Player Evaluations
SHAA's player evaluations are not the same as a 'try-out'. Evaluations are to determine player's sklll level and to provide coaches with some initial exposure to the kids. Evaluations are not really to determine "if" a child makes a team, rather "which" team (based on skill level). Evaluations are required for all participants in the Inhouse and Travel programs.
In-House
The In-House programs holds a draft and the coaches are allowed to select players of their choosing as long as their team maintains a certain ranking. This is done to ensure that all of the teams are as evenly competitive as possible. Inhouse players should attend at least 1 of the scheduled evaluation dates.
Travel
For the Travel programs, players must attend evaluations so they can be observed by the coaches. For the 2008 season, we implemented an extended workout / practice schedule throughout the summer in place of specific evalutation dates. This approach worked well and will be used again this season. All registered players will be combined into their gender and age group until the player draft is completed. This will provide greater opportunity for coaches to observe players in a more relaxed and realistic setting. Players should attend as many practice sessions throughout the summer as vacation schedules permit.
In late July / early August, the travel coaches will hold a draft to place players on a team that matches their skill level. Each team is also placed in an appropriate league within the ABSP and may be invited to play an alternate club league. Once evaluations and team selection are complete, occassionally a player who isn't ready to play travel is invited to play in-house.
New for the 2009 Season: SHAA will be incorporating a player development program including a Travel Team Camp held the last two weeks in August. All travel players are expected to attend with their team. Participation in the Team Camp will be a consideration in the player draft.