League Information

In 2014 RMMBHA started a tiering program designed to improve the overall experience for players, coaches and fans. The initial program was considered a pilot and was limited to the U19 division in Ridge Meadows only.

Throughout the 2014 season, RMMBHA shared our experiences with the neighbouring associations which prompted SMBHA (Surrey) to join us for the 2015 season while the other associations began planning with hopes of joining us for the 2016 season. In 2016, Valley, Surrey, and Metro joined our league in tiering their divisions in the U13, U15, and U17 divisions.

As of 2017, Delta has joined the other associations with regards to tiering their U17 and U20 divisions.

RMMBHA and SMBHA worked closely together in the offseason sharing information and collaborating, allowing us to develop a template that was used to ensure teams in the U16 and  U19 divisions were balanced and competitive. The overall experience for the 2015 season was positive and exceeded our expectations.

All Lower Mainland ball hockey associations tier their U13, U17, U20 and U21 (where applicable) divisions!

Number of Teams
The number of teams in each tier is based on the total number of players within a division.  If the total number of players within a division allows for an even number of teams then the tiers will be split equally. If, on the other hand, the total number of players within a division creates an odd number of teams then the odd number of teams will be created in tier II. For example, if there are 10 teams, there will be 5 teams in each Tier but if there are only 9 teams then there will be 4 teams in Tier I and 5 teams in Tier II. Because we interlock with other participating association, the way tiers are split must be consistent for all associations to ensure that the teams are balanced and competitive.

Number of Players in Each Tier
The number of players in each tier is based on the number of teams available. For example, if there are 10  teams of 16 players (160 players in all) then 80 players will play in Tier I and 80 players will play in tier II. Simply put, a line is drawn between players 80 and 81 on the draft list to determine the cut-off point. The player’s evaluation rating determines their position on the draft list, in this example players would be ranked from 1-160.

See below for additional information on the Player Evaluation Process.

Can I Be Moved?
The process to place players is thorough however, if you feel that you have been placed in the wrong tier, send a request to the Director of Coaching (for your division) provide any details that describe why you think you should be moved and your request will be reviewed. Any decision made during the review process will be final, players do not get to choose where they are placed.

Returning Players 
Players are evaluated at the end of the season by their coach.  The player ratings are shared with all of the coaches within the same division to ensure accuracy and fairness. Prior to the start of the new season, technical directors review all of the player ratings again.  Returning players are also evaluated in a series of balancing games that are played at the beginning of the season.  Ratings are finalized after all balancing games and are used to confirm team rosters.

New Players 
New players are evaluated by the technical directors and other board members during balancing games, prior to the start of the season. Technical Directors then meet to ensure that any additional information known about these new players is acknowledged and correctly reflected in their evaluation rating.

Balancing Games
Prior to the beginning of the season, all players will participate in a series of games that will be arranged to evaluate players.

Team Draft
The finalized lists of both returning and new players are combined into a single draft ready player list that the technical directors then use to finalize team rosters.

Evaluation Criteria 

Runners

• PASSING:    Forehand and back hand accuracy.
• BALL HANDLING:    Give & Receive Pass and Ball Control.
• POSITIONAL PLAY:    Heads Up, Zone Coverage, 2 way play and Game Sense.
• SHOT:    Accuracy of targets, strength and release.
• AGILITY:    Speed, Cardio and Aggressiveness on the ball.
• COACHABILITY:    Attentive, Interested, Asks if unsure and Assists.
• LEADERSHIP:    Positive, Vocal, Good example for others and Disciplined.
• ATTENDANCE:    Attends practices and games.

Goalies

• MOBILITY:    Quick feet and Gain recovery position.
• CREASE:    Challenges shooter and Owns crease.
• ANGLES:    Cover all angles.
• INSTINCTS:    Natural ability in scramble situations.
• MENTAL PREPARATION:    Pre-Game Preparation.
• COACHABILITY:    Attentive, Interested, Asks if unsure and Assists.
• LEADERSHIP:    Positive, Vocal, Good example for others and Disciplined.
• ATTENDANCE:    Attends practices and games.

Why are we splitting the division?
The goal of RMMBHA is to try to provide an environment for all teams that is as balanced and as competitive as possible. Even though every effort is made to balance teams at the start of the season, every year some teams will progress more quickly than others for a variety of reasons. By splitting the divisions, there is an opportunity to group teams into smaller more balanced divisions allowing them to be more competitive and have a much more positive experience.

How can you be certain that this will provide the positive experience the league is trying to achieve?
Last year the Pup division agreed to split their division prior to the start of the season. The feedback that was received was extremely positive and the change was well received by the teams in both divisions. Based on the success last year, we expanded to three divisions for this season  - Peanut, Pup and Peewee - and we will re-evaluate again prior to the start of the 2014 season to ensure that the experience remains positive.

