FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My child has never played basketball before. Can he/she still join WILBA?
Of course, we welcome first time players! Children make friends and have fun while gradually learning the game of basketball, developing their skills and understanding the value of teamwork in a safe and encouraging environment.
What ages does WILBA offer programs for?
WILBA offers basketball programs for girls and boys ages 6-18 (born 1993 – 2005). Divisions include Pre-novice (coed – girls and boys play together), Junior girls, Bantam girls, Senior girls, Novice boys, Mini boys, Bantam boys, Midget boys and Juvenile boys. Due to popular demand, starting this fall, WILBA will introduce a men’s league for former players born 1988 – 1992.
My child may have other activities. What is the time commitment for basketball?
Parents can expect a 1 hour practice and a 1 hour and 15 minute game per week. Practices are held Monday through Thursday at a local elementary or high school. Once teams are formed, each team will practice at the same day/time/location every week. All games are held on Saturdays at John Rennie High School in Pointe-Claire. The exceptions are Midget Boys who also play on Saturday however at St-Thomas, Juvenile Boys who play on Sundays at St-Thomas and Senior Girls who play Sundays at John Rennie.
Can I choose my child’s practice night?
On the registration form, parents can request one evening which is not convenient for practice. WILBA will honour this request.
Can my child play on the same team as his/her best friend or with a neighbour for carpool purposes?
Parents can request, but there are no guarantees the league can accommodate such requests due to the size of our basketball programs.
When does the basketball season start and finish?
The basketball season runs from October to March.
How many games are played? Are there playoffs?
There are 17 regular season games followed by playoffs. All divisions participate in playoffs except for the Pre-novice division.
Besides the house league (recreational) program, does WILBA offer an intercity (competitive) program?
Yes. WILBA offers an intercity program for our Mini through Juvenile divisions. Please note, there is a greater time commitment required for practices and games for the intercity program.
How much does it cost to join?
$200 for Pre-novice players, $230 for all other house league divisions, $450 for intercity players.
Are player evaluations necessary for the house league (recreational) program?
Yes. All registered players are required to attend player evaluations held on a Saturday mid-September at John Rennie High School. Once registered, families can expect a telephone call advising of the date and time. The purpose is to balance the skill level across all teams.
Are tryouts required for intercity (competitive) teams?
Yes. There will be a series of tryouts schedule in September. Those interested must register for the intercity program.
Once the evaluations are completed, will I be contacted for the name of the team, practice night and time?
Yes. Please expect a telephone call Tuesday through Friday October 11 – 14 (after Thanksgiving weekend).
What equipment does the league provide?
All house league (recreational) players receive a uniform which they keep. The youngest players (Pre-novice, Novice boys and Junior girls) also receive a basketball and reversible practice jersey. (Please note the definition of uniform consists of a shirt and shorts for Pre Novice, Junior Girls, Novice Boys and Mini Boys and a shirt only for Bantam, Midget and Juvenile levels.)
What is the Steve Nash Youth Basketball (“SNYB” ) and which divisions use the SNYB?
Steve Nash Youth Basketball is a national youth basketball program designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love for the game of basketball. This grassroots initiative supports and empowers community based recreational groups and facilities, schools and other institutions across Canada in an effort to positively influence youth through the great game of basketball. In partnership with Canada Basketball and the Quebec Basketball Federation, WILBA is proud to implement SNYB in its Pre-novice, Novice boys and Junior girls’ divisions.
Who are the coaches and assistant coaches?
WILBA relies on volunteers to serve as coaches, assistant coaches, division managers and administrators. Volunteers include parents, grandparents, relatives, older siblings, former players. We encourage you to be involved! The time commitment is minimal and WILBA provides training at the beginning and throughout the season.
Are volunteers required to be screened by the police department?
Yes. The City of Pointe-Claire requires all its volunteers to undergo a police screening. Before the start of each season, WILBA organizes a day and time for all its volunteers to be screened.
Where can I get more information about WILBA?
If you should have any additional questions, we’ll be glad to help! Just send us an Email at info@wilba.net
