one of Victoria's senior umpires, John Larter. John has been a major contributor to the Victorian Umpiring Program over many years and his commitment and achievements are recognised by Softball Victoria and the Victorian Umpiring Committee in the naming of this award.

Marjorie Nora Dwyer Memorial Umpire Scholarship

In 1990 Trustees were appointed by Softball Victoria Inc. to establish this Scholarship Trust dedicated to the memory of a great ambassador of softball, Marjorie Nora Dwyer.

Marj's involvement in softball spanned more than 30 years as a coach, administrator and, most notably, an umpire. She achieved her Victorian badge (Level 3) and Australian badge (Level 5) in 1955, and her commitment to umpiring saw her officiate at state, national and international level.

Within Victoria, Marj served as President of the Victorian Softball Umpires Association for three decades, was awarded Softball Victoria Life Membership in 1975, and was a member of Softball Victoria Council while coaching numerous Melbourne Association teams. Nationally, she served as Victoria's delegate to the Federation, Australian Umpire in Chief for more than two decades, received Softball Australia Life Membership in 1966, and was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 1987. Following her passing in 1990, she was posthumously inducted into the Softball Victoria Hall of Fame in 1993.

The purpose of the Trust is to provide funding for the education, training and advancement of eligible softball umpires who are members of Softball Victoria.

Lorraine Davies Statistician of the Year Award

The Lorraine Davies Statistician of the Year Award recognises Victorian softball statisticians who have made a significant contribution to their team, club, association, State and/or National program. The award acknowledges an exceptional contribution to softball through encouraging participation, development, integrity and creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.

Mary Walkinshaw Scoring Award

The Mary Walkinshaw Scoring Award recognises Victorian softball scorers who have demonstrated outstanding skill and passion through their contribution to their team, club, association and/or State program. The award celebrates the most promising emerging scorer, taking into account talent, commitment and dedication to improving their scoring knowledge and skills.

Community Coach of the Year

The Community Coach of the Year Award recognises Victorian softball coaches who have made a significant contribution to their team, club, association and/or State program. The award acknowledges the exceptional contribution made by a community coach through encouraging participation, athlete development, integrity and creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive softball environment.

Please check the nomination form for eligibility for each award: Click HERE for the nomination form