Softball NZ boss quits ahead of crunch meeting

Softball New Zealand chairman Rex Capil has quit a week before a special general meeting called by provincial associations seeking major changes to the way the national body is run.

Capil did not respond to a request for comment, but The Press understands his resignation is not directly related to the expression of no confidence in SNZ's board and management by at least 10 constituent associations.

His decision was made for personal reasons. Capil, group manager of community development and events at Venture Southland, has also relinquished his role as chairman of the NZ Rugby League's southern zone board and a school trustee's position in Invercargill.

SNZ general manager Dane Dougan said yesterday he could not comment until after today's board meeting in Auckland where the National Fastpitch Championships are being held.

Capil is not expected to be at the board and The Press understands board member Nicky Sherriff could be appointed as the acting chair.

The special general meeting - to be held at SNZ's Lower Hutt headquarters on Saturday - was backed by associations concerned softball was in a precarious position, on and off the diamond.

Discontent had been simmering for some time but it reached a peak in July when SNZ lost $300,000 in funding from the NZ Community Trust, forcing a staff reviewing which led to the loss of five positions, including key high performance personnel.

- © Fairfax NZ News