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. 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.

3. 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. 

For transfers of athletes into Australia, this needs to be emailed to  enquiries@softball.org.au at least 10 business days prior to the start date of the transfer.

4. 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 (maximum) if the file is complete with all documents provided.   

5. 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. 

* 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:

1. Athlete
2. Former Club
3. New Club
4. Former National Federation

6. 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.

The receipt certifiying that the payment has been made is the last piece of paperwork required to  complete the transfer by securing the issuance by the WBSC of the ITC.

Instructions on how to pay the fee can be found in the WBSC Athlete Transfer Payment Details linked below.

In addition to making the payment, the reciving club will also need to complete the below Google Form to the WBSC can reconcile the payments they have recieved.

WBSC Invoicing Information Form

Documents and References 

WBSC Athlete Transfer Rules (Updated 10/02/2025)

WBSC Appendix 1 Administrative Fees (Updated 10/02/2025)

SAL Permit Application to Play Overseas (Updated 13/01/2025)

WBSC Information Form for ITC (2025)

WBSC Athlete Transfer Payment Details (2025)