Mite Evaluation Process & Governance
WACONIA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Mite Evaluation Process & Governance
What to do: Before During After
Waconia Mite Evaluations Waconia Hockey Association
Evaluation Dates Before • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Approved July 10, 2017
Who’s Ready for Hockey? Welcome to Mite Evaluations. It is almost time to begin a new hockey season, hang out with old and new teammates, make that tape-to-tape pass, score some goals (or block them) and have some fun! We know that evaluations are new to this level and can be an uncertain and anxious time for you, as players, and families. You can eliminate some of that by simply knowing what to expect. Therefore, this document can be your guide. We’ll highlight some changes this year, as well as key dates to be at the rink. In this document, you will find information on what to do before evaluation sessions, what the association is looking for during evaluations and what to expect when they are complete. Beyond that, remember to have fun. That is probably the only way to guarantee you will put your best skate forward this fall. See you at the rink!
Highlights! There are some changes to this season – based on your feedback and identified best practices. The mites will be divided into skill-based teams this year. Additionally, process and governance practices have been identified to ensure a smooth transition to new practices. More communication. We have created this document as a separate document solely for evaluations. The intent is to provide all information for mite evaluations, in one easy to read document. There will be Parent Meetings. Players will also attend a meeting to walk them through the mite evaluation process. HDC Discretion. The hockey development committee will have limited discretion to exchange up to 3 of the lowest scoring players on the higher level team with up to 3 of the highest scoring players of the next highest team. Defined Governance. Evaluations will be governed by the WHA Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary). The ACE Coordinator and HDC will be responsible for running mite evaluations.
Purpose WHA will perform skill evaluations at the beginning of each season to ensure players are placed at the appropriate mite level. This process is being conducted to group players by skill rather than by age/grade. The skill evaluation will be conducted over 2 sessions in a fun and low stress environment. Evaluations will be performed again at the end of the season to measure the development of the players through the season and will be used to pre-trier players for the following season evaluations.
BEFORE EVALUATIONS
Mite Evaluation Schedule
Before • Evaluation Schedule Session Types • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What should you expect for mite evaluations? Evaluations will consist of 2 evaluation sessions, a skills session and an in-‐ house scrimmage to paint a complete picture of each player. Evaluation Sessions: • Skill Based Drills -‐ 2 Hours • In-‐house Scrimmage -‐ 1 Hour Players will not be allowed to sit out during an evaluation session unless approved with an excused absence. Pre-‐Evaluation 0% Ice Time: 2 hours Pre-‐Skills will include sets of drills to focus on specific skills and tactics. The Pre-‐Evaluation session will include the drills that will be part of the evaluation process. Skills 50% Ice Time: 2 hours Your first day of evaluations will consist of skills assessment sessions for skaters. Your overall skill proficiency will be evaluated based on this session. The HDC & ACE Coordinator will determine the skills and drills evaluated. In House Scrimmage 50% Ice Time: 1 hour Tryouts will include one internal scrimmage session that is either 4v4 or 5v5. Teams will be assigned and line charts created by the ACE Coordinator so that players move around and play with all players on his/her scrimmage team. Skaters and goalies will be assigned based on the number of players registered with the intent to keep teams at 15 skaters or less per team. The evaluation process is based on registration numbers; therefore, this process may change if the actual number of players changes.
Mite Evaluation Schedule
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What are the Pre-‐Evaluation sessions? They are free, on-‐ice hockey sessions for all skaters intended to prepare you for evaluations. Drills similar to those during evaluations will be reviewed and practiced. You MUST be registered with USA Hockey and WHA to participate in these sessions. We highly recommend that you attend these optional Pre-‐Evaluation sessions so you know what to expect. However, your participation is not used in your evaluation in any way. Player and Parent Meetings There will be a player meeting that occurs prior to evaluations. This meeting may be informal and could occur on the ice. A parent meeting will occur the night of the Pre-‐Evaluation session. This will be led by the Mite Coordinator, ACE Coordinator and Team Manager Coordinator. Parents Parents should be supportive of their skaters during this time. They are also expected to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct as outlined in the WHA guidebook. Please attend the Parent Meeting for updates from previous years and to receive a description of the drills. Skills & In-‐House Scrimmage After the Pre-‐Evaluation session, there will be separate skills evaluation sessions for players. These sessions will be 2 hours. The in-‐house scrimmage session will be 1 hour in length, with 60 second shifts.
