Policy & Application To Play Up A Year (North Shore Whitecaps AAA)

NSW AAA Zone Policy on Playing Up an Age Group

Purpose

This policy outlines the criteria and process for underage players to apply and be considered for playing in a higher age group within the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone. The intent is to ensure that only players with exceptional skills and the necessary physical, mental, and emotional maturity are approved to play up an age group.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Skill and Ability: The player must demonstrate exceptional hockey skills, tactical awareness, and overall performance that clearly exceed the expectations of their current age group and must be considered a top talent at the age group they are applying to play in. 

2. Physical Readiness: The player must possess the physical attributes (e.g., size, strength, endurance) to compete safely and effectively at the higher age group.

3. Emotional and Mental Maturity: The player must show the emotional resilience and maturity required to handle the challenges and pressures of playing in an older age group.

Application Process

1. Submission of Application:

   • The player (or their parent/guardian) must submit a formal application to the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone by the specified deadline.

   • The application must include a written statement explaining why the player wishes to play up and how they meet the criteria.

2. Independent Evaluation:

   • Independent evaluators, appointed by the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone, will assess the player’s abilities and readiness. These evaluators must have no direct affiliation with the player to ensure an unbiased assessment.

   • Evaluations will include on-ice assessments, game observations, and consideration of feedback from current coaches.

3. Recommendation:

   • The evaluators will submit a written recommendation to the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone Executive Committee, detailing their assessment of the player’s suitability for playing up.

4. Approval:

   • Final approval will rest with the Executive Committee, based on the evaluators' recommendation and any additional relevant factors.

Conditions

1. Players approved to play up will do so on a yearly basis, with periodic reviews to ensure continued suitability.

2. A player’s placement can be adjusted at any time if it is determined that playing up is not in the best interest of the player’s development, safety, or well-being.

3. No guarantees are made that a player applying to play up will be approved.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: Sunday February.16th, 2025

• Evaluation Period: Ongoing

• Notification of Decision: Prior to tryouts

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].


Application Form: Click Here