Skater Evaluations

Background
The BYHA president requested that the Coaches Advisory Committee (CAC) develop and communicate a plan for evaluating and placing skaters for the 2004-2005 season. The CAC met on 9/14/04 to assemble its recommendation.

Overview
Skater evaluations are only required for age levels having adequate registration numbers to field multiple teams. For the 2004-2005 season only the mite and peewee levels fall into this category. However, if the squirts were to register a total of 20 skaters prior to the official WAHA roster registration date, the CAC would hold a special evaluation to place skaters into B and C levels. Current registration number is 16 for squirts.

Evaluation Process
The Evaluation process will involve the use of credentialed, objective evaluators (from the Sauk Prairie Association-TBS) to evaluate skaters based on their skill level demonstrated during a I-day, 2-hour on-ice session. Evaluators will score participants using a penny number (no names) issued to skaters prior to evaluations. Two designated CAC members will record the penny number and the name of the skater prior to evaluations. This information will not be used until rankings based on the evaluator’s scores have been completed by the CAC.

A CAC designated on-ice coordinator will be present during the evaluations to direct skaters and to demonstrate, if necessary, what skills are to be performed. On- ice coordinators will not be allowed to “coach’t skaters during the evaluation.
Following evaluations, grades will be sealed and turned over to a CAC designated. unbiased BYHA member for totaling. Scoring results, along with the original set of grades will then be turned over to a member of the CAC. All grades and scoring results are kept confidential until final rosters have been completed and posted.

Boys/Co-ed Youth Program

Mites
The Mite evaluations will follow a set of published, pre-defined drills appropriate for that age level. Evaluators will assign a grade to each skater for each skill performed, based on the scoring guidelines outlined in the Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey Skill Evaluation Document (SPYHSED). With the help of eligible coaches, Mites will practice the drill set prior to evaluations in order to better prepare them 1kw what will be expected during the evaluation period.

Peewees
Peewee evaluations will follow a set of unpublished. pro-defined drills appropriate 1kw that age level Evaluators will he given an advance copy of each drill, as well as the scoring guidelines to be used in grading each skill, prior to evaluations on II !6. A Drills and Activities set will be developed by the CAC’ for the Peewee level. The activities will be designed to challenge even the most accomplished Peewee skater while at the same time testing all skaters’ abilities to react mentally to what is happening on the ice. The CAC is recommending this method of evaluation because we feel the fundamental nature of most traditional drills (toes not provide sufficient separation for grading skaters at this level. Furthermore, the use  of traditional drill sets does not yield an accurate picture 0! other, complimentary hockey skills (namely mental skills that arc required to effectively compete at the Peewee level. Not revealing the drills and activities to the skaters prior to the evaluation will give evaluators an opportunity to grade all i3artfeipants using a richer set of measurement criteria. The CAC in turn will use this information to make a more informed decision on roster alignment at the Peewee level. The Drills and Activities set and the associated scoring guidelines will he available 10/28.

Goalies
There will he no outside evaluation of goalies. All skaters who express interest in the goalie position should be encouraged by coaches to experiment with the position and work within the goalie development program offered on Wednesday night’s to reline their skills. Head coaches, players and parents should work together to determine which child should pursue the goalie position.
At the Pewee level, skaters planning to play goalie are encouraged to "skate-out” during evaluations, or alternatively to “suit-up” and to take part as a goalie in shooting drills during skater evaluations. The CAC in cooperation with the head coaches will determine if a special goalie tryout is necessary prior to posting the team rosters.

Roster Alignment
The CAC will he responsible for aligning Mite and Peewee team rosters based on the evaluation results. The CAC will use the information in the results to rank skaters according to the grades they have earned. The CAC will identify the existence of any “bubble” or skills “gap” and align the rosters appropriately-. The CAC will post team rosters and coaching assignments at the rink as soon as possible after results are available. Every effort will he made by CAC members to make the process of roster alignment even—handed, unbiased and apolitical. The CAC will keep the following rules uppermost when making final decisions.

1. What is best for the skater
2. What is best for the organization

Other CAC Notes

Pre-evaluation Scheduled Practices
All eligible, approved coaches are welcome and encouraged to participate in the practice sessions leading up to the evaluations. The CAC will encourage all prospective coaches to work together to develop rapport with their players and among one another (luring the pre-evaluation period. The CAC will assign head coaches to each team. Ice Mile. Mite, Squirt, Peewee and Bantam. Head coaches will choose their own assistant coaches from the list of hoard-approved coaches.
 

Girls Youth Program

The girls youth program is in a holding state pending negotiations with other local organizations to combine our programs.
Currently, 3 -12 and 6 U-14 youth girls are registered to play

Evaluators Status
Skate evaluators need to he scheduled for l0am to 3pm on Saturday, November 6. Alex has left a message with the Sauk Association president but has not heard back.

Communication
The next newsletter should include information concerning evaluations as well as a call to all possible coaches who have not yet done so, to contact the CAC indicating their interest for head/assistant coaching and team level preferences.
The CAC is scheduled to meet again Monday October 11 at 6:30pm at the rink

CAC 9/15/04
Greg Kolek (Board Liaison)
Mike Krueger
Mike Clary
Jim Moilanen
Alex MacDonald

Important Dates to Remember