Janesville Youth Hockey  

Evaluation and Team Selection Process

JANESVILLE YOUTH HOCKEY

2026–27 Player Evaluation & Team Selection Plan

Our Commitment to Players and Families

Janesville Youth Hockey (JYH) is committed to providing a fair, transparent, objective, and development-focused player evaluation and team selection process.

The purpose of the evaluation process is to place players in an environment with other skaters of similar ability while creating the best possible opportunity for individual player development, team success, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.

JYH recognizes that evaluations and team placement can be an important and emotional process for players and families. This plan is intended to clearly explain how evaluations are conducted, how evaluation information is used, how teams are selected, and how families may address questions or concerns.


EVALUATION DAY

Location: Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center

Evaluation Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Evaluations will consist of two primary components:

  • Session 1 – Skills and Small-Area Games
  • Session 2 – Full-Ice Scrimmage

Individual player evaluation times will be communicated through the JYH Crossbar application.

Players should make every reasonable effort to attend all scheduled evaluation sessions.


PLAYER CHECK-IN

Parents or guardians will check their player in at the registration table upon arrival.

At check-in:

  1. The player will receive an evaluation pinnie.
  2. The player will proceed to the designated locker room to get dressed.
  3. Players will report to the designated evaluation area when instructed.
  4. Players must return their evaluation pinnie at the conclusion of the evaluation process.

Families should arrive with enough time for their player to complete check-in, dress, and be ready when the evaluation session begins.


PARENT AND FAMILY VIEWING POLICY

To protect the integrity of the evaluation process and provide players with a consistent evaluation environment, the skills portion of evaluations will be closed to parents and family members.

Only authorized JYH personnel, evaluators, and designated on-ice helpers will be permitted in the evaluation area during the skills portion.

Parents and guardians may watch the scrimmage portion of evaluations but may not communicate with or approach evaluators regarding individual players during the evaluation process.

Parents should allow evaluators and JYH personnel to perform their responsibilities without interruption.

Special Circumstances

If a player has a medical condition or another circumstance that requires a parent or guardian to remain at the facility, prior arrangements must be made with the JYH President.


THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE

The 2026–27 HDC Evaluation Committee will consist of:

  • Justin Wiskie – JYH Hockey Development Director
  • Dan Jensen – JYH President

Role of the Evaluation Committee

The Evaluation Committee is responsible for administering and overseeing the evaluation process.

The Evaluation Committee does not select the teams.

Its responsibilities include:

  • Establishing evaluation dates and times
  • Developing the on-ice evaluation process
  • Providing independent evaluators
  • Implementing the electronic evaluation system
  • Overseeing the evaluation process
  • Monitoring the scoring process
  • Selecting the Team Selection Committee for each age level

After evaluations are completed, the Evaluation Committee will provide the appropriate evaluation information to the Team Selection Committee.

The actual team assignments will be made by the Team Selection Committee for each age level.


SEPARATION OF EVALUATION AND TEAM SELECTION

JYH uses separate groups for player evaluation and team selection to promote an objective and unbiased process.

The purpose of this structure is to create a distinction between:

Player Evaluation

Evaluators assess individual player skills, hockey understanding, competitiveness, effort, coachability, and game performance.

Team Selection

The Team Selection Committee reviews the available evaluation information and determines the team assignments while considering player development and overall team composition.

Evaluation scores are an important component of the process, but team placement is not based solely on a numerical ranking.


TEAM SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Team Selection Committee will consist primarily of qualified JYH non-parent coaches from the applicable age-level programs.

The committee may also include the Head Coach of the “A” Team once that coach has been selected.

The Team Selection Committee will use information generated through the evaluation process, including:

  • Evaluation scores
  • Player observations
  • Scrimmage observations
  • Written evaluation notes
  • Other recommendations generated through the evaluation process

The committee will use this information to determine team assignments.

The objective is to create teams that are:

  • Competitive
  • Appropriately balanced
  • Developmentally appropriate
  • Supportive of individual player growth


EVALUATORS

Evaluators may include individuals with significant hockey knowledge and player evaluation experience.

Potential evaluators may include:

  • JYH Hockey Development Committee members
  • High school hockey coaches
  • Janesville Jets staff
  • Beloit College hockey staff
  • Other qualified individuals designated by the HDC Evaluation Committee

Evaluator Impartiality

To maintain impartiality, an evaluator will not evaluate a player at an age level where the evaluator has a son or daughter participating.

Evaluators will primarily remain in the stands during evaluations.

Designated non-evaluation personnel may be present on the bench and assist with on-ice activities as needed.


WHAT PLAYERS WILL BE EVALUATED ON

JYH evaluations are designed to provide multiple opportunities for evaluators to observe each player's overall hockey abilities.

Players will be evaluated in four primary areas.

