Steps to sign up for evaluations:
Steps to sign up for Evaluations
- Print out and fill in the medical form. Bring it to your evaluation.
- If you are trying out for the Midget A, Bantam A, Pee Wee A or Atom C1 team the print out, fill in and sign the Disclosure Document
- To sign up for evaluations please click here .
The evaluation schedule can be found here..
What Are Evaluations?
Hello hockey families and welcome to another Avalanche hockey season.
The founders of our Association created a mission “to provide an opportunity for young females to play competitive or recreational ice hockey in a safe and enjoyable environment”. The evaluation process is the foundation of this mission.
Every year our Association begins our hockey season with a process for registered players called “evaluations” for our Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget divisions. Players must be registered to be evaluated. You can register on line here: (add link). Some players call evaluations “tryouts” as this is the time players can “tryout” for the highest level of competition in their division. There is no evaluations process for Tykes and Novice players.
Evaluations for the older players is a specially designed process of observing hockey players in action on the ice and ranking the players’ hockey skills (skating, shooting, stick handling, passing etc) compared to a group of her peers. This process helps the Association group your hockey player in the most appropriate level of competition (the team) she will play on during the year.
The evaluation process main purpose is to benefit all players as it seeks to ensure players have opportunities to develop at an appropriate level of competition and play on a team that is appropriate for players’ abilities, skills and objectives.
The individuals who conduct the evaluations have significant hockey experience and are dedicated to making objective and consistent decisions with the goals of the evaluation process in mind.
Player evaluation can be one of the most difficult tasks for a hockey association to deal with. It can also be the foundation for which an Association is built upon. The Avalanche evaluation process is designed to ensure (as best as any evaluation process can) that your hockey player has the best opportunities to develop at an appropriate level of competition and play on a team that is appropriate for her abilities and objectives.
The Goals of Evaluation
While this is an exciting time of year, it can also be a stressful time or a time of worry for parents and players and coaches. To help make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable please note some of our some evaluation goals.
- To place all players at the correct level so they may have a fun and rewarding experience during the 2010/2011 hockey season.
- To ensure the evaluation process is objective, fair and has the best interests of all players in mind.
- To reduce stress and worry for players and parents through communication of the evaluation process.
The Evaluation Process
A player who does not register for and attend evaluation sessions will be placed on the lowest level team for her age group. Many of our players go this route every year.
The evaluation process is established and administered by the Coaching Coordinator, with the assistance of The Advantage Hockey Development Group and Association volunteers. Where possible, Head Coaches are put in place prior to evaluation to assist in the process. In some cases two or three individuals may be chosen as potential Head Coaches for a team and the Head Coach determined after players (and coaches daughters) are ranked and placed. All decisions and changes in this regard are subject to the discretion of the Coaching Coordinator.
All evaluations for “A” teams will be completed before the evaluations for “C1″ teams begin. A working group may be allowed to continue at either level for as long as the process is deemed necessary.
All player evaluations for the Peewee, Bantam, and Midget “A” teams and the Atom, Peewee and Midget “C1” teams will be conducted by at least one independent evaluator and NSFIHA coaches from other divisions.
Please note that it may be necessary to release players from evaluations for the Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” teams and Atom “C1” team prior to the second evaluation session in order to limit numbers and balance the level of players during the evaluation scrimmage games.
Each player participating in the evaluations will be ranked confidentially for their respective team level. For each team, the top 8 ranked players will be granted a spot on that team. Head Coaches will select the remainder of the players for their team using the rankings as a guide. All selections must be approved by the Coaching Coordinator who will have the benefit of the independent evaluation scores.
Atom Players
An Atom player who is not selected for the “CI” team or who does not participate in the evaluation process will be placed on the Atom “C2” team.
Peewee Players
If a Peewee player participates in the evaluations and is not selected for the “A” team, she will automatically qualify for the evaluation process for the “CI” team and will not be required to pay an additional evaluation fee.
Peewee players must be evaluated at the Peewee “C1” evaluations to be selected to play on the “C1” team. Players who do not participate in the evaluation process will be placed on the Peewee “C2” team.
Bantam Players
A Bantam player who is not selected for the “A” team or who does not participate in the evaluation process will be placed on the Bantam “C1” team.
Midget Players
If a Midget player participates in the evaluations and is not selected for the “A” team, she will automatically qualify for the evaluation process for the “CI” team and will not be required to pay an additional evaluation fee.
Midget players must be evaluated at the Midget “C1” evaluations to be selected to play on the Midget “C1” team, and on the Midget “C2” team if that team is tiered. The Midget “C2” and “C3” teams may be balanced or tiered based on the PCAHA decision concerning tiering at that level, coaches involved, and NSFIHA Board of Directors. If tiered, the Midget “C2” team will be selected using the rankings from the “C1” evaluations. Players who do not participate in the evaluation process will be placed on the Midget “C3” team (pending player numbers).
Player Notification of Results
For Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” and Atom “C1” evaluations, the top 8 skaters and working group for each level will be posted to the NSFIHA website following the third evaluation session. For “C1″ level evaluations, the working group will be posted. All player movement after these initial postings will be communicated by phone (or in person) by the Head Coach or Coaching Coordinator.
