An Analysis of Sports Management by District Sports Office, Jalgaon with Reference to Softball Tournament

Sport management refers to the management of various business functions in sports and recreation organizations. Depending on their specific job title, sport management professionals might plan, direct, organize or budget within a sports-related organization. Sports should be a major part of the school curriculum because if students stay emotionally and physically healthy, they can easily focus on their studies. Softball is a modified form of baseball, played on a smaller field with a larger, softer ball, seven rather than nine innings, and with underarm pitching. There are two main types of softball: fast pitch and slow pitch. Softball differs from baseball in that the pitchers throw underhand (with hand below shoulder level). Objectives of the study are: - To study Overall system of District Sport office, Jalgaon, To study the role of sports in life and its importance and To study information about soft ball tournament. Researcher observe the eligibility criteria for enrolling and also procedure of enrolment. There is general procedure of tournament which have some limitations. Some changes are required in selection method of team members. The case study analysis of the Sports Management by the District Sports Office in Jalgaon with reference to the Softball tournament exemplifies effective planning, execution, resource management, stakeholder engagement, promotion, and continuous improvement. These factors played a pivotal role in the successful organization and execution of the tournament, showcasing the District Sports Office's competency in sports management.


Introduction ➢ Introduction to sport Management
Sport management refers to the management of various business functions in sports and recreation organizations. Depending on their specific job title, sport management professionals might plan, direct, organize or budget within a sports-related organization. Getting a job in sport management doesn't necessarily mean signing on with a professional athletic league. Several sports and recreational organizations employ people with sport management skills-from college teams to stadiums, sports media firms to the Paralympics. Sport management professionals tend to have a bachelor's degree at minimum. Leadership positions in sports and recreation usually require at least a bachelor of business administration Sports develop the physical as well as mental strength in students. Daily physical exercise is essential for students because exercise not only helps students to stay healthy, but it also helps to improve their emotional fitness. Sports should be a major part of the school curriculum because if students stay emotionally and physically healthy, they can easily focus on their studies. Students have to participate in school sports to increase confidence, mental alertness, and self-esteem. Sports are important in schools because it helps to teach various skills to students like leadership, patience, patience, team efforts, and social skills. Here we are discussing some benefits of the importance of sports in Schools ➢ Introduction to Soft Ball Softball is a modified form of baseball, played on a smaller field with a larger, softer ball, seven rather than nine innings, and with underarm pitching. There are two main types of softball: fastpitch and slow pitch. Softball differs from baseball in that the pitchers throw underhand (with hand below shoulder level). Softball started in 1887 in Chicago as an indoor game. It was previously known as indoor baseball. Softball also became a part of the Olympics from 1996 to 2008 but was removed starting 2012, and is now back on the program for 2020 (jointly with baseball). The International Softball Federation holds world championships in different categories. The aim is to get as many players to home plate as possible, usually by hitting the ball. The ball used in softball is not actually soft. It is larger than a baseball: weighing about 6.25-7.0oz for fastpitch and 5.87-6.12oz for slow-pitch.

➢ Soft Ball ❖ Rules of Soft Ball Game & Tournament
The rules related to the game of softball are as follows − 1. Before pitching the pitcher shall stand firmly on the ground and one or both feet should touch the pitcher plate. 2. The pitcher is not allowed to stop or bounce the ball in pitching position as it may prevent the batsman from hitting the ball. 3. The pitcher cannot use any kind of tape on the ball. To dry hands he can use powder resin under umpire's supervision. 4. The pitch delivery shall be in an arc of six to ten feet.
❖ No Pitch is declared in the following cases: -1. The ball is pitched during suspension of the game; the runner leaves the base soon. 2. The return pitch is made quickly, 3. The ball slips from pitcher's hand, 4. The pitching arc is less than six or more than ten feet. 5. The batting team has to bat in the order given in the scoresheet, the batsman is not allowed to prevent the catcher from catching the ball. A player is suspended for the current season if he or she is involved in a fight. 6. If a player misbehaves with an umpire or pushes, he is ejected from the game. 7. A full match consists of seven innings.
❖ A game is completed before seven innings in the following cases A team is ahead by 20 runs in the third innings; A team is ahead by 15 runs in the fourth innings; A team is ahead by 10 runs in the fifth innings; If the home team is ahead and one of the above conditions is met; The full duration of the game is 50 minutes; Each team has to provide a scorekeeper; Bats and balls are provided to the customers but they have to bring their gloves. The runners can leave the base after the batsman has hit the ball. Artificial noise makers are not allowed.

