Introducing the CNL Rec League! Where Every Ninja Belongs!

Dear Ninja Community!

We’re thrilled to launch the CNL Rec League! This is a brand-new initiative designed to make ninja more accessible, fun, and community-driven!  While our competitive league will always be a cornerstone, we heard your feedback: Beginners and developing athletes need more opportunities to grow, compete, and fall in love with the sport.

This league is their gateway, and we can’t wait to see it unite gyms, families, and athletes across the country.

Why the Rec League?

This new series will run from September through April - quick single-day events to help bring communities together for more practice and exciting jam sessions, while keeping costs low for gyms.

• For Beginners/Intermediates: Skill-appropriate courses that are safe, achievable, and confidence-boosting.

• For Advanced Athletes: A training ground to practice skills (podium spots are reserved for developing athletes ONLY).

• For Gyms: A low-stress, high-reward way to boost revenue, engage members, and build community.

What Makes This League Special?

Designed for Beginner / Intermediate Level Athletes  

Lower-level athletes will be matched with courses appropriate to their development level, while higher-level athletes can still compete and gain valuable practice experience.

Awards Focused on Growth  

Awards and prizes will be specifically reserved for beginner / intermediate level athletes, reinforcing the core mission of this program: encouraging participation, growth, and confidence. Upon sign up, athletes will declare whether they are beginner or advanced.

Season-Long Leaderboard  

Every event will contribute toward a cumulative leaderboard, with beginner / intermediate level athletes earning points based on their placement at each event. This introduces a long-term goal for participants and encourages consistent attendance and effort throughout the season. 

For the first year of this pilot program, there will be no Finals Event.  There will be awards at the end of the Season for final achievements on the Leaderboard (overall, provincial, etc).

Qualification for “Beginner/Intermediate” or “Advanced” 

This is entirely up to you! As a general guideline, our regular competition structure includes Stage 1, Stage 2, Regional Finals, and National Finals. The Rec League is designed for athletes who may struggle to qualify for Western or Eastern Regionals, but if your category typically has low numbers and you auto-qualify, consider comparing your performance to other divisions or regions.

A few key notes:

• Competing in the Rec League does not disqualify you from our regular competitive league; you can do both!

• We strongly recommend that Advanced athletes use the Rec League for training rather than podium contention.

• Gyms reserve the right to say whether an athlete should be considered “Advanced” based on performance. 

Rotating Event Locations  

In an effort to build community and foster collaboration among gyms, events will be held at different locations across the region. This alternating structure allows gyms to showcase their unique setups and challenges, while also helping athletes experience new environments and meet new friends.

How It Works

Event Format

• Simple & Fun: 2–4 hour "Ninja Nights" or "Race Days" with minimal setup.

• Flexible Structure: Gyms choose formats (single course, scrambles, or skills) and scoring

• There are no athlete membership fees to participate in the Rec League.  Registration will be handled directly with the hosting gym.

Get Involved!

We hope your gym can share in our vision to grow the sport, strengthen communities and celebrate progress over perfection. 

Discuss hosting and participating in the Rec League with your gym, or email us at info@canadianninjaleague.org to learn more.