Mite Evaluation Process What do I need to know from day 1? The following equipment is required: • Helmet • Mouth guard • Neck guard • Shoulder pads • Elbow pads • Breezers (hockey pants) • Shin guards • Skates • Protective cup/Pelvic Protector • Socks Before • Jersey • Evaluation Schedule To the best of the parents’ ability and judgment all skaters should wear • Evaluation Process Waconia colors for every session of the evaluation process. All players Logistics • Evaluation Exceptions should wear a jersey with solid colored sleeves, a black helmet, Waconia colored breezers and Waconia colored black, purple or gold team socks. All non-‐Waconia stickers should be removed from all gear before evaluations. During • Evaluations You will receive a pinnie with evaluation numbers when you check in for the first day of mite evaluations. The pinnie must be turned in after each • Team Selection skate and a new one will be assigned at the next session. • Team Structure You should arrive 30-‐45 minutes prior to your session and must be ready After to get on the ice 15 minutes prior to the start time. Parents are • Team Communication responsible for getting their player ready including tying skates. • Questions / Concerns You must be on the ice for all assigned sessions unless previously excused by the Mite or ACE Coordinator. Any unexcused absence could impact your Appendix overall evaluation. Water bottles are highly encouraged for all sessions, especially the skills session, which will be 2 hours. Administrative Processes You must come to mite evaluations ready for the entire process. This includes having a completed medical release form, signed player/parent agreement forms, and a volunteer check per the WHA policy that is outlined in the guidebook and online at www.waconiahockey.org. Each player MUST have a volunteer check on file or they will not be allowed on the ice for evaluations. The intent is to have these items collected at the pre-‐evaluation clinic, as to lessen anxiety and burden on evaluation days.
Mite Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Governance • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Mite Evaluation GOVERNANCE WHA Executive Board The WHA Executive Board (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) will audit the mite evaluation process. They are responsible to ensure that evaluations and team selections follow the guidelines set within this document. Executive Board members are not allowed to govern the level of their son/daughter. WHA Board The WHA Board members, not included in the Executive Board, may be used to audit mite evaluations, as necessary. SUPPORTING ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Mite Coordinator and ACE Coordinator The Mite and Ace Coordinator will be responsible for executing the evaluation sessions and managing the volunteers. S/He is also responsible for overseeing team selection and will approve all rosters. Hockey Development Committee (HDC) The HDC will assist the Mite and ACE Coordinator in executing the mite evaluations. Volunteers Mite evaluation volunteers will be assigned duties by the ACE Coordinator and those marked with an asterisk must be approved by the WHA Board of Directors. These hours will count toward the family’s DIBS hours Mite Evaluation Coordinator* Mite Evaluation Data Administrator* Greeter/Pinnie Assignments Locker Room Monitor Bench Volunteer Time Clock Volunteer
Mite Evaluation Process Level Placement Initial player placements (level) will be done by birth date. WHA uses the Minnesota Hockey Age Charts, located on Minnesota Hockey’s website. Level Definitions ●
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Level Placement • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Boys & Girls ● Mite 4 - Are all first and some second year players that are not quite ready for the Mite 3 level. ○ The exception to this rule is if a 1st year player is in 2nd or 3rd grade he/she will be put into Mite level 2 or 1 based on their evaluation score. ● Mite 3 - Is a novice level player that does not possess all the necessary skills of a Mite 2 level player. ● Mite 2 - Is an intermediate level player that does not possess all the necessary skills of a Mite 1 level player. ● Mite 1 - Team(s) will consist of the most advanced players.
Mite Level Mite 4 Mite 4 or 3 Mite 3 or 2 Mite 2 or 1 Mite 2 or 1 ●
Girls ● ●
Typical Grade Preschool Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade
U6 - Will be players in 1st grade and younger U8 – Will be players in 3rd and 2nd grade. Only elite 1st graders will be considered to play U8 hockey.
Girls Hockey Mite Level Typical Grade U6 Preschool U6 Kindergarten U6 1st Grade U8 2nd Grade U8 3rd Grade All players will be evaluated. This allows measurement of player development from beginning of the season until the end. These evaluations are meant to be fun, engaging, and without pressure.
Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Move Up Policy • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Competitive Level Move Up Policy Mite players will be allowed to tryout and move up to the competitive level. However, that player must rank within the top half of the top team at the squirt level. Player must have approval from the HDC 10 days prior to tryouts. The WHA believes it is important to ensure players are being challenged to reach their maximum potential. However, if the player does not score within the top 50% at the top team, that player will be placed at the appropriate level within his age group. In situations where the number of players registered for a particular level does not have enough players to fill a team, the WHA has the option of moving up kids from a lower level to complete the minimum team roster size. This policy will only be used as a LAST RESORT and will not be a normal course of practice. This policy will be consistent from year to year and WILL NOT be dependent on the skill level of potential players involved. Only the WHA Board will initiate this process.
