Registration for the 2023-2024 season is now open.
See details below then go to the Registration Form tab to register.



2023-2024 Registration Information

Read below for further information.

Placement on a team will be done based on the date of registration. The earlier you register the more likely you will be guaranteed a spot on a team. Registration will close on September 9, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact president@westendsteelers.com.

2023-2024 Age Requirements and Club Membership Fees:

 

2022-2023 Season
Age Group	Age as of December 31, 2022	Registration Fee
Jr. NBA	5	$150
Small Ball	6 - 7	$150
U10 Girls and Boys	8 - 9	$325
U12 Girls and Boys	10 - 11	$325
U14 Girls and Boys	12 - 13	$325
U16 Boys	14 - 15	$325
U16/18 Girls	14 - 17	$325
U18 Boys	16 -17	$325

 

Evaluation Process:

• For U10 and older players, the West End Steelers Basketball Club tiers their teams based on a variety of factors including experience, apptitude, effort, and skill. Last season the Steelers had over 400 registered players so this process can be difficult. 
• Evaluators will assess all players over the course of two evaluation sessions. In some age groups, when the group is very large, there may be three evaluation sessions.
• With no exceptions, no friends and family will be present in the gym during these sessions
• All players/parents will be emailed by their coach to let them know which team they will play on and their practice time and location.
• The Steelers executive, in consultation with division coordinators, will make decisions on coaching assignments.
• The club’s decisions are final. As I'm sure you can understand, trying to accomodate special requests with >480 players is nearly impossible.
• If a parent, coach, or player is not content with their placement on a team, the Steelers will refund registration fees, minus administration fees, so the player can pursue other options. In some cases, the club will aid players in finding a home in another club.

Evaluation Practice Items:

• Players should be come with a water bottle, indoor sneakers, and a numbered jersey if possible.
• We ask parents and players of the earlier time-slots to clear the gym as soon as their practice time is over, in an effort to make gym “transition time” efficient as possible for the group coming in after.

Registration FAQ`s

My child has other activities during the week. Can you tell me what night his/her basketball practice would be so I can ensure there won't be conflicts?
During the registration period (mid-August thru mid-September), information as to which night your child will be practicing is not available. This information only becomes available once registration closes, evaluations are held, and teams are assembled (normally in late September and early October). We make every effort to work around your child's other commitments. Because we are working with limited gym availability and volunteer coaches' schedules, it isn't guarantee there won't be conflicts.

Teams will practice once or twice per week during the weeknights (exact day and time of the practice is set once we determine coaches and practice hours at the schools). Practice times range Monday to Friday, 5:30-10 pm.

When will my child's weekly MBA game occur?
U10 and U12  teams play on Saturdays. while the U14 , U16, and U18 teams play on Sundays. These games are not scheduled by the West End Steelers, they are scheduled by the Metro Basketball Association coordinators. The season runs from October through to February.  Games can be played at any gym within HRM. The first three games are usually scheduled one week at a time, then teams are realigned as needed before the rest of the games are scheduled.   You can check their website once the season starts at www.mbans.ca. 

What exactly does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers gym fees for evaluations, weekly practices, a weekly league Metro Basketball Association game (which includes gym fees, referees and a scorekeeper), a limited amount of insurance, a Basketball Nova Scotia fee and a Canada Basketball fee and all other fees associated with running the Club such as balls, uniforms, and other equipment. This year, the Steelers registration fee does not include the registration fee for the BNS Provincials tournament at the end of the season.

Are there any other costs over and above the registration fee?
The only other cost would be if your team decides to enter additional tournaments like the BNS Provincials tournament in March or April. These fees must be covered by your team and range from $300-$450 per team per tournament.

What is the refund policy?
All requests must be made by email to the Registrar at registrar@westendsteelers or the President at president@westendsteelers.com. Refunds on or before November 23rd, 2023 will be provided minus a fee of $25. Requests for a refund between November 24th and December 20th will be provided minus $50. After that point refunds will not be permitted. In extenuating circumstances (e.g. injury), a partial refund may be provided subject to a decision by the Steelers Executive.

When a player has registered with the West End Steelers, and is selected to a Division 1 High School team and does not play any games with the Club, a refund will be provided (minus the $25 admin fee).

What happened to the Jr. NBA Program?
Jr. NBA is the nationally recognized introductory basketball “skills and drills” program for our youngest players.  The Steelers have run Jr. NBA since it's inception 6 years ago.

What size basketball should I purchase to practice with my child?
U10 and U12 use size 5 (27.5”)
U14, U16 and U18 girls use a size 6 (28.5”)
U14, U16 and U18 boys use a size 7 (29.5”). 
 
Are uniforms provided?
Uniforms are provided once teams are set. They stay with your child throughout the season and must be returned to your coach at the end of the year. 
 
When are evaluations held?
Evaluation sessions will begin mid September 2023. There will be a detailed link on our website regarding evaluation date and times.

When can I expect practices and games to begin?
After evaluations are complete, teams are assembled and you can expect practices to begin shortly thereafter. Typically, practices start early to mid October and the first MBA game happens late October. The 2023-2024 Dates of Play for the MBA will soon be posted and can be viewed here once they are. You will receive a phone call or e-mail from your coach.
 
How long does the season last?
The season will extend into March this year. For full details see the MBA website here.

Can my child play up a division?
It is our policy that each registered player will play in his/her age group. There is an increased risk of injury for participants playing outside of their designated age classification. Therefore, no moving up unless it is approved by the executive. Any further questions regard this should be directed to John Hope at president@westendsteelers.com.

What if I have a problem with the coach or Club? 
Dispute Resolution Policy - - It is the policy of the West End Steelers that, in the event of a dispute (e.g., between a parent and a coach), we ask that, provided the incident is not an emergency, the complainant wait 24 hours before making their case. The communication should be made directly to a member of the West EndSteelers executive, either in writing or verbally. Once the message has been received, a member of the Executive will review the communication and respond to the person who initiated it with a decision, clarification, or request for more information. This response from the Executive will be made within 72 hours. In the event of an unresolved disagreement between the Club and a player and/or parent, the Club reserves the right to refund the player's fee, and rescind their membership. 

Privacy Policy
The Club will never share, sell, or rent individual personal information with anyone without your advance permission. Information submitted to the Club is available to Club management, Club coaches, and the Halifax Metro Basketball Association for purposes of operating the Club and associated league.