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What are the different programs offered by the Barrhaven Girls Basketball Association?
The BGBA offers four programs and two camps throughout the season.
• Novice Development program for ages 5-9
• Atom House League program for ages 10-11
• Recreation program for ages 12-18
• Competitive program for ages 8-18

My daughter is 9 and wants to play, however, cannot play during the week? Is there another option? Absolutely! The other option for your daughter is to play in our Atom House. League program on Saturday. Our intent is to ENCOURAGE, no discourage girls from playing basketball.

What is the difference between competitive and recreation/house leagues?
Competitive league teams work on skills and compete in games for placement within the region as well as the province. House league teams work on skill improvement and compete in games on a friendly basis.

Do I have to have competitive basketball experience?
No. Basic skills, athleticism, an understanding of the game and desire are all you need to try out.

What does the registration fee cover?
Your daughter’s basketball registration fee includes, but is not limited to, the following BGBA expenses:
• Uniforms
• Gym time for all practices and hosting dates
• Referee costs for league games
• Team photo
• Insurance coverage
• OBA Club affiliation fee
• End of year tournament entry fee
• Miscellaneous Equipment
• Player’s clinics
• Coaches training

Do I have to buy a uniform?
No, the club supplies a uniform, however if the uniform is not returned at the end of the season (with the exception Atom House players, the player will be responsible to replace the uniform (cost approximately $100.00). Players can purchase miscellaneous Barrhaven clothing at their cost throughout the year. Uniforms should be washed appropriately, i.e., do not wash white tops with dark clothing.

How many players make up a team?
 According to the BGBA By-laws and constitution, each team will have a maximum of 12 players unless otherwise approved by the BGBA board.

When and where are practices?
Atom House league practices on Saturdays at Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School and other teams practice Tuesdays AND/OR Thursdays (possibly Wednesdays or Fridays) at various times in various gyms in the Barrhaven area. More information will be found at our web-site at www.bgba.ca. Occasionally there will be games against other associations on their home court.

What equipment is needed?
 Each player needs a pair of BASKETBALL shoes and an appropriate sized basketball (size 5 for atom and younger; size 6 for other age groups). Both basketball shoes and basketballs should only be used indoors and NEVER OUTSIDE. Novice development players will have to purchase a size 5 basketball ($25.00) from the BGBA at time of registration.

Is regular attendance required at practices and games?
 Yes!
In order to improve and bond as a team, ALL players (competitive, recreation and house) need to attend regularly. In the case of illness, a player is excused, however, the coach should be informed prior to the practice or game. In the case of injury, the player is usually required to attend to keep up with new plays, etc. Depending on the level, those who have been absent from practices before games may be asked not to play in the next game. It is very difficult to play competitive basketball and another competitive sport. Blue Devils is considered the priority sports commitment for our players.

How long is the season?
 Skill sessions and sort-outs are held in late September/early October. Teams are formed by late October with practices being one or two times a week. For competitive teams, the seasons end after the Provincial Playoffs or tournaments, which take place in late March or April, depending on the level. The Atom House league and Bantam and Midget Recreation Leagues end the weekend before Easter. The number of tournaments each team plays is decided in consultation with parents.

If I play high school basketball, do I have time for Blue Devils basketball too?
 Absolutely!!! The Blue Devils program is designed so that there is only one light practice during the high school season, and there are no tournaments during this time. Most of our players do both!

What are the parental responsibilities?
 • Parents may be asked to sit on one of the committees established to maintain the organization of the club. These committees deal with publicity, gym space and the annual banquet.
• Parents are requested to see that their child attends on time and on a regular basis, all practices and all games (both home and away). Punctuality of getting to practices and being picked up is imperative; if players are late, at the front end, it holds up the session from starting on time and at the back end, it holds up the coaches/managers from getting home. It is not the coaches’ responsibility to drive players to and from games/practices.
• A few times a season, parents are requested to volunteer their time in running a canteen at games or tournaments. They may be asked to make a contribution to the canteen in the way of baked goods, drinks, hot dogs, etc. The money raised from the canteen goes directly back into the team account to help defray costs associated with running the team.
• Parents are also expected to score or time games their daughter is participating in from time to time.
• The BGBA hosts two tournaments every year, and parents are expected to help that weekend.

Are any of the board members paid?
 No, all members of the club volunteer their time whether as a member of the board, team, or parent. However, in August, 2004 the board passed a motion to provide honorariums to those volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year.

Is there a banquet at the end of year?
 Yes. The BGBA has an annual banquet as soon as our last team has finished their season. The BGBA is currently looking for a banquet coordinator.

How can I volunteer/help?
 You can help by e-mailing our volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@bgba.ca. Areas desperately needing help are coaching (recreation, competitive and small ball), equipment, banquet, clinics, camps, fundraising and sponsorships.

Are there sites, which I can visit that will explain how basketball leagues are organized in Ontario and in the Ottawa Region?
 For the Ontario Basketball Association visit www.basketball.on.ca
For the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association visit: www.eteamz.com/eoba