SPORTS PROGRAMS FAQs
 

HOW EASILY WILL PARTICIPANTS BE ABLE TO LEARN & PLAY YOUR SPORTS?
Most of the sports in our Sports Programs slightly resemble many other sports, however with modified rules of play that are very easy to learn.  Our sports do not require any specialized skills or early development and the equipment/ gear is minimum.  They are designed to be safe, fun and easy to pay.  No experience is required

WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS DURING A SPORTS PROGRAM?
Premier Sports Leagues offers several Sports Programs that are suited to different types of groups or organizations.  However, whether you order a single or multiple Sports Program(s) the initial one hour session of any Sports Program is essentially the same.

Either prior to the hour Sports Program session (i.e. party, workshop, clinic, event etc.) or at the start of the hour, our instructors will briefly provide the participants an overview: introduce the sport and define/ demonstrate the rules of play. 

Next, the group will be divided into teams.  Depending on the number of participants, this may be two or more teams.  The number of players on the court during play (i.e. line) for each team will be determined.  This may vary depending on the playing area size to ensure the game best mimics the actual sport (i.e. the sport of floorball playing area is 20m x 40m and has five players and a goalie on the court during play, however if the playing area used for the Sports Program is smaller, the instructor may modify the number of payers to 3 on 3, or 4 on 4 to create the space need between players that best represents the proportions to the actual sport regulation size)

For the balance of the one hour, players will play a series of mini games and the instructor (now referee) will apply the rules of play accordingly (i.e. more likely only assess fouls and not penalties as players learn).  As the play continues the referee will determine the players sport comprehension and level of competition and apply the rules to match.  Bear in mind, safety is above all at this point so any rules, conduct or behaviour that the referee determines to be unsafe, will be immediately addressed.

Optionally, the instructor (or coach/ Phys-ed teacher) may determine that time be set aside to teach basic skills such as movement, passing, shooting and ball control.  In this case, the players will be taken through a series of basic skills to familiarize themselves with the equipment and sport play techniques prior to playing.

Players do not require any experience or specialized skills to play our sports, however they should be prepared to move quickly as the playing area is usually smaller than the sport regulation size and the ball travels fast.   Once players get a feel for the basic rules of play and engage in the sport, they will quickly become better and find that passing and shooting are easier and the sport a LOT OF FUN.

Should a group or organization purchase similar multiple Sports Programs (i.e. series of minor hockey cross training clinics), then for each subsequent session less time will be given to an overview (except if new players join) and more time devoted to playing the sport.  Each Sports Program has different nuances so instructors will apply those as the session happens (i.e. birthday party needs differ from hockey player training needs). 

Furthermore, each Sports Programs is dependent on the playing area, number of participants, caliber of play, time allotment and age of players.  Our instructors are equipped and trained to adapt and present the best overall Sports Program experience for the players

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED TO PLAY YOUR SPORTS PROGRAMS?
Premier Sports Leagues provides all the equipment for our Sports Programs.  When a Sports Program session is conducted off site (i.e. not in one of our local community Club facilities), there is a slight modification to the equipment. 

As an example, mini nets are substituted for the larger regulation goal nets and in such, no goalies are used.  Although there are no goalies, the mini nets do challenge the players with scoring simply because the target is much smaller, so better accuracy is needed along with proper ball movement up the court to position the players for a better shot on goal.  This is in of itself a great skill development for players.

In some cases, the instructor may also slightly modify the play regulations to further challenge the players when using open nets (i.e. no goalie).  Players may be restricted to scoring when shooting from within a “zone” in front of the net or may need to cross half court in order to be eligible to score.  Additionally, opponents may be restricted on where they can defend the open nets to make it fair for players to have a chance to score.  All these modifications are such that they do not dramatically alter the original game 

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT/ CLOTHING DO THE PLAYERS NEED TO PARTICIPATE?
Players will need comfortable gym like clothing and clean indoor footwear that offers good traction and ankle support. Indoor footwear must always be secured (tie shoelaces) as there are frequent stop-starts and turning and loose footwear can impede movement or cause ankle fatigue/ injury.

Players should also consider eye protective wear, especially players under 10 or who are not experienced and just learning the sport.  Helmets and gloves are not used in our sports however some groups or organizations may choose to have their players wear both as an extra safety measure.  Our instructors are very diligent on safety and have a zero tolerance for players who do not play safe or conduct themselves in a manner that continue to put other players or referee at risk.

