The following outlines the process used for evaluation and player selection for teams with a parent coach.

We have 2 rounds of tryouts that include 3 ice times in each. The first round is regular tryout format which will consist of practice ice while the second round will include 2-3 exhibition games.

Round #1
The head coach is on the ice in order to establish a relationship with the players and demonstrate control of the process being followed and time management.

We have up to 2 assistants helping on ice to coordinate the drills/pylons etc. while The coach instructs the drill. We have up to 2 coaches from our team in the crowd evaluating. It will also include the CPD and 2 -3 other experienced coaches to assist in the evaluation process. All evaluators will have extensive coaching experience and are not parents. We have a separate evaluation sheet developed for goaltending evaluations and a goalie coach who evaluates this.

The first round (3 skates) are a combination of skating skill drills with and without a puck, shooting & passing, competition drills & in the 3rd practice there is time allotted for scrimmage. The evaluation used is a number system. Each desired competency/skill is identified on the evaluation sheet. There is a defined criteria provided to the evaluators of what each rating represents to help remove subjectivity best we can and bring consistency to the ratings. The goal is to identity those who have the skill level for success and safety at this level.

Each player is only identified by their pinnie number (no names on sheets to remove any possible bias if player is known to evaluator) Every evaluator is provided an evaluation sheet with pinnie numbers and numeric scoring sheet. We provide an outline of the practice plan, explain the drills and target skills to be evaluated within each drill. This helps the evaluators evaluate the same aspects in each drill.

Evaluators are not allowed to discuss their scoring during practice and are requested to sit a part rather than collectively like most camps do. At the end of each practice the sheets are gathered and the number totaled (Coach with CPD usually). The ranking order is identified. We do this with each skate separately to determine consistency between each skate.

If there are significant variations, prior to the 3rd skate we will ask the evaluators to pay specific attention to a few players who need to have evaluation accurate.
The head coach Does not provide an evaluation sheet in round #1. We trust the process and the evaluators scores.

Where there are very close rankings we have always instructed coaches to invite more back than less in order to ensure everyone receives the best opportunity to succeed. While this can cause some balancing issues for games with numbers we will speak with the parents where their son/daughter may not skate in all games in round #2.

Round #2
We follow a similar format however the evaluation sheet moves from individual skill drills to game skills and awareness. It follows the same numeric scale, however allows for comments to be written by the evaluator that specifically identifies their thoughts while observing games.

We may change evaluators when possible to bring a fresh view/ perspective. Noting that not everyone has a pool of people with the experience required to achieve this.
The head coach does participate in the discussion around the evaluations in this round after each skate, as a pure numeric system does not encompass all the aspects needed in forming a team and allows evaluators to share their written observations in a group setting to ensure everyone is seeing the same thing and not missing any aspect of the players game.

In the end the head coach has a comprehensive record of data to determine who is successful in being selected to the team. The head coach should be able to provide specific feedback supporting any selection that includes multiple sources.

Posted in Coaching, Tryouts