Tryout FAQs
What is the check-in process at tryouts?
Your family will be greeted at Winter Garden Arena by the age level directors (ALDs). Your child will be issued a numbered pinnie. Please have your child dress in full hockey gear, including a neck guard, mouthguard (12U and up) and wear the pinnie over his or her jersey. Goalies should have the number in front; all other players should have the number in back. Please register in advance and pay the tryout fee prior to arriving at the rink. If you arrive at the rink without having paid the tryout fee you will be asked to do it online in front of the ALD.
Are there any forms to bring?
If you have completed all registration forms online, you have nothing to bring. If not, we will ask you to complete the forms on your mobile device while you are there, and you will need to provide your player’s current USA Hockey number.
When do I need to be there?
You can double check your date and time slot on the website.
What do we do with the pinnie?
You will receive a pinnie the first night of tryouts. Please hold onto the pinnie. It is very important that your child wear the same pinnie for all three nights of tryouts, so please let one of the age level directors know if there are any issues. Make a note of your pinnie number, as session invitations will be announced by pinnie number. Your pinnie should be returned to your ALD after your final tryout.
Why do teams have two sessions each night?
We believe that having fewer players on the ice at a time will give the evaluators and coaches a better look at each individual skater. After the first day, you will be notified as to which sessions your child should attend on additional days.
How do we find out whether our player has made a team, and which team?
The final team decisions will be made around 24-72 hours after the end of the last night of tryouts. You will receive an offer via email which will need to be accepted promptly along with choosing and completing a tuition payment. At this time, you will be able to select a number if the player isn't currently assigned a number and order uniforms. A full uniform set will cost approximately $250.
How long do we have to make a decision?
You have 24 hours from the time that results are posted on the Web site to decline your child’s position on the team.
What happens next?
In the weeks following the announcement of teams, you will receive a welcome email from your player’s coach. Players will be given an opportunity to order additional gear such as jackets, pants, and other RAHA spirit wear.
When does the season start?
Practices will begin for all teams in late August.
Whom should I contact regarding any issues?
Please direct any inquiries, questions, or concerns to info@ridgefieldhockey.org. Please also let us know if your player will not be able to make one or more of the tryout sessions.
What else should I know?
In order to keep the process fair and transparent, please do not contact or intercede with any of the coaches, evaluators, or age level directors regarding specific player issues related to tryouts.
More information regarding the tryout process is available on our web site at Ridgefieldhockey.org.
Thank you for considering RAHA for your family. We look forward to seeing you on the ice.