The Victorian Government is boosting support for thousands of sports clubs, leagues, and associations affected by public health restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus. Applications are open for the $10 million fourth round of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package, which to date has provided a lifeline for more than 6,300 clubs, with a further 430 leagues and associations and 75 state sporting associations, organisations, and regional academies also supported.

All Victorian clubs that have suffered losses due to the current lockdown will be eligible to apply, including clubs that have been awarded grants in earlier rounds of the program.

In the fourth round, clubs can apply for a grant of $1,500 and local leagues and associations $2,500 to cover costs and lost revenue associated with the cancellation of training, development programs and competition.

Previous recipients will be asked to respond to an email from Sport and Recreation Victoria by 29 October 2021 to receive their top-up grant.

For further information and a list of all recipients visit the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package page.

The Victorian Government has confirmed the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire will exit lockdown as planned at 11:59pm tonight on Sunday 26 September. With these changes, Geelong and the Surf Coast will move to the same COVIDSafe settings as the rest of regional Victoria, with no reasons required to leave the home and no limit on travel throughout regional Victoria. Limited outdoor community sports training will also resume.

From 11:59pm tonight, VSBL club Geelong Baycats can return to training with the minimum number required to train. Spectators are prohibited except one parent permitted to supervise children. All players must complete the return to training registration for regional Victoria, and the club must maintain an attendance register and COVID-19 restriction compliance documentation.

Mitchell Shire has more than twice the number of active cases as Greater Geelong and will remain in lockdown due to its close proximity to areas of highest concern in metropolitan Melbourne.

As a reminder, the lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire include:

• Six reasons to leave home:
  • shopping for necessary goods and services (within 10km radius of home unless not available within)
  • four hours of exercise (within 10km radius of home unless not available within, and with only one other person)
  • caregiving/compassionate/medical reasons
  • authorised work or permitted education – with valid permit only
  • getting the coronavirus vaccine
  • outdoor social interaction (picnic, walk, or other outdoor activity) with another person not from your household. Up to five adults (plus dependents) from two households may gather outdoors if all adults are fully vaccinated.
• No public or private gatherings other than for permitted outdoor social interaction
• Two people may train outdoors with a personal trainer
• No community sport
• Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors unless an exemption applies
• Daily curfew from 9pm – 5am (metropolitan Melbourne only)

Premier Daniel Andrews also confirmed Victoria is set to hit its first vaccination target on the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan and a modest easing of restrictions will be able to occur this week. For full details, please read the latest update from the Victorian Government HERE.

“We are pleased to see lockdown lifting in Geelong and anticipate further clarification from the Victorian Government on the state’s reopening roadmap and what COVIDSafe measures will be required to resume community sport,” Baseball Victoria Interim CEO Gemma Scales said. “We continue to consult with stakeholders and communicate with VSBL clubs as we prepare for a safe and successful summer season.”

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for all Victorians aged 12 years and over. Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are safe, free, and very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19.

Click HERE to book your vaccine appointment.

It remains very important that Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.

To stop the spread, everyone should check this list of exposure sites and follow these instructions:

• Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

If you have been to an exposure site, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills or sweats, or change in sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately. Find out where to get tested HERE.

While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you must get tested and stay home.

Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.

Click HERE to view all COVID resources, including the Baseball Victoria Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan.

We encourage our members to stay connected and prioritise their mental health. Please view mental health resources on our website HERE, including information from Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Lifeline and R U OK?

To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.

The Victorian Government has confirmed the city of Ballarat will exit lockdown as planned at 11:59pm on Wednesday 22 September. With these changes, Ballarat will move to the COVIDSafe settings it was under before the lockdown, with no reasons required to leave the home and no limit on travel throughout regional Victoria. Limited outdoor community sports training will also resume.

From 11:59pm tonight, VSBL club Ballarat Royals can return to training with the minimum number required to train. Spectators are prohibited except one parent permitted to supervise children. All players must complete the return to training registration for regional Victoria, and the club must maintain an attendance register and COVID-19 restriction compliance documentation.

