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The JUEL Experience
Overview
As a Provincial League, we’re providing opportunities for Players throughout the entire Province. Ideally no player will travel more than one hour to their practices. This will allow them time to focus on their education as well as personal life away from basketball. We believe that displacing young women at a young age will have negative impacts on their personal growth. As well as adding financial burdens on the family, moneys that could be put towards their College or University education. Our model and its successes have now become the foundation for other upstart leagues throughout Canada.
JUEL is inclusive of all Players because we provide opportunities for everyone exclusive of their financial status. We want the best players to play in our league, not just a select few who can afford it.
JUEL Prep was created in 2014 to provide opportunities for Players in grade 9 & 10 to develop and transition into JUEL.
JUEL Academy will begin play in the 2023-2024 season to provide opportunities for Players in grade 8 to develop and transition into JUEL Prep.
Part of the original plan for JUEL was to allow all of our players the opportunity to attend and play at their local High School during each fall, these are said to be the "best years of your life". With this in mind Basketball doesn't become the only focus in a young woman’s life, they still get the opportunity to be with their non-basketball friends and close to their families helping them become well-rounded.
The Women's game is fortunate that the majority of players are able to excel on the court as well as in the classroom; this is why Regional teams are so successful. They provide the opportunity for each player to represent their Region as part of a stronger group while staying at home.
Players generally want strong Coaching, develop their game so they're ready to step into a role at the next level, practice and compete against the best and give themselves the best exposure. JUEL has provided this since our first game on December 11, 2010.
In Ontario alone, there are 17 OUA and 17 OCAA Schools competing in Women’s Basketball, if each roster contains 12 Players then there are 408 spots available annually. The OUA and OCAA must be our priority, this is why JUEL has worked hard to establish strong relationships and stressed the importance of our Players playing on their courts. Not only would the Players have an opportunity to play College or University basketball, they will receive a great education in preparation for their lives after basketball.
OCAA and OUA Coaches act as mentors to some of our teams during the season and assist in team selection during tryouts. JUEL has always provided direct access to all of our Players so they can make the best decision in selecting a school that will give them the greatest opportunity for education and basketball success.
The facts are clear; Players looking to play at the next level are using JUEL as their vehicle, Regular practices with and against the best players in their Region along with games against the best players in the Province has proven to be a recipe for success. JUEL’s relationship with the NCAA, USport and CCAA, has provided our players with the best exposure and opportunities for Basketball and Academic choices.
Graduates aren’t just succeeding on the court, but off the court as well. Every year players submit, are evaluated and winners are selected for the Athletica Elite Community Service, Molten All-Academic and Fred Dunbar Awards. The Awards are part of our annual Banquet where we honour all of the hard work done during the season.
One of JUEL’s main focuses from the beginning has been to provide as many services for the best value. We understand there are financial burdens on families so allocating funds in the right areas is very important.
Players have to make sacrifices to play at the highest level and give themselves the best opportunity to continue playing at the next level. With this in mind it is important that clubs and/or teams don’t add the burden of travelling more than an hour to-and-from practice three possibly four times a week (also consider Workouts).
League Operations
The Canadian Basketball Alliance (CBA) is a non-for-profit Corporation that began managing JUEL on September 14, 2018, providing JUEL with over 40 years of basketball specific experience.
The Organization provides extensive knowledge and resources for Event, League and Game operations. Resources include:
As a Provincial League, we’re providing opportunities for Players throughout the entire Province. Ideally no player will travel more than one hour to their practices. This will allow them time to focus on their education as well as personal life away from basketball. We believe that displacing young women at a young age will have negative impacts on their personal growth. As well as adding financial burdens on the family, moneys that could be put towards their College or University education. Our model and its successes have now become the foundation for other upstart leagues throughout Canada.
JUEL is inclusive of all Players because we provide opportunities for everyone exclusive of their financial status. We want the best players to play in our league, not just a select few who can afford it.
JUEL Prep was created in 2014 to provide opportunities for Players in grade 9 & 10 to develop and transition into JUEL.
JUEL Academy will begin play in the 2023-2024 season to provide opportunities for Players in grade 8 to develop and transition into JUEL Prep.