Although final rosters are submitted to the PCAHA in mid-September, players may be moved from or to a team until early January. Even players who were initially ranked in the top 8 at their level may be moved down a level in certain circumstances such as poor attendance, poor attitude, or failure to fully disclose availability to attend practices or games etc.
What to Expect and What is Expected During Evaluations
Players registered for evaluations are strongly encouraged to attend every evaluation session, as their overall results may suffer as a result of missing sessions. When a player cannot attend an evaluation, or needs to arrive late or leave early, she should contact the Coaching Coordinator prior to the session (coach@nsfiha.org). The Coaching Coordinator will address these situations on a case by case basis at his discretion.
Players will be evaluated based on the position that they signed up for prior to the evaluations. Players who are interested in goaltending and playing out must advise the Coaching Coordinator before the evaluation sessions begin. Goaltenders will be evaluated at every session (unless otherwise noted) and not just at the goaltender evaluation session.
At check-in, each player will receive a jersey and number. The color will signify what position the player is trying out for—forward, defence, forward or defence, goaltender–based on the information received at the online sign up.
Evaluators refer to the jersey colour and number to rank players. Players should not switch their assigned jerseys with other players unless requested by evaluators, should not tuck in their jersey and should make sure that their hair does not cover up the jersey number. Goaltenders are asked to wear their number in the front. Jerseys must be returned after each evaluation session.
The first evaluation session will involve primarily skills and drills, and the second and third sessions will be primarily scrimmage games. As noted above, it may be necessary to release players from evaluations for the Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” teams and Atom “C1” team prior to the second evaluation session in order to limit numbers and balance the level of players during the evaluation scrimmage games.
At times, evaluators may ask for certain lines to play together or even certain players to change jersey colors and numbers. A player may also be asked to play a position different than the one she indicated she is trying out for.
Parents and others are asked to stay clear as much as possible from the evaluators to allow them do their job without interruption or without worrying about others overhearing their comments to each other. It is essential that evaluators are able to speak candidly to each other during the evaluation process.
After the three initial evaluation sessions, coaches may continue with a working group in whatever format they consider necessary to evaluate players.
The evaluation format and schedule is subject to change due to administrative and other requirements beyond the control of the association.
What Level Should a Player Try Out For?
Before registering for evaluations for “A” and “C1” teams, players and parents should consider a number of factors to ensure that the player plays on a team that is not only appropriate to her level of abilities but is also consistent with her objectives and level of commitment and those of her family.
Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” level and Atom “C1” team
The “A” level teams at the Peewee, Bantam and Midget levels and the Atom “C1” team are competitive and will participate in the Tier 1 division during the season as well as in several tournaments. The Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” teams work towards qualifying for the Provincial Championships at the end of the season. (There is no Provincial Championship at the Atom level.)
Players on “A” teams and the Atom “C1” team must demonstrate advanced playing abilities and skills, a desire to excel, a strong commitment to developing as a player and as a team, and a competitive spirit while having fun playing. Players should expect to practice at least eight times per month on average, and also participate in additional on and off ice training, conditioning, and development initiatives.
The time commitment required of “A” level players and Atom “C1” players is much greater than for players on teams at other levels. “A” level and Atom “C1” players are expected to have close to full participation for all team practices, games, and functions during the season that runs from September to late March. Full disclosure of any external conflicts that may potentially limit a player’s ability to fully participate must be made to the Coaching Coordinator prior to the evaluation process. A player who cannot make the required time commitment, regardless of her abilities and skills, should not expect to take away a spot on the team from another player who may have to move to a lower level team.
Upon being selected to an “A” team or the Atom “C1” team, a player will be required to pay a “rep team” fee to the Association for the additional ice times and additional time with the Director of Hockey Operations that the “A” teams and Atom “C1” team will receive. Additional fees and expenses will also be required to be paid for by players for ice times for the team over and above allotted times, additional on and off ice training, conditioning, and developmental initiatives, tournament fees and travel costs, etc. The financial commitment required for “A” level players and Atom “C1” players is much greater than for players on teams at other levels. The level of fundraising activities and participation are often greater on “A” level teams than on other teams.
Opt-In Program
The Opt-In Program was developed in 2009 to enhance the hockey development for players who ended up in the working group for the “A” teams or Atom “C1” team but were eventually released to the lower level team. This program gives these players the opportunity to practice with the “rep” team during specific practice times. These players pay an “opt in” fee to help cover the costs of the additional ice time that they will receive.
Tier 2 Teams
In recent years, the level of Tier 2 female hockey has increased dramatically. Many strong players now play in Tier 2 throughout the Lower Mainland. In age groups where we have strong numbers, Avalanche teams have enjoyed more success at Tier 2 than any other Association in the last three years. Therefore, strong players who do not have the time available to make a full commitment to a Tier 1 team should consider Tier 2 as an excellent option. Also, in some cases, playing a leadership role at that level actually may be more beneficial to the player’s development.
