FAQ′s

Ohio AAA Blue Jackets FAQ’s

How much are the team fees?

Our team fees from this past season are listed below.

1.    U18 - $4400

2.    U16 - $3600

3.    1995’s - $3600

4.    1996’s - $3600

5.    1997’s - $4400 (includes $1000 for Quebec)

6.    1998’s - $3350

What does the Team Fee cover?

The Team Fee covers all team related expenses except the coaches’ travel, hotels & meals. Fees cover the following:

1.    All Practice and Game Ice

2.    Head Coach & Assistant Coach for each level

3.    Goalie Coach

4.    All administrative costs

5.    All tournament fees

6.    All Referees

7.    Off Ice Workouts

8.    Practice Jersey

9.    Practice socks

10. Game socks

11. Team Bag

12. Gloves

13. Team Tracksuit

You will be responsible for your own travel costs plus your share of the coach’s travel costs.

1.    Coaches Travel Expenses are billed at the mid point and at the end of the season and include hotels, gas and per diem.

Game Jerseys are not provided but are available for purchase through AAA Blue Jackets at a discounted rate.

If I do not make the AAA team, are the AAA tryouts tied to any other travel team?

No. If you do not make the AAA team, the AAA tryouts have no bearing on any other travel team. You will have to tryout again for whichever team you decide.

If I make the AAA team, what are the next steps?

After tryouts are complete, each family will receive a phone call regarding the results of the tryouts for their son or daughter. If an offer is extended, we ask for an answer within 48 hours. Upon acceptance, you will be presented with a Player Agreement to be signed and returned with a $500 commitment fee to secure your roster spot.

Can I Play on more than one team?

If a player is rostered on an Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Tier I team, that player is not allowed to be rostered, practice and or play for any other team regardless of classification (ie: A, AA, or house).

When does the season begin?

Mandatory practices will begin mid to late August.

What kind of commitment level is required playing AAA hockey?

Playing AAA hockey is an elevated commitment level. Players are expected to be at all practices, off ice workouts and games.

Are teams allowed to do fundraising?

Yes, We encourage each family to fundraise. Many fundraising initiatives the AAA program supports directly benefit the family participating. Those who are willing to put forth the effort will reap the reward. This past season we had some families raise over ½ their fees through fundraising.

Are tryouts open or by invite only?

Our Tryouts are open. Any youth player who meets the age eligibility requirements as determined by USA Hockey is invited to participate in the tryouts. Tryouts are mandatory for all players whose objective is to play for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.

What if I cannot make a tryout session?

If a player is unable to attend one of their scheduled tryouts, they must notify the Program Coordinator or Assistant Program Coordinator prior to the start of tryouts. The coordinators will determine whether a player will be assigned to a make-up session if one is available.

How can I tryout if I am injured?

Most teams will look to complete the roster coming out of tryouts. If your child is injured, the Parent/Guardian of an injured player must contact the Program Coordinator or Assistant Program Coordinator with a written doctor’s excuse, prior to tryout sessions.

An injured/ill player must be cleared by a doctor to play, before being evaluated. Once a player has been cleared, an evaluation will be conducted as long as there are roster positions still available

What is the tryout process?

Tryout schedules are posted online. Each age group will be evaluated over the course of 2 days with 2.5+ hours of ice. Day one – skill drills etc. plus scrimmage. Day two – warm up plus scrimmage. All scrimmages will be controlled by a referee. Tryouts will include skill and scrimmage format. Scrimmage will allow the evaluators to rate the skills of a player under game conditions.

If the evaluators need an additional ice session to make final decisions, initial cuts will be made after Sunday with the remaining players being invited back the Tuesday after tryouts for a final evaluation.

All players will be called and informed of their tryout result by Thursday following the tryout. The younger Pee Wee teams, the coaches will ask to speak with the parents. With the Bantam and Midget teams, the coaches will ask to speak with the players.

Is there a parent meeting at tryouts?

Prior to the first on ice session, the Program Coordinator will conduct a parent meeting to further discuss the tryout process. Meetings will be held 20 minutes prior to your child’s first tryout session.

Can parents watch tryouts?

Tryouts will be closed to only players, coaches and evaluators. Parents can watch tryouts upstairs at Chiller North through the viewing area. At Dublin we ask all parents to watch from the Lobby Area. This is done to eliminate outside distractions for all the players. Tryouts are pressure filled for the players and we want the players to be able to focus 100% on playing their best

How many evaluators are used for tryouts and who are they?

Typically there will be a min. of 5 evaluators, one of whom is goalie specific. Evaluators will be AAA Coaches or other independent evaluators. Evaluators will be provided with tryout format along with evaluation criteria.

How much do the teams practice?

The Bantam and Midget teams practice an average of 3 hours per week with the Pee Wee teams practicing, on average 2.75 hours per week.

How many games will the team play?

Our teams will play on average 50-65 games pending the age group