International Players
INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS AND COMPETITION
In August 2024, the WBSC announced the implementation of the new Athlete Transfer Rules, which came into effect from 1 January 2025. The Athlete Transfer Rules will help create a level playing field regarding transfers across the World Baseball Softball Confederation's (WBSC) jurisdiction and protect the global system, applying to all athletes aged 18 or older.
An ITC is required for all transfers between clubs affiliated with different National Federations. For transfers between National Federations (NFs) within the same continent, the Continental Association (CA) usually handles the process. For transfers involving NFs from different continents, the WBSC will issue the certificate. The National Federation must approve the transfer, confirming that there are no ongoing sanctions, disciplinary proceedings, or unresolved economic disputes involving the athlete. Without this approval, the ITC cannot be issued. Communication and processing with the WBSC or WBSC CA must occur through the National Federation; clubs should not contact the WBSC directly.
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PLAYERS ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND - inclusive of athletes returning to local competition to play - must complete / provide their receiving club and association with the following before arriving in New Zealand.
Once the WBSC has authorized the transfer, and received payment (if applicable), only then will the athlete be cleared to compete in Local/Regional competition within New Zealand. Please note that ALL athlete transfers need to come to Softball New Zealand from the association and should not come from clubs directly. The reason for this being that while the World Baseball Softball Confederation ITC system does not require sign-off from an association - as many Federations to not operate the same way as Softball New Zealand - we are requesting this to ensure there are no ongoing sanctions or disciplinary proceedings for the athlete.
** The issuance of the ITC is conditional upon the New Club paying the fees set by the WBSC Executive Board. After proof of payment of the required fees, the competent authority will issue the ITC.
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PLAYERS LEAVING NEW ZEALAND to play in another country (either permanently or for a specified period) must complete / provide their association with the following before departing New Zealand.
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SHORT TERM ARRIVALS / DEPARTURES for athletes either (i) arriving in New Zealand or (ii) departing New Zealand play in another country for a less than 31-Days (i.e Tournaments) - these athletes have an exemption from payment under Article 10.3.1 of the Athlete Transfer Rules. To complete a short-term transfer, you must provide Softball New Zealand with the following;
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please click HERE to for access to Frequently Asked Questions document around the International Clearance Certificate, including details on payment. Please be aware that this fee must be paid each time an Athlete has to make a transfer between continents and/or countries. Below are some quick guides to the process of the International Transfer certificate:
In August 2024, the WBSC announced the implementation of the new Athlete Transfer Rules, which came into effect from 1 January 2025. The Athlete Transfer Rules will help create a level playing field regarding transfers across the World Baseball Softball Confederation's (WBSC) jurisdiction and protect the global system, applying to all athletes aged 18 or older.
An ITC is required for all transfers between clubs affiliated with different National Federations. For transfers between National Federations (NFs) within the same continent, the Continental Association (CA) usually handles the process. For transfers involving NFs from different continents, the WBSC will issue the certificate. The National Federation must approve the transfer, confirming that there are no ongoing sanctions, disciplinary proceedings, or unresolved economic disputes involving the athlete. Without this approval, the ITC cannot be issued. Communication and processing with the WBSC or WBSC CA must occur through the National Federation; clubs should not contact the WBSC directly.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAYERS ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND - inclusive of athletes returning to local competition to play - must complete / provide their receiving club and association with the following before arriving in New Zealand.
- Copy of the Athlete's Passport
- An Information Form for ITC
This needs to be signed by the athlete, their sending club, their receiving clubs and their National Federation before being presented to Softball New Zealand. - If travelling from Australia only; an Australian Permit to Play Overseas is also required.
- Proof of Payment (if transferring for over 31 days)**
Once the WBSC has authorized the transfer, and received payment (if applicable), only then will the athlete be cleared to compete in Local/Regional competition within New Zealand. Please note that ALL athlete transfers need to come to Softball New Zealand from the association and should not come from clubs directly. The reason for this being that while the World Baseball Softball Confederation ITC system does not require sign-off from an association - as many Federations to not operate the same way as Softball New Zealand - we are requesting this to ensure there are no ongoing sanctions or disciplinary proceedings for the athlete.
** The issuance of the ITC is conditional upon the New Club paying the fees set by the WBSC Executive Board. After proof of payment of the required fees, the competent authority will issue the ITC.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAYERS LEAVING NEW ZEALAND to play in another country (either permanently or for a specified period) must complete / provide their association with the following before departing New Zealand.
- Copy of the Athlete's Passport
- An Information Form for ITC
This needs to be signed by the athlete and their sending NZ club before being sent by their registered association to Softball New Zealand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SHORT TERM ARRIVALS / DEPARTURES for athletes either (i) arriving in New Zealand or (ii) departing New Zealand play in another country for a less than 31-Days (i.e Tournaments) - these athletes have an exemption from payment under Article 10.3.1 of the Athlete Transfer Rules. To complete a short-term transfer, you must provide Softball New Zealand with the following;
- Copy of the Athlete's Passport
- An Information Form for ITC, signed by the athlete and their club
- If travelling to Australia only; an Australian Permit Application
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please click HERE to for access to Frequently Asked Questions document around the International Clearance Certificate, including details on payment. Please be aware that this fee must be paid each time an Athlete has to make a transfer between continents and/or countries. Below are some quick guides to the process of the International Transfer certificate:
- Oceania Transfer Cost: $100 USD (New reduced fee)
- International Transfer Cost: $200 USD (New reduced Fee)
- An ITC is not required for athletes under 18 years of age
- The cost does not apply to athletes transferring for 31 days or less (i.e tournaments)