History of the Canadian Handball Association

  In the early days of Canadian Handball, there were over 5,000 players on the country’s list of current players. At that time, the federal government gave small grants to various non-profit sports organizations, at the national level. (these grants were discontinued during budget constraints of the mid-1990’s). The funds provided were to promote the game at all levels. This included supporting Club Tournaments and Championships, City and Regional Championships, Provincial and National Championships, and sending representatives to the USHA Open Championships and World Championships (whenever held). This was all a part of today’s Canadian Handball scene.

  The National Association was focusing a great deal of energy in the promotion and development of a junior program. Each province took up the task of developing clinics, workshops, and tournaments for players under the age of 19. As well, various provinces sent junior players to the U.S. Junior Open Championships usually held late December each year. In May of 1979, the CHA conducted the Canadian Junior Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. This was a first time endeavour and proved to be a milestone on the Canadian Handball scene. 

  The Commissioners (Board) of the CHA endeavour to conduct an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association at the time of each National Championships, as there usually (were) over 200 players, coaches, and officials available to attend these meetings. Also, the intent of these Open/National Championships has been to rotate from East to West each year. The Open categories of the tournament attracts many top ranked US and World players; however, declaring the Canadian National Champions has been the primary objective of this event. A Singles and Doubles winner, Master’s Singles and Doubles winner, (and beginning in 1980), a Woman’s Singles and Doubles winner are events to have winners declared. (At the time, Masters were over 40 years of age and Master’s doubles had one player over 40 and one over 45 years of age.)

  The Canadian Handball Association has been actively organized in the development of the game in Canada on a very concerted scale since 1964. With each province experiencing a rapid increase in court facilities, the CHA is very proud to acknowledge all 10 provinces as members of this National Association. A future goal was to have the Yukon and North West Territories as part of the CHA. The CHA continues to support local clubs in hosting the Canadian National 4-Wall & 1-Wall Championships on an annual basis.