What are Evaluations?

Evaluations are a structured process where players are observed on the ice so they can be placed on teams that best match their current skills and development needs.

Evaluations assess players through drills and game situations, comparing skills within each age group.  This process helps group players in the most appropriate level of competition for the season ahead, as well as support a positive development experience for every player.

Our Evaluation Goals

• Place players at the appropriate level for growth and enjoyment
• Maintain a fair, objective, and transparent process
• Reduce stress for players and families through clear communication

 

Choosing the Right Level - What Level Should a Player Try Out For?

Families should consider skill level, commitment, and personal goals when registering (or not) for evaluations.

REP A TEAMS

A-level teams are the Rep teams within our Association.  These teams compete at the highest levels in their age division.

The U18A, U15A, and U13A teams work toward qualifying for the Provincial Championships at the end of the season.  (Please note there is no Provincial Championship at the U11 level.)

Players selected to Rep/A teams demonstrate advanced hockey skills, a strong desire to improve, and a commitment to being dependable teammates.  Rep players are expected to train at a higher intensity and typically practice an average of two-three times per week, along with games and additional on- and off-ice development opportunities such as conditioning and skills sessions.

Time Commitment

The time commitment for Rep hockey is significantly greater than at other levels.  Players are expected to attend all team practices, games, and team activities during the season (exemption being illness, school events, and unexpected circumstances), which runs from September through late March.

Families must disclose any known conflicts that could affect attendance (for example, other sports or regular commitments) on the Disclosure Document submitted during evaluation registration.  If a player is unable to meet their required time commitment, regardless of skill level, then should not expect to hold a Rep roster spot and may be moved to a lower-level team.

Financial Commitment

Players selected to an A team are required to pay an additional Rep Team Fee, which helps cover costs associated with the Rep program.  These may include, but are not limited to:

• • additional Association ice time
  • coaching fees for non-parent coches
  • dryland training and conditioning
  • travel expenses for exhibition, tournament, and league games (including Vancouver Island Interlock games)

Fee details for Rep (A) teams are provided once teams are finalized.

Important Commitment Note

We recognize that Rep hockey is a significant commitment for both players and families.  If, during the evaluation process, a player or family decides that they no longer wish to be considered for an A or C1 team, the Association must be notified in writing (email) before working groups are announced.

RECREATIONAL C1 Teams

Recreational C1 level hockey is still competitive and offers a strong development environment, with a more manageable time commitment.  Many players thrive in leadership roles at this level.

RECREATIONAL C2 (and below) TEAMS

Players who do not register for nor attend evaluations are typically placed on C2 (or below) level teams, which offer a recreational experience.

Players who register for evaluations are expected to attend all scheduled evaluation sessions.

If a player is unable to attend a session, or needs to arrive late or leave early, the Player and Coach Development Coordinator must be contacted at least 24 hours prior to the session.  Any health concerns, injuries, or other circumstances that may affect a player’s performance during evaluations must also be communicated in advance. These situations will be reviewed and addressed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Association.

Evaluation Format & Process

There are three evaluation sessions that players (skaters and goalies) are expected to attend:

• • The first evaluation session focuses on skills and drills
  • The second and third sessions typically include game situations and scrimmages

To ensure meaningful evaluations, some players may be released from the process once sufficient information has been gathered or to balance scrimmage groupings.

Evaluators may occasionally:

• • Ask specific players to skate together
  • Request that a player change pinnie colour or number
  • Ask a player to try a different position than originally indicated

These requests are part of the evaluation process and do not negatively impact a player's assessment.

Independent evaluators, where there is no affiliation to the players in the age group, are used whenever possible to support consistency and fairness.  Players are evaluated based on the position selected during evaluation registration.

Where possible, Head Coaches are identified prior to evaluations to assist with the process.  In some cases, multiple candidates may be considered for a coaching role, with final decisions made after players (and coaches' children) have been evaluated and ranked.  All coaching appointments are made at the discretion of the Association.

• • Goaltenders must attend three evaluation sessions: the goalie-specific evaluation session and the two player evaluation game sessions
  • Goaltenders should expect to be evaluated at every assigned sessions, not only the goalie-specific session
  • Players wishing to be considered for both goaltending and playing out must notify the Coaching Coordinator and Goalie Coordinator at least 48 hours before the evaluations begin.  

Pinnies & On-Ice Identification

At check-in, each player will receive a numbered pinnie, which evaluators use to identify and assess players.

