What is the difference between House league (‘A’) ball and Competitive (‘AA’) ball?

The objective of community “House” leagues for both baseball and softball is to provide a more easygoing recreational level of play with reduced travel and time commitments, and a shorter season during the summer. House league teams in Barrhead may participate in the Pembina House League, Lac Ste Anne County Softball League and/or Barrhead County League, where they may play against teams from other communities within a relatively close geographical area like Westlock, Busby, Rich Valley, Onoway, Clyde, Sangudo, etc. Practices and games are generally limited to two days per week, and weekends are kept free.

The objective of the Provincial ‘AA’ League is to provide a competitive yet developmental level of play for players/teams at the Mosquito, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget age categories in a province-wide format. Provincial ‘AA’ leagues will operate on a 3 round seeding basis with teams playing in a Regional format in May, a North/South Divisional format in June, and a Provincial Tiering format in July. Competitive teams in Barrhead have higher fees than the house league teams, but offer participants increased practice and game opportunities, a longer season, and a Provincial championship tournament. A greater emphasis is placed on skill development, and coaches at this level are required to possess additional training and certifications not required at the house league level. Practices generally occur twice per week on weeknights, with games on Saturdays and Sundays. Competitive teams may be required to travel to Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and/or other distant communities within the Province for league games, and the season normally extends into August.