As a reminder, the lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong, the Surf Coast, and Mitchell Shire include:

• Six reasons to leave home:
  • shopping for necessary goods and services (within 10km radius of home unless not available within)
  • four hours of exercise (within 10km radius of home unless not available within, and with only one other person)
  • caregiving/compassionate/medical reasons
  • authorised work or permitted education – with valid permit only
  • getting the coronavirus vaccine
  • outdoor social interaction (picnic, walk, or other outdoor activity) with another person not from your household. Up to five adults (plus dependents) from two households may gather outdoors if all adults are fully vaccinated.
• No public or private gatherings other than for permitted outdoor social interaction
• Two people may train outdoors with a personal trainer
• No community sport
• Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors unless an exemption applies
• Daily curfew from 9pm – 5am (metropolitan Melbourne only)

“We are pleased to see lockdown lifting in Ballarat and look forward to further clarification from the Victorian Government on the state’s reopening roadmap,” Baseball Victoria Interim CEO Gemma Scales said. “We continue to consult with stakeholders and communicate with VSBL clubs ahead of the summer season as we prepare to get back on the field when it’s safe to do so.”

Read the latest update from the Victorian Government HERE.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for all Victorians aged 12 years and over. Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are safe, free, and very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19.

Click HERE to book your vaccine appointment.

It remains very important that Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.

To stop the spread, everyone should check this list of exposure sites and follow these instructions:

• Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

If you have been to an exposure site, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills or sweats, or change in sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately. Find out where to get tested HERE.

While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you must get tested and stay home.

Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.

Click HERE to view all COVID resources, including the Baseball Victoria Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan.

We encourage our members to stay connected and prioritise their mental health. Please view mental health resources on our website HERE, including information from Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Lifeline and R U OK?

To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.

The Victorian Government released its roadmap to reopening and delivering the National Plan today, providing an outline on the easing of restrictions in the coming weeks and months.

Baseball Victoria is currently working through what this reopening roadmap means for the start of the 2021/22 Victorian Summer Baseball League season. The plan outlines several key milestones with the easing of restrictions on community sport dependent on when Victoria reaches its 70 and 80 percent fully vaccinated targets.

Baseball Victoria is seeking further clarification to confirm the roadmap restrictions and how they will apply to a return to training and competition for grassroots baseball. We are expecting further clarity following a community sport update from Sport and Recreation Victoria scheduled for Tuesday 21 September 2021. These clarifications will guide updates to the Baseball Victoria Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan, and we will provide updates to VSBL clubs and members accordingly, including planned season start dates as we draw closer.

In addition to the roadmap announcements, the Chief Health Officer declared the City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, and Mitchell Shire will enter a seven-day lockdown commencing at 11:59pm on Sunday 19 September, with the same restrictions as metropolitan Melbourne and the City of Ballarat, excluding the curfew. This means the previously announced return to training for Geelong Baycats and Mitchell Majors VSBL clubs will cease for the duration of the lockdown, set to last for seven days through 11:59pm on Sunday 26 September.

“It’s great to see Victoria’s Roadmap as we plan for the easing of restrictions to support our return to community sport,” Baseball Victoria Interim CEO Gemma Scales said. “We acknowledge the challenges of continued lockdown but we hope our baseballers are looking forward to the summer season as open up and get back on the diamond safely.”

As a reminder, the lockdown restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and parts of regional Victoria are:

• Six reasons to leave home:
  • shopping for necessary goods and services (within 10km radius of home unless not available within)
  • four hours of exercise (within 10km radius of home unless not available within, and with only one other person)
  • caregiving/compassionate/medical reasons
  • authorised work or permitted education – with valid permit only
  • getting the coronavirus vaccine
  • outdoor social interaction (picnic, walk, or other outdoor activity) with another person not from your household. Up to five adults (plus dependents) from two households may gather outdoors if all adults are fully vaccinated.
• No public or private gatherings other than for permitted outdoor social interaction
• Two people may train outdoors with a personal trainer
• No community sport
• Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors unless an exemption applies
• Daily curfew from 9pm – 5am (metropolitan Melbourne only)

Full details on the latest Victorian Government announcements are available HERE.

Click HERE for information on the lockdown of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, and Mitchell Shire.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for all Victorians aged 12 years and over. Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are safe, free, and very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19.

Click HERE to book your vaccine appointment.

It remains very important that Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.

