• Competitive coaches have a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience. Coaches are also selected based on their respect for others, fair play, commitment, and leadership, teaching, feedback, and communication skills.
• Competitive coaches are subject to OBA NCCP certification requirements (Learn to Train up to U12, Train to Train from U13 to U19) and an NBBA policy regarding timelines for coaching certification.
• NBBA coaches participate in coaching clinics as offered throughout the year and are supported by the club Technical Director.
• Competitive teams participate in the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA) League, as well as local and out-of-town tournaments throughout the season (usually at least 3 tournaments).
• High-performance AAA+ teams would be expected to play in a top-level league (e.g. OBLX), with travel for their competition weekends.
• All competitive teams are assigned two practices each week at facilities in Nepean (1.5 to 2 hours per practice). Some teams may look to add another weekly session, e.g. fitness/conditioning.
• The competitive registration fee covers
  • All EOBA and Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) registration fees for teams, coaches and players.
  • Referee fees for 10 EOBA League games and the EOBA Championship tournament at the end of the season (up to a maximum of $300).
  • For U11 and up, a standard team fee intended to help cover the cost of tournaments and Ontario Cup registration, lessen the burden on team managers, and increase transparency so that parents are aware of the cost of playing basketball. Any additional team fees are set and collected by individual teams, and will vary depending on their tournaments and leagues.
  • For 2021-22, competitive registration fees did not include the team fee; all team fees were set and collected by individual teams.
• Families can expect to incur additional costs when participating in out-of-town tournaments (i.e. hotel and food).
• Competitive-program players may re-use their uniform so long as it still fits, or otherwise purchase a new uniform from the NBBA supplier.
• Per the OBA Transfer Policy, any coach or player who transfers between seasons to the NBBA from the competitive program of another OBA member club must pay a $50 transfer fee to the OBA (via the NBBA). The OBA waived the transfer fee for the 2022-23 season, the policy for 2023-24 has yet to be announced.

The U10 Competitive Program is geared towards players who are interested in playing competitive basketball at the U11 level, and usually have played at least one year in the Development program or are above-average athletes.

U10 competitive teams have practices twice a week, using regular (10-foot) rims, and participate in the NBBA girls or boys U12 house league, the OBL-East (EOBA) U10 girls or boys league, and a year-end EOBA Championship tournament. The U10 registration fee covers all of this, but does not include the standard team fee of $300, so any and all team fees are set and collected by the individual U10 teams.

Tryouts are normally held in mid September. Coaches can select up to 15 players, and will refer any remaining players to the Development program.

In general, each competitive team has two tryout dates. This can vary depending on the number of player registered for competitive tryouts. If a large number of players register for an age group three tryout dates may be held. If a low number of players register for an age group then the tryouts for multiple teams may be held at the same time.

Players wishing to play up an age group must consult with the VP Competitive prior to the first tryout and follow the NBBA playing-up policy.

If the coaching staff of a team is looking to select players to compete at the AAA+ level of play, that will be announced prior to tryouts so that players and parents are aware of the expectations and commitment.

Players who register for competitive tryouts are encouraged to also register for the corresponding Development or Recreational program in case they are not chosen for a competitive team, or decide they are not able to make the necessary commitment.

• The selection process is based on a number of factors including physical characteristics, endurance, attitude, coachability, intensity, basketball skills such as shooting, dribbling and rebounding, and team play (see selection criteria of the OBA athlete selection policy). Coaches are encouraged to give preference to returning NBBA players, other things being equal.
• Based on evaluation of the above criteria, the coaching staff will select the team roster, which is typically 12 players but may range from 10 to 15 players (the OBA maximum).
• U13 to U19 competitive coaches have discretion over playing time, but any player who shows commitment, respect and effort should get meaningful minutes per game, on average. Coaches may limit their roster to 11 (or even 10) players in order to do that. See the full Competitive Playing Time Policy.
• The selection process can commence after the first, second, or third tryout dates and is usually based on the number of players trying out.
• If a player is not selected for a competitive team and has registered for the Development or Recreational program, they will be released to attend sort-outs.

2024-25 tryouts for AAA+ teams will be held during the last week of August, other tryouts will be held September 7-15. Details will be announced as available.