Evaluations

The evaluation process is used to assign players to the team that best matches their ability. Players mature and develop at different rates and their improvement is best facilitated by playing with and against players with similar ability. It is a disservice to a player to be placed on a team that exceeds his/her ability, as he/she has very limited puck controlling or “touch” time in game situations (due to the player’s current ability vs. the opponent’s). 

Players, evaluators and volunteers are the only people allowed in spectator areas. Parents must stay in the lobby at all times. The YHC assigns neutral, qualified, and experienced judges; this policy is designed to provide players and judges with an atmosphere conducive to non-pressured and unbiased evaluations. Bench coaches assist skaters with equipment in the locker rooms before tryouts. 


Significant effort has been made, and substantial time is spent by all volunteers involved to reach fair results. Results can nonetheless be disappointing. The RAHA Board and YHC will consider improvements to the process annually and welcome suggestions designed to help in that effort. Evaluation judges must not be contacted in any way under any circumstances regarding any issue related to evaluations other than by those responsible for conducting evaluations. 

One

Each player must register for evaluations at their USA Hockey age group for the evaluation season.

Two

If a player wishes to be evaluated and considered for a Tier 2 level, they must state their intention prior to evaluations. If they make the Tier 2 team, they will be invoiced the additional cost.

Three

Players are split into evenly skilled teams by the coaches and YHC prior to evaluations. 

Four

Skaters are assigned an evaluation number as they show up and given a jersey with the corresponding number to wear throughout evaluations. Players should not wear jerseys with their names on them or they should turn their jersey inside out for evaluations. 

Five

YHC members are present in the lobby to help assist players find their appropriate locker room. No parents/guardians are allowed in the rink or locker rooms. 

Six

Each locker room has an assigned volunteer to assist players with equipment and monitor behavior. If players need their parents' assistance, they must go out to the lobby to do so.

Seven

Evaluators must be approved by the YHC following a review of their hockey experience. An evaluation judge may not assess a level in which he/she has a child or relative participating. Goalie evaluators may evaluate a level where they have a relative trying out as long as their relative is not evaluating as a goalie. 

Eight

Coaches participate in the evaluation process through observation. Coaches with children at evaluations may not comment on them at any point throughout the entire evaluation process.

Players are evaluated on

  • Player’s Skating Skills 
  • Player’s Individual Hockey Skills (puck handling, passing, receiving, shooting, etc.)
  • Player’s Team Skills (hockey sense, offensive skills, defensive skills, etc.) 
  • Player’s Desire, Work Ethic, and Self-Control 
  • Player’s Attitude and Teamwork, on and off the ice.

There is no way to form teams that every parent will be pleased with. Parent expectations of player skills versus demonstrations of their skill are NEVER equal. A player is not just a skater on the ice when it comes to forming teams that will succeed. A player that is a good teammate, teachable, and skilled at hockey are all attributes considered when evaluating and ultimately placing players on teams. Consistent with RAHA goals, we aim to make hockey fun for our players and forming competitive teams that foster player growth and promote a positive hockey experience, help us achieve our goals.