Mite Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions Excused Absence During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What if I can’t participate? All evaluation sessions are mandatory. In fairness to all players, the only excused absences are: severe illness, injury, or family emergency. What do I do if I cannot participate? If you are unable to participate in evaluations due to illness, injury or family emergency, your parent is responsible for contacting the Mite or ACE Coordinator BEFORE evaluations begin. The HDC shall make the final determination. Written information from your physician detailing why you cannot participate and player history detailing past team assignments must be provided to Mite or ACE Coordinator as early as possible BEFORE EVALUATIONS BEGIN. You will not be evaluated and placed on appropriate team if this information is not provided. What if I get sick or injured in evaluations? If this is the case, your parent is responsible for getting you to a medical examination within 24 hours after the onset of illness/injury. The examining physician should provide written information detailing why you cannot continue. The parents must give his information to the Mite or ACE Coordinator within 24 hours after the medical exam. A doctor note stating that the player has been cleared to participate is required before a player can go back on the ice. How will I be scored for missed evaluation session? Unexcused absences will result in a 0 score for that session. Excused absence will result in the player receiving a score for that session based on the average of the attended sessions. If a player is unable to participate in any evaluations due to an excused absence, s/he will be evaluated based on prior year’s performance and coaches’ limited discretion to determine team selection. New members, who join after evaluations, will be placed at the lowest level team for that level.
DURING MITE EVALUATIONS
Mite Evaluators
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Evaluators • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Who evaluates the players? During each evaluations session, a panel of independent evaluators will score you on a preset scale, following a common scoring structure. • Minimum of three evaluators at each session for players. • To the best of our ability, we will find outside evaluators. At least two evaluators must be independent of the WHA (paid or volunteer). Evaluators are chosen for their hockey knowledge, do not have a player participating at this level and are instructed in the process to consistently evaluate the participants. It is not permissible for parents, in any situation, to perform as an evaluator at the level in which their child is competing. PARENT COACHES Parent coaches cannot perform as evaluators at any level. NON PARENT COACHES Non parent coaches cannot perform as evaluators at the level for which they are coaching. Although every attempt will be made to avoid this situation, non parent coaches may be allowed to perform as evaluators at levels other than that for which they are a coach. EVALUATION SHEETS Evaluators will provide a score on each participant. The evaluators will not compare notes and will keep their reports independent of one another. Players and parents can request to see their evaluation scores upon completion of the mite evaluations, but will not be permitted to take copies. Parents do not have the right to argue with evaluators’ assessments. No information will be shared with any player or parent regarding another player’s evaluation sheet. The evaluation sheet can be found in the appendix.
Mite Evaluations
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Complete Player • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
How will I be evaluated? BY YOUR PLAY. Evaluators look for complete players, with strengths balanced across: • Skating • Stick handling, passing, receiving, shooting • Team skills, teamwork • Positional play; both offensive and defensive • Physical play (level appropriate) • Hockey sense Scores from each evaluator are recorded, averaged and used for subsequent tier assignment and final team selection. You are evaluated for negative contributions to play as well. Inappropriate conduct or penalty situations may result in a decrease of your scores. This includes, but is not limited to: • Penalties • Use of foul language on or off the ice • Play intended to injure, illegal checks Players will not be evaluated on: • Evaluations sheets from previous years • Evaluations from summer camps • Non evaluator opinions • Parental input Keep in mind that scores from each session are added together to create a final score for final team selection. Each and every session matters. See Evaluation Sheet in Appendix for a list of drills.
Mite Evaluations
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Process • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Groupings ● Players will be grouped together by previous end of season evaluations. 1st year players: ● 2nd or 3rd grade players will be grouped in the Mite level 2 to start evaluations. ● 1st grade and younger will be grouped in the Mite level 4 to start evaluations. ● New players to the association will be grouped into the equivalent level they played at the prior year for their previous association to start evaluations. Player Evaluation Process 1st Session: Skilled Based Drills -‐ Account for 50% of overall score ● Each player will perform all the drills once. If an evaluator feels a player did not understand or botched the drill to a point they could not properly evaluate the player, that player will be allowed to go a second time. • The Skill Based Drills (scoring) are as followed: • Edge Work (1-‐10) • Stop N Starts (1-‐10) • Tight Turns (1-‐10) • Transitions -‐ Forward to Backward (1-‐10) • Crossovers (1-‐10) • Stickhandling (1-‐10) • Passing (1-‐10) • Shooting -‐ Forehand & Backhand (1-‐10) • Skill Based Drills Evaluation Criteria • Skating • Passing/Receiving • Stickhandling • Shooting
