Divisions

Divisions

WHA has four divisions which cater from the very young to the young at heart.

Divisions are Under 12, Under 16 - Junior, Women and Open.

 

    • Under 12

As of 2016 a new competition was introduced to the WHA.  The new Under 12 competition comprises one team from each club: Dimboola, Horsham, Kaniva, Nhill, Warracknabeal and Yanac.  Players generally range from 5 to 12 years old, depending on birth month.

U12s hockey is the grassroots level of competition with Hockey Victoria giving greater focus to establishing more organised training and competition for these young learning players, as a pathway into junior hockey, and establishing a greater base number of players entering the sport and retaining numbers for clubs to help build the future of the sport.

Hookin2Hockey programs around local towns is a great stepping stone to being involved in the U12 comp, although no experience is necessary.

Under 12s play with modified rules to encourage continuity in the game as well as fun.  There is an emphasis on safe play.  Learning positions and general rules is important, and sportsmanship.

This learning environment is also a great place for up and coming officials such as coaches and umpires to practice their skills and build their confidence before progressing to the next level of officiating.

Under 12s has been incorporated into the main WHA draw which provides weekly matches.  The 12.30pm time slot has been popular, allowing forward planning for parents and  greater participation.

Whilst there is a weekly ladder kept and various statistics, there are no finals, premierships or awards for Under 12s.

 

    • Under 16 - Juniors

The Under 16 junior competition is a mixed competition with the base age of players generally around 10 years old depending on numbers in clubs.

Junior teams compete for premiership titles.

 

    • Women

The women’s division is a senior division with players generally aged from the 16 and overs up to all ages including what would otherwise be ‘veteran’ classed in larger associations.

Junior players are permitted to fill in for senior teams to make up numbers.

Women’s teams compete for premiership titles.

 

    • Open

The open division is a senior division with players generally aged from the 16 and overs up to all ages including what would otherwise be ‘veteran’ classed in larger associations.

Junior players are permitted to fill in for senior teams to make up numbers.  Although the open competition is predominantly a male division, women are permitted to play.

Open teams compete for premiership titles.