Here are a few highlights from the CNN Policies and Procedures document:
10. Player Evaluation
A) All players will be entitled to an equal opportunity to try out for the top team in their 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.
10.1. Evaluation Team
A) CNN Spurs Minor Hockey will hire a third-party evaluation team to evaluate players for the U9 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 division will be evaluated by CNN board members.
B) Third party evaluators will be rotated every 2 years, upon availability, with the intent to maintain an unbiased evaluation.
10.2. 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 tryout 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).
E) If a player misses the evaluation process because of illness, injury or any other circumstance beyond the player’s control, the CNN Spurs Player Movement Committee will assess the players performance and decide at which level the individual should play. The Player Movement Committee may consider any or all factors such as:
i. Past evaluation information - top one third in previous 2 years evaluated.
ii. Previous season(s) statistics and information
If the evaluations are missed due to injury or illness, a doctor’s note specifying the injury and the inability to participate in the evaluations must be provided to the Level Director within 24 hours of the last evaluation session for the players division. If evaluations are missed due to any other circumstance notification must be given in writing ahead of evaluations starting.
We encourage all parents to read the full CNN Policies and Procedures document.