Mite Evaluations Conclusion of Session #1 • Upon conclusion of session #1 each player will be ranked based on his or her skills session scores. Players will then be tiered into groups based on their ranking and will be divided up into teams with a snake draft method. The snake draft method will be used to balance teams as evenly as possible. A visual graphic of this method is listed as followed: Snake Draft Method to determine teams and lines: • Team X -‐ Line #1 Player Rank #1, 4, 5, & 8 (Goalie Player #9) • Team Y -‐ Line #1 Player Rand #2, 3, 6, & 7 (Goalie Player #10) Before • Team X -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #9, 12, 13, & 16 (Goalie Player #17) • Evaluation Schedule • Team Y -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #10, 11, 14, & 15 (Goalie Player #18) • Evaluation Process • And so on… • Evaluation Exceptions Line Match ups: During ! Team X Line #1 will be matched against Team Y Line #1 • Evaluations ! Team X Line #2 will be matched against Team Y Line #2 • Team Selection ! Note: Line changes will follow competitive level WHA governance. • Team Structure
After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
•
•
Players will be informed which session and time they will be attending for Session #2. Snake Draft Method to determine teams and lines: • Team X -‐ Line #1 Player Rank #1, 4, 5, & 8 (Goalie Player #9) • Team Y -‐ Line #1 Player Rand #2, 3, 6, & 7 (Goalie Player #10) • Team X -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #9, 12, 13, & 16 (Goalie Player #17) • Team Y -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #10, 11, 14, & 15 (Goalie Player #18) • And so on…
Mite Evaluations 2nd Session: Scrimmage -‐ Accounts for 50% of overall score • Scrimmage Format ! The scrimmage will be controlled by a horn sounding every 60 seconds to indicate a line change. ! The scrimmage will be played cross-‐ice 4 on 4 with a goalie (5 on 5 including a goalie). ! Mite levels 3 and 4 the goalies will be a skater standing in net and will skate out as a forward or defense when horn sounds. ! Mite levels 1 and 2 will have use actual goalies. • Scrimmage Scoring Scale: Total of 60.0 points (Refer to the appendix for Scrimmage Evaluation Form) ! Skating Ability (1-‐10) ! Passing/Receiving Ability (1-‐10) ! Stickhandling Ability (1-‐10) Before ! Shooting Ability (1-‐10) • Evaluation Schedule ! Positioning (1-‐10) • Evaluation Process ! Hockey IQ & Play making ability (1-‐10) • Evaluation Exceptions o Session #2 will conclude the evaluation for the mite level. During
• Evaluations Process • Team Selection • Team Structure
After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Mite Evaluation Team Selection
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
How are Teams Selected? Teams will be selected based on players’ evaluation overall score. Rosters will be filled based on performance in evaluations. Scores will be calculated and players will be assigned teams ranked on their final standings after all sessions have concluded. Rosters will be reviewed and approved by the ACE Coordinator and one executive board member. In the event that there are multiple teams at any level, for example two Mite 1 teams, a serpentine method, based on evaluation rankings, will be used in an attempt to create 2 equal teams (see chart). Additional consideration will be given to ensure proper coaching is provided to both teams. Team 1 Team 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Team Structures
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What will the final teams be? Numbers could change based on the number of players registered at any level. WHA does not limit the maximum number of players for each mite level. ● At Mite levels 1, 2, and U8, there will be a minimum of 9 players per team. If there is 18 players or more, the organization will make 2 separate teams. Adding teams for every additional 9 players. ● At the Mite levels 3, 4, and U6, there will be a minimum of 7 players per team. If there are 14 players or more, the organization will make 2 separate teams. Adding teams for every additional 7 players.
AFTER MITE EVALUATIONS
Team Communication
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Player Placement Every effort will be made to have teams determined within 24 hours. After team selections are complete, players will be contacted by coaches providing information regarding team assignment, time and date of first practice. Additionally, team rosters will be posted to the WHA website. An email will be sent out to notify families that the team rosters have been posted. In the event that results cannot be posted as described above, an email will be sent to notify parents of when the results will be posted. Team rosters will not be posted within normal school hours. All conversations regarding player placements will be kept confidential among coaches, evaluators and the HDC.
Questions or Concerns
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What if I have questions about the process? Questions/concerns about the evaluation process must go through the ACE or Mite Coordinator. Do not bring those questions directly to coaches or evaluators. What if I believe there was a mistake that took place during the process? We understand that the outcome of evaluations might not always be what you had hoped for. However, team selections are final. You will not be moved so don't even ask! In the end, everyone will be on a team, and will have the chance to develop and enjoy playing this great sport. If you would like to share your concerns and get a better understanding for why you ended up on your team, please contact the ACE and/or Mite Coordinator. Parents have the right to see their own child’s evaluation scores and how they compare to the average score at their child’s level. No information will be shared regarding another player. Grievances will not be discussed on the phone. All contact regarding grievances will not be accepted until one week (7 days) after the completion of your level’s final evaluation session. Every player/parent who wishes to have a meeting to communicate concerns will have one, as we value your feedback. In any case, you should plan on attending your team practices as scheduled.