A. Hockey Skills

Evaluators may assess:

  • Skating and edge work
  • Shooting
  • Passing
  • Puck skills

B. Hockey Understanding

Evaluators may assess:

  • Hockey IQ
  • Ability to follow directions
  • Positioning
  • Awareness

C. Competition and Character

Evaluators may assess:

  • Competitiveness
  • Attitude and positivity
  • Effort
  • Coachability

D. Game Play

Players will also be evaluated during:

  • Small-area games
  • Full-ice scrimmage

The evaluation process is designed to look beyond a single skill or a single moment on the ice.

JYH seeks to evaluate the complete player and understand how each player performs individually and within a team environment.


EVALUATION SCORING

JYH will utilize electronic evaluation software to assist with the evaluation process.

Evaluators will use iPad tablets equipped with the TeamGenius evaluation system to electronically score players at designated evaluation stations.

The Evaluation Committee will monitor the tablets and software during evaluation sessions to ensure that the system is operating properly.

This monitoring is for operational purposes and will not be used to review or influence individual player scores during the evaluation sessions.

Players will be evaluated using a numeric scoring system.

Important Information About Scores

Evaluation scores are intended primarily to compare players participating in the same evaluation group.

The scoring system reflects the overall talent of the players participating in the evaluation process rather than a national, or predetermined standard for an age level.


SCRIMMAGE EVALUATION

The scrimmage portion of the evaluation gives evaluators an opportunity to observe players in a competitive game environment.

During scrimmage play, evaluators may use written notes to document observations.

Particular attention may be given to players whose evaluation results place them near projected team-placement boundaries.

These players may be described as being near an A/B or B/C placement boundary.

Scrimmage observations and written notes may be considered alongside numeric evaluation scores when final team assignments are determined.


HOW FINAL EVALUATIONS ARE REVIEWED

After all scheduled evaluation sessions have been completed:

  1. Player scores will be tabulated.
  2. Scores will be weighted in accordance with the JYH Hockey Development Model for the applicable age group.
  3. Players will be organized according to their overall evaluation results.
  4. Scrimmage notes and other written observations will be collected.
  5. The Team Selection Committee will review the available evaluation information.
  6. Team assignments will be determined using a combination of available information.

The team selection process may consider:

  • Weighted numeric evaluation scores
  • Scrimmage observations
  • Player notes
  • Team Selection Committee observations and recommendations
  • Overall team composition
  • Player development considerations

JYH does not intend for a single score, drill, game, or moment to determine a player's team placement.

The goal is to use the complete evaluation process to determine the most appropriate team environment for each player.


TEAM SELECTION

The Team Selection Committees will be appointed by the Evaluation Committee.

Their responsibility is to use the available evaluation information to create teams that are competitive, appropriately balanced, and supportive of player development.

Team Assignment Objective

JYH intends to:

  • Build competitive teams at each level of play
  • Place players with other skaters of similar skill and ability
  • Provide players with an appropriate level of competition
  • Promote player confidence and development
  • Create a positive team environment
  • Support the long-term development of individual players

JYH believes players develop best when they have opportunities to practice and compete with players of similar ability while receiving appropriate coaching and competition.


DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF TEAMS

The number of teams formed at each age level will be determined based on the circumstances at that age level.

Factors may include:

  • Number of registered skaters
  • Overall player talent
  • Team composition
  • Appropriate roster sizes
  • Ability to provide a positive developmental and competitive environment

If there are not enough skaters to appropriately field two teams, the Team Selection Committee may determine that only one team will be formed.

If only one team is formed, the final roster size will be determined based on the overall talent of the players participating in the evaluation process.

This may result in some players not being offered a position on the roster.


TEAM BALANCE

JYH intends to balance the number of players on each team based on the total number of registered players at the time of evaluations.

However, equal roster numbers are not the sole objective of team selection.

An imbalance in the number of players between teams may occur when necessary to create the most appropriate competitive and developmental environment.

For example, one team may have a different number of players than another team if doing so:

  • Creates a more competitive team environment
  • Allows players to remain at an appropriate skill level
  • Prevents players from being moved to a higher level solely to balance roster numbers
  • Supports overall player development

JYH believes players should have the opportunity to play with other players of similar skill and ability whenever possible.

This environment can promote:

  • Confidence
  • Development
  • Team contribution
  • Competitive growth
  • Enjoyment of the game


PLAYER MOVEMENT AFTER TEAM SELECTION

If additional skaters register after evaluations and team assignments have been completed, JYH may need to adjust team rosters.

In certain circumstances, a player may be asked—not forced—to move from their current team to the next highest level in order to maintain appropriate roster balance.

Any such player movement will require agreement among:

  • The Evaluation Committee
  • Coaches from the respective teams
  • The player involved
  • The player's parent(s) or guardian(s)

JYH will make every effort to minimize disruption to players and families when roster adjustments become necessary.


