Q-1 What equipment do players need?
A-1 At the recreational level, the club supplies each Novice, Atom, Bantam, Midget and Juvenile player with a uniform,  which are returned at the end of the season. Each player is required to provide a post-dated cheque as a uniform deposit ($150.00). If the uniform is not returned in good condition (other than normal wear and tear) at the end of the season, the West Ottawa Basketball Association will keep the post-dated cheque to replace the item(s). Players are responsible for supplying their own basketball shoes and basketball. Please check the list of basketball size requirements depending on your division of play.
For Small Ball players, the club provides each player with a keeper t-shirt and basketball. The only equipment a player needs is a pair of basketball shoes and shorts.

At the competitive level, the club supplies each player with a uniform, which is returned at the end of the season. Each player is required to provide deposit cheque for theuniform ($250.00). If either or both are not returned in good condition (other than normal wear and tear) at the end of the season, the West Ottawa Basketball Association will keep the post-dated cheque to replace the item(s).

Q-2 How long is the season?
A-2 West Ottawa Stingers recreational teams start in October and run until mid/late April, depending on the age group. U12 to U19 recreational players participate in a year-end tournament. 
For West Ottawa Hornets competitive teams, tryouts begin in September. The season ends after the Ontario Cup Provincials which take place in late March, April or May depending on the level.

Q-3 Is regular attendance required at practices and games?
A-3 Yes. There is some flexibility built into the recreational program to accommodate other activities. West Ottawa Stingers recreational teams practice once a week and play games on Saturday. We understand that recreational players may have other commitments, but we ask that should the player not be able to attend a practice or game, they give their Coach as much notice as possible to allow the Coach time to make adjustments to their practice/game plan.

West Ottawa Hornets competitive team players are expected to attend games and practices regularly in order to develop team play. Competitive teams practice two or three times per week.
Competitive players are asked to make basketball their primary sport. In the case of illness, the coach must be informed as soon as possible prior to the practice or game. In the case of injury, the player is usually required to attend games and practices to continue to learn.

Q-4 What are parental responsibilities?
A-4 Parents are requested to ensure that their child attends all practices and games on a regular basis.
A few times a season, parents may be asked to volunteer with their child’s team. Parents can assist with managing the team, timekeeping and scorekeeping at games, record game stats, provide canteen items (baked goods, drinks, hot dogs, etc.) to help team fundraising and help with general administrative duties. 
For all recreational teams and younger competitive teams, parents, players and coaches must observe Basketball Ontario’s Fair Play policy. The West Ottawa Basketball Association also has a 24-hour rule, therefore if you would like to discuss anything with the coach, please wait until 24 hours after the game has finished.
Parent volunteers are a very important part of the success of the club and we are always looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Coach, Team Manager or the West Ottawa Basketball Association President. We thank you in advance for your support!

Q-5 What is the difference between competitive and recreational leagues?
A-5 The West Ottawa Hornets Competitive Program gives interested players an increased level of competitive basketball and focuses on the development of the player’s basketball and athletic skills. Competitive teams are members of the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA) and the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) and compete in games for placement within the region as well as the province. The commitment is generally greater, as teams practice more often, play more games and often travel to tournaments.
The West Ottawa Stingers Recreational Program exposes players to the game of basketball by providing a positive atmosphere to improve the player’s skills. Recreational players are members of the West Ottawa Basketball League and compete in local games.

Q-6 How important is winning?
A-6 The club’s position is that all coaches should have the long-term development of their players as the top priority. We encourage all coaches to teach motion-type offenses where there are no designated post and guard players (especially at the younger ages). We also encourage coaches to emphasize man-to-man defenses. We believe that both of these are important to the long-term development of the players and team. Within this framework, coaches are free to use their own judgment. We suggest that you discuss this with the coach at the division you plan on participating in.

Q-7 What does the registration fee cover?
A-7 For West Ottawa Stingers recreational teams, the registration fee covers the cost of gym rentals, referees, t-shirts, coach training, insurance and a year-end tournament. For West Ottawa Hornets competitive teams, the registration fee covers the cost of all practice gym rentals, gym rentals for mini-tournaments, basketballs and other practice equipment, coach training, insurance and OBA registration fees.. Players are responsible for all tournament entry fees, additional mini-tournament hostings (if applicable) and travel costs to out-of-town tournaments.
 
Q-8 How many trips are made out of town? What are the costs associated with these?
A-8 Only the West Ottawa Hornets competitive teams travel out of town to overnight tournaments. Each team participates in approximately 3-4 away tournaments and each team is responsible for the costs associated with participating in tournaments and the Ontario Cup and Provincial Championships. The costs associated with out-of-town tournaments can include, transportation, hotel accommodations, food and coach hotel expenses (when they don’t have a player on the team).
  
Q-9 Are there sites, which I can visit that will explain how basketball leagues are organized in Ontario and in the Ottawa Region?
A-9   Ontario Basketball Association 
         Eastern Ontario Basketball Association 
       
Q-10 How can I purchase West Ottawa Basketball Association Clothing?
A-10 WOBA clothing is available through our online store at any time.

Q-11 Who do I contact for more information about the West Ottawa Basketball Association?
A-11 You can contact the Club Administrator.