1. What is the BWHA?
The Boise Women’s Hockey Association, Inc, is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, scientific, and athletic purposes, more specifically to educate, maintain, and promote the sport of women’s ice hockey in the Boise Metropolitan area.
2. How is a Non-Member Organization different from a Member Organization?
In a Non-Member Organization, the members of the Board of Directors are responsible for making BWHA policy decisions. In a Non-Member Organization, individuals who pay dues are considered members of the organization and have voting rights. BWHA is Non-Member Organization as per the bylaws.
3. Who is a member of BWHA?
Women who play on a BWHA team are referred to as Team Members as per the Articles of Incorporation. Women who are on the Board or Directors are Board Members, which means they are Members of BWHA, as per the Bylaws.
4. How many teams does the BWHA have?
Typically, we have two teams. Level C and Level B.
5. How much does it cost to be a BWHA TEAM member?
It costs $350 to participate on a BWHA travel team, in addition to some volunteer time. To receive a $150 rebate at the end of the season you can: 1) volunteer at two charity events, 2) run a charity event, or 3) hold a position on the board. (rev. 2011)
If someone cannot afford dues please talk to the treasurer and work out a payment plan or discuss the possibility of a discount.
6. How can I become a BWHA TEAM member?
Begin by filling out the online Application to Participate, then show up for practice. Practice times are posted on the website calendar. Filling out the application and showing up for practice does not guarantee you will be placed on a team.
There is a $10 practice fee, which will be applied to the participation fee, if you are placed on a team.
7. Am I guaranteed a slot on a team?
BWHA cannot guarantee a spot on a team. Team slots are first filled by established team members. The remaining slots will be filled based on new player ability, potential, attitude and other various factors.
8. What is the maximum number of players assigned to a team?
Each team will determine this for themselves, however usually teams have around 18 players, not including the goalie.
9. Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Contact the team rep and indicate your interest in filling a vacancy.
10. Is there a substitution list?
Yes. Contact the team rep and indicate your interest in playing as a substitute. A $50 substitute fee per tournament will apply.
11. Can I play on more than one BWHA team?
The participation fee allows you one slot on one team. Substitutions occur between teams during tournaments if a roster is short or a team member gets injured. Teams often travel with subs from outside the organization when they know up front their roster is short.
12. What is a BWHA House Team?
A BWHA House is composed of players that are not BWHA team members and is sponsored by the BWHA. The BWHA fronts the tournament fee and gets reimbursed in part or in full by the players.
13. How do I become a House Team player?
Fill out the online Application to Participate. There is an area at the bottom of the form where you can indicate your interest to play on a house team. Your name will be forwarded to the House Team rep.
14. How many tournaments do the BWHA travel teams play in?
Usually 4 to 6 tournaments per year, per team.
15. Where are practices held?
Idaho Ice World and Qwest Arena.
16. How often are practices held?
About 2 to 3 times per month.
17. Besides tournaments, are there any other opportunities to skate?
Yes. The BWHA usually organizes scrimmages with area teams, skill clinics for team members, as well as practices offered to recreational players and potential recruits. Outside of BWHA functions, Idaho Ice World offers pick-up games, stick time, a women’s 5 on 5 league, a women’s summer 3 on 3 league, and adult instructional hockey clinics.
18. What tournaments will the BWHA play in?
Prior to the beginning of the season, each BWHA team will determine which tournaments they would most like to play in.
19. Do I have to play in all the tournaments?
You are encouraged to make every attempt to attend every tournament. If you cannot participate in a tournament, please tell the team rep immediately, so your spot can be filled.
20. If I’m sick, but want to participate in a tournament, can I still play?
If you risk infecting others on the team or cannot play to the best of your abilities, please tell the coordinator immediately, stay home, and get well.
21. What if I do not have a ride to a tournament?
The tournament coordinator organizes carpools and hotel rooms/room mates if you ask for a room mate or a carpool. This saves on cost for everyone. You are not obligated to have a room mate or to carpool if you choose to go to a tournament.
22. Does the BWHA pay for lodging at tournaments?
No. You are responsible for the costs associated with travel, lodging, and food.
23. If I have already paid for tournament lodging, and I get injured or sick and cannot participate in a tournament, can I get my money back?
If you have paid for lodging and end up not being able to play, please tell the team rep as soon as you know. Every effort will be made to fill your spot with a substitute.
24. What does BWHA pay for?
Tournament fees, practice ice, scrimmages, charity skates, administrative responsibilities, fundraiser expenses.
25. How does the BWHA raise money?
Through participation fees and fundraising. BWHA’s primary fundraiser has been “Wine, Women, & Hockey" (WWH). WWH has been held annually, typically on the first Sunday in December. Festivities include a silent auction, wine tasting, raffle items, door prizes, free appetizers, and a no-host bar.
26. How can I become a member of the Board?
You must be elected by the Board. If you are interested in a position email the Board. The Board always needs reliable help!
27. Do Board Members get paid?
No. Board Members are volunteers.
28. Do Board Members have to pay the participation fee?
Yes, however board members pay the reduced fee of $200.
29. Do I get to vote on administrative issues of the BWHA?
No. The Board of Directors is solely responsible for creating, amending, and/or updating the BWHA policies.
30. If I have a grievance or problem, what should I do?
Contact a member of the Board of Directors.
1) Send an email with your concerns to any board member. PLEASE cc all other board members. The email addresses are posted on the BWHA website.
2) Call a Board Member on the phone. Phone numbers may or may not be posted on the website.
3) Attend a general organizational meeting.
revision 9.20.2011