Evaluation Process

Evaluation Process

The evaluation process has been designed and developed by the SMSYH Board of Directors to achieve objective and accurate player evaluation. Evaluation coordinators, evaluators, and coaches are volunteers putting in a huge amount of time and personal commitment to ensure that the process is carried out in a consistent manner. That said, aside from a scheduling conflict or injury issue, we strongly discourage any contact with either the Placement Coordinator or the Evaluators by parents before, during, and after the evaluation process as it presents a clear conflict of interest.  Furthermore, once teams are announced all placements are final. Contacting the Placement Coordinator, the Head Evaluator, or other members of the SMSYH board will not change your child’s placement. 

We understand that there will be scheduling conflicts and other issues that may arise during the tryout period. We ask that parents send an email to the Placement Coordinator detailing any conflict that your child may have. Each case will be assessed by the Placement Coordinator and the SMSYH board. We will use all information at our disposal to make a reasonable placement decision based on the facts of each situation. It is strongly encouraged that players attend all of their scheduled sessions. 

Tryout Timing and Sessions:

Dates and times for each age group will be posted shortly after the registration period opens.

1st Session – Total group will be split randomly, this session will focus on skating and skill evalaution.

2nd Session – Players will be split into 2 or 3 groups likely based on results of the evaluators’ assessment of overall hockey ability from the first session.

Prior Year Placement

Placement on prior year team does not guarantee placement for the next season. A returning player may be moved down 1 team level if deemed appropriate during the tryout process and through coach evaluations that other players are stronger candidates and should be placed on the team ahead of a returning player. Placement is based on ability.

Absent or Injured Player Policy

Players who are not able to attend some or all tryouts sessions will be placed on a team based on their tryout performance for the portion they are able to attend and/or feedback from coaches' evaluations. If a player doesn't attend any of the tryouts you will be placed on the bottom team for your age group. The Evaluators and Placement Coordinator will do their best to make a fair and equitable decision.

Parent Attendance Policy

While we recommend not staying at the rink, if a parent plans to stay at the rink, please stay away from the bench area, and do not make contact with your child. This is their experience--let them have it.

Encourage your son/daughter to do the best they can, listen to the coaches, and have fun.

Good luck.