Athlete Transfer Rules to come into effect in 2025: What you need to know

In August 2024, the WBSC announced the implementation of the new Athlete Transfer Rules, which will come into effect from 1 January 2025. The Athlete Transfer Rules will help create a level playing field regarding transfers across the WBSC’s jurisdiction and protect the global system, applying to all athletes aged 18 or older.

Here are 12 key questions that explain the principal aspects of the new regulation:

l. Why did the WBSC decide to implement rules to regulate the transfer of the athletes?

- In the dynamic world of international baseball/softball, player transfers represent not only strategic movements between clubs, but also complex processes legally regulated to ensure transparency, ethical practices in the transfer market, fairness and compliance with the national and international legislation established by relevant sporting and legal authorities.

These rules prevent clubs from unilaterally recruiting players already under contract with another club, as well as players who have terminated their contracts allegedly without just cause.

The WBSC actively endeavours to ensure that all athletes can participate in tournaments and events, while respecting fundamental principles of human rights.

2. When is this framework applicable?

- These rules will be in force starting January 1, 2025. AII international transfers must be declared from this date and these rules must be followed.

3. Who requires a new ITC?

- An ITC is required for all transfers between clubs affiliated with different National Federations (NFs). For transfers between 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. This requirement does not apply to WBSC associated members, minors or national transfers.

4. What is the timeline for delivering an lnternational Transfer Certificate (ITC)?

- An ITC will be delivered within seven (7) business days, provided the request is complete.

5. Who is responsible to initiate the process?

- The receiving club is responsible for initiating the process, but the National Federation must provide all necessary documents to the WBSC or the WBSC CA.

6. Where to submit an application?

- Applications for an ITC will be submitted through the Athlete Management System within MyWBSC. This system is expected to be implemented by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2025 and will include a tutorial. In the meantime, from January 1, 2025, until the implementation of the process through the Athlete Management System, please contact us for any requests at athletetransfer@wbsc.org.

7. What role does each National Federation play in the approval process?

- 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 can not be issued. Communication and processing with the WBSC or WBSC CA must occur through the National Federation; clubs should not contact the WBSC directly.

8. How do the Athlete Transfer Rules apply to high school/college players or similar athletes?

- The Athlete Transfer Rules apply only if the athlete is registered with a WBSC Member (National Federation). If the athlete is not registered with a National Federation, the Athlete Transfer Rules will apply only once the athlete enters WBSC jurisdiction.

For example: A transfer of a college baseball athlete from USA, who is not registered with USA Baseball, to a Swiss club affiliated with the Swiss Baseball Softball Association will not be governed by the ATR. However, once these athletes begin playing for the Swiss club, they will be subject to the Athlete Transfer Rules if they later wish to transfer to another National Federation within the same continent (e.g., Austria) or outside it (e.g., New Zealand).

9. If an athlete has already been transferred for the 2024/2025 season prior to January 1st 2025, does the athlete still require an ITC for this transfer?

- No, as long as the documentation issued for the transfer does not state otherwise.

10. Is there any administrative fee to obtain an ITC?

- Yes, 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.

11. Can a decision related to an athlete transfer be appealed?

- Yes, any appeal related to the decision of international athlete transfer must be made to the WBSC Executive Board in accordance with Chapter 3 of the WBSC Disciplinary By-Laws. Any appeal against the decision of the WBSC Executive Board must be submitted to the CAS.

12. What happens if these rules are not followed?

- The WBSC can sanction clubs' members/individuals, National Federations and Continental Associations that fail to respect and enforce the provisions of the regulations in accordance with its Statutes and By-Laws.