Understanding the difference between Rec (recreational) and Rep (representative/competitive) hockey is important when trying to determine the best fit for your daughter, and your family.

As per our Strategic Objectives and our commitment to Membership Growth:

• MWF is dedicated to creating a “Play to Compete” approach for competitive teams. The Play to Compete Approach is part of MWF’s strategic path and vision to becoming a premier female hockey association in Atlantic Canada.

• Competitive teams, no matter the level, require players and families who are committed to growth and development. This commitment is shown by attending team practices and additional development sessions (eg. off-ice conditioning, shooting skills, etc), and showing up prepared to work hard.

• Play to Compete does not mean winning every game. We expect teams will win and lose games. The premise behind Play to Compete is to create teams that can compete at the respective level of play and to place players on these teams who are prepared to put in the effort to develop and  perform at their best.

• MWF is also committed to building a strong and sustainable recreation league with Metro East Inferno and other associations.  We want to ensure that girls are placed accordingly and playing at a level that accounts for comfort, skill and/or commitment. 

To help understand the two levels of hockey and the expectations, costs and commitment of each level we have provided a summary of frequently asked questions for you to consider when it comes time to deciding what is best for you and your daughter.

Are there Evaluations / Tryouts?

Rec:

- No, if you are registering directly for U11C or U13C there are no evaluations and no evaluation fee.

- There will be team balancing sessions to ensure balanced teams.

Rep:

- Yes, if your player is hoping to play Rep hockey, evaluations are REQUIRED.

- Evaluations are held mid-September (schedule TBA) and all players hoping to play AAA, AA or A level must attend.

- Following evaluations, players are placed at AAA, AA, A, or C (Rec) level.

- Registering for Rep hockey does not guarantee placement on a Rep team.

- Players are assigned to a level based on skill level and performance observed during the evaluation process. 

What are the costs? Do they differ and why?

Rec:

- Rec fees are lower than Rep fees (see Registration Fees)

- Team budgets for Rec are usually lower, as expectations for additional on-ice and off-ice development are lower.

- Less fundraising is required as a lower parent financial contribution is required.

- Rec teams may also require additional funds through parent contributions and/or fundraising for MWF socks, tournaments, exhibition games and other team related costs.

Rep:

- Rep fees are higher than Rec fees (see Registration fees)

- Try-out fee is required and is included in registration fees.

- Team budgets are higher in order to pay for such things as additional development, additional game expenses, extra ice, tournaments and extra off ice team activities. 

- Games are longer (80 minutes compared to 50 minutes for Rec) therefore there are extra costs for ice time and officials.

- All competitive players are required to purchase MWF branded socks (home and away) and branded pant shells. 

- Higher parent monetary contribution is expected and fundraising may be required.

What is the commitment level? What is expected of the players and their families?

Rec:

- Practices take place at rinks throughout HRM.

- 1-2 practices a week plus 1 or 2 games per week.

- Exhibition games, tournaments (if available) and additional practices will be at the discretion of the team.

- More flexibility for multi-sport players.

- It is understood that players may have other commitments and interests and may miss the occasional game or practice.

Rep:

- Practices take place at rinks throughout HRM.

- Multiple practices per week with usually 2 games per week.

- Teams may add off-ice development sessions.

- High level of commitment!

- If your daughter plays multiple sports, hockey is expected to be a priority for your daughter.

- Players are expected to be available and attend all practices, development sessions,  games, and other team-based activities.

- Regular province-wide travel for regular season league games.

How much travel is involved?

Rec:
- The intention is to keep games localized as much as possible, this however can be dependent on the teams that are placed in this league.
- Rec teams may register for tournaments or organize exhibition games outside of HRM.
- The intent of Rec hockey is to keep travel to a minimum as much as possible.

Rep:
- Under the Rep Female league in NS, there is an expectation for regular province-wide travel for league games. The league your daughter is playing could potentially have teams from Yarmouth to Sydney (dependent on the teams in your league).
- Majority of games take place on the weekend and travel is be expected.
- Tournaments can take place outside of HRM and outside of Nova Scotia.
- Families are expected to travel on a regular basis.