WBSC International Athlete Transfers

New WBSC Athlete Transfer Rules came into force on January 1, 2025. The rules will apply only to transfers occurring on or after this date. We have put together some Frequently Asked Questions to assist clubs and associations to navigate the new rules.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who requires the new International Transfer Certificate? What level, and competitions, would it apply to?

The ITC is required for all transfers between clubs affiliated with different National Federations (NFs). If the transfer is between NFs within the same continent, the Continental Association (CA) shall normally handle the process. If the transfer involves NFs from different continents, the WBSC will issue the certificate.

The ITC does not apply to WBSC Associated members or athletes under the age of 18.

2. What permits are required for athletes who have come from the US College system?

Under the WBSC Athlete Transfer Rules, there is no formal transfer required however the WBSC have advised that it is best practice to confirm the athlete status and enter them into the WBSC Athlete Management System.

Softball Australia requires all clubs with international athletes who have come from the College System in the USA to provide the following details for each athlete so their status can be confirmed and players can be registered into the WBSC Athlete Management System for the purpose of future transfers to other National Federations.

Legal Name (as would appear on passport)
Legal Surname (as would appear on passport)
Date of Birth
Please of Birth (as would appear on passport)
Biological Gender
Nationality

Softball Australia will then confirm with USA Softball as to the status of that athlete to ensure no transfer is required.

3. Who is responsible for initiating the Permit?

The receiving club is responsible for initiating the process and gathering the required documentation and paying any fee which may be required.

4. How is the request submitted?

Once the recieving club has collected all the required documentation, it should be submitted to their national federation for submission to the WBSC Athlete Management System.

For transfers of athletes into Australia, this needs to be emailed to enquiries@softball.org.au at least 15 business days prior to the start date of the transfer. Athletes will not be able to participate until the transfer has been approved and fees paid.

5. How long do you envisage the issuance of permits to take?

The WBSC has advised that it may take at least seven (7) business days provided the request is complete.

6. What documentation will be required and what format will it be in?

In the table below, Incoming transfers refers to athletes looking to transfer to a club, team or association in Australia, whilst outgoing refers to an athlete transferring to club, team or organisation in another National Federation.

Transfer Type	WBSC Information Form for ITC	Copy of Passport	SAL Permit Application to Play Overseas	Payment Required
Incoming (Short Transfer)	Yes	Yes	No	No*
Outgoing (Short Transfer)	Yes	Yes	Yes**	No
Incoming (Over 31 days)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Outgoing (Over 31 days)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

* Under WBSC Athlete Transfer Rules, an athlete is permitted up to 3 short transfers per year without needing to pay transfer fees. Any additional transfers will incur a fee.

**Athletes on a short transfer are not required to complete WBSC Transfers to return to their origin club if returning to the same club involved in the original transfer request. SAL Permit Application to play overseas is required to ensure there are no outstanding financial disputes or disciplinary proceedings/ongoing sanctions.

Please be aware that the WBSC Information Form for ITC needs to be completed and signed by each of the following before it can be submitted to the WBSC:

Athlete
Former Club

7. What fees apply and who is responsible for paying them?

Please refer to Appendix 1 Administrative Fee linked below for fees payable

Under the WBSC Athlete Transfer Rules, any fees that are incurred must be paid by the new/receiving club. Except as set forth in Article 10 of the Athlete Transfer Rules linked below, this fee must be paid each time an Athlete has to make a transfer between countries or between continents thus requiring a new ITC.

Instructions on how to pay the fee has changed as of 23rd October 2025.

Previous account details and links should no longer be used.

Once a transfer has been approved by the WBSC or WBSC Oceania the nominated club representative will need to log in to the WBSC Athlete Management System to make payment. Instructions on how to do this will be provided to the representative as part of the permit application process.

8. I have been invited to participate in the Softball New Zealand Club Nationals event. What transfers do I require?

Athletes must be transferred into the New Zealand competition by 31st December 2025 to be eligible for Club Nationals for the period 31 December till the conclusion of the Club Nationals event they are participating in. Following that, they require a transfer back to their club which will be at the cost of the club they are returning to.

Short transfers can be used for short periods to participate prior to 31 December; however athletes need to be transferred to New Zealand for the remainder of the season in order to be eligible to compete in Club Nationals events.

Athletes will then need to utilise short transfers (max 31 days) to participate in local, state and national level competitions here in Australia which need to be timed around participation/qualification rounds in New Zealand.

Due to the complex nature of these transfers, it is recommended athletes engage with Softball Australia to discuss their intentions and requirements.