APPENDIX
Parent Code of Conduct
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Player Code of Conduct
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Mite Evaluation Process & Governance
What to do: Before During After
Waconia Mite Evaluations Waconia Hockey Association
Evaluation Dates Before • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Approved July 10, 2017
Who’s Ready for Hockey? Welcome to Mite Evaluations. It is almost time to begin a new hockey season, hang out with old and new teammates, make that tape-to-tape pass, score some goals (or block them) and have some fun! We know that evaluations are new to this level and can be an uncertain and anxious time for you, as players, and families. You can eliminate some of that by simply knowing what to expect. Therefore, this document can be your guide. We’ll highlight some changes this year, as well as key dates to be at the rink. In this document, you will find information on what to do before evaluation sessions, what the association is looking for during evaluations and what to expect when they are complete. Beyond that, remember to have fun. That is probably the only way to guarantee you will put your best skate forward this fall. See you at the rink!
Highlights! There are some changes to this season – based on your feedback and identified best practices. The mites will be divided into skill-based teams this year. Additionally, process and governance practices have been identified to ensure a smooth transition to new practices. More communication. We have created this document as a separate document solely for evaluations. The intent is to provide all information for mite evaluations, in one easy to read document. There will be Parent Meetings. Players will also attend a meeting to walk them through the mite evaluation process. HDC Discretion. The hockey development committee will have limited discretion to exchange up to 3 of the lowest scoring players on the higher level team with up to 3 of the highest scoring players of the next highest team. Defined Governance. Evaluations will be governed by the WHA Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary). The ACE Coordinator and HDC will be responsible for running mite evaluations.
Purpose WHA will perform skill evaluations at the beginning of each season to ensure players are placed at the appropriate mite level. This process is being conducted to group players by skill rather than by age/grade. The skill evaluation will be conducted over 2 sessions in a fun and low stress environment. Evaluations will be performed again at the end of the season to measure the development of the players through the season and will be used to pre-trier players for the following season evaluations.
BEFORE EVALUATIONS
Mite Evaluation Schedule
Before • Evaluation Schedule Session Types • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What should you expect for mite evaluations? Evaluations will consist of 2 evaluation sessions, a skills session and an in-‐ house scrimmage to paint a complete picture of each player. Evaluation Sessions: • Skill Based Drills -‐ 2 Hours • In-‐house Scrimmage -‐ 1 Hour Players will not be allowed to sit out during an evaluation session unless approved with an excused absence. Pre-‐Evaluation 0% Ice Time: 2 hours Pre-‐Skills will include sets of drills to focus on specific skills and tactics. The Pre-‐Evaluation session will include the drills that will be part of the evaluation process. Skills 50% Ice Time: 2 hours Your first day of evaluations will consist of skills assessment sessions for skaters. Your overall skill proficiency will be evaluated based on this session. The HDC & ACE Coordinator will determine the skills and drills evaluated. In House Scrimmage 50% Ice Time: 1 hour Tryouts will include one internal scrimmage session that is either 4v4 or 5v5. Teams will be assigned and line charts created by the ACE Coordinator so that players move around and play with all players on his/her scrimmage team. Skaters and goalies will be assigned based on the number of players registered with the intent to keep teams at 15 skaters or less per team. The evaluation process is based on registration numbers; therefore, this process may change if the actual number of players changes.
Mite Evaluation Schedule
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What are the Pre-‐Evaluation sessions? They are free, on-‐ice hockey sessions for all skaters intended to prepare you for evaluations. Drills similar to those during evaluations will be reviewed and practiced. You MUST be registered with USA Hockey and WHA to participate in these sessions. We highly recommend that you attend these optional Pre-‐Evaluation sessions so you know what to expect. However, your participation is not used in your evaluation in any way. Player and Parent Meetings There will be a player meeting that occurs prior to evaluations. This meeting may be informal and could occur on the ice. A parent meeting will occur the night of the Pre-‐Evaluation session. This will be led by the Mite Coordinator, ACE Coordinator and Team Manager Coordinator. Parents Parents should be supportive of their skaters during this time. They are also expected to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct as outlined in the WHA guidebook. Please attend the Parent Meeting for updates from previous years and to receive a description of the drills. Skills & In-‐House Scrimmage After the Pre-‐Evaluation session, there will be separate skills evaluation sessions for players. These sessions will be 2 hours. The in-‐house scrimmage session will be 1 hour in length, with 60 second shifts.
