Following a week of no coronavirus cases, the Victorian Government announced the further easing of restrictions to bring metropolitan Melbourne in line with regional Victoria from 11:59pm on Thursday 8 July 2021. These changes include increased density limits and the easing of mask requirements in schools or workplaces that are not public-facing.
For community sport, a density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm will apply when using a COVID Check-in Marshal, otherwise a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. Community sport remains open for all ages both training and competition within these venue limits and subject to all COVIDSafe settings.
The Victorian Government has provided this Table of Restrictions from 11:59pm on Thursday 8 July 2021 which defines the changes to the statewide settings.
Click HERE for the full statement from the Victorian Government.
Please click HERE for details on additional testing and quarantine requirements for Victorians returning from interstate travel.
Click HERE to view our Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan.
All Victorians should monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.
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.
The Victorian vaccination program is now open to all Victorians over the age of 40 as well as select priority groups. 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 read more about vaccine information and how to sign up for your vaccine appointment.
While Victoria continues to vaccinate the population, 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.
For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.
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.
Baseball Victoria acknowledges #NAIDOCWeek from 4-11 July 2021. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s theme, Heal Country, calls for the protection of lands, sacred sites, and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from desecration and exploitation.
Click HERE to learn more.
Also check out tips to stay COVIDSafe this NAIDOC week HERE and tips for how to get involved HERE.
The Victorian Government has updated travel restrictions for Victorians returning home from red zones throughout the country. Interstate travel is heavily impacted at this time due to ongoing outbreaks and lockdown restrictions in many parts of the country, and Baseball Victoria encourages members to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
As a reminder, it is your responsibility to acknowledge and adhere to travel restrictions. If you return from interstate travel and must quarantine/self-isolate and get tested, you are not permitted to attend baseball training or activity of any kind until the quarantine period and requirements have been met.
If you are a Victorian resident and have been in a red zone (other than for transit), you can obtain a red zone permit to enter Victoria – but you will be required to quarantine at home for 14 days. Non-Victorian residents who have been in a red zone (other than for transit) cannot obtain permits to enter Victoria.
All arrivals into Victoria must apply for a travel permit at the Service Victoria website even if you are entering from a green zone. Find exemptions and exceptions HERE.
For the full details on interstate travel into and out of Victoria, click HERE.
Click HERE to read the latest COVID updates from Baseball Victoria.
To view COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
Tony Schibeci and Kay Ferguson are stepping down from their roles as president and secretary of Twins Baseball Charter following many years of service, which included the successful merger of the Northern Diamondbacks and Western Mets to create the Twins in 2015.
As president of the Diamondbacks and Twins charter for six years, Schibeci says it has been an honour to serve young players and baseball clubs as the sport grows across the western and northern suburbs.
“The highlight of my time as President of the Twins has been watching so many young baseballers get the opportunity to represent their charter at the highest level at national championships,” Schibeci said. “Winning our first state title under the Twins by our Senior League at Geelong was amazing.”
“Also, watching the number of charter players who just love to wear their Twins gear at their local clubs while the seniors are playing is fantastic to see. Everyone who puts on the black and orange Twins colours is very proud to do so and it’s nice to know that all the work we did to get the Twins up and running has been worth it.”
Schibeci acknowledges that it was never going to be easy to merge the Northern Diamondbacks and the Western Mets, and the first few years proved challenging. The charter committee had to navigate distances between clubs and varying preferences on game times, locations, and charter boundaries, but persistence prevailed as the charter grew in numbers and strength.
“I'm really happy that we leave the charter in a very happy place,” Schibeci said. “Our JL team won the silver medal at nationals this year while our other teams have shown that they are extremely competitive against some of the great charters in Australia. I can only hope that the administrators who take control of this charter in the future continue to work hard with the clubs to ensure they are fully on board with the charter activities and provide kids the chance to play with the best players and be coached by the best coaches.”
Schibeci wants Twins players to be given every opportunity to show their amazing talents on the highest stage, and outgoing secretary Kay Ferguson agrees. Together they acknowledge all the behind-the-scenes support from the rest of the committee, including tournament coordinator Kirsty Davis and treasurer Gaele Kirk, as well as club representatives and parents.
“There are fantastic people in all our charters and I have learned a lot about baseball, committees, clubs, and just how to work and address issues with a range of different people and perspectives,” Ferguson said. “These connections were also a great help in my role as the junior coordinator at Essendon.”
“At our first meeting I think we were all there firstly as a club person and secondly as either a Northern Diamondbacks or Western Mets person, and so the emergence of the Twins Charter has been challenging along the way but also extremely exciting as we learned to trust each other and work together for a common goal. This merger was absolutely necessary and has definitely supported the growth of baseball and development of players across our charter.”
Ferguson also highlights the introduction of Intermediate League over the last two seasons and looks forward to seeing the charter competitions grow further.