❖ Safety Rules
Among all the uniforms that players wear, helmets and sliding shorts are very important. Helmets provide security to the head and sliding shorts to the upper thigh. These sliding shorts are basically shin guards that extend usually from the ankle to the knee of the player and it covers all the way around the leg. It protects ankle, knee, shin, calf and thigh from getting hurt or bruised while sliding. In fact, after wearing sliding shorts, players can slide on the ground easily. Those players, who don't wear caps, have to wear a helmet. The ball used in softball is not as hard as a cricket ball but still it is mandatory to use helmet. As softball is an outdoor sport played under sun and also gives severe physical stress, players have to take sufficient rest before a match day. It will be mandatory for every player participating in the State and National Competition to affix the eligibility certificate in the prescribed format with a passport size photograph in current condition and upload the scanned photograph of the player for Taluka/District level/competition, signed by the Headmaster/Headmistress/Principal of the institution. Eligibility certificate will be considered. Also it must be signed by the student. Also sports office will not be responsible for the loss due to which it is mandatory to fill the complete details like bank account / caste category / aadhaar card etc. of the player.
No participation in the sports competition will be allowed without eligibility / eligibility certificate during any competition period and all related rights are reserved by the Organizing Committee and the District Sports Officer Office.
If there is any kind of falsification or insufficient information on the eligibility certificate, the athlete will not be allowed to participate in the competition. For inspection of Eligibility Certificates to Organisers, Baggage Officials as required from time to time during the competition It will be mandatory to make it available. Eligibility certificate to the organizing match officials for some technical reasons, it will be retained if required.

➢ General Procedure of Tournament
A player can participate in any one age group in one sport. School competition will be organized in under 11, 14, 17, 19 age groups. If the match is tied during the tournament, then as per the rules of the single District/State Association of that sport the result will be given. Taluka level competition, venue will be decided by Taluka Sports Committee. In school sports competition, travel, accommodation, food expenses and state level travel expenses from taluka level to division level are to be borne by the concerned institution/school/college. Accommodation and food arrangements for state level competition will be intimated to you by letter of players in the prescribed sample of Sports Authority of India before proceeding to the Divisional / State level competition It is mandatory to get the signature and stamp of the District Sports Officer on the Eligibility Certificate. Injuring a competitor / player / coach of a team for any reason before or after the competition The Organizing Committee or the District Sports Officer will not be held responsible for any occurrence or death. The entire responsibility of the competitor/athlete/coach will remain and the responsibility of your belongings will also remain with the concerned. It will be mandatory to pay all the fees as per the participation schedule while participating in the sports competition within the prescribed time frame and if the team / player does not participate despite registering the entry, the fee will not be refunded. For all other sports competitions, the participation table for entry determination along with the prescribed competition entry fee and The registration fee should be paid online within the prescribed time frame. Otherwise, if a player is deprived of the competition due to denial of entry, it will be the sole responsibility of the school concerned. It is compulsory for the player to wear the uniform prescribed by the organization of the sport. All sports competitions will start at 10.00 am as per schedule, Cross Country and Road Cycling at 7.00 am. will begin. Neither team should leave the field until instructed, 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Must be present on the ground first. The sports equipment required for the competition is to be brought by the respective teams themselves. The cross country competition is only for boys and girls under 19 years and one age group in which the first to 6 players will be sent to the above level competition. The rest of the sports competitions will be organized at the taluka level of 10 sports. 1) Plains 2) Kho-Kho 3) Kabaddi 4) Volleyball 5) Wrestling 6) Taekwondo 7) Karate 8) Chess 9) Cricket 10) Football. The rest of the other sports competitions will be organized at the district level. District level (M.N.P.) competition will be organized at district level.
➢ Limitations: -• Researcher observe that there is vast difference in selection procedure which is followed by tournaments conducted at different levels. • It effects on group as well as individual level.
• Study is limited to Inter-school soft ball matches and District level only.
• Time was the major constraints.