Mite Evaluation Process What do I need to know from day 1? The following equipment is required: • Helmet • Mouth guard • Neck guard • Shoulder pads • Elbow pads • Breezers (hockey pants) • Shin guards • Skates • Protective cup/Pelvic Protector • Socks Before • Jersey • Evaluation Schedule To the best of the parents’ ability and judgment all skaters should wear • Evaluation Process Waconia colors for every session of the evaluation process. All players Logistics • Evaluation Exceptions should wear a jersey with solid colored sleeves, a black helmet, Waconia colored breezers and Waconia colored black, purple or gold team socks. All non-‐Waconia stickers should be removed from all gear before evaluations. During • Evaluations You will receive a pinnie with evaluation numbers when you check in for the first day of mite evaluations. The pinnie must be turned in after each • Team Selection skate and a new one will be assigned at the next session. • Team Structure You should arrive 30-‐45 minutes prior to your session and must be ready After to get on the ice 15 minutes prior to the start time. Parents are • Team Communication responsible for getting their player ready including tying skates. • Questions / Concerns You must be on the ice for all assigned sessions unless previously excused by the Mite or ACE Coordinator. Any unexcused absence could impact your Appendix overall evaluation. Water bottles are highly encouraged for all sessions, especially the skills session, which will be 2 hours. Administrative Processes You must come to mite evaluations ready for the entire process. This includes having a completed medical release form, signed player/parent agreement forms, and a volunteer check per the WHA policy that is outlined in the guidebook and online at www.waconiahockey.org. Each player MUST have a volunteer check on file or they will not be allowed on the ice for evaluations. The intent is to have these items collected at the pre-‐evaluation clinic, as to lessen anxiety and burden on evaluation days.
Mite Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Governance • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Mite Evaluation GOVERNANCE WHA Executive Board The WHA Executive Board (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) will audit the mite evaluation process. They are responsible to ensure that evaluations and team selections follow the guidelines set within this document. Executive Board members are not allowed to govern the level of their son/daughter. WHA Board The WHA Board members, not included in the Executive Board, may be used to audit mite evaluations, as necessary. SUPPORTING ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Mite Coordinator and ACE Coordinator The Mite and Ace Coordinator will be responsible for executing the evaluation sessions and managing the volunteers. S/He is also responsible for overseeing team selection and will approve all rosters. Hockey Development Committee (HDC) The HDC will assist the Mite and ACE Coordinator in executing the mite evaluations. Volunteers Mite evaluation volunteers will be assigned duties by the ACE Coordinator and those marked with an asterisk must be approved by the WHA Board of Directors. These hours will count toward the family’s DIBS hours Mite Evaluation Coordinator* Mite Evaluation Data Administrator* Greeter/Pinnie Assignments Locker Room Monitor Bench Volunteer Time Clock Volunteer
Mite Evaluation Process Level Placement Initial player placements (level) will be done by birth date. WHA uses the Minnesota Hockey Age Charts, located on Minnesota Hockey’s website. Level Definitions ●
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Level Placement • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Boys & Girls ● Mite 4 - Are all first and some second year players that are not quite ready for the Mite 3 level. ○ The exception to this rule is if a 1st year player is in 2nd or 3rd grade he/she will be put into Mite level 2 or 1 based on their evaluation score. ● Mite 3 - Is a novice level player that does not possess all the necessary skills of a Mite 2 level player. ● Mite 2 - Is an intermediate level player that does not possess all the necessary skills of a Mite 1 level player. ● Mite 1 - Team(s) will consist of the most advanced players.
Mite Level Mite 4 Mite 4 or 3 Mite 3 or 2 Mite 2 or 1 Mite 2 or 1 ●
Girls ● ●
Typical Grade Preschool Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade
U6 - Will be players in 1st grade and younger U8 – Will be players in 3rd and 2nd grade. Only elite 1st graders will be considered to play U8 hockey.
Girls Hockey Mite Level Typical Grade U6 Preschool U6 Kindergarten U6 1st Grade U8 2nd Grade U8 3rd Grade All players will be evaluated. This allows measurement of player development from beginning of the season until the end. These evaluations are meant to be fun, engaging, and without pressure.
Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process Move Up Policy • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Competitive Level Move Up Policy Mite players will be allowed to tryout and move up to the competitive level. However, that player must rank within the top half of the top team at the squirt level. Player must have approval from the HDC 10 days prior to tryouts. The WHA believes it is important to ensure players are being challenged to reach their maximum potential. However, if the player does not score within the top 50% at the top team, that player will be placed at the appropriate level within his age group. In situations where the number of players registered for a particular level does not have enough players to fill a team, the WHA has the option of moving up kids from a lower level to complete the minimum team roster size. This policy will only be used as a LAST RESORT and will not be a normal course of practice. This policy will be consistent from year to year and WILL NOT be dependent on the skill level of potential players involved. Only the WHA Board will initiate this process.