To ensure a fair evaluation:

• • Pinnies must not be switched with other players unless directed by evaluators
  • Pinnies should not be tucked in
  • Hair must be kept clear of the number
  • Goaltenders are asked to wear their number on the front
  • Pinnies must be returned after each session

Parent & Spectator Guidelines

Parents and spectators are asked to keep a respectful distance from evaluators during sessions.  This allows evaluators to communicate freely and candidly with one another without interruption.  Your cooperation is essential to maintaining a fair and effective evaluation process.

Please note that evaluation schedules and formats may change due to administrative or logistical reasons beyond the Association's control.

Player Notification Of Results

Following the final evaluation session, families will receive email notification regarding working group placements.

Any additional player movement after these initial announcements will be communicated by the coaching staff or the Association in a manner they deem appropriate.

Disclosure of Player Participation Conflicts

Players and families are expected to commit to attending the majority of team practices, games, and team activities.  Practices are considered just as important as games, particularly at the A or Rep level.

Families must complete a Disclosure Document prior to evaluations outlining any external commitments - such as other sports, school obligations, or family commitments - that may affect a player's availability.  This information allows the Association to make informed placement decisions.

Failure to fully or accurately disclose conflicts, or ongoing attendance issues during the season, may result in a player moved to a lower-level team.

Participating in other sports or activities is permitted and encouraged, as multi-sport athletes often develop strong overall skills.  However, full written disclosure is required so expectations are clear for both the Association and coaching staff.  Disclosures are shared with Head Coaches prior to final team selection.

Working Groups & Team Selection

Following evaluations, players may be placed into working groups as part of the final team selection process.  Working groups allow coaches and the Association to confirm placements and ensure skill-appropriate teams.

• Head Coaches may release players from a Tier 1 working group and, where appropriate, may invite players from a Tier 2 working group to move up for further consideration.
• The same process applies at each tier level, with movement between groups considered a normal and expected part of evaluations.
• Final team selections are made by the Head Coach, in consultation with the Association, to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with Association policies.

If a Head Coach has not yet been appointed during the working group phase, the Association will assign qualified evaluations or staff to oversee the process.  Working groups may continue for multiple sessions if additional observation is required to support placement decisions.

Final roster sizes, including the number of players at each position, are approved by the President or the Player and Coach Development Coordinator, in consultation with the Head Coach.

Player Movement Between Tiers

Movement between tiers during the working group phase is a normal part of the process and helps ensure players are placed where they can best develop and contribute.

• Any players released before the third working group practice will be assigned to the working group of the next lower tier for placement consideration.
• Any player released after the third working group practice will be automatically placed on the next lower tier team.

These guidelines provide clarity and consistency while allowing flexibility to support player development and team balance across all levels.

 

How Parents Can Help During Evaluations

The evaluation process relies on the support and cooperation of families.  Parents play an important role in helping ensure evaluations run smoothly and remain a positive experience for players.  You can help by:

Helping Your Player Understand Evaluations

Many players - especially younger or newer ones - don't fully understand what evaluations are or why they happen.  Take time to explain that evaluations are not a text of who they are, but simply a way for the Association to understand where their current hockey skills are at this point in their development.

Let your daughter know:

• She is always growing and improving as a hockey player
• Evaluations help place her on a team where she can learn, succeed, and enjoy hockey
• She should try her best each time she goes on the ice and focus on effort, not results

Skills such as skating, shooting, passing, and puck control change from year to year, which is why the Association "checks in" annually to make the best team placements.

Arriving Early and Prepared

Please plan to arrive at the arena at least 45 minutes before the scheduled evaluation time.  This allows for:

• Check-in
• A personal warm-up to help prevent injury
• Time to get dressed

Players should be fully dressed and ready to go on the ice at least 5 minutes before their session begins.  This gives instructors and coordinators time to explain the session and answer questions if needed.

Keeping a Positive Perspective

Evaluations can be nerve-wracking, especially for younger players.  Your support matters.

• Encourage effort and enjoyment
• Avoid coaching from the stands
• Remember this is early in the season - players may fall, miss passes, or feel rusty

These moments are normal and part of learning the game.  A calm, positive approach helps players stay confident and enjoy their time on the ice.

Volunteering Your Time

On scheduled dates, Association representatives will be present at sign-in tables at the arena.  Parent volunteers are required for each evaluation session to help with "den mom," bench, clock, jersey duties.

Divisional Coordinators will reach out by email to coordinate volunteer support and identify which sessions families can assist with.  Your help is greatly appreciated and essential to ensuring evaluations run efficiently.