London Ramblers Basketball

Novice, Under 10
Atom, Under 11
Major Atom, Under 12
Bantam, Under 13
Major Bantam, Under 14
Midget, Under 15
Major Midget, Under 16
Juvenile, Under 17
Junior, Under 19

[top]

A3: Print off a registration form from our web site and mail it in.

A4: Tryouts for U14 and below are in September. Tryouts for U15-U19 girls are in November. Tryouts for U15-U19 boys take place in February. Locations for tryouts are announced on our competitive home page.

A5: Definitely at the U14 or below. We are looking for players that have athletic ability and are enthusiastic about the game of basketball. At the U15 and above, we are looking for players that have experience.

A6: 10-12 players per team, depending on the age level and coaches' preferences. Ontario Basketball regulations limit team rosters to a maximum of 15 players. At the younger age levels (Novice U10, Atom U11, Major Atom U12), there are shift rules that require each team to have a minimum of 12 players named on the roster and no fewer than 10 players in uniform, able to play, for each game. These teams typically carry 12 players, occasionally more. At the Bantam U13 age level and higher, teams must have a minimum of 10 players on the roster. However, at these ages there are no shift rules and no guarantee of playing time, so coaches often go with the minimum 10 players, occasionally 11 or 12, but rarely more than 12.

[top]

A7: Teams practice twice per week 90 minutes per session. Younger teams usually practice in elementary gyms and at earlier times between 6:00 - 8:30 pm; older teams practice in high school gyms or community centers at later times 8:30 – 10:00 pm

A8:

Novice - Major Atom: Begins in early September and ends in April. Four or five tournaments per season.

Bantam - Major Bantam: Begins in early September and ends in late April. Five tournaments per season.

Midget – Junior Girls: Begins in late November and ends in May. Four-six tournaments per season.

Midget – Junior Boys: Begins in late February and ends in May. Four-six tournaments per season.

A9: Our teams do not play in a regular league - we play in exhibition games and tournaments sanctioned by Ontario Basketball. Most tournaments we attend are within a 90-minute drive of London, but there is the possibility of overnight travel (e.g. Toronto, Windsor, Hamilton, depending on the team). Tournaments typically have a game on Friday evening; 1-3 games on Saturday; and possibly medal games on Sunday. Tournament formats and schedules vary depending on the host club. Ramblers hosts its’ own tournament for the majority of age levels. The tournament schedule leads up to the Provincial Championship tournaments, run by Ontario Basketball. The site of the Provincial tournament varies from year to year, but is often an overnight trip to cities such as Hamilton, Ottawa or Windsor, or even as far as Sault Ste. Marie.

Important notes: Thames Valley District High School Students may not take part in club games or tournaments during the high school season. The bulk of the Midget U15, Major Midget U16, Juvenile U17, and Junior U19 boys’ tournament schedule is compressed into a 10-12 week period from mid-March to mid-May.

[top]

A10: Faith, family and academics should be the priority of each player. If there are any conflicts between competitive basketball and other extracurricular activities such as hockey, indoor soccer, swimming, dance, martial arts, music, etc., competitive basketball must win out.

The commitment level is especially important at the Novice U10, Atom U11, and Major Atom U12 divisions - there are shift rules that require teams to have 10 players in uniform for each game, able to play, otherwise the game will be forfeited.

A11: At the younger age levels (Novice U10, Atom U11, Major Atom U12), there are shift rules that guarantee each player a minimum (but not necessarily equal) amount of playing time in each game. At the Atom U11 and Major Atom U12 levels, the last 4 minutes of each game are free substitution - playing time in the last 4 minutes is completely at the discretion of the coaches.

At the Bantam U13 age level and higher, there are no shift rules and no guaranteed playing time - all playing time is completely at the discretion of the coaches.

Competitive basketball is very competitive, just like any other competitive sport. Players must earn their playing time, and coaches will make their substitution patterns to fit the situations presented in each game. Once again, at ages where the rules permit free substitution, playing time is completely at the discretion of the coaches. If you are expecting to play in a format where playing time is guaranteed and equal, you may be better off looking at house league or developmental programs.

[top]

A12: Depending on the team, number of players and number of tournaments the cost ranges from $400.00 - $700.00 per player this includes uniform. This amount may be reduced, depending on the team's ability to fundraise and attract sponsorships. The fee covers as much as 8 months of competitive basketball.

A13: House League is a non-competitive environment where players learn skills, rules and play games. Coaches consist of volunteer parents, competitive coaches, high school students or university and college students.

A14:

Boys & Girls House Leagues

U8 – Coed
U10 – Boys and Girls Separate
U12 – Boys and Girls Separate
U14 – Boys and Girls Separate
Boys High School – Grades 9-12
Girls High School - Grades 9-12

[top]

A15: Print off a registration form from our web site and mail it in with payment.

A16: No, anyone can join. It is on a first come first serve basis.

A17: This is a perfect place for new players to learn skills, develop confidence and have fun.

A18: 10-12 players per team.

A19: House league runs on Tuesday and Thursday nights or Sunday afternoons. Depending on the age group. Most of our house leagues are run out of Mother Teresa High School on Sunningdale Rd.

A20: They are 8 -10 week programs.

A21: 1 evening or Sunday afternoon per week for one hour.

A22: $100.00 - $170.00 depending on the league

[top]