The Junior A League Entry Draft

BC Junior A Lacrosse League Office

Junior A Entry Draft FAQ

The BCJALL is a 8 team Junior A Lacrosse League which is sanctioned by the BC Lacrosse Association to Govern Junior A Lacrosse in BC. This FAQ document helps to answer common questions around the Entry Draft which happens annually in January.

What exactly is the BCJALL Entry Draft?
The Entry draft is designed to disperse the first year Intermediate aged players located in either the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island for their Junior eligible playing years (18-21). Only players in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island who don't have a Junior A franchise in their catchment are eligible. If you have a Junior A franchise in your catchment, you are automatically protected by that Club for your Junior eligible playing years (18-21).

I live in the Interior of BC. Am I Drafted?
No. Only players who reside in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island who don't have a Junior A franchise in their catchment are eligible for the Draft. Any other player outside of the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island is considered an Unrestricted Free Agent during their Junior eligible playing years. You are free to speak or play with any Junior A Club you want.

What about Intermediate? How does the Entry Draft impact that Division?
The BCJALL Entry Draft has no bearing whatsoever on your Intermediate playing years (16-17). Whether you were Drafted or not, you will continue to play Intermediate based on either residency rules or Free Agency. If you want to play Intermediate A and you have an Intermediate A Club in your catchment, you must report to that team regardless if you were Drafted or not. After your Intermediate playing years are completed, you must report to the Junior A team that currently holds your Junior playing rights.

Do I attend the BCJALL Entry Draft in January if I am eligible to be Drafted?
The BCJALL holds the Annual Entry Draft at a location where there are plenty of seats available for Draft eligible players and their parents to attend. Each BCJALL team has multiple team representatives at each team table to answer any questions.

What happens if I'm not Drafted before I start Intermediate? Can I still play in the BCJALL?
Absolutely! Since you weren't Drafted, you are now considered a Unrestricted Free Agent during your Junior eligible years. Feel free to contact any BCJALL team to discuss options or opportunities for trying out once you reach Junior age eligibility.

I was Drafted by a BCJALL Junior A team. Do I need to play with their Intermediate team?
Absolutely not. The BCJALL Entry Draft has no bearing on where you play Intermediate Lacrosse in BC. You must follow BCLA residency guidelines to determine where you play Intermediate Lacrosse. If you want to play Intermediate A and there is a team in your catchment, you must report to that Club. If there is no Intermediate A team in your catchment, you are free to try out for any Intermediate A team you desire.

If you require further clarification please go to the Junior A League website http://www.bcjall.com and contact any of the Team Contacts there.