Due to the previous inadequacies in the draft process, we have decided that this year, there will be no formal draft, and the board will form the teams with the following priorities, in order: 1) even play, 2) player requests, 3) team rep requests. As such, each team rep can submit a wish list to the board of 5 players they want on the team, keeping in mind that those requests will only be fulfilled after the previous 2 criteria have been met.

 We feel that forming teams in this manner will accomplish several items, including but not limited to: more even team strengths; more player requests honored-making happy players; team diversification; less hurt feelings of those "passed over"; less of a waste of time to the reps and board to have a draft and then fix it.

As a larger number of teams keep a larger number of returning players, as we have seen in years past. Unhealthy rivalries and animosities were forming within the league. By making these cores smaller, 5, which allows for players to have the experience of playing with and against different people and making new friends. Every new novice player should get to play with a friend.

The team rep requests are just that, requests. They are not a guarantee. Those requests are third in line of priority for the FWHA Board. Here is what I will tell you, every paid sponsorship gets a guarantee for one person to be on that team, i.e. the sponsor plays on their team, duh! If the sponsor doesn’t play FWHA, they may designate one person in their place. The designee isn’t necessarily the same person every year.

The list of 5 is a request (there is that word again) for a core of 5 per team, including sponsor, team reps and goalies. Five is 5. If you want to use one of your 5 for your goalie you may request it, but keep in mind that #1 priority may supersede such a request.

Player chains are not allowed: i.e. Sue requests Jane, who requests Sarah, who requests Amy etc…  Reciprocated requests carry more weight, i.e. Jane requests Sarah and Sarah requests Jane.

Here is a word of advice. Go online and see who is actually registered before you submit your 5. That way you don’t waste one of your 5 for a player who isn’t playing. If you expect them to play, then call them and make sure! The deadline for player registrations is Sunday, September 30!!

 We appreciate your understanding. Team requests must be submitted by Monday, Oct 1 by email to a board member.