Part of the original plan for JUEL was to allow all of our players the opportunity to attend and play at their local High School during each fall, these are said to be the "best years of your life". With this in mind Basketball doesn't become the only focus in a young woman’s life, they still get the opportunity to be with their non-basketball friends and close to their families helping them become well-rounded.
The Women's game is fortunate that the majority of players are able to excel on the court as well as in the classroom; this is why Regional teams are so successful. They provide the opportunity for each player to represent their Region as part of a stronger group while staying at home.
Players generally want strong Coaching, develop their game so they're ready to step into a role at the next level, practice and compete against the best and give themselves the best exposure. JUEL has provided this since our first game on December 11, 2010.
In Ontario alone, there are 17 OUA and 17 OCAA Schools competing in Women’s Basketball, if each roster contains 12 Players then there are 408 spots available annually. The OUA and OCAA must be our priority, this is why JUEL has worked hard to establish strong relationships and stressed the importance of our Players playing on their courts. Not only would the Players have an opportunity to play College or University basketball, they will receive a great education in preparation for their lives after basketball.
OCAA and OUA Coaches act as mentors to some of our teams during the season and assist in team selection during tryouts. JUEL has always provided direct access to all of our Players so they can make the best decision in selecting a school that will give them the greatest opportunity for education and basketball success.
The facts are clear; Players looking to play at the next level are using JUEL as their vehicle, Regular practices with and against the best players in their Region along with games against the best players in the Province has proven to be a recipe for success. JUEL’s relationship with the NCAA, USport and CCAA, has provided our players with the best exposure and opportunities for Basketball and Academic choices.
Graduates aren’t just succeeding on the court, but off the court as well. Every year players submit, are evaluated and winners are selected for the Athletica Elite Community Service, Molten All-Academic and Fred Dunbar Awards. The Awards are part of our annual Banquet where we honour all of the hard work done during the season.
One of JUEL’s main focuses from the beginning has been to provide as many services for the best value. We understand there are financial burdens on families so allocating funds in the right areas is very important.
Players have to make sacrifices to play at the highest level and give themselves the best opportunity to continue playing at the next level. With this in mind it is important that clubs and/or teams don’t add the burden of travelling more than an hour to-and-from practice three possibly four times a week (also consider Workouts).
League Operations
The Canadian Basketball Alliance (CBA) is a non-for-profit Corporation that began managing JUEL on September 14, 2018, providing JUEL with over 40 years of basketball specific experience.
The Organization provides extensive knowledge and resources for Event, League and Game operations. Resources include:
- Equipment – shot clocks, speakers, stats programs, Video Services and Equipment
- Staff – Game Day, Athletic Therapists, Video, Stats, Site Directors, Minor Officials, Personal Basketball specific development
- Products – Athletic Supplies, uniforms, basketballs, logo design, swag
- Training – practices, camps, game strategies, playbooks​
- Fergy Neves - Founder​
In 2001 he started his own club named Sultan Prospects and was fortunate to work with many exceptional basketball Players, some who represented Canada on the Women’s Senior Nationals team. That same year Fergy became the Canadian Ambassador for YBOA (Youth Basketball of America) where he built relationships with international groups.
In 2004 The Sultan Prospects began running “the Battle for Breast Cancer”, an annual tournament that was praised for its
organization, Celebrity Game and awareness.
In late 2009 Fergy began working on the idea of JUEL; with the support of the most influential Organizations and Coaches in the Province the idea came to life with the first game the following year.
Over the years people have come and gone, but Fergy has remained and is excited over the possibilities for JUEL with the support of key people.
- Alex (Kwiecinska) Kay - Director
Alex completed her undergraduate degree in Sport Management while playing under Karl Smesko at Florida Gulf Coast University. Upon her graduation, her passion stayed with basketball, which led to her coaching career at the College and Rep levels prior to JUEL.
She shares a passion for providing young athletes with the best opportunities, optimal exposure and allowing them to grow into the next level of their careers whether it be on or off the court.
- Sabrina Brathwaite – Director
Sabrina grew up playing basketball starting with the Brampton Blue Devils and CIA Bounce. She took her athletic career into the post-secondary level, playing for the University of Waterloo and Sheridan College and is now an alumnus of both programs. She has worked on the medical side of sports since 2011 with a wide variety of sports, such as football, soccer, rugby, hockey, badminton, volleyball, and track & field, but her main focus was always basketball.