To stop the spread, everyone should check this list of exposure sites and follow these instructions:

• Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

If you have been to an exposure site, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills or sweats, or change in sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately. Find out where to get tested HERE.

While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you must get tested and stay home.

Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions and click HERE to view all COVID resources.

We encourage our members to stay connected and prioritise their mental health. Please view mental health resources on our website HERE, including information from Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Lifeline and R U OK?

To view more resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.

The Victorian Government confirmed a slight easing of lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Ballarat after the state reached its 70 percent first dose vaccination target. These modest changes come into effect from 11.59pm on Friday 17 September and include expanding outdoor social interaction, exercise, the distance you can travel from home and more.

There are no changes to community sport, as all activity in lockdown areas remains cancelled. Baseball Victoria continues to closely monitor the situation and expects further clarification on Sunday with announcements on the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening, outlining vaccination targets and restrictions through to November.

From 11:59pm tonight, the lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Ballarat will be:

• Six reasons to leave home:
  • shopping for necessary goods and services (within 10km radius of home unless not available within)
  • four hours of exercise (within 10km radius of home unless not available within, and with only one other person)
  • caregiving/compassionate/medical reasons
  • authorised work or permitted education – with valid permit only
  • getting the coronavirus vaccine
  • outdoor social interaction (picnic, walk, or other outdoor activity) with another person not from your household. Up to five adults (plus dependents) from two households may gather outdoors if all adults are fully vaccinated.
• No public or private gatherings other than for permitted outdoor social interaction
• Two people may train outdoors with a personal trainer
• No community sport
• Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors unless an exemption applies
• Daily curfew from 9pm – 5am (metropolitan Melbourne only)

As VSBL clubs in regional Victoria (apart from Ballarat), Geelong Baycats and Mitchell Majors may participate in community sport outdoor training only with the minimum number required to train. Spectators are prohibited except one parent permitted to supervise children. All players from these clubs will be required to complete the return to training registration for regional Victoria, and all clubs must maintain an attendance register and COVID-19 restriction compliance documentation.

“It’s great to see the slight easing of restrictions for Victorians in lockdown as we focus on the health and safety of our Victorian baseball community,” Baseball Victoria Interim CEO Gemma Scales said. “We continue to consult with stakeholders and update VSBL clubs ahead of the summer season, and we are excited to get back to baseball when it’s safe to do so.”

Full details on the latest Victorian Government announcements are available HERE.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for all Victorians aged 16 years and over. Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are safe, free, and very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19.

Click HERE to book your vaccine appointment.

It remains very important that Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.

To stop the spread, everyone should check this list of exposure sites and follow these instructions:

• Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

If you have been to an exposure site, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills or sweats, or change in sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately. Find out where to get tested HERE.

While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you must get tested and stay home.

Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.

Click HERE to view all COVID resources, including the Baseball Victoria Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan.

We encourage our members to stay connected and prioritise their mental health. Please view mental health resources on our website HERE, including information from Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Lifeline and R U OK?

To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.

The Victorian Government confirmed the city of Ballarat will go back into lockdown following a growing COVID-19 cluster. The lockdown restrictions for Ballarat will come into effect at 11:59pm on Wednesday 15 September and last for seven days at this stage, until 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 September. This change affects VSBL club Ballarat Royals, which will no longer be allowed to train as part of the regional Victoria return to training.

As a reminder, the lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Ballarat include:

• Only five reasons to leave home:
  • shopping for necessary goods and services (within 5km radius of home unless not available within)
  • two hours of exercise (within 5km radius of home unless not available within, and with only one other person)
  • caregiving/compassionate/medical reasons
  • authorised work or permitted education – with valid permit only
  • getting the coronavirus vaccine
• No public or private gatherings
• No community sport
• Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors unless an exemption applies
• Daily curfew from 9pm – 5am (metropolitan Melbourne only)

For the rest of regional Victoria, including VSBL clubs Geelong Baycats and Mitchell Majors, community sport is permitted for outdoor training only with the minimum number required to train. Spectators are prohibited except one parent permitted to supervise children. All players from these clubs will be required to complete the return to training registration for regional Victoria, and all clubs must maintain an attendance register and COVID-19 restriction compliance documentation.

