Can anyone try out?

Try-outs for the West Ottawa Hornets boys and girls teams are open to anyone. Interest levels, availability of coaches and availability of gym time shapes all of our programs. There is a $25.00 non-refundable tryout fee payable upon registration, for all levels. Players can register online for a West Ottawa Basketball competitive team and tryouts, a West Ottawa Basketball recreational team and tryouts or tryouts only.

What is the commitment expected?

Teams practice two or three times each week at gym locations in and around the Goulbourn area (West Ottawa, Stittsville, Richmond, Munster, and Kanata). In addition, there are Saturdays/Sundays throughout the season where the team will play two games against other local competitive teams. These "tri-meet" games require a half-day commitment. League games are usually played on weeknights at gym locations determined by the EOBA (Eastern Ontario Basketball Association).

You can also expect 3-6 tournaments a season, depending on the season plan for each team. The number of tournaments is decided by the coaches in consultation with parents.

It is also expected that all competitive teams participate in the Basketball Ontario Provincial Championships.

Parental involvement is central to a smooth season. Volunteers could be required to act as Manager, Trainer, Scorers, time keepers, canteen work, etc.. All parents are expected to be a big part of the team infrastructure.

How much does it cost?

In addition to the registration fee and tryout fee, each team will set an amount to cover costs of items such as tournament entrance fees, referee fees, Ontario Cup registration fee, etc.. Typical amounts range from $200.00 per player to $400.00 per player (some teams may be higher due to a significant number of tournaments). Each team may decide to hold fundraising activities to help offset costs. There are also additional costs associated with travel to away tournaments.

How long is the season?

Tryouts begin in early September and the season can run into late spring. Provincial Championships for older groups are held in May.

How are potential players evaluated during try-outs?

All players at all levels are evaluated by a team of qualified people. These can be the two coaches at the level (where applicable), assistant coaches (if they are non-parent coaches), former coaches, and basketball experts from the community.

Players are evaluated on a combination of athletic and basketball skills appropriate to their level, as well as game situations (assessed through scrimmages). Coachability is also important (do they listen well, do they interact with other players well, do they communicate well).

Is there a guarantee of playing time?

This is a competitive basketball program. There are playing time rules for the Novice and Atom levels that require equal participation except during the last four minutes. At all other levels, playing time is at the discretion of the coach. However, the West Ottawa Basketball Association encourages coaches to develop all the players they select for their teams.

What if my player does not make a competitive team?

If a player registers for a West Ottawa Hornets competitive team and does not make the team, they will automatically be placed on a West Ottawa Stingers recreational team and the difference in registration fees will be refunded.
Players who register for tryouts ONLY cannot be guaranteed a spot on a recreational team as teams may be full once tryouts are complete.
Please note that waiting to register for a West Ottawa Basketball Association program until after tryouts may result in their particular recreational division being full and the player placed on a waitlist.

Good luck to all athletes trying out for our West Ottawa Hornets Competitive Teams!
 

For more information on our Competitive Program, please contact our VP of the Competitive Progam.