Baseball Victoria has considered the federal update on the three-step framework for a COVID-Safe Australia as well as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcements regarding the easing of restrictions across the state.
Baseball Victoria has worked diligently to obtain the necessary information from the Victorian Government and applicable authorities to move forward with organised baseball activity, and we are pleased to share the following changes:
- We have altered our timeline for the shutdown of all baseball activity in accordance with the Victorian Government’s changes to restrictions. Previously scheduled to last through 31 May, our shutdown measures have been adjusted to allow for the recommencement of training at a baseball club with up to 10 athletes and two coaches, starting from 9:00 am on Monday, 25 May 2020.
- These changes apply to on-field training only. Use of clubrooms, changerooms, showers and batting cages are not allowed. The only indoor club facilities that may be used are toilets.
- Clubs will need to assist with hygiene measures to return to on-field training.
- All clubs must adhere to the maximum of 10 athletes and two coaching staff per training group.
- There can be two groups on the field, one in the diamond and one in the outfield with approximately 20 metres in between them. Each group may have 10 athletes with two coaching staff; however, the groups may not swap over at any time and need to remain in their section for the entire training session.
- Groundskeepers, parents and other club members may not be on the field during training, otherwise they will count toward the maximum number of people.
- All athletes and coaches must use hand sanitiser before, during and after training. Hand sanitiser must be reapplied every 20 minutes during training.
- Clubs will only have access to the field and toilets. Parents will be able to attend training with children in limited numbers while maintaining social distancing.
- All training will be conducted so that there is no personal contact and appropriate space between participants.
- All players, coaches and committee members will need to register with SportsTG to Return to Activity. Click HERE for Winter Return to Activity Registration by club.
- Non-essential baseball activity other than training in groups of up to 10 people is still shut down until at least 31 May 2020. Committee meetings and non-essential small gatherings are not permitted.
- Letters of Intent and Clearances/Transfers will recommence from 9:00 am on Monday, 25 May 2020.
- We have prepared a list of frequently asked questions in relation to this kind of training. Click HERE for the list of frequently asked questions.
“Victorians have been working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we understand this has been a challenging time for everyone, including our Victorian baseball community,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “While we welcome a slight easing of restrictions, we must remain vigilant and follow all guidelines, including social distancing and personal hygiene measures.”
Baseball Victoria has prepared a Return to Activity/Play Plan to assist baseball clubs throughout this transition. Click HERE to view the guidelines and other club resources.
Baseball Victoria has also added a Ramp Up to Play: Drills and Exercises Program to our website and BV TV YouTube channel to prepare athletes for a return to activity and play.
Baseball Victoria will continue to review how long these training options will be available before we return to competition play, and we are working with the winter associations to establish how the winter season could be moved into shorter timeframes and what the associated costs would be.
Baseball Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and consult with State and Federal Governments, Baseball Australia and our state and territory counterparts to establish the safest strategy for returning to baseball play.
If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.
As a reminder, the COVIDSafe app is now available and will allow authorities to quickly track and control the spread of COVID-19. Please consider downloading the app to help save lives, protect the community and get baseball back as soon as possible. Click HERE to learn more.
For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.
All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.