Quote:
Originally posted by 3afan
while it is a real shame that softball is out in 2012 - for now - I don't think it will really affect the game here in the USA. girls are not going to stop playing, or not start playing, just becausae the game is not na olympic sport. IMO ....
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The concern was more with grants for development and training of the national team, not to mention exposure for the game in general.
Also, the JO games skyrocketed after the '96 Olympics as did the interest in the NCAA Championships. No, without that exposure, and target in some cases, it may very well affect the participation and, to a greater respect, the fan base to some level in this country.
What's worse is that the game which was gaining international recognition is now knocked down a notch or so. This means fewer countries may be willing to put out monies for a softball program if there is no place to go.
This is why it is important for ISF to try to stay strong, and that may very well mean a tightening of their financial belt which, in turn, will reduce some of the international participation.
I expect our European affiliates will be struck just as hard, if not harder, that the US