“Our charter is certainly much stronger than when we started thanks to the hard work of a lot of people,” Ferguson added. “Like Tony, I am proud to be leaving the charter in this position and look forward to seeing the charter continue its development.”
The pair’s last duties as president and secretary will be to schedule and chair the Twins Formation meeting for the 2021/22 season and hand over to the new office bearers.
Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the updated event calendar for the 2021 State Winter Championships.
17-18 July Under 12 State Winter Championships Morwell
24-25 July Under 14 State Winter Championships Bendigo
31 July - 1 August Under 16 State Winter Championships Sale
7-8 August Under 18 State Winter Championships Werribee
These dates have been decided by the winter associations to ensure they have enough time to finalise team entries and select appropriate teams.
“In light of ongoing COVID developments and restrictions, we have been working across multiple stakeholders to update the plans for the 2021 State Winter Championships,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We thank everyone for their input and assistance in bringing these events together, and we look forward to exciting championships for the Victorian baseball community this winter.”
Please click HERE for more information, including roster submissions, player/official forms, frequently asked questions, and the event handbook.
Following the Victorian Government’s announcements today, Baseball Victoria is planning for the further easing of restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne from 11:59pm on Thursday 24 June 2021.
The upcoming changes to restrictions from 11:59pm tomorrow include:
- Players, parents, and spectators can attend outdoor community sport within the total cap of 1,000 people.
- Private visitors to the home increase to 15 and up to 50 people can gather outside in a public place like a park.
- Density limits increased in public settings including workplaces and restaurants, with masks still required indoors.
Community sport remains open for all ages both training and competition, within venue limits and subject to all COVIDSafe settings.
The Victorian Government has provided this Table of Restrictions from 11:59pm on Thursday 24 June 2021 which defines the changes for regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.
Baseball Victoria will provide further details to winter associations regarding our continued return to training and play, including an updated COVIDSafe Plan.
“It’s great to see the further easing of restrictions in Victoria following the efforts of everyone across the state to protect the community and stop the spread,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We remain committed to participant safety and will continue working with the Victorian Government and our stakeholders to ensure a safe return to activity and play for our baseballers.”
Click HERE for the full statement from the Victorian Government.
Additional testing and quarantine requirements are now in place for Victorians returning from seven red zone areas in NSW. Please click HERE for details.
Baseball Victoria has updated our Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan as it relates to today’s announcements. Click HERE to view.
All Victorians should monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.
To stop the spread and help us stay open, everyone should check this list of exposure sites, which is regularly updated by the Victorian Government, 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.
The Victorian vaccination program is now open to all Victorians over the age of 40 as well as select priority groups. 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 read more about vaccine information and how to sign up for your vaccine appointment.
While Victoria continues to vaccinate the population, 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.
For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.
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.
Blackburn Orioles Baseball Club announced the new committee for the 2020/21 VSBL season following the club’s AGM last week, with females heading up the junior and senior clubs for the first time in club history.
Five of the 12 committee members are women, with Brooke Tierney stepping into the role of club president, following in the footsteps of Russell Hodgson who spent three years at the helm as the Orioles won back-to-back Division 1 premierships and a club championship.
Patrick White will take over as secretary while David Gow will remain as club treasurer. Tannealle Marshall and Louise Godden have come on board, sharing the junior presidents role.
President Brooke Tierney says she is excited to take on the new role two years after she first joined the committee. “I didn't know how I could help, but I very much had the view that you can complain all you want, but unless you are willing to put your hand up to help drive change and get stuff done, then you are part of the problem,” Tierney said.
“I’ve got some big boots to fill so I am both frightened and excited. I know little about the actual game of baseball. I was terrible when I played, being more interested in my outfits to and from the game, so I wasn’t sure what I could bring to the president’s role after a very successful 20 years under the likes of Bruce Dicker and more recently Slugga. But I was reminded quickly that this job isn’t about baseball and it's more about people leadership and commercial nous so, with my work experience, I felt like I could add some value.”
“I have pretty high expectations of people and their attitudes, and I don’t cope well with egos or a lack of personal accountability. I absolutely believe the standard you walk past is the standard you set and that’s something I hope I can bring to the committee and the wider club.”
For Tierney, having more women on the committee is not about men vs. women, but more about having diverse thinking and skillsets. “As a club, we needed to shift the ‘we don’t do it that way’ narrative to bring about openness and willingness to change and talk about new ideas. That shift has nothing to do with being male or female, it has everything to do with the diversity of thought.”
“Over the past 12 months, a few of us had been talking about how a committee stays relevant in today’s sporting landscape and how we needed to move beyond a committee full of older baseball dudes. The passion and experience of the stalwarts are critical to all clubs, especially Blackburn, but to have Louise Godden and Tanneale Marshall come on board to run the junior club as well as Brooke Della and Sasha Hansen, we have a new level of relevance and relatability to our member base. And that makes it a very exciting time.”
