There is no question that evaluations can be both an exciting and stressful time for hockey players and their parents.
To help alleviate some of the pressure your child is feeling and allow them to have a fun, positive evaluation experience here are some tips.

1. STAY RELAXED AND POSITIVE

Whether you realize it or not, your body language, what you say and how you say it can greatly influence a kid. If you are visibly stressed, your child could feel extra pressure to perform well on the ice and not disappoint you.

Always remain positive throughout the entire process. Acknowledge your child's effort through verbal and physical cues; a quick comment like "good job" or "well done" or a pat on the back can go a long way in your child’s confidence. You do not need to critique their effort, your job as a parent is to be a support system for your child.Encourage your child to have fun. If your child is having fun and treating the evaluation like a normal practice or game. Their positive attitude will translate into their on ice play.

2. HELP THEM PREPARE

Don’t do it all by yourself – kids need to learn responsibility – but be a helping hand before leaving for the rink. Whether making a meal or helping to pack their equipment, being there to help support your child can ease their mind. Doing this will make it one less thing the player has to worry about. 

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3. DON'T COMPARE THEM TO OTHER PLAYERS

No two players are the same, and comparing your child to the best players on the team could hurt their development. Give more attention to what they do well. Not everyone can be the top scorer on the team – the other players are just as important. Wondering why your child isn’t as skilled or doesn’t play more than another kid only hurts the experience of watching them play sports.

4. BRING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Encourage your child to do the best they can and to learn as much as possible. If a child isn’t having fun, they won’t want to keep playing hockey and nobody wants that. Your actions can have a great impact on how your kid views the sport. Additionally, be constructive and positive when speaking to your child after evaluations. If they made a mistake, they will learn from it. Their skills will only get better as time goes on.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TeamGenius is the leading hockey evaluation software provider for minor hockey associations. Founded in 2015, TeamGenius serves thousands of youth athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers with an easy-to-use platform for managing tryouts, clinics, coach & player development programs. TeamGenius is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more information, visit teamgenius.com.

ASSOCIATION POLICY

To ensure that we are able to provide a fair evaluation and minimize stress during the evaluation process, we ask that parents refrain from distracting any skaters or evaluation personnel during the sessions. Please be guided by the following:

 

  • Please keep away from the glass, benches and boxes during evaluation sessions.
  • Parents may not contact evaluators at any time before, during or after evaluations to discuss any part of the process or results.
  • Parents are asked only to spectate sessions when their player is participating.
  • Please refrain from yelling from the stands during the sessions. Players should be ready to remain focused on the on-ice proceedings without external influences.

Players may experience anxiety during evaluations. Please keep the emphasis on having fun and try to provide a supportive environment for your player. We value your help in ensuring a transparent, thorough, and balanced process that will result in a successful and enjoyable season.

Parents who do not adhere to the above will be asked to leave the arena building.

LEARN MORE

Please take the time to read the additional resources and information that are available to you on our website.

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