GROUP/ TEAM PARTY FAQs
 

HOW EASILY WILL PARTICIPANTS BE ABLE TO LEARN & PLAY YOUR SPORTS?
Most of the sports 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 GROUP PARTY?
The one hour Group Party is as follows:

1. Either prior to the hour Group Party session 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
    
2. 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 and may vary depending on the playing area size to ensure the game best mimics the actual sport.
    
3. 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.

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.

The Group Party event is dependent on the sport chosen, playing area size, number of participants, caliber of play, willingness to engage and age of players.  Our instructors are equipped and trained to adapt and present the best overall Group Party experience for the players.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR THE GROUP PARTY?
Premier Sports Leagues provides all the equipment for our Group Party.

We choose to use mini nets as a substituted for the larger regulation goal nets for our Group Party as seldom is it feasible to have a person play in nets (i.e. higher risk on injury, not as engaging, requires specialized equipment and training etc.).  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.

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).  This may depend on the skill level of the participants.  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’s organizer (or team manager) to arrange for the playing area for the Group Party (i.e. gym or dry pad).  Many local schools or community operated gyms are available for rent or use.

Premier Sports Leagues usually has connections with the schools and community gym facility managers so can help the organizer 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 Group Party 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 such as team parties. 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 Group Party.

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED FOR A GROUP PARTY?
Ideally a Group Party 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 Group Party events.  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 Group Party 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 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. 

If the participants exceed twenty (20) then the instructor can modify the Group Party 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.

WHAT AGE DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PARTICIPATE IN A GROUP PARTY?
Our Group Party does require a minimum age simply because our sports do require the need for safe play.  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}.

Our preference for youth who participate in our Group Party 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 and risks to younger age children.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Premier Sports Leagues takes every measure to ensure the participants in our Group Party are safe, learn our sports, are challenged and have FUN (after all it’s a P A R T Y !!)

Our instructors are trained, equipped and given the resources to ensure that our Group Party events are delivered to the best of their ability.

EXTRAS
Birthday Party events are slightly different than Team Party events, in that there is a single individual (‘Birthday Child”) who the event centres around.  Our instructors TRY to give a few ‘extra privileges’ to this person in order to make them feel special where and when possible. 

Birthday Party organizers can also purchase a special gift for their child from Premier Sports Leagues (i.e. floorball stick).  Arrangements will need to in advance as instructor’s equipment is not for sale on site.  In some cases, the local Club operator can offer special price discounts in exchange for placing Premier Sports Leagues postcards in the loot bags

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