OUR RANKING SYSTEM EXPLAINED

Hockey skill rankings are an average of many dynamic factors, including hockey knowledge and experience, skating ability, stick handling skills, athleticism, sportsmanship and opportunity. Each individual is unique and skill ranking calls for an objective and honest assessment of a variety of factors so that teams and tier may be formed around fairly consistent levels of play. A range of skill levels will exist within each rank, with Level 3 having the greatest range and the greatest numbers. Subtle differences will exist, but the overall average is intended to blur the edges and allow for a margin of error and subjective disputes.

All adult (age 18 and over) league players shall be ranked 1-5 for proper placement in the league and to be averaged as a team for general equality and better hockey. Each player will be asked to self-rank at registration. See descriptions below as well as Skill Calculator on following page. Players may also request to have rank reviewed by JAHA. Tier and team representatives will be responsible for verifying rankings. The JAHA Tier Committee may review rankings and make adjustments as necessary, voting on any significant disputes, with final approval by the JAHA President if adjustments are made later than two weeks into the season.

Mis-ranked players run the risk of being removed from a tier and finding no room to play in other tiers that are already at capacity.

No matter the skill, recklessness will not be tolerated at any level and sportsmanship is mandatory.

SKILL LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS

LEVEL 1

Level 1 skaters are often new to the game of hockey and those that are developing fundamental skating and stick handling skills. Most are learning basic rules of the game and team play.

LEVEL 2

Level 2 skaters have general knowledge of the game and have fundamental skating and stick handling skills. Some will be advancing from a novice level of play and others may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks. 

LEVEL 3

Level 3 skaters are the great wide middle of adult recreational hockey. Most Level 3 skaters have not had significant coaching or played significant youth hockey as a child, but are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills and can play at a general competitive level. Some Level 3 skaters may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks. Level 3 normally has the greatest numbers of skaters and the widest range of average skills within the rank.

LEVEL 4

Level 4 skaters have substantial hockey abilities, skills, knowledge and experience. Most Level 4’s have been coached and have played considerable hockey in the past. Some Level 4 skaters may be slowing with age, and/or are interested in playing in a consistent manner appropriate to league play and moving down from Level 5.

LEVEL 5

Level 5 skaters are the best skaters in the league and have exceptional hockey abilities, skills, knowledge and experience. All Level 5’s have been coached and have extensive organized hockey experience, likely to at least include elite high school or junior level play to those who have played advanced college, major juniors or professionally. Level 5 includes a wide range of very skilled players.

SKILL CALCULATOR (OPTIONAL)

This equation MAY be used as a guide and to further determine questionable skill levels. Unique circumstances may require adjustments. Experience does not necessarily translate to skill, especially considering where/how we learned the game and as we age.

Follow steps 1-3 – add total points to determine your JAHA ranking.