November 15, 2008

To: EHC Hockey Player/s and Parents

From: EHC Hockey Committee

 The process for selecting players for the A & B teams at EHC is a task that is taken very seriously by the Hockey Committee and the coaching staff. We have endeavored to follow a process that is fair, transparent, and as objective as humanly possible. Every year there are players and parents who are disappointed with the decisions that are made by the coaching staff, and assuredly, this year will be no different.

 The process works in the following manner. Over the course of the first four or five practices coaches are evaluating players to determine on which team they should most suitably be placed. Players are judged by their overall efficacy, including but not limited to, their skating, stick handling, creativity, work ethic and understanding of the game. Which level a child has played at in the past has no bearing on the decision. Coaches making the evaluations will include all coaches at the given level, and if requested, a coach from another team. At the conclusion of the process, each coach independently ranks each player trying out based upon his or her observations. Individual rankings are than compiled into a collective ranking, and it is from this list that the rosters of the A & B teams are set. Under no circumstances are evaluation rankings shared with parents or players.

 The overarching intent is to have this process be as thorough and fair as possible. Judgments made by the coaching staff have the full confidence and backing of the Hockey Committee. Should there be disagreement with a particular decision, the Hockey Committee reminds parents that they seek out a member of the Committee to register their complaint, not any of the coaches at the child’s level. This rule applies not only to the issue of  team selection but to any other issues a parent might have with their child and his or her team. The Hockey Committee takes this rule seriously and asks that all of our parents do as well.

 While some parents may want to see their child make an “A” team, it may be better for the child’s overall development in the opinion of the coaches to play on a “B” team. The pace of play might allow the child’s skill development and confidence build on a “B” team in a way that would never happen on a “A” team. Children learn at different paces and learning to play hockey, as in most skills, is rarely linear. It is the intent of the Hockey Committee to make a child’s experience rewarding and gratifying regardless of the team for whom the child plays. We fully expect your child to have a positive educational experience with their coach whether they are on an “A” team or a “B” team. Finally, celebrate the accomplishments of your child and his or her teammates this winter-remember this is supposed to be fun.