The European Softball Federation (ESF) has issued its official rankings ahead of the 2012 season, and the document shows that Great Britain and the Czech Republic are tied as the most active softball nations in Europe.
Participation
The ESF runs seven European Championships for national teams over a two-year cycle and five annual Cup competitions for club teams. Over the last two years, both Britain and the Czech Republic have entered 11 of the 12 available competitions, more than any other country in Europe.
The only competition without a GB entry over the past two years was the European Under-22 Women's Championship, while the only tournament that the Czech Republic failed to enter was the European Minime (Under-13) Championship.
Of the other leading countries, the Netherlands and Belgium have each entered seven Championship and Cup competitions over the past two-year cycle, while Italy, Russia and France have entered six tournaments each and Germany, Israel and Croatia five.
Just two of the 12 available European competitions are slowpitch, and Great Britain's participation record is even more remarkable given the small size of our fastpitch player pool and the fact that none of our national or club teams receive external funding support to compete in Europe.
Rankings
In terms of results, the Netherlands is the most successful country in Europe with four current titles, two in Championships and two in Cups.
Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Italy and Denmark have two European titles each, while Russia has one.
Reflecting their specialities, both of GB's titles are in slowpitch competitions while Denmark's two titles are in male fastpitch tournaments.