WHO PROVIDES THE PLAYING AREA (GYM)?
It is common for the group or organization to provide the playing area (i.e. gym or dry pad) for the Sports Program.  Many local schools or community operated gyms are available for rent or use.

Premier Sports Leagues typically has connections with the schools and community gym facility managers so can help the group or organization find a playing area.  In some case, Premier Sports Leagues has gym space available that they use for their community Club where existing rental agreements are already in place. 

DO WE NEED INSURANCE?
If a group or organization provides/ rents a playing area (gym) it is important to note that the group or organization will be responsible for any insurance requirement associated with the gym facility and players participation.  Furthermore, the group or organizations also assumes all responsibility and liability so should consult with their leadership/ administrator to be certain proper insurance is in place and/or waivers are used.

If Premier Sports Leagues is able to provide a playing area (gym) then each participant in the Sports Program will be required to register with Premier Sports Leagues and sign the appropriate waivers prior to playing.

Most, if not all minor sports association carry a form of insurance for extracurricular activities that are deemed ‘developmental’ for their sport.  Schools who use their own gyms (i.e. School Workshops etc.) are covered under their own insurance.  Many local community gyms offer coverage to the public individuals/ groups for rentals. In all cases, it is prudent that the organizer from the group or organization affirm their insurance needs and assess the risks prior to participating in our Sports Programs.
 

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED TO RUN A SPORTS PROGRAM?
The number of participants in our Sports Programs is determined by finding the right number of players in balance with their ability (i.e. athleticism).

Ideally a Sports Program would consist of players who are within the same age (+/- 1 year) and possess the same athletic abilities.  That is not always the case when it comes to many of our Sports Programs.  We have found that, although the age may not differ the abilities of the participants does and vice versa.  Care is given to matching same ability players of approximate age when they participate in the Sports Program so that they stay engaged and are equally challenging one another

Experience tells us that, in a one hour session, the number of players should be limited to a maximum of twenty (20) and the minimum of no less than eight (8) players.  This range provides the ability for a single instructor to manage the participants as well as allow them to be engaged in play and have the appropriate rest times.

Consideration is also be given to the number of players assigned to each team or the number of team formed, so that playing time and rest time are appropriate for the age/ abilities of the players.  Too few players put them at risk of over exertion and injuries.  Too many players/ teams limit the actual playing time during the game and does not provide enjoyment/ ample active time (i.e. players get too rested and then return to play which can cause an injury).

If the participants exceed twenty (20) then the instructor can modify the Sports Programs in such a way as to keep the players engaged.  However, the group or organization will have to provide additional support (staff) to help manage the sessions.
NOTE: sessions that are less than one hour in length further challenges the instructor and most likely will not provide the participants a proper comprehension of the sport.
 

WHAT AGE DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR SPORTS PROGRAMS?
Most of our Sports Programs do require a minimum age simply because there is a requirement of safety and dexterity to play our sports.  The minimum age we recommend is eight years (or grade 3).  Our experience has shown us that youth under this age have not developed the motor skills needed to safely play our sports.

{For example, the sport of floorball involves light carbon fibre sticks with a hard polymer blade and wiffle ball.  In this sport, reasonable eye hand coordination is preferred as well as a good grasp on keeping the sticks low and on the ground during quick speeds of play}.

The preference for youth who participate in our Sports Programs, is that they be as similar in age as possible.  We have found that a three (3) to four (4) year span is acceptable but age spans greater than these does present challenges.

We do have a maximum age limit for our Sports Programs.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Premier Sports Leagues takes every measure to ensure the participants in our Sports Programs are safe, learn our sports, are challenged and have FUN!

Our instructors are trained, equipped and given the resources to ensure that our Sports Programs are delivered to the best of their ability.  The goal of a one hour session is to help participants discover our sports, garner a good understanding of the rules of play, be engaged, become more skilled and gain confidence as they play.

If groups or organizations wish to engage Premier Sports Leagues for multiple Sports Programs and customize the sessions to better suit their needs, our Club operators are open to helping make this possible.

For more information about Premier Sports Leagues check out GENERAL under the FAQ menu tab