Trying out is fun and good for development, and also provides all players with needed ice time. Every player is always welcome to try out at every level. However, if a player prefers not to play “A” level hockey, she is not required to pursue that goal. If a player does not wish to be assigned to a particular team, she must advise the Coaching Coordinator prior to the third session of the evaluation process.
If you have any questions concerning the above process, please contact the Coach Coordinator at coach@nsfiha.org
Disclosure of Player Participation Conflicts (Midget A, Bantam A, Peewee A, and Atom C1 only)
The Association and coaches expect players to commit to attending the majority of team practices, games and functions with a view to supporting personal development and team success. Practices at all levels are considered to be just as important as games, but especially in Tier 1. If a player cannot make the required time commitment, regardless of her abilities and skills, this may be an issue should the player desire to play Tier1.
Note: Although we mandate this Disclosure at the Tier1 level of play, we encourage disclosure of participation conflicts at all levels.
Full written disclosure of any external conflicts that may potentially limit a player’s ability to fully participate must be made to the Coaching Coordinator prior to the evaluation process via the disclosure form. If a player has not fully or correctly disclosed conflicts or if her attendance at practices or games is lacking, she may be moved to a lower level team during the season.
This does not mean that a player is prohibited from playing other sports or activities while on the roster for the Tier1 team, as it is recognized that good athletes play a multitude of sports. However, full written disclosure is required by all players to enable the Association make an informed assessment of all teams prior to player selection and determine team roster size. Players’ disclosures will be provided to the Head Coach prior to player selection.
A player will not be evaluated if she fails to provide a written disclosure on the required form before evaluations begin.
Evaluation Fees
Evaluation fees will be charged in order offset the costs of independent evaluators and ice time. The evaluation fees are $80 per player which is the same fee charged as last year. Fees are payable to the NSFIHA at the check in desk on the first day of evaluation session for the respective levels:
Atom “C1”
Peewee “A”
Peewee “C1”
Bantam “A”
Midget “A”
Midget “C1”
If a Midget or Peewee player participates in the evaluations for the respective “A” team and is not selected, she will automatically qualify for the evaluation process for the “CI” team for her respective level and will not be required to pay an additional evaluation fee.
How to Register for Evaluations
Register for evaluations ON-LINE as walk-ups may not be permitted due to space limitations. Additional fees may also apply to late registrations. Make sure to bring $80 in cash or a cheque payable to NSFIHA, Disclosure Document (if required), and Medical Form.
Avalanche Team Composition for 2010/11
With strong enrollment in our association again this year (almost 200 girls), we expect to have three to four Midget teams, three Peewee teams, two Bantam, two Atom teams, two Novice teams and one Tyke. Of these teams, there will be Peewee, Bantam and Midget “A” teams that will participate in the Tier 1 division during the season. We anticipate that there will be a “C1” and a “C2” team at the Peewee level, one “C1” team at the Bantam level, and a “C1”, “C2”, and “C3” at the Midget level. We seek to develop strong “C” level teams that will qualify for the highest possible tier level that is appropriate. The above team compositions may be subject to change based on final registration numbers and player assessments.
At the Atom level, the “rep” team is not officially carded. This means that our top team in that division is called “C1″ instead of “A”. However, this team will be treated as an “A” level team throughout the evaluations and throughout the year where appropriate.
Parents Are Required to Help
Without support and assistance from parents, the evaluation process cannot proceed.
As parents, you can help the Evaluation process by:
- Explaining to your daughter what the evaluations are. Many players do not know what the process is and what it accomplishes. You can tell your hockey player she is constantly developing as a hockey player and evaluations are a time for her skills to be recognized so she can be placed on the appropriate team. Tell your daughter to showcase her current level of development by trying her best each time she goes on the ice. Remember she (as a person) is not being evaluated. It is her specific hockey skills for her age and experience that are being ranked. These skills change year by year so the Association needs to “check” where she currently stands in terms of her skating, shooting, passing, checking etc.)
- Getting your daughter to the arena at least 45 minutes before the start of evaluation sessions to allow for check in, personal warm up to prevent injury, and time to change.
- Encouraging your daughter to be dressed and ready to go on the ice 5 minutes prior to their evaluation time. This will give on-ice instructors and age group coordinators the chance to explain the session to the players if needed.
- Staying positive. Support your daughter throughout the process. Don’t try to be her coach and do not sweat the small stuff – it’s the beginning of the year. She may fall, may not be in top shape, and may miss pylons and passes. It’s all part of hockey. Be positive and help your daughter enjoy the time on the ice.
- On scheduled dates, Association representatives will be present at sign-in and information tables in the arena. A minimum of 5 parents are required per evaluation session (four need to be females with “Respect in Sport, (Speak-Out)” to assist with check-in and den mom duties.
- Parents, please email your divisional coordinator (emails below) and let them know which sessions you are able to assist with. You will need to be there a minimum of 30 minutes before ice time and 30 minutes after to collect jerseys.
atom@nsfiha.org
peewee@nsfiha.org
bantam@nsfiha.org
midget@nsfiha.org