Sabrina is an experienced Certified Athletic Therapist having worked in the amateur, professional and international sporting levels. Her work experience includes working with the University of Waterloo, Ryerson University, Team Ontario Girls Basketball, Umbro Soccer, Nike Crown Basketball, Raptors 905, Dominican Republic Basketball SMNT and ACE- Team Canada. Sabrina is joining our team as a member on our Board of Directors and the league’s Medical Director. Should you have any questions or concerns about the Athletic Therapists on-site, referrals to sports med clinics in your area, medical documentation, or any inquiries about medical supplies (such as custom or generic braces, sleeves, biofreeze, tensor wraps, foam rollers, etc.), please feel free to reach out to Sabrina at athleticaelite@gmail.com.
Coaches
It’s very important to understand that JUEL/JUEL Prep isn’t just for the Players; we’re also helping develop strong Coaches. In fact, former JUEL/JUEL Prep Coaches are currently coaching at the next level. The League Office recognizes the importance of College and University Coaches and their role as mentors. In many cases Franchises will invite College and University Coaches to help with the tryout and selection process. JUEL believes in the importance of our Coaches, Players and their parents having direct access to the Canadian Coaches from the next level, but also recognizes there must be a clear divide and transparency.
- College and/or University Head Coaches cannot be on any JUEL/JUEL Prep Coaching Staffs
- College and/or University Assistant Coaches are allowed on the Coaching Staff.
- If a Franchise has both a JUEL and JUEL Prep team a Coach cannot be listed on both teams
- JUEL recognizes that there are challenges in retaining qualified Coaches and in some cases the only option is to offer the position to a Parent Coach. As well, there are Parents who are qualified Coaches whose abilities will benefit all of the Players.
- With this in mind JUEL currently allows Parent Coaches, but strongly encourages all Franchises to make every effort to avoid it. History has shown that assigning a Parent Coach could create issues whether reality or perception.
- Coaching in JUEL or JUEL Prep must be a priority for the Head Coach. This person cannot be a Head Coach on any other team during the current season (October 2023 – June 2024).
- Exception – Head Coach during the NCAA April (Spring) viewing period.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Head Coaches will have their travel expenses covered, this is to help offset costs incurred by the Coach and their Assistants. Payment amount and method will be at the discretion of the Franchise Administrators and should be built into the Player fees.
- Head Coaches are responsible for the selection of their Assistant Coaches, but they must be approved by the Selection Committee.
Criminal Record Check
JUEL is different from most leagues so it’s very important that everyone looking for their best option review this package in
advance so you’re better prepared and get the most from the experience.
Our teams pay a Team Registration Fee for the season which works out to under $1,000.00/Player (based on a 12 Player roster). The fee does not include the following items that are Franchise specific as costs vary from Franchise-to-Franchise:
Schedule
JUEL has always been known for starting games on time and not cancelling games (only 3 games have been cancelled in 12 seasons of competition), this is something we take pride in. All Games start on their scheduled time, the only exception is the last game of each day where the game can start early if approved by both Coaches and the Game Officials. In addition, JUEL provides the following:
This is a vital service mainly due to the level of play. It is very important that we take care of all of the athletes and their well being. Certified Athletic Therapists (not students) are available to all of the Athletes for injury prevention and treatment. In addition, all supplies are provided by the Therapists.
League Tournament
The League tournament held in late May annually is awarded to a College or University on a 2 year basis. The Tournament has been known as “JUEL Mayhem” and host all JUEL and JUEL Prep teams over 3 days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). This event and the All-Star Games are the only times a gate fee is in affect. Historically USport, CCAA and NCAA Division 2 Coaches have attended looking for Players to fill their rosters in future years.
Exposure
JUEL has always been committed to allowing and providing the best exposure for all Players. Annually games have not been scheduled during the NCAA Spring Viewing period so team and Players can travel to the US to play in events. Our partnerships with OUA and OCAA Coaches is crucial for the benefit of our Players as we provide direct access to the Coaches.
In addition, the JUEL/JUEL Prep Recruiting Guide is made available to all NCAA, USport and CCAA Coaches. The Guide includes Head Coach and Player head shots and contact information.- Criminal Record Checks must be completed for all Coaches (Head & Assistant). Each Coach is responsible for their Criminal Record Check and payment.