Does this affect the playoffs?
Yes, there will be two winners and two medal ceremonies instead of one. At the end of the regular season, the teams in each division will be competing in the playoffs within the divisions they were placed for the second half. Again, this provides a more positive experience for everyone.

Is everyone eligible for the Provincials?
Yes, but it is slightly more complicated than when there was only one division for each age group. Here are the requirements for teams to compete for a chance to play in the Provincials:

• If you are within the top half of the standings (generally teams with records above .500) you will be placed in a group that automatically competes in the playoffs for a chance to play in the Provincials
• If you are in the bottom half of the standings you will need to emerge as the point leader in your division at the end of the regular season where you will automatically be moved up to the division that previously qualified to compete in the playoffs for a chance to play in the Provincials.

Why am I only hearing about this now?
This information was shared with all of the coaches at the coaches meeting prior to the start of the season. All coaches understood that the divisions would be split based on the standings halfway through the season and understood the benefits of doing so.

I still have more questions, whom do I need to contact?
You can contact the Director of Coaching for your division via the Board of Directors page on the website.

WHAT IS THE TYKES DIVISION?

RMMBHA was the first minor ball hockey association in BC to offer children (5 & 6 year olds) the chance to experience ball hockey in a fun learning atmosphere. The association encourages children to get involved at an early age to get the basics of stick handling and shooting down before advancing to higher divisions and/or ice hockey. RMMBHA invites parents to get involved too, either by helping out as a coach or to just keep kids in line and active.

TYKES DIVISION (ages 5 & 6)

Tykes Division was introduced in 2007. RMMBHA found that the original three year Peanut Division was too much for first-time ball hockey players (usually the youngest of the three years). So RMMBHA made Peanut a two year Division and added the Tykes Division as a foundation and introduction into game playing.

The Tykes Division is scheduled for Saturday mornings( if rink space is available) only with an 8 game season. Each one hour slot consists of practice, teaching & drills for the first half hour and then the players get to play a half floor 4on4 game. There are no goalies at this age group but shooter tutors are used on the nets. RMMBHA tries to keep the teams to 12 players, so with the 4on4 game there are only three lines/more floor time! It is a great introduction to hockey without having to learn how to skate first. The players will receive an association tshirt jersey for them to keep, team and individual picture, as well as a trophy in a ceremony at the end of the season (usually after last session). All players must wear the mandatory equipment (listed below). This is an intro program for youths and is recommended before going into Peanut Division.

For more information:

You can contact the Director of Coaching for your division via the Board of Directors page on the website.

PRIVACY OF YOUR CHILD'S NAME AND PHOTO ON THE WEBSITE

RMMBHA will put each child's full name on the website under their team name and number. The ball hockey organization tries to keep accurate account of all our players, statistics of each season they play in RMMBHA and which teams they play on each year. If you would NOT like your child's full name or photo placed on the website please inform the Webmaster at webrmmbha@gmail.com

RMMBHA PLAYER EQUIPMENT

At the minor level, mandatory ball hockey equipment has been kept to a minimum for many reasons.  One, to keep costs down for families of ball hockey players, and two, to keep the physical contact level of the game to a minimum.  Through the insurance coverage, under the CBHA guidelines, mandatory equipment must be worn at all times on a practice or game floor. P layers are not to take off mandatory equipment unless off the playing surface and advised by the coaching staff.

Mandatory equipment stated in our insurance policy is a CSA helmet and face cage, protective hockey gloves, a hockey stick (wood, composite, graphite) and shin pads (soccer style or D-Gel CBHA approved). RMMBHA believes in the safety of all our players and to avoid injury, RMMBHA highly recommends soft knee pads, soft elbow pads and a jock (boys) or a Jill (girls). All equipment highly recommended is to be worn under garments (except soft knee pads & shin guards). Please check our website each season for any changes or updates to our equipment list.

RMMBHA takes pride in the jerseys we supply and the way our players look on the floor. We recommend all players to wear black shorts and black soccer style sox as part of their uniform. Check out the bottom of our merchandise page for protective gear available for purchasing.
 

PARENT CONDUCT THROUGH THE RMMBHA SEASON

This area our Association thinks is very straight forward. This is a game about youths having the opportunity to play in an organized game of ball hockey at a recreational level. As in the majority of sports offered to youths, it can have a competitive side to it, but all parents, please remember this is for the kids; let them enjoy it, let our coaches teach them the game, and have respect for this Association. We as executives are all volunteers, many of us are also parents of players, and our number one goal is for all the kids to have fun and to grow through the years with this sport.

Remember, all coaches depending on their background have different approaches and styles to the way they coach and teach your children, view their styles for a while, if you have a concern and it can't be resolved with the coach or coaching staff, then please bring it to the attention of the executive. Enjoy the season, have fun as a spectator and support your children.

