Ontario enjoys a long association with the sport of ball hockey. Formed in 1974 by a relatively small group of ball hockey enthusiasts the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (OBHA) has brought Canada’s beloved game of street hockey indoors, to now offer the most comprehensive program in Canada. The OBHA is a registered non-profit organization officially recognized as the governing body of the sport in Ontario by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association, International Street & Ball Hockey Federation, the Canadian Hockey Association and Sport Canada. The OBHA provides the following administrative services:

- Office Services
- Annual General Meeting and Awards Reception
- Organize Mens, Womens & Minor Provincial Championships
- Organize Mens Provincial Qualifiers
- Eastern Regional Championships for Mens B & C level teams
- Junior Nationals for players under 19 years of age
- National Championships for Mens & Womens A level
- Assist new leagues with start up kits
- Print and distribute rulebooks for members
- Promote the sport of ball hockey across the province and country
- Publish the Concrete Chronicles (official Ball hockey newsletter)
- Set bylaws and regulations for members as a guideline
- Obtain Provincial sponsorships
- Resolve any disputes leagues or teams may have with provinces
- Arrange insurance program which includes general liability and medical/dental accident   insurance
- Provide a provincial certification program for officials
- Provide a provincial registration program for its members
- Distribute coaching materials

The objective of the OBHA is to foster the growth of the sport. This has been accomplished through the development of programs, provision of member services, local, regional and national tournaments and its commitment to:

• to provide a fun safe recreational activity for all levels of competition from house league to elite programs
• creating and implementing leadership opportunities for officials, coaches, volunteers and administrators
• establishing standards of play and for quality of equipment to ensure good sport and safety for all participants
• to maintain, distribute and uphold the rules and regulations of ball hockey in Ontario

As the grass roots essence of the great game of hockey, the sport of ball hockey, often called street hockey can easily be played by anyone in the world, regardless of socio-economic background. It is our belief that it can not only achieve national prominence, but international respect as well. Our goal is to strive for official status in the Canada Games and in future, the Olympic Games. With dedication and leadership, we will succeed in setting an example for the rest of the world, unifying our efforts into realizing our vision.

The OBHA is governed on a day-to-day basis by its appointed Executive Director, and nine volunteer Board of Directors, elected by the member provincial associations. Provincial delegates represent their leagues at all general meetings and establish all rules and regulations governing the sport. These delegates are volunteers elected by the players and leagues within each province.

Our member leagues operate in cities and towns offering teams the opportunity to interact with a wider variety of competition, resulting in greater enjoyment of their involvement in the sport. Local programs are enhanced by the products and services available through the OBHA.

To be officially recognized as a member league, you must have a minimum of 4 teams. Each team must have no fewer than 12 players, but no more than 22. You must also follow the basic rules and regulations of the association, including the mandatory CSA helmet and hockey gloves rules. Our Men’s Division offers four levels of classification: A (elite), B, C and D. The Master’s Division is for men 30 years of age and over. Women’s Divisions typically offer four levels of play A (competitive) and B (house league) with Girls Under 18 and 14 levels. Minor programs range from 6 and up.

An annual league fee of $107 is required every year, as well as a fee of $240 for adult teams and $150 for minor teams.

All member leagues must follow the rules & regulations of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association. A copy of the rulebook and divisional handbook are distributed to each team at the start of each year.

The CBHA regulations are subject to change at each general meeting of provincial presidents. Any questions or suggestions should be channeled through your leagues to your provincial association.

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