The Olympic group of teams is made up of the first four teams finishing in the ISF World Championships, the host nation and the remaining places from qualifiying regions play-offs. The regional teams may come from amy of the 127 registered ISF countries (Yes, 127!).
However, there are only a dozen or so teams that could be considered competitve at international play which does limit the overall standard iof play, but it is improving siginificantly since softball became and olympic sport!
The teams so far are:
USA
Japan
China
Chinese Taipei
Greece (Host Nation)
Play offs in the 'regions' of Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America, Oceania and Europe will determine (most likely) that at least Canada, Holland and Australia will also make it - not sure about the others...
How can we make a difference?
Tell EVERYONE you know about this site:
http://www.suggestions.olympic.org/q...tro.aspx?LN=EN
It is the IOC site "Public Suggestions" Page. I have just lodged an idea titled "Keep Softball In the Olympics!" I encourage you all to do likewise.
[Edited by Martin T. on Aug 27th, 2002 at 08:18 PM]