Please respect the referees; even though it is a paid position, many are young and just starting out. If it gets to the point of harassing a referee, the referee is entitled to have the person and/or persons causing the problems leave the facility and will either postpone the game or cancel it if the person and/or persons causing the problems do not leave when asked.
 

RMMBHA REFEREES

A key part of our association is our referees. Many referees range from the age of 14 years old to adults. Because of the nature of these positions it is important that we give as much training and guidance to our refs to accurately call the games.

In early March the West Coast Minor Ball Hockey Association holds a referee clinic. WCMBHA brings in a certified Canadian Ball Hockey referee to instruct the clinic for two full day sessions that go through basic referee instructions, provides a rating system of referees attending and a written referee test. All of our RMMBHA referees attend this clinic. In addition to the WCMBHA clinic, RMMBHA, puts on their own clinic.

It is very important that no matter how much training these referees have had, parents must remember that majority of referees are youths calling the games. We ask all parents to treat our referees with respect and to hold back on confrontations with referees. RMMBHA has a Referee-In-Chief and a Referee Scheduler that are part of our executive committee that are in charge of these referees. If at anytime you have comments or questions about our referees, please direct them to either one of these executives (see website for contact information).

When you are attending away games in other associations the same conduct applies. You must go through RMMBHA with any problems you or your team may have had with referees from other associations, and then RMMBHA executives will deal with that association.
 

RMMBHA COACHING STAFF

Many of our head coaches and assistant coaches have been with RMMBHA for more than three years. From backgrounds of coaching ice hockey, coaching and/or playing men’s ball hockey, or coaching minor baseball or soccer, our coaching staff has the experience to help your children develop their ball hockey skills. Every head coach applies to the Director of Coaching of RMMBHA putting forth their intent to coach a ball hockey team in their child's division. Once accepted by the executives every head coach and assistant coaches must submit a criminal check form to the RCMP, who in return, sends all background checks to the league President. All coaches then go through a series of meetings and clinics. We start with a pre-season coaches meetings to discuss player drafts and the responsibilities of being a head coach. All head coaches must sign a “contract agreement” with RMMBHA which outlines the responsibilities and guidelines between the coach and RMMBHA. Up to three coaches per team is insured through RMMBHA to be on the arena floor and players benches.

The final step before the season begins is the player draft. All players whether new or returning go through evaluations. Returning players are evaluated by the previous year coach and given a rating. New players go through a one day evaluation and are rated. On draft day all coaches from each division are given a list of the players with their rating. The draft is set up so that in the end each team should be within the same range of total rating points. We try to keep the teams balanced as much as possible through this draft procedure, so all players are treated equal on the floor. If you have any concerns regarding coaches and coaching staff, feel free to bring it to the Executive Head Coach in a written format. Please remember, all head and assistant coaches positions are on a volunteer basis, and are there to give your child the opportunity to better their ball hockey skills, guide them through games and make it enjoyable for your child to play our sport.
 

RMMBHA GAMES & PRACTICES

With the amount of teams representing RMMBHA we are looking at minimum of 480 scheduled games that Ridge Meadows children will play in a year. Along with the games, since our first season, the association has always agreed to offer floor time for practices. Due to the expanding numbers and the shortage of arena floor time, each team will have a 1/2 rink with a minimum of 1-hour practices (Varies per season depending on available floor time) per week through the season. We feel through practices, players can work on the development of their ball hockey skills with coaches, team work, cardio workout and developing new friendships.

Majority of our home games (scheduled either Saturdays or Sundays) will be either at red rink in Ridge Meadows Arena (Pitt Meadows), Cam Neely rink in Planet Ice (Maple Ridge), Renegades Arena in the Golden Ears Winter Club at Albion Fairgrounds, or Mission Arenas with the odd home game out of the Tri-Cities area. Away games could also be at these arenas (when playing another RMMBHA team) but others may be in Langley, Surrey, North Delta, Burnaby and Vancouver. With the number of teams registered within our association, we are hoping to keep the traveling to a minimum.
 

TO ALL PARENTS REGARDING THE RMMBHA PLAYER DRAFT & PLACEMENT

Over the last couple of seasons, we have had a few comments about "unfair drafts" and "stacked teams", many have asked about "balancing games". Minor Ball Hockey is a short season that has 16 games packed into a 10 week season, with no time to balance and move players. This past season we added a new Directors position with an Evaluation Director being added to balance out player ratings and to come up with any alterations to the draft system if needed. After meeting with many coaches and receiving ideas from parents and coaches, the Directors have thoroughly gone through the draft procedures in the winter. If you have any constructive ideas after reading our draft policy, feel free to contact the Evaluation Director listed on the contact page and the Association Director's will discuss for future drafts. As we try and make it enjoyable for all players, once players are drafted to a team by the coaches on designated draft dates the teams are final and no trades will be offered. If a child and/or family decides to resign for any circumstances after the draft and/or contact by the Head Coach, please refer to the Return Policy listed on the registration page.