Good day to everyone. Well alot of information has been circulated by the other group which as we stated is simply incorrect and false and this is an open letter to the members of the ONTARIO BALL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION.
First off, the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (O.B.H.A.), was founded in 1974, pioneered the development and administration of this truly National cultural phenomenon into a highly structured and organized sport throughout the province of Ontario. Over the past thirty-eight years, however, not only has the O.B.H.A. experienced unparalleled success at the league and provincial level of participation, but it has also helped to provide a foundation for the growth and development of the game at the national and international level of competition. The O.B.H.A. has arguably become the archetype for the sport of ball hockey throughout the years as it continues to foster the evolution and maturation of the game throughout Canada and the world.
WE will continue to provide the following to our member leagues who have built the OBHA to what it is:
Insurance Coverage - included with membership with the OBHA, is medical and dental insurance coverage for injuries that may occur while playing the sport
NOTE: the OBHA in 2012 received our insurance directly from CHUBB through a broker ($1.75/player for youth and $3.10/player for adults) which ensured a tremendous cost savings to you the members of the OBHA. It is being reported that you have over paid for insurance when the actual fact is we were invoiced directly from the broker and received far lower rates than any league or province in the country. The cost savings for insurance will be spent on programs that YOU the members wish to spend these funds, ie. development in youth, girls and women’s programs. The important matter is you were NOT overcharged as being reported by those misinformed and for anyone to suggest otherwise is simply NOT stating the true facts.
Sanctioned Tournaments - the OBHA hosts numerous events throughout the year commencing Highschool event, followed by the Women’s Preseason, Men’s B, C and D Provincial Qualifiers, Women’s Summer and Winter Classic events
NOTE: we also sanction and promote the Peterborough Women’s, South Simcoe Cup and Metro Cup to which our members can attend
Provincial Championships - Held in July, the recently completed Minor Provincial Championships were our largest to date with 173 teams participating in thirty-two division of play from Tyke to Junior and four Girls divisions. Our Adult Provincial scheduled for August are around the corner and will see 102 men’s/master’s and 30 women’s teams compete for the title of Provincial Champion in their respective division/tier.
NOTE: The OBHA will be issuing invitations to the Provincial Champions for the following, Men’s A (Nationals), Women’s A (2 teams – Nationals), Women’s B (2 teams – Eastern B Regionals), Women’s C (2 teams – Eastern C Regionals), Women’s Master’s (1 – Gold Cup in the USA – site TBA), Men’s B (Eastern B Regionals), Men’s C (Eastern C Regionals), Men’s D (Eastern D Regionals), Master’s Open (Men’s B Regionals), Master’s (Gold Cup in the USA – site TBA)
North American Youth Ball Hockey Championships and Maple Leaf Cup - Held in July and open to all youth centre’s in the OBHA in the following divisions, Tyke, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Junior, Girls U12, Girls U14, Girls U16 and Girls U18 from the previous years Provincials to allow for fundraising and planning
NOTE: the OBHA and International Tournament Dek Hockey Association will be administrating these events which will be run on a rotating basis in Ontario and locations in Boston and New Jersey in the first three years
Junior National Championships – to be hosted by the National Ball hockey Association in July, the champions from the different division the previous year in Peewee, Bantam and Junior along with Girls U16 and U18 will be invited to their respective championship
NOTE: The OBHA will be issuing invitations to the top four teams in Peewee, Bantam and Junior divisions from the recent Provincial Championships as 2013 will be a scouting year for the Junior Team Canada program and we are attempting to create a Girls World Championship for 2014 when the event is hosted in the United States of America and we hope to have more information on competing nations in October.
International Championships – to be hosted by the World Ball Hockey Federation in June, the World Ball Hockey Federation offers Men's & Women's as well as U16, U18 and U20 for Junior and are working towards a Girls World Championship and the international level of competition
NOTE: scouting for the Men’s and Women’s Team Canada will be conducted at the Canada Cup of Ball Hockey July 27-29 in Brampton this weekend and during all of the adult provincials for both men and women’s teams
Web Site – all of the stories and updates are produced on a timely basis and circulated to all members.
NOTE: We are always looking for contributions, so send any articles you would like to have considered for inclusion.
Team Binders and Rule Books - All teams and League Executives receive a copy of these publications. They detail all the rules and regulations that are to be followed as a member of the OBHA.
NOTE: in 2011 it was decided that we only offer the Rulebooks electronically unless a league wished to have the document produced in a hard copy form and this can be re-addressed with the members in November and the cost savings will again be shared by our members
Registration Forms - All necessary forms for registering all players, coaches, managers and referees within your league are provided for you. Updated forms are supplied in March at the SGM meeting.
Game sheets and Hockey Balls – are purchased through the office at cost to our members.
NOTE: We will be meeting with three ball suppliers in the fall to attempt to receive further discounts based on our volume that we purchase as an association.
Referee Certification Program - All OBHA referees attend a certification clinic and pass a written exam in order to officiate within the OBHA. These clinics are offered in February and March of every year, prior to the start of the season. Certification is valid for one year, and referees are required to register annually. Upon successful completion of a clinic, referees are required to register annually. Upon successful completion of a clinic, referees receive a Casebook/Rulebook and Card. They will also receive copies of the OBHA News and Officials' update called Technically Speaking.
NOTE: the OBHA has and will continue to set the standard for officials and clinics in Canada as many groups often approach us for our materials and clinic materials including the videos created by the OBHA Technical Committee
Annual General Meeting/Awards Banquet - This weekend events both a working/planning session as well as being an evening to acknowledge those individuals that contributed or excelled in the sport. Each league is encouraged to send up to two executives. Travel expenses are subsidized, and hotel rooms (1 per league) are paid for by the OBHA. This meeting is held in November of every year with Board of Director elections being held on even numbered years.
Spring General Meeting - In March of each year the leagues prepare for the upcoming season by receiving the changes that were made in the fall. The leagues pick up their registration packages which include all registration forms, addition/deletion forms, team handbooks and rulebooks. All Provincial sites will be announced and tournaments are often advertised to other leagues at this time. The OBHA will subsidize hotel and mileage similar to the AGM meeting.
Fall Planning Meeting – to be hosted in September every year to better prepare
NOTE: this planning session is new for OBHA members to be used as a pre planning session for the AGM. It will be hosted in the Toronto area commencing at 11:00 am and we will be forwarding a formal announcement in August.
Office Services - For information or administrative support the OBHA will do its best to assist your league. For example, if you are holding a tournament, we will advertise it for you to our members.
Board of Directors - For concerns or questions regarding the running of your league, rules and regulations or procedures, our volunteer Board of Directors can offer support. Each division (Men's, Master's, Women's, Minor's) has their own Chairperson. Leagues are encouraged to contact the appropriate Division Chairperson for inquiries.
Should you have any questions, feel free to email me directly.
We thank you again for your continued support.
Mauro