➢ Conclusion and Suggestions ❖ Conclusion
Organizational Structure: The District Sports Office in Jalgaon demonstrated a well-defined organizational structure, which played a crucial role in the successful management of the Softball tournament. The clear division of responsibilities and coordination among different departments ensured smooth operations and efficient execution of tasks. Planning and Execution: The case study highlighted the importance of meticulous planning and effective execution. The District Sports Office displayed a comprehensive approach in terms of scheduling, venue selection, team registrations, and logistics management. The successful implementation of these plans contributed to the overall success of the tournament. Resource Management: The efficient allocation and management of resources were evident throughout the case study. The District Sports Office demonstrated effective utilization of available infrastructure, financial resources, and human capital. This enabled them to provide necessary facilities, equipment, and support to teams and players participating in the Softball tournament. Stakeholder Engagement: The District Sports Office prioritized stakeholder engagement, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various parties involved in the tournament. This included teams, coaches, officials, sponsors, and the local community. Such engagement fostered a positive environment and enhanced the overall experience of the tournament for all stakeholders. Promotion and Publicity: The case study highlighted the importance of promotion and publicity for the success of sports events. The District Sports Office utilized various channels such as traditional media, social media platforms, and local advertisements to generate awareness and attract participation. This resulted in a high level of public interest and attendance, contributing to the popularity and success of the Softball tournament. Continuous Improvement: The District Sports Office demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement by identifying areas for enhancement and implementing corrective measures. Through posttournament evaluations, they gathered feedback from participants and stakeholders, allowing them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement. This iterative approach is crucial for future tournaments to maintain and enhance their reputation. Overall, the case study analysis of the Sports Management by the District Sports Office in Jalgaon with reference to the Softball tournament exemplifies effective planning, execution, resource management, stakeholder engagement, promotion, and continuous improvement. These factors played a pivotal role in the successful organization and execution of the tournament, showcasing the District Sports Office's competency in sports management ➢ Suggestions 1. Registration process should be conducted online this will not only be the process but will also eliminate the chances of any Mal practices which includes feeling wrong data like date of birth due to which overage player's Might play with under age players also many times single player lays in many age groups during a particulars year in addition a proxy also plays in the place of the original players all these Mal practice on eventually makes the competition and fair. In addition, Aadhar card should also be linked so that the above mentioned issues can be avoided and the correct information of the players can be verified. 2. The present system which includes the winning team proceeding further for inter divisional matches should be replaced with the new and effective system where in only the top performers in the matches throughout the tournament weather the team one or lose should be group in a team to proceed at the next level of matches this will eventually make the team strong and the chances of the team winning in further matches increases. 3. Insurance scheme particularly for players should be applicable to cover their life and enable them to overcome the fear of any mishappening during or after the tournament. this will eventually help the dependent also who may be at a loss if any unfortunate incidence takes place during the tournament.
➢ Acknowledgement: -We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the District Sport Office and the Publication Team for their invaluable assistance and support in providing information regarding the softball tournament at the district level and facilitating the publication of our paper. The District Sport Office played a crucial role in organizing the softball tournament, ensuring its smooth execution and fostering a competitive and spirited environment for all participants. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level were truly commendable.