Softball: Costs see Canterbury withdraw from national leagues

Canterbury have withdrawn from both the men's and women's national softball leagues this summer after a dispute over the costs involved.

New Zealand Softball (NZS) yesterday said Canterbury's decision against entering teams in the month-long leagues was due to "the issue of the equalisation of costs".

NZS said the leagues would go ahead, starting next month, with six teams entered in the men's competition and five in the women's.

Chief executive Dale Eagar said NZS was disappointed with Canterbury's decision.

Eagar said he continued to have faith in the league as a "shop window" for the game."

The national leagues were introduced in the 2002/03 season.

Each franchise has been charged a participation fee by NZS to cover the costs of participation.

The fee charged to each franchise differed due to the varying costs for travel and accommodation depending on each franchise's geographical location.

Canterbury sought to have one equal fee for each franchise.

Eagar said while equalisation was something NZS was interested in investigating and working towards, the board did not believe it could be implemented at this stage.

"Equalisation of costs for participating teams was something originally desired at the outset of the national league but was unable to be implemented at the time because of the requirements of the funding agencies.

"It now appears that there is greater acceptance of this and is therefore something we are working towards for next season.

"While we understand Canterbury's view point the board of New Zealand Softball don't believe they are in a position where we could guarantee the successful implementation of equalisation at this stage."

He said Canterbury players were welcome to join the competition.

They could do so by registering with NZS and seeking selection through the player draft.

- NZPA