JUEL is different from most leagues so it’s very important that everyone looking for their best option review this package in
advance so you’re better prepared and get the most from the experience.
Our teams pay a Team Registration Fee for the season which works out to under $1,000.00/Player (based on a 12 Player roster). The fee does not include the following items that are Franchise specific as costs vary from Franchise-to-Franchise:
- Practice/Training – facility rental
- Coaching Staff expenses
- Uniforms
- Housing and travel during the season
Schedule
- The 2023-2024 season will include 3 Pre-season games, 24 Regular Season games plus a minimum of 3 League Tournament games. Teams play the other teams 2 times during the Regular season over 8-9 weekends. Note: Thunder Bay Wolves will not participate in the Pre-Season games and play 4 games over 6 Regular Season weekends plus the League Tournament.
- All JUEL and JUEL Prep games are 40-minutes in length (4, 10-minute quarters). This aligns with competition at the College, University or international levels and better prepares our Players for an easier transition.
- Teams will play a minimum of 30, 40-minute games during the 2023-2024 season which is equal to 36, 32-minute games.
- The JUEL/JUEL Prep schedule is set in September/October annually so everyone can plan their travel early and hopefully save on housing costs.
- Regular season games are played on Saturdays and Sundays, this way Players and parents minimize their time away from school and work. As well, every effort is made to minimize the number of night stays to one night per weekend (Saturday) for the teams travelling, lowering the housing costs for each family.
- The scheduled weekends allow for better rest and recovery, Practice/Training time and avoids holidays (Family Day is the only exception). Weekends are a minimum of 2 weeks apart and a maximum of 3 weeks apart allowing for consistent competition. As well, Players and teams can compete in the NCAA Spring viewing period in April annually.
JUEL has always been known for starting games on time and not cancelling games (only 3 games have been cancelled in 12 seasons of competition), this is something we take pride in. All Games start on their scheduled time, the only exception is the last game of each day where the game can start early if approved by both Coaches and the Game Officials. In addition, JUEL provides the following:
- Site Directors will be staffed by JUEL representatives at all courts during competition and are responsible for all happenings at their assigned court. They must perform and/or assign and/or oversee all duties required. Site Directors could also work as a Minor Official, Stats or Video Operator.
- Minor Officials are scheduled to work all games with a minimum of 2 CBA Staff at the table. This will help with establishing proper game flow, accuracy and consistency.
- Live Stats are performed by JUEL Staff for all JUEL/JUEL Prep games. Stat printouts are provided to the Coaches at halftime and the end of the game. The Box Scores for each game are posted on the JUEL site along with Stat leaders.
- Game videos are recorded for all JUEL/JUEL Prep/JUEL Academy games. All game videos are posted on the JUEL site.
- Scoresheets for all games are completed in advance, Coaches just need to review and sign-off.
- Game Balls are provided for all JUEL, JUEL Prep and JUEL Academy games. JUEL has had a partnership with Molten starting with our first game on December 11, 2010. It’s important that all of our Players practice, warmup and compete using the same balls; The Molten 12-panel, 2-tone ball is used for FIBA International competition as well and will be familiar to any of the Players who compete at that level.
- FIBA Game time rules are used for all JUEL and JUEL Prep games. A minimum 10-minute warmup, 10-minute quarters, 2 minutes in between the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th quarters, 10-minute halftime and 5-minute overtime if needed.
This is a vital service mainly due to the level of play. It is very important that we take care of all of the athletes and their well being. Certified Athletic Therapists (not students) are available to all of the Athletes for injury prevention and treatment. In addition, all supplies are provided by the Therapists.
League Tournament
The League tournament held in late May annually is awarded to a College or University on a 2 year basis. The Tournament has been known as “JUEL Mayhem” and host all JUEL and JUEL Prep teams over 3 days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). This event and the All-Star Games are the only times a gate fee is in affect. Historically USport, CCAA and NCAA Division 2 Coaches have attended looking for Players to fill their rosters in future years.
Exposure
JUEL has always been committed to allowing and providing the best exposure for all Players. Annually games have not been scheduled during the NCAA Spring Viewing period so team and Players can travel to the US to play in events. Our partnerships with OUA and OCAA Coaches is crucial for the benefit of our Players as we provide direct access to the Coaches.