Baseball Victoria continues to closely monitor this changing landscape to provide regular updates to VSBL clubs about the start of the summer season. We are expecting further clarification in the coming days as the Victorian Government finalises a roadmap to reopening.

“We understand the challenges of continued lockdown and uncertainty in many parts of our state, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our Victorian baseball community,” Baseball Victoria Interim CEO Gemma Scales said. “We continue to consult with stakeholders and update VSBL clubs ahead of the summer season as we look forward to getting back on the diamond when it’s safe to do so.”

Full details on the latest Victorian Government announcements are available HERE.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for all Victorians aged 16 years and over. Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are safe, free, and very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life from COVID-19.

Click HERE to book your vaccine appointment.

It remains very important that Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.

To stop the spread, everyone should check this list of exposure sites and follow these instructions:

• Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during times listed should urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Anyone who has visited a Tier 3 exposure site during times listed should monitor for symptoms - If symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result.

If you have been to an exposure site, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills or sweats, or change in sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately. Find out where to get tested HERE.

While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can stay safe by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you must get tested and stay home.

Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.

Click HERE to view all COVID resources, including the Baseball Victoria Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan.

We encourage our members to stay connected and prioritise their mental health. Please view mental health resources on our website HERE, including information from Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Helpline, Lifeline and R U OK?

To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.

Jack Hanger has enjoyed his time with Baseball Victoria Aces Academy, Malvern Braves, and North Balwyn Stingers, but now he's ready to play baseball at West Hills Community College in Coalinga, California.

Learning from the likes of Damian Shanahan, Neil Burke, and Phil Dale, Hanger has been working hard to prepare for the next chapter.

"I've been practicing five days a week and going to the gym when I can in order to get bigger and stronger to be able to compete," Hanger said. "I'm most excited to meet new people and experience baseball in a country where it is more popular and well-known."

While he knows there is a lot to miss about home, he has plenty of people supporting him and role models to look up to.

"I will miss my family and friends especially from around the baseball club as those are the people who have helped me grow into the player I am today," Hanger said. "I look up to Chris Burke who is a Phillies prospect and who I have played summer ball with as I admire how hard he has worked to get where he is today."

In addition to regular training, Hanger has noticed a definite improvement through sports and conditioning.

"Lifting has kept me strong and healthy in order to condition my body to adapt to harder and longer training sessions."

Hanger hopes more players who wish to play at a higher level can make it there.

"The harder you work the better you will become, so listen to the people around you as they only want to help you improve," he said. "Also the best hitters in the MLB succeed 3 out of 10 times so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and improve on them for next time."

Conor Myles has loved his baseball journey so far, from playing with his beloved Cheltenham Rustlers to training with Baseball Victoria Aces Academy. He even earned U18 Most Valuable Player and Hitting Champion honors as part of Victoria Blue at the 2019 Australian Youth Championship.

After taking out a national title with his fellow Victorian State Team reps, winning a VSBL Division 2 Premiership with Cheltenham, and donning the green and gold for Team Australia's U18 World Cup run in 2018, Myles is ready for the next chapter: college baseball at Odessa Community College in Texas.

"I’m most excited about being able to swing tin bats again and meeting new people and new cultures around the sport," Myles said.

A strict regime of daily baseball training, gym sessions, and bullpens/longtoss has helped him prepare for the next level of play, with lifting also making a big difference in his sports and conditioning development.

"Lifting has helped a huge amount," Myles said. "Not only does it help develop a stronger swing making you hit the ball further and throw harder, it is also a massive conditioning help allowing the body to endure maximum intent for a longer duration with less injury chance."

There's been no shortage of inspiring players to help him along the way, from his first few seasons all the way to playing on the national and even international stage.

"Players I look up to would have to be guys like Darryl George," Myles said. "Being able to hang around the Aces dugout helped me learn so much mentally about the game that I didn’t even realise before and greatly benefited me and my career."

Although he knows he will miss his family, friends, and club community, it will be worth it. His advice for players who want to go on to college baseball is to work as hard as possible while still enjoying every opportunity.

"If you think you’re working hard, just know that there will always be someone working harder than you," Myles said. "It may not be anyone from Australia, but once you cross the border into international baseball it’s a completely different ballgame."