Import Irregularity?

[player]

Been pretty quiet on this Forum lately but I have heard there are some people, or some clubs, who might not be too happy about an apparent anomaly - or at least a breach of the spirit of import rules - involving a well-heeled Division One club.

Maybe some people here might be able to clarify.

Said well-heeled club had an import prior to Christmas. Seems he was deported after a visa irregularity showed him to be in breach of Australian immigration law.

The same club has brought out another import after the Christmas break. He comes in fresh and eligible to play finals for his Victorian club.

Is this true? And if so, is it above board? Is there any precedent? Which Baseball Victoria regulations or by-laws make this acceptable when both the original player and the club were complicit in the earlier breach?

How can this be reconciled with BV deadlines on clearances/permits?

[pirates]

How many games has he pitched in and how many did they win with him.
I think other top teams have also had imports go back andthe club brought new one in.

[behindthedish]

To avoid all the kerfuffle and confusion, we would be better off with no imports in our league. This will give the up and coming youngsters at each club, game time in the seniors and keep them interested in our sport. Imports come and imports go and when they go, some clubs who do not have depth to cover their loss, will struggle to be competitive......some clubs ride the back of an import to avoid relegation and others to chase that elusive pennant, only to overlook the importance of nurturing and building from within.

[doubleplay]

I must agree with the dish on this one. Essendon would be the classic, no import and a Baseball dynasty that will last forever on the home grown talent. And I do agree, some clubs do ride their luck on the back of an import at the expense of growing their own possible talent. A big sacrifice for little gain and absolutely no good for developing senior players at elite level.

[baseless]

While these points are valid and do need to be reviewed at some stage, the concern is how legitimate is this current situation.
The US pitcher that began the season has been deported in January for an Immigration breach that the club had a hand in. Their solution was to buy another pitcher who got here in time to play the last 3 games (still 1 to go)
If the deadline for clearances is Dec 1 when is the cut off time for new imports? The obvious advantage is now they have a fresh arm and a pitcher no-one has seen. They get this advantage because they contravened a Federal law! We all want to win but how can this be in the spirit of the game?

[duckfart]

Didn't the first import in question also pitch for them in the 15/16 season and stay out here and play winter ball last year? Does this not mean he theoretically is not classified as an "import" for the current season? Therefore if the club in question wanted to they could have had another guy come out and join the team?

[fuzzy]

Correct weight.

[The Puma]

Based on the ruling we received last season which was date specific it would appear that chelt have 2 non nationals on their 1st 9 too.

[philniekro]

From my understanding. the said club has not breached any rules(confirmed by BV). How can you say that the club had a hand in the deportation of said import and the import has been out here 2 years ago..

[philniekro]

And baseless, I am pretty sure i know who you are and the club you are associated with. From what I know, your club will never be in debt after Roc helped out..isn't that going against the grain.. potentially, your club should have folded years ago had it not been for the fact of a very wealthy benefactor.. I think it is great to see your club back where it belongs but please don't comment on things you have no idea about..but, it is only an opinion and like ass oles, we all have them and they all stink