Equalization

Equalization Policy

While every effort is made to ensure that the teams

selected are of relatively equal strength, the league

deals with this issue in most divisions every season.

As we note registration form (Once teams have been

selected some players may be traded in an attempt

to equalize team strength. Team equalization will be

done at the discretion of the Division Coordinator

and the head coaches involved.÷

What is Equalization?

Ideally, we would like all games in every division to be

close. We would like every team to have a realistic

chance of beating the other teams in its division. If

after the season has started it is apparent that one

(or more) teams are markedly stronger (or Weaker),

equalization is the process we go through to try to

rebalance the teams. Because most U-6 kids usually

are more interested in playing with friends (and what's

being served up in the post game snack).

We do not equalize U-6 teams

Why Equalize?

These are house league programs. For the stronger players

who are so inclined, the league offers an opportunity to try

out for the all star team chosen to represent the league at

the AMBHL provincial tournament. We hope the kids enjoy

their experience and want to return (and look forward to

returning) the following season - and the season after that.

Lets face it, winning and losing games by large margins is

no fun for anybody, and one of the league's central tenets

is (FUN÷. Player movement between teams is in no way

intended to punish anyone. These moves are done for the

betterment of the division, so that as many kids as possible

enjoy the season.

What Is The Process?

Prior to the season commencing, each division co-ordinator

assigns players to the teams in that division. After the

season starts, He/She keeps tabs on the games and scores.

If after the first few weeks it is apparent that there is an

imbalance that needs to be correcter, the co-ordinator will

consult with the coaches to determine a plan of action. After

an agreed plan of action is settled - which players will be

moved- the parents of the players involved are contacted.

The co-ordinators, coaches and the members of the

executive are all parents with childre in the league, and

we can fully appreciate that moving kids around can be a

difficult and very sensitive issue.

When Does Equalization Take Place?

As noted above, equalization typically takes place after the

third week of the season (i.e. after each team in the

division in question has played a few games).

What Are We Doing to Minimize Equalization?

We are actively taking steps to try to minimize equalization.

Last year we instituted player evaluations, with the

league executive and coaches required to grade each of

their players. We intend to make that a more rigorous

exercise this again this year.

A Caveat

Frankly, selecting teams of equal strength is more art than

science. Kids mature at different rates and every season

sees the dynamics of a division change as half the kids

move up to the next division and an influx of kids from the

division below or who are new to the league. Kids with great

ice hockey skills are sometimes at a disadvantage because

they lack speed and fast kids with limited hockey skills can

be impact players. In the end we try to use all the tools at

our disposal to try to achieve team parody.

Thanks for your understanding...