Hello everyone.  This week in ball hockey history marks the launch of a new National organization destined to reshape the future of the sport in Canada.

Firstly, the not-for-profit National Ball Hockey Association of Canada steps forward as the official national governing body for ball hockey programs and organizations across Canada that are dedicated to the development of the sport from the grass roots level to the elite at its apex of competition.

The NBHAC is founded on principles of unwavering integrity, accountability, fairness and the equality of its members, as well as a commitment to the growth of the sport and the individuals who play it, from the very youngest to its oldest, whether indoor or outdoor.

The NBHAC guarantees the rights of minors in the sport to be represented by their own administrators, establishing complete control of their finances, development and programs.  Equally, adult members shall control the matters that pertain to their domain, both men and women.

The Ontario Ball Hockey Association becomes the first officially recognized provincial governing body to champion these principles by endorsing the creation of the NBHAC.  Numerous leagues across the country have expressed their desire to join forces with the NBHAC, creating a series of annual and bi-annual events commencing in 2013 that will provide its members with inter-provincial and international competitions of the highest quality and greatest variety, including:

            Youth championships:

• National male, multiple age groups
• National female, U-16
• North American Youth Championships for males, females, both able-bodied and the disabled
• Maple Leaf Cup international, various male and female age groups

Adult indoor championships:

• National-“A”, male and female
• Canada Cup international “A”, male and female
• North American Championships for “B”, “C” and Masters for male and female

Adult outdoor championships:

• National-“A” male and female
• Mylec Cup international tournament series, various male and female categories
• North American Championships for “B”, “C” and Masters for male and female

Long-standing leaders of development in the sport come together to form the Directors of the NBHAC ensuring that the association’s principles remain paramount and its credibility unshakable. 

Registration and recruitment of leagues from other provinces is now underway and updates will be provided periodically on the NBHAC’s soon to be launched website.

The NBHAC looks forward to working with members from across this country, offering services such as an insurance program, Rulebook/Casebooks, Officiating Program, Learn To Play program and modules, Coaching videos and lesson plans, Youth Development, Web Site maintenance, online registration and stats system for all member leagues on the newest version of ballhockey.net to be released August 24.

The Ontario Ball Hockey Association will be sending teams that qualify through 2012 summer provincial championships to the Canada Cup of Ball Hockey, The Nationals (Junior and Senior) as well as the North American Championships which includes Regionals for lower tiers.  The OBHA will participate with both male and female representatives at all levels including the first ever Nationals for girls.

For 2013 the following youth divisions and age groups will be offered at Junior Nationals:

Males:  Peewee (1998 & 1999), Bantam (1996 & 1997) and Junior (1994 & 1995)

Females:   U-16 (1997 & younger)

Along with these events, the National Ball Hockey Association in partnership with the ITDA will host the North American Youth Ball Hockey Championships and Maple Leaf Cup for all youth players in the following divisions:

Tyke (2004 & 2005) Novice (2002 & 2003) Atom (2000 & 2001)

Peewee (1998 & 1999) Bantam (1996 & 1997) Junior (1994 & 1995)

Girls U12 (2000 & 2001) Girls U14 (1998 & 1999) Girls U16 (1996 & 1997)

OBHA players will be eligible to be scouted for Team Canada with their association in the NBHAC and World Ball Hockey Federation.  Scouting for 2013 Team Canada commences this weekend at the Canada Cup of Ball Hockey and various Provincials in August.

The World Ball Hockey Federation is the other monumental organization to be founded the week of July 15, 2012.  Three of the sport’s greatest international developers have accepted roles as founding Directors, with several others to be added in the coming months. 

The WBHF will organize World Cups and Championships for both large arena and small arena formats, seniors, juniors and masters, for both males and females.  Toronto, Canada (June 2013) was selected to host the first large arena indoor World Championship for men and women.  Bratislava, Slovakia (November 2013) will play host to the small arena outdoor format WC, while USA was selected to host the 2014 World Junior Championships, which will also feature a girls age group international exchange.  Sites for following years are in preliminary stages at this time.

In addition to confirmations from Canada and USA for participation in WC 2013, several European nations have already committed to attend.  Nations from Asia and the Caribbean are also expected to attend. 

Further details will follow with the launch of their website in the coming weeks and months.