PLAYER MOVEMENT POLICY – EXCEPTIONAL STATUS
August 31st, 2024
The Napanee District Minor Hockey (NDMH) does not encourage players to play above their age
division and support Hockey Canada’s recommendation that minor hockey players should
develop and play within their age division. However the NDMH Board may consider applications
for players to seek exceptional status for a team that is one (1) age division older, subject to and
in accordance with this Exceptional Player Status Policy (this “Policy”). There will be NO
EXCEPTIONS beyond what is written here.
1. INTRODUCTION
To be an “Exceptional Player” one must possess not only hockey skills that are superior
to players in their own age category (making them one of or the top skilled players in
their own age group), but would also be capable of competing with the top skilled
players at the next level. This athlete must be deemed to be in the top bracket of players
of the higher age category in the position for which they are attempting to move up to.
In addition to hockey skill, the exceptional player must also possess physical maturity
and social-emotional skills, which match their superior hockey skills. The player must be
well rounded in all aspects of their development. The purpose of having the Exceptional
Player Policy is that it is understood that from time to time, members may want to
request their player to move up to an age category for various reasons. This policy
ensures that players are given a fair review, and ensures that the association is not
moving players out of their age category who are not qualified.
2. POLICY RULES
The following Policy rules apply to players at the U9 age division (under the Hockey
Canada Pathway) and, U11 to U18. These do not apply to U7 – see bottom for the U7
guidelines:
U9-U18 Guidelines
1. Grants of exceptional status to tryout are restricted to the REPRESENTATIVE (REP)
category only.
2. The maximum number of players from a lower age division that the VP and 2nd VP
of OMHA may grant exceptional status for a team that is one (1) age division older is
limited to one (1) player per position (i.e. 1 forward, 1 defenceman and 1 goalie) for
U11 and above, and for U9 three (3) players .
3. Given that NDMHA has combined divisions for rep, a player does not