Mite Evaluation Process
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions Excused Absence During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What if I can’t participate? All evaluation sessions are mandatory. In fairness to all players, the only excused absences are: severe illness, injury, or family emergency. What do I do if I cannot participate? If you are unable to participate in evaluations due to illness, injury or family emergency, your parent is responsible for contacting the Mite or ACE Coordinator BEFORE evaluations begin. The HDC shall make the final determination. Written information from your physician detailing why you cannot participate and player history detailing past team assignments must be provided to Mite or ACE Coordinator as early as possible BEFORE EVALUATIONS BEGIN. You will not be evaluated and placed on appropriate team if this information is not provided. What if I get sick or injured in evaluations? If this is the case, your parent is responsible for getting you to a medical examination within 24 hours after the onset of illness/injury. The examining physician should provide written information detailing why you cannot continue. The parents must give his information to the Mite or ACE Coordinator within 24 hours after the medical exam. A doctor note stating that the player has been cleared to participate is required before a player can go back on the ice. How will I be scored for missed evaluation session? Unexcused absences will result in a 0 score for that session. Excused absence will result in the player receiving a score for that session based on the average of the attended sessions. If a player is unable to participate in any evaluations due to an excused absence, s/he will be evaluated based on prior year’s performance and coaches’ limited discretion to determine team selection. New members, who join after evaluations, will be placed at the lowest level team for that level.
DURING MITE EVALUATIONS
Mite Evaluators
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Evaluators • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Who evaluates the players? During each evaluations session, a panel of independent evaluators will score you on a preset scale, following a common scoring structure. • Minimum of three evaluators at each session for players. • To the best of our ability, we will find outside evaluators. At least two evaluators must be independent of the WHA (paid or volunteer). Evaluators are chosen for their hockey knowledge, do not have a player participating at this level and are instructed in the process to consistently evaluate the participants. It is not permissible for parents, in any situation, to perform as an evaluator at the level in which their child is competing. PARENT COACHES Parent coaches cannot perform as evaluators at any level. NON PARENT COACHES Non parent coaches cannot perform as evaluators at the level for which they are coaching. Although every attempt will be made to avoid this situation, non parent coaches may be allowed to perform as evaluators at levels other than that for which they are a coach. EVALUATION SHEETS Evaluators will provide a score on each participant. The evaluators will not compare notes and will keep their reports independent of one another. Players and parents can request to see their evaluation scores upon completion of the mite evaluations, but will not be permitted to take copies. Parents do not have the right to argue with evaluators’ assessments. No information will be shared with any player or parent regarding another player’s evaluation sheet. The evaluation sheet can be found in the appendix.
Mite Evaluations
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Complete Player • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
How will I be evaluated? BY YOUR PLAY. Evaluators look for complete players, with strengths balanced across: • Skating • Stick handling, passing, receiving, shooting • Team skills, teamwork • Positional play; both offensive and defensive • Physical play (level appropriate) • Hockey sense Scores from each evaluator are recorded, averaged and used for subsequent tier assignment and final team selection. You are evaluated for negative contributions to play as well. Inappropriate conduct or penalty situations may result in a decrease of your scores. This includes, but is not limited to: • Penalties • Use of foul language on or off the ice • Play intended to injure, illegal checks Players will not be evaluated on: • Evaluations sheets from previous years • Evaluations from summer camps • Non evaluator opinions • Parental input Keep in mind that scores from each session are added together to create a final score for final team selection. Each and every session matters. See Evaluation Sheet in Appendix for a list of drills.
Mite Evaluations
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations Process • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Groupings ● Players will be grouped together by previous end of season evaluations. 1st year players: ● 2nd or 3rd grade players will be grouped in the Mite level 2 to start evaluations. ● 1st grade and younger will be grouped in the Mite level 4 to start evaluations. ● New players to the association will be grouped into the equivalent level they played at the prior year for their previous association to start evaluations. Player Evaluation Process 1st Session: Skilled Based Drills -‐ Account for 50% of overall score ● Each player will perform all the drills once. If an evaluator feels a player did not understand or botched the drill to a point they could not properly evaluate the player, that player will be allowed to go a second time. • The Skill Based Drills (scoring) are as followed: • Edge Work (1-‐10) • Stop N Starts (1-‐10) • Tight Turns (1-‐10) • Transitions -‐ Forward to Backward (1-‐10) • Crossovers (1-‐10) • Stickhandling (1-‐10) • Passing (1-‐10) • Shooting -‐ Forehand & Backhand (1-‐10) • Skill Based Drills Evaluation Criteria • Skating • Passing/Receiving • Stickhandling • Shooting
