Competitive Program

The Nepean Blue Devils have a very successful competitive program. The NBBA offers a boys team and girls team at each age category from U10 to U19, and will add a second team for any given age group if possible, often combining a lower age group (e.g. U13) with a higher age group (e.g. U14) to field an additional team. Levels of play for competitive teams typically range from A to AAA, but can include AAA+ (high-performance teams).

Participation in the competitive program requires a high level of commitment from both players and parents. Players are expected to attend all practices, games and tournaments. Parents are equally important, not just as chauffeurs and spectators, but as volunteers to fill roles including team manager and treasurer, parent on duty, and table officials.

If you have questions about the Competitive Program, please contact Brenda Highmore (VP Girls Competitive) or Guled Aden (VP Boys Competitive).

Important Information

• Competitive coaches have a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience. Coaches are also selected based on their respect for others, fair play, commitment, and leadership, teaching, feedback, and communication skills.
• Competitive coaches are subject to OBA NCCP certification requirements (Learn to Train up to U12, Train to Train from U13 to U19) and an NBBA policy regarding timelines for coaching certification.
• NBBA coaches participate in coaching clinics as offered throughout the year and are supported by the club Technical Director.
• Competitive teams participate in the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA) League, as well as local and out-of-town tournaments throughout the season (usually at least 3 tournaments).
• High-performance AAA+ teams would be expected to play in a top-level league (e.g. OBLX), with travel for their competition weekends.
• All competitive teams are assigned two practices each week at facilities in Nepean (1.5 to 2 hours per practice). Some teams may look to add another weekly session, e.g. fitness/conditioning.
• The competitive registration fee covers:
  • All EOBA and Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) registration fees for teams, coaches and players.
  • Referee fees for 10 EOBA League games and the EOBA Championship tournament at the end of the season (up to a maximum of $300).
  • For U11 and up, a standard team fee intended to help cover the cost of tournaments and Ontario Cup registration, lessen the burden on team managers, and increase transparency so that parents are aware of the cost of playing basketball.
  • For 2021-22, competitive registration fees did not include the team fee; all team fees were set and collected by individual teams.
• Families can expect to incur additional costs when participating in out-of-town tournaments (i.e. hotel and food).
• Competitive-program players may re-use their uniform so long as it still fits, or otherwise purchase a new uniform from the NBBA supplier.
• Per the OBA Transfer Policy, any coach or player transferring to NBBA from another OBA club must pay a $50 transfer fee. (Policy for 2023-24 pending.)

U10 Competitive

The U10 Competitive Program is geared towards players who are interested in playing competitive basketball at the U11 level, and usually have played at least one year in the Development program or are above-average athletes.

U10 competitive teams have practices twice a week, using regular (10-foot) rims, and participate in the NBBA girls or boys U12 house league, the OBL-East (EOBA) U10 girls or boys league, and a year-end EOBA Championship tournament.

Tryouts are normally held in mid-September. Coaches can select up to 15 players, and will refer any remaining players to the Development program.

Team Selection (Tryouts)

Each competitive team usually has two tryout dates (may vary depending on registration). If a large number register, three tryouts may be held. If fewer, multiple teams might try out together.

Players wishing to "play up" an age group must consult with the VP Competitive prior to the first tryout.

If a team plans to compete at the AAA+ level, this will be announced before tryouts.

Players who register for tryouts are encouraged to also register for the Development or Recreational programs in case they are not selected.

• Selection is based on skills, attitude, effort, coachability, team play, and physical attributes (per the OBA Athlete Selection Policy).
• Preference is given to returning NBBA players, if all else is equal.
• Roster size typically 12 players (minimum 10, maximum 15).
• Coaches of U13-U19 teams control playing time but all committed players should get meaningful minutes.
• Tryouts can conclude after the first, second, or third session depending on numbers.
• Players not selected will join the Development or Recreational program if registered.

2024-25 tryouts for AAA+ teams will occur the last week of August; other tryouts will be held September 7-15.

2024-25 Teams