Here are a few highlights from the CNN Policies and Procedures document:
9. Player Evaluation
A) All players will be entitled to an equal opportunity to try out for the top team in their division. There will be a set fee per player determined yearly when an evaluation is required for that division. If a player does not wish to try out for the top team, they will be placed on the lowest level team. If there are more than 2 teams in any division, CNN Spurs Minor Hockey will set 1 top team and then determine whether the remaining teams will be structured as equal teams or tiered teams.
9.1. Evaluation Team
A) CNN Spurs Minor Hockey will hire a third-party evaluation team to evaluate players for the U11 to U18 divisions if required. CNN Spurs Minor Hockey will work in conjunction with the evaluation team to establish common ground on the process. U7 and U9 divisions may be evaluated by internal or third-party personnel as deemed to be required or needed by CNN.
9.2. Evaluation Process
A) A director(s) for each level as appointed by CNN Spurs Minor Hockey will work in conjunction with a hired third-party evaluation team. The director(s) will ensure that the players and parents understand the process prior to the players going on to the ice.
B) Each player will be assigned a numbered jersey prior to each session
C) The following is a list of some player skills that will be evaluated:
i. Individual Skills - shooting, puck control, skating, defensive and offensive awareness, positional play, aggressiveness
ii. Game Playing Skills - teamwork, sportsmanship, coachability, self-discipline, reading and reacting, patience, concentration, desire, attitude, physical qualities (strength, endurance, agility, etc)
D) Each try out will consist of a minimum of 3 on-ice sessions. If required, 1 or 2 exhibition games may also be used in the evaluation process (situation specific and if time permits)
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K) At the end of the tryouts, the third-party evaluation team will send their rankings to the President. The President along with the Vice President 1 and Vice President 2 will then meet with the level director and selected head coach(es) to finalize the teams (if two equal teams are selected). The Player Movement Committee has final say on the team roster.
L) The last forward and defense on a U18, U15 or U13 team may be filled by a player chosen by the head coach at his/her discretion. In the case of U11, where positions are not ranked, the head coach may choose the last two players. If the head coach chooses to deviate from the evaluation rankings, his/her decision must be justified to the Player Movement Committee. In the absence of a head coach, the team will be chosen solely on the evaluators rankings.
We encourage all parents to read the full CNN Policies and Procedures document.