The 2019-20 season is right around the corner, and some AFHL teams have already begun their tryouts! Check out all of our FAQs to ensure that your tryout process runs smoothly:
FAQs
How do I know what Draw Zone/Recruitment Area I am in?
While Midget AAA operates without boundaries or draw zones, players interested in playing Midget Elite or Bantam Elite are expected to access their first tryout with their Recruitment Area Team. The Recruitment Area team that a player is eligible for depends on your Resident Minor Hockey Association (not the one the player was last registered with). The breakdown of Recruitment Area Teams can be found below:
Can a player access a Midget or Bantam Elite try out elsewhere?
Midget Elite and Bantam Elite players are expected to access their first try out within the area that has been identified by the ADM for their Resident LMHA. However, if extenuating circumstances warrant a move, a player may use the Elite Player Movement Application process to move to access a program outside of their identified area. Elite Player Movement Forms must be completed and submitted by July 1st.
ELITE PLAYER MOVEMENT APPLICATION >
Who can sign a Player Agreement Form?
A Player Agreement Form is for players selected to play for a Midget AAA, Midget Elite or Bantam Elite Team within the ADM. All “AAA” and Elite players must sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the regular season. Underage players are not eligible to sign a Player Agreement Form without gaining approval through the Player Acceleration Process.
By signing this document, the player is agreeing to register and play for that specific Member Club for the upcoming season. This document is viewed as binding and it is the expectation of both parties, the player and the Member Club, to uphold their portion of the agreement.
Can I sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the season?
Each “AAA” Member Club can formally sign up to six players (five skaters and one goaltender) to early Player Agreements between June 15 to August 15th. This is done through the completion of the Player Agreement Form, signed by both parties. “Commitments” made without a written agreement are considered “verbal” and can be viewed as non-binding by either party. Players who have not signed a Player Agreement prior to the beginning of the season are encouraged to attend multiple tryout camps in order to keep all of their options open.
If I played AAA last year but would like to play for a different AAA team this upcoming season, is there something I need to do before I change teams?
If a player signed a Player Agreement and was registered with a AAA team for the 2018/2019 season and would like to play for another AAA team for the 2019/2020 season, the family will need to request an Elite Waiver from the Previous Registered Team. The signed waiver, complete with rationale must be submitted to the Female ADM Committee prior to the start of tryouts.
What is an elite waiver?
An Elite Waiver is used for two different purposes in the Female ADM;
- Players who played “AAA” last season and would like to tryout/sign with another AAA club are required to have a completed Elite Wavier prior to the start of Tryouts.
- A player who is cut from a Midget AAA, Midget Elite or Bantam Elite team and wishes to pursue the opportunity to try out with a second team. The player would need a completed Elite Waiver from the association that released them from the tryout process. A family would appeal to the Female ADM Committee by providing the Committee with a competed “Notification of Tryout Form” and Elite Waiver Form. The Female ADM Committee will review the application and provide the family with their second tryout option.
Do I have a choice of a second tryout?
At the “AAA” level, yes. The family and the player have the option of where they would like to go. This information needs to be submitted, alongside the Elite Waiver to the Female ADM Committee prior to moving onto your second tryout.
At the Elite Level, no. The Female ADM Committee works with all of the Member Teams during tryouts to understand if there is a need at a certain position (not enough defense at tryouts, no goaltender) amongst the teams. While travel is a consideration in the decision, the Female ADM will offer a second tryout option that would give the player the best opportunity to make a team. To be placed for your second tryout, please contact the appropriate Division Director with a completed Notification of Tryout and Elite Waiver from your first tryout.
Bantam Elite Director – afhlbantamelite@hockeyalberta.ca
Midget Elite Director – afhlmidgetelite@hockeyalberta.ca
When do tryouts begin?
The actual start date for tryouts may differ across associations, please ensure you are connecting with that association/team to find the proper dates.
Tryouts for AAA begin on/after August 23
Tryouts for Midget and Bantam Elite begin on/after September 6
Do I need any paperwork to attend a tryout?
All players trying out for a “AAA” or Elite team that is outside their Resident Minor Hockey Association needs to have a completed Notification of Tryout Form signed by their Resident MHA.
Is there a deadline to hand in my Notification of Tryout Form?
Notification of Tryout Forms need to be handed into the association players are accessing their first tryout with prior to the start of tryouts. “AAA” Players who have a preference for their second tryout can state their second tryout directly onto the NTO form.
Do I have to find a billet if I move away from home?
Each Female ADM Member Association has a billet program in place. They can assist you in finding a billet home while you play hockey. Fees may differ across associations and should be discussed with the Member MHA.
How much does this cost a year?
Each program is different (amount of ice, travel, team apparel etc). The association you would be able to give your family a more accurate breakdown of the financial obligations.