Registration Priority Protocol
Registration Priority Protocol
How registration priority is applied when demand exceeds available team and program capacity.
Why Registration Priority Is Necessary
Bedford Eagles makes every reasonable effort to provide basketball opportunities for eligible players.
However, the number of players the Club can accommodate is limited by available gym space, qualified volunteer coaches, appropriate roster sizes and league requirements.
When registrations exceed available capacity, this protocol is used to determine the order in which players are considered for available roster and program spaces.
Registration Priority Does Not Guarantee Placement
Registration priority determines the order in which eligible players are considered when spaces are limited.
It does not guarantee placement on a Metro Basketball League roster, Boys House League roster, particular team or division.
Players must still complete the applicable Player Classification process and be assigned to an available roster or program space.
Order of Registration Priority
1. Returning Bedford Eagles Players
Returning Bedford Eagles players receive first priority, provided they:
- Remain eligible for the applicable age division
- Register within the published registration period
- Complete all required registration information and payment
- Participate in the applicable Player Classification process
- Successfully earn placement on an available roster
2. New Bedford-Area Players
New players who reside within the Bedford Eagles service area receive the next level of priority, provided they:
- Register in the appropriate age division
- Complete all required registration information and payment
- Participate in the applicable Player Classification process
- Successfully earn placement on an available roster
3. Out-of-Area Players
Players who reside outside the Bedford Eagles service area may be considered where roster or program space remains after returning Bedford Eagles players and new Bedford-area players have been accommodated.
Out-of-area registration does not guarantee participation in Player Classification or placement on a Bedford Eagles roster.
Registration Priority and Player Classification
Registration priority and Player Classification serve different purposes.
Registration priority determines the order in which players are considered when available space is limited.
Player Classification is used to evaluate players and form appropriate teams and rosters.
Receiving registration priority does not mean a player automatically earns a roster position or placement at a particular division level.
Residency Verification
Bedford Eagles may request proof of address where necessary to confirm whether a player resides within the Bedford Eagles service area.
Acceptable documentation may include a current government-issued document, utility bill, school record or another document showing the player or parent or guardian’s residential address.
Providing incomplete or inaccurate residency information may affect registration eligibility or priority.
Waiting Lists
Players who cannot immediately be accommodated may be placed on a waiting list.
A waiting-list position does not guarantee that a roster or program space will become available.
Spaces may be offered if:
- A registered player withdraws
- An additional team or program group is created
- Additional gym space becomes available
- A qualified coach is confirmed
- Roster numbers allow another player to be added
Families will be contacted using the email address provided during registration if a space becomes available.
Requests to Play in an Older Age Division
Requests to play in an older age division are considered under the Bedford Eagles Playing Up Policy.
Playing-up requests do not receive priority over eligible players registering in their regular age division.
Program and Roster Exceptions
Bedford Eagles may consider limited exceptions where doing so supports a viable team or program opportunity.
Examples may include:
- An age division does not have enough Bedford-area players to form a viable roster
- A particular program has remaining capacity after priority registrations are accommodated
- Players are displaced because another local program cannot offer an appropriate team
- A joint or cooperative team arrangement is required to create a viable playing opportunity
Any exception is subject to available roster space, coaching capacity, gym availability, league requirements and approval by Bedford Eagles.
Registration Requirements
Players must complete registration and submit the required registration fee within the applicable timelines to retain registration priority.
Registration Priority Quick Answers
Common questions about registration priority and roster capacity.
Does returning-player priority guarantee a roster spot?
No. Returning players receive registration priority, but they must still complete the applicable Player Classification process and earn placement on an available roster.
Can an out-of-area player register?
Yes. Out-of-area players may register, but they are considered only where space remains after returning Bedford Eagles players and new Bedford-area players have been accommodated.
Does registering earlier guarantee higher priority?
No. Registration date alone does not override the priority order. However, registrations must be completed within the published timelines, and unpaid or incomplete registrations may not retain priority.
Can Bedford Eagles request proof of address?
Yes. Bedford Eagles may request proof of address to confirm whether a player qualifies as a Bedford-area registrant.
What happens if an age division is full?
The player may be placed on a waiting list. A space may be offered if another player withdraws or if additional roster, coaching or gym capacity becomes available.
Policy Review
This protocol is reviewed annually and may be amended by the Bedford Minor Basketball Association Board of Directors to reflect program capacity, league requirements and the needs of the Club.
