Following announcements made by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews this morning on the easing of Stage Three restrictions in regional Victoria, Baseball Victoria acknowledges that a return to baseball training is likely to commence next week for three VSBL clubs in regional Victoria: Ballarat Royals, Geelong Baycats and Mitchell Majors.
Baseball Victoria is currently seeking additional clarification from Sport and Recreation Victoria to confirm the details, however based on the Premier’s announcements, from 11:59 PM tomorrow, 16 September 2020, outdoor contact and non-contact sport will begin for regional Victorians aged 18 and under, as well as outdoor non-contact sport for adults.
Baseball Victoria will not commence any activities until Tuesday, 22 September 2020 subject to updates from Sport and Recreation Victoria.
This ability to train will only apply to the Ballarat Royals, Geelong Baycats and Mitchell Majors as clubs participating in the Victorian Summer Baseball League.
All players from these three 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.
Registration and return to play documents will be confirmed directly with these clubs and registered players for these clubs, subject to the updates from Sport and Recreation Victoria.
“The progress made in regional Victoria is welcome news and we are pleased to confirm our regional VSBL clubs may return to training in the coming weeks under Victorian Government guidelines and restrictions,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We continue to make small steps toward a COVID normal, and we are committed to getting players back on the diamond when it is safe and possible to do so. The health and safety of our Victorian baseball community remains our top priority.”
Baseball Victoria will provide further clarifications on the easing of restrictions in regional Victoria and the plans for metropolitan Melbourne accordingly in line with updates from the Victorian Government.
Baseball Victoria is considering how clubs that traditionally play in winter, whom have been unable to conduct a season of baseball, might be able to participate in a division of the Victorian Summer Baseball League for regional Victoria or how they might join the Victorian Summer Baseball League.
Click HERE to read the Premier’s full statement on the easing of restrictions in regional Victoria.
Please view the Baseball Victoria COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions HERE for details on current restrictions for baseball activity as well as COVID-19 health questions, face masks and much more.
Click HERE for the Baseball Victoria COVID-19 Club Resources page.
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, including healthy hygiene, social distancing and face masks, 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.
If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.