Antigua
JUEL has attended the Gillian Brazier Basketball Shootout held in Antigua, WI in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023. The tournament is held during the Easter break and open to all JUEL and JUEL Prep Players. Included in the trip is the flight, housing, meals, tournament games and excursions. The Players work camps in an effort to help continue growing the game on the island. In 2023 we had 65 people attend the event which is the largest group ever travelled and allowed JUEL to be represented by 3 teams (made up of attending Players).
Part of the trip is to identify local players who may benefit from playing in JUEL or JUEL Prep while living in Ontario. This past summer 4 Players from Antigua attended 5 JUEL Prep tryouts with 2 Players making a commitment starting in the 2024-2025 season.
End Women’s Cancers Weekend
As a Women’s league it’s really important that we bring awareness to all Women’s Cancers and provide support for research. Each season the second February weekend is designated as our “End Women’s Cancers” Weekend. Teams, Players and their families can purchase Lilac t-shirts and hoodies to wear during warmup and off the court. Profits form the sales of these items go to the Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Research Centre. The 2023 event was able to raise just over $3,000.00.
Banquet
JUEL is known for it’s annual Banquet held on the Friday night of the league Tournament. Each team is assigned 15 tickets as part of their registration and additional tickets can be purchased by parents (based on availability). Although the Banquet is semi-formal, Players tend to dress up. The event includes a sit-down meal and Award presentations honouring the on-court and off-court accomplishments.
Awards
Annual Awards will include the following:
- “The JUEL” League Championship Trophy – The trophy will be awarded to the team that wins the 2023-2024 JUEL Championship.
- “The JUEL Prep” League Championship Trophy – The trophy will be awarded to the team that wins the 2023-2024 JUEL Prep Championship.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Individual League Champion medals for the winning Coaches and Players (Gold, Silver and Bronze). The medals will be presented after the Championship and Bronze Medal Games.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Regular Season Team Champions Board presented at the Banquet.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Allan Bush Investment Group 1st. & 2nd. Team All-Stars will be recognized at the Banquet. (Voted on by Coaches and an independent committee).
- JUEL/JUEL Prep All-Defensive Team will be recognized at the Banquet. (Voted on by Coaches and an independent committee).
- JUEL/JUEL Prep League Coach of the Year Award (selected by an independent committee) presented at the Banquet.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Molten League All Academic Award (Individual winners voted on by Molten USA) presented at the Banquet.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Molten Team Academic Award (winner voted on by Molten USA) presented at the Banquet.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Athletica Elite Community Service Award (Individual winners voted on by Athletica Elite) presented at the Banquet.
- Mackenzie Curran Spirit Award (winner voted on by Mackenzie Curran) presented at the Banquet.
- Fred Dunbar Award (winner voted on by Fred Dunbar’s family) presented at the Banquet.
- JUEL/JUEL Prep Players of the Month (winners selected from on court performance each month of competition).
The All-Star Games are held 2 weeks after the League Tournament. The past few seasons we had the Juniors go up against the Seniors and the Sophomores against the Freshmen, this format worked very well so we will repeat it. JUEL is looking to provide and experience that has been attempted but never achieved in the women’s game. The focus is to promote the game early and often within the league, but more importantly to everyone in the Province so we’re able to create an incredible atmosphere and make this annual event one to remember.
Accountability
As a Provincial league whose main focus is the best interest of the Players there is a requirement that specific rules are created and followed. As with all rules, adherence and policing are paramount to maintain League integrity. Rules and Policies are put in place to protect everyone and if broken actions must be taken.
The JUEL Experience
For the past 12 seasons JUEL has led the way, provided opportunities and delivered on its commitment to provide the best experience for everyone involved. Every season Clubs/Teams apply to be part of JUEL, we don’t go after them. JUEL started the League Format, has endured other upstart leagues created to convince our Players to leave and will continue to thrive because we stay true to our model. When evaluating options, Players and their families should consider everything being offered in return for their investment. When they do, they will realize that JUEL is the best overall value by far.
99% of Student Athletes will stop playing competitive basketball when they graduate from College or University at the age of 22-23. Will they remember the great overall experience of playing in JUEL or a bunch of games?
When you commit to JUEL, you know what you’re getting as it’s been done for the past 12 seasons so why consider anything else?
