Got a group of people that are interested in playing in fomal baseball competitions and want to start a new club? Planning is the key to a club's health and long-term future. 

10 Steps to Start Your New Club

1. Make sure there is going to be an ongoing need for the club or group (i.e. how will be the club continue to be sustainable?);
2. Make sure you have a base for your activities (i.e. where will be club call home and what area will it operate within? Contact your local Council.);
3. Draft a constitution and have it endorsed by Baseball Victoria;
4. Complete the Baseball Victoria New Club Application Form;
5. Become incorporated through Consumer Affairs Victoria;
6. Draw up a budget and apply for the New Club Rebate Program;
7. Set up your Club's website (ask Baseball Victoria for a free site) as an initial information portal (make your constitution, budget and objectives available for viewing);
8. Call your prospective members together to (a) examine the constitution and budget, and (b) get agreement on your objectives;
9. Ask members to consider standing as an office bearer; and
10. Stage a second get-together to (a) formally agree on the constitution and costs, (b) enrol members (after payment of a nominal fee), and (c) elect office bearers (use the Minutes of Meeting template provided below).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prior to registering your New Club as an Incorporated Association with Consumer Affairs Victoria, you must first have your Model Constitution approved by Baseball Victoria. A template Club Constitution can be downloaded below.

New Club Applications

Applications are now open for clubs wishing to join Baseball Victoria competitions. Click on the link below to download the New Club Application Form.

Complete your New Club Application form and follow the instructions to send it through to Baseball Victoria. Baseball Victoria will then send through an email receipt, confirming that it has been received. Baseball Victoria will work with the club to ensure that all sections have been completed satisfactorily.

LINK: New Club Application Form

New Club Rebate Program

Baseball Victoria New Club Rebate Program aims to provide assistance to new clubs in areas where baseball is emerging or to new clubs who are otherwise disadvantaged for the purpose of developing growth and participation of the sport in Victoria. The determination of each application will be based on many factors and at the sole descretion of Baseball Victoria. Please read and complete the form below and attach it to your New Club Application.

LINK: New Club Rebate Program

Club Constitution and Incorporation

A major criteria of becoming a New Club with Baseball Victoria is having a Baseball Victoria approved Club Constitution. A template can be downloaded below.

LINK: vicsport Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 Fact Sheets - vicsport website

LINK: Club Constitution Template - vicsport website

Once your Constitution is approved by Baseball Victoria, you may proceed with your application for Incorporation.

LINK: Becoming an Incorporated Association - Consumer Affairs Victoria website

Remember that prior to becoming an Incorporated Association through Consumer Affairs Victoria you must have your Constitution approved by Baseball Victoria.

The Consumer Affairs Victoria website provides you with all the information you need to know about Incorporated Associations, including the necessary forms to incorporate. When your application for Incorporation has been approved, you will be issued with your Certificate of Incorporation, which must be forwarded to Baseball Victoria.

Below is a template 'Minutes of Meeting' document. This is to be completed at the time of your club's meeting to discuss incorporation - in compliance with the Associations Incorporation Act as part of the Incorporation process.

LINK: Minutes of Meeting template

Ongoing Club Development and Resources

The Club Help website is endorsed by Baseball Victoria as its club development program covering Baseball Victoria's Best Practice Guidelines in the areas of club operations, financial management, participation programs, volunteer management, coaching and officiating, player development, community engagement, facility development and the environment.

The Club Help website provides online assessments, tools, resources, workshops and training, and qualifications clubs and associations need to achieve best practice in the management and operation of their club.

Baseball Victoria encourages all Clubs and Associations to undertake the "Club Assessment" in all categories ensure long-term growth and sustainability.