TEAM ASSIGNMENT NOTIFICATION

Team assignments will be posted on the JYH website on:

Friday, September 25, 2026

Head coaches will be determined through the team selection process.

Following the selection of head coaches, coaches will contact interested parents or guardians regarding potential team manager positions.


IF ONLY ONE TEAM IS FORMED

If JYH determines that only one team will be formed at an age level, players who are not offered a position on the roster will be notified prior to September 25, 2026.

JYH intends to provide families with as much time as possible to explore opportunities with another area hockey association.


EVALUATION MAKEUP OPPORTUNITIES

JYH understands that illness or injury may occasionally prevent a player from participating in a scheduled evaluation.

Players who are unable to participate because of illness or injury will have an opportunity for a makeup evaluation.

The makeup evaluation will take place during the first or second week of JYH Skills and Drills.

If a player cannot attend during the first or second week of Skills and Drills, the player will be afforded an opportunity to evaluate at the player's next available age-level practice.

Members of the Hockey Development Committee may observe the player during practices and use those observations to assist in determining appropriate team placement.

Families should notify JYH as soon as possible when a player is unable to participate in a scheduled evaluation.


ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

Players and families are strongly encouraged to make every effort to attend all scheduled evaluation sessions.

JYH has coordinated, when possible, with other local youth sports organizations to minimize scheduling conflicts.

A player who misses an evaluation session without prior notice may have that absence negatively affect the overall evaluation because the player will have fewer opportunities to be observed.

Missing an evaluation does not automatically determine a player's placement; however, fewer evaluation opportunities may limit the information available to the evaluators and Team Selection Committee.

Families should notify JYH as soon as possible if their player cannot attend a scheduled evaluation.


EVALUATION AND TEAM SELECTION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

JYH recognizes that families may have questions or concerns regarding player evaluations and team assignments.

A grievance is a formal challenge to a player's team placement based on an alleged failure to follow JYH evaluation or team selection policies.

A grievance is not intended to be a:

  • General question
  • Disagreement with an evaluation score
  • Disagreement with a player's placement
  • General complaint regarding the evaluation process

The grievance procedure exists to address allegations that JYH's established evaluation or team selection policies were not followed.


FILING A GRIEVANCE

All evaluation and team selection grievances must:

The Grievance Committee will review the grievance and render a decision within three days of receipt.


GRIEVANCE REVIEW

For tryout-related grievances, the Grievance Committee may review:

  • Evaluation scoring summaries
  • Relevant evaluation notes
  • Team Selection Committee notes or minutes
  • Other information related to the placement process

The Grievance Committee may also seek comments from individuals who participated in the team placement process.

Parents or guardians of the player filing the grievance may request a redacted copy of applicable scoring summaries and notes, consistent with JYH policies and applicable privacy considerations.

The sole issue considered by the Grievance Committee will be whether the player's placement was made in accordance with JYH policies.

If the Grievance Committee determines that JYH policies were not followed and that the failure resulted in an improper placement, the committee may correct the player's placement.

A correction may occur even if the resulting change creates an otherwise uneven roster.


QUESTIONS REGARDING EVALUATIONS OR TEAM PLACEMENT

JYH understands that player evaluations and team placement can be an important and emotional process for families.

To protect the integrity of the evaluation and team selection process, the JYH President and Hockey Development Director will not respond to individual evaluation or team placement questions or complaints through individual email, telephone calls, or text messages.

Parents or guardians who would like additional clarification regarding their player's evaluation or team placement, but who are not filing a formal grievance, may request an in-person meeting.

The meeting will include:

  • JYH President
  • JYH Hockey Development Director
  • Head Coach of Coaches

The purpose of the meeting is to:

  • Answer questions
  • Provide clarification regarding the process
  • Discuss concerns in an appropriate setting

The meeting is intended to provide families with an opportunity for clarification without interfering with the integrity of the formal evaluation and team selection process.


JYH COMMITMENT TO PLAYERS AND FAMILIES

Janesville Youth Hockey is committed to conducting player evaluations and team selection in a:

Fair • Objective • Transparent • Development-Focused

manner.

The evaluation process is designed to look beyond a single skill or moment on the ice.

JYH considers a player's overall:

  • Hockey abilities
  • Understanding of the game
  • Competitiveness
  • Attitude
  • Coachability
  • Effort
  • Performance in game situations
  • Ability to contribute within a team environment

Our goal is to place every player in an environment where they can:

Develop. Compete. Build Confidence. Contribute. Enjoy Hockey.

JYH appreciates the cooperation, patience, and support of all players and families throughout the evaluation and team selection process.


JANESVILLE YOUTH HOCKEY

2026–27 Player Evaluation & Team Selection Plan

Fun and Fundamentals

Janesville Youth Hockey is committed to providing players with an environment that promotes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and a lifel

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