While the club has had great contributions and leadership from women committee members over the years, including Lyn Troy and Jacquie Bright, this is the first time Blackburn has had the junior and senior president roles led by women.
“We are helping set the agenda instead of being expected to type it up and that is so important to our sport and life in general,” Tierney said. “Women aren’t any better or worse but offer a different perspective and mindset that can only make teams stronger. I am personally pretty proud of where the club sits today - women leading the committee and it not even being something we need to talk about.”
Looking ahead to the future, the club is eager to follow up on the continued success at the senior level by focusing on increasing junior numbers and community engagement. “With a new junior committee in place and a few new programs to roll out, we are working to improve our offer both on and off-field,” Tierney added.
“As a club, we want to support the growth of the game and player participation at Blackburn with a focus on great people first and great baseball second. This supports our Club Coach David Tierney's firm belief that the focus moving forward should be about creating better men and women first and better baseballers and baseball will follow. We know as a club we are part of shaping these young kids, and sometimes older men and women, so we will continue to offer leadership and mental health programs to all our members. We started these programs across both seniors and juniors a few years ago and it’s something we are very proud of.”
Making memories with good mates in a safe, welcoming environment is what Blackburn is all about. “Blackburn is family. For all the highs and lows that come with family, whether we like it or not, you are part of something much bigger than what happens on a weekend,” Tierney said. “Our culture is everything to us as well as sustained success across all grades, so providing an environment for players and members to achieve and win is a major foundation in our success.”
Following the Victorian Government’s announcements today, Baseball Victoria is planning for the further easing of restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne from 11:59pm on Thursday 17 June 2021.
The upcoming changes to restrictions from 11:59pm tomorrow include:
- 25km travel radius removed, allowing for travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
- Masks must be worn indoors except if at home, or if an exception applies, and masks are recommended to be worn outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Density limits increased in public settings including workplaces and restaurants.
- Community sport open for all ages both training and competition, limited to the minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity (players and coaches) and within venue limits.
- Spectators are allowed within venue limits in regional Victoria, while no spectators are allowed in metropolitan Melbourne, other than people necessary for events.
Training and competition across all age groups can return, with confirmation that winter associations can return to competition this weekend. Density limits and restrictions still apply for facilities at our diamonds and all clubs will need to meet these requirements as part of their return to play.
The Victorian Government has provided this Table of Restrictions from 11:59pm on Thursday 17 June 2021 which defines the changes for regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.
Baseball Victoria will provide further details to winter associations regarding the return to training and play, including an updated COVDSafe Plan.
“We are pleased to hear about the further easing of restrictions, and we are looking forward to returning to more baseball activity across our state,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “Participant safety remains our top priority and we will continue working with the Victorian Government and our stakeholders to ensure a safe sporting experience for our baseball community.”
Click HERE for the full statement from the Victorian Government.
Baseball Victoria is in the process of updating our Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan as it relates to today’s announcements. The updated version will be available HERE shortly.
It remains extremely important that all Victorians monitor for symptoms, get tested, and get vaccinated when eligible.
To stop the spread and help us stay open, everyone should check this list of exposure sites, which is regularly updated by the Victorian Government, 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.
The Victorian vaccination program is now open to all Victorians over the age of 40 as well as select priority groups. 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 read more about vaccine information and how to sign up for your vaccine appointment.
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.
For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.
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.
Lockdown restrictions will ease in metropolitan Melbourne from 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June 2021, with one small change. Melbourne residents will need to continue wearing masks in all outdoor settings after lockdown eases, as well as indoors at all times.
Once lockdown is lifted in metropolitan Melbourne, the restrictions will be:
- 25km travel radius from place of primary residence, which means people in metropolitan Melbourne cannot travel to regional Victoria over the long weekend.
- Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors at all times.
- Density limits in public settings including workplaces and restaurants.
- Community sport: training only, no competition permitted and 25km limit applies. Limited to the number required to participate in and facilitate activity.
In metropolitan Melbourne, participants will not be able to train if that training is conducted more than 25km from their primary residence. Each of the metropolitan winter associations will provide an update on their training recommencement.
In regional Victoria, community sport will be open for all ages both training and competition, without travel into metropolitan Melbourne and within venue caps.
The Victorian Government has provided this Table of Restrictions from 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June 2021 which defines the changes for regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. Click HERE for the full Baseball Victoria update on the easing of restrictions.
Baseball Victoria will provide further details to the winter associations as they are confirmed by the government regarding the limited return to training in metropolitan Melbourne and the return to training and play in regional Victoria.
Click HERE for the Victorian Government's official coronavirus updates.
The updated Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan and more resources are available HERE.
As Victoria continues to navigate this COVID situation, it’s 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, which is regularly updated by the Victorian Government, 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.
The Victorian vaccination program is now open to all Victorians over the age of 40 as well as select priority groups. 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 read more about vaccine information and how to sign up for your vaccine appointment.
While Victoria works to get more people vaccinated, you can 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.
For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.
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.