Mite Evaluations Conclusion of Session #1 • Upon conclusion of session #1 each player will be ranked based on his or her skills session scores. Players will then be tiered into groups based on their ranking and will be divided up into teams with a snake draft method. The snake draft method will be used to balance teams as evenly as possible. A visual graphic of this method is listed as followed: Snake Draft Method to determine teams and lines: • Team X -‐ Line #1 Player Rank #1, 4, 5, & 8 (Goalie Player #9) • Team Y -‐ Line #1 Player Rand #2, 3, 6, & 7 (Goalie Player #10) Before • Team X -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #9, 12, 13, & 16 (Goalie Player #17) • Evaluation Schedule • Team Y -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #10, 11, 14, & 15 (Goalie Player #18) • Evaluation Process • And so on… • Evaluation Exceptions Line Match ups: During ! Team X Line #1 will be matched against Team Y Line #1 • Evaluations ! Team X Line #2 will be matched against Team Y Line #2 • Team Selection ! Note: Line changes will follow competitive level WHA governance. • Team Structure
After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
•
•
Players will be informed which session and time they will be attending for Session #2. Snake Draft Method to determine teams and lines: • Team X -‐ Line #1 Player Rank #1, 4, 5, & 8 (Goalie Player #9) • Team Y -‐ Line #1 Player Rand #2, 3, 6, & 7 (Goalie Player #10) • Team X -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #9, 12, 13, & 16 (Goalie Player #17) • Team Y -‐ Line #2 Player Rank #10, 11, 14, & 15 (Goalie Player #18) • And so on…
Mite Evaluations 2nd Session: Scrimmage -‐ Accounts for 50% of overall score • Scrimmage Format ! The scrimmage will be controlled by a horn sounding every 60 seconds to indicate a line change. ! The scrimmage will be played cross-‐ice 4 on 4 with a goalie (5 on 5 including a goalie). ! Mite levels 3 and 4 the goalies will be a skater standing in net and will skate out as a forward or defense when horn sounds. ! Mite levels 1 and 2 will have use actual goalies. • Scrimmage Scoring Scale: Total of 60.0 points (Refer to the appendix for Scrimmage Evaluation Form) ! Skating Ability (1-‐10) ! Passing/Receiving Ability (1-‐10) ! Stickhandling Ability (1-‐10) Before ! Shooting Ability (1-‐10) • Evaluation Schedule ! Positioning (1-‐10) • Evaluation Process ! Hockey IQ & Play making ability (1-‐10) • Evaluation Exceptions o Session #2 will conclude the evaluation for the mite level. During
• Evaluations Process • Team Selection • Team Structure
After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Mite Evaluation Team Selection
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
How are Teams Selected? Teams will be selected based on players’ evaluation overall score. Rosters will be filled based on performance in evaluations. Scores will be calculated and players will be assigned teams ranked on their final standings after all sessions have concluded. Rosters will be reviewed and approved by the ACE Coordinator and one executive board member. In the event that there are multiple teams at any level, for example two Mite 1 teams, a serpentine method, based on evaluation rankings, will be used in an attempt to create 2 equal teams (see chart). Additional consideration will be given to ensure proper coaching is provided to both teams. Team 1 Team 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Team Structures
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What will the final teams be? Numbers could change based on the number of players registered at any level. WHA does not limit the maximum number of players for each mite level. ● At Mite levels 1, 2, and U8, there will be a minimum of 9 players per team. If there is 18 players or more, the organization will make 2 separate teams. Adding teams for every additional 9 players. ● At the Mite levels 3, 4, and U6, there will be a minimum of 7 players per team. If there are 14 players or more, the organization will make 2 separate teams. Adding teams for every additional 7 players.
AFTER MITE EVALUATIONS
Team Communication
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Player Placement Every effort will be made to have teams determined within 24 hours. After team selections are complete, players will be contacted by coaches providing information regarding team assignment, time and date of first practice. Additionally, team rosters will be posted to the WHA website. An email will be sent out to notify families that the team rosters have been posted. In the event that results cannot be posted as described above, an email will be sent to notify parents of when the results will be posted. Team rosters will not be posted within normal school hours. All conversations regarding player placements will be kept confidential among coaches, evaluators and the HDC.
Questions or Concerns
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
What if I have questions about the process? Questions/concerns about the evaluation process must go through the ACE or Mite Coordinator. Do not bring those questions directly to coaches or evaluators. What if I believe there was a mistake that took place during the process? We understand that the outcome of evaluations might not always be what you had hoped for. However, team selections are final. You will not be moved so don't even ask! In the end, everyone will be on a team, and will have the chance to develop and enjoy playing this great sport. If you would like to share your concerns and get a better understanding for why you ended up on your team, please contact the ACE and/or Mite Coordinator. Parents have the right to see their own child’s evaluation scores and how they compare to the average score at their child’s level. No information will be shared regarding another player. Grievances will not be discussed on the phone. All contact regarding grievances will not be accepted until one week (7 days) after the completion of your level’s final evaluation session. Every player/parent who wishes to have a meeting to communicate concerns will have one, as we value your feedback. In any case, you should plan on attending your team practices as scheduled.
APPENDIX
Parent Code of Conduct
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
Player Code of Conduct
Before • Evaluation Schedule • Evaluation Process • Evaluation Exceptions During • Evaluations • Team Selection • Team Structure After • Team Communication • Questions / Concerns Appendix
