Seeding 101

Each association is given the opportunity to form teams within their association in whatever method they choose. That does mean that they do have to follow the basic ground rules set out by ORA regarding age groups and team sizes. The Region cannot tell an association, for instance, that because they have 36 players in an age group they would have to divide them equally by ability nor can we tell them that they cannot follow that procedure.

Once the teams have been formed the Association Registrar completes a Team Registration Form. As part of this document the Association is required to indicate an Age Group (Bunny through Open and Masters) and a level of play (recreational, regional C or B, Provincial Petite or A or AA). Coaches are required to look over this form and sign it before it is handed in to the Regional G&T Coordinator at the November region meeting. After the meeting the information regarding each team at each level is compiled into a chart, which is then published on the Western Region Website (www.wrra.ca). A notice is sent out to the membership informing them that the chart is available and that each Association is responsible to verify the information found there. This is the FIRST opportunity for a coach or Association to amend a teams seeding.

In early December, each Conference is required to review the teams that are playing in their league. At this time the teams that are performing above their indicated level of play must be informed that they are being considered for reseeding advancement. Those that are performing below, should be asked if they are intending to retreat (not an option for teams that have players released to them based on level of play). This REVIEW is the responsibility of the LEAGUES. It is the expectation of the Region G&T that the leagues will establish a formal process for evaluating and agreeing on the seedings within their conference. This process should also bring forth any concerns with seeding levels in other Western Region conferences. The Leagues are asked to attend a December Seeding Meeting that is held under the guidance of the G&T Coordinator. At this time each League is given the opportunity to comment on the teams in each division and indicate which teams might be under consideration for reseeding. The other Leagues may also indicate at that time if they have concerns over the Level of Play of teams outside of their own League. After this meeting the changes are made to the seeding chart on the website and again the membership is informed that the chart has been revised and they are asked to relay any concerns to G&T. This is the SECOND opportunity for coaches and associations to amend their seeding.

The Provincial G&T Committee is responsible for any changes in seeding at the "A" or "AA" level. January 8th is the Final review for teams that are playing at this level. While the region is responsible for bringing their region teams and region concerns to the Provincial body, this body is the ultimate authority for final Provincial seedings. Current provincial practice allows a team to seed themselves higher than they perhaps are currently capable but not lower than their performance.

The FINAL Seeding review (B and C) is held mid-January. The Leagues are once again invited to a meeting held by the G&T Coordinator. The process is the same as December but the outcome of the meeting is considered to be the FINAL opportunity for a team to be moved. The chart on the website is once again updated with any revisions and coaches are given 3 days to review and question any reseeding. This seeding and the team commitment deposit at the January WRRA meeting form the basis for the scheduling of the Regionals tournament and this should be commenced as soon as the seeding appeal timing has passed.

The region tournament will consist of a championship round for each level of play supported by the individual conferences. In cases where there are less than 4 regional conference representatives available for championship play the region will determine the feasibility of offering that level on the championship side and if the level is to be offered will determine wild card teams to fill to 4 team competition. All teams not participating at the championship level will be offered play at the invitational level. Every effort will be made to establish fair groupings providing equal competition meeting as much as possible cross conference opponents. In every Regional Tournament some arbitrary decisions will occur to meet ice availability and team distribution.

Certain issues arise as a result of teams engaging in Cross-League play. Remember that the League that you belong to is ultimately responsible for representing you at the Seeding Meetings. Both Leagues will be asked to comment on these teams but the decision will rest with the HOME LEAGUE.

The job of the Regional G&T coordinator is to ensure that each team is given the opportunity to play at a competitive skill level. However, in this region the number of teams has required the League Presidents and Statisticians to take responsibility for ensuring the fairness of play in their leagues.

It is the responsibility of a team's home conference to establish a team playing level and seeding and to provide a proper place for the team to participate in league play. It is the joint responsibility of the combined leagues facilitated by the Region G&T Coordinator to see that seeding levels are comparable across the region and where possible across the province. All seeding disputes must be resolved at the conference level and any appeals or request for change must be brought forward at the two seeding meetings by the conferences. Any final requests for change after the January seeding meeting must come through the conferences to the region. The Region G&T Coordinator is responsible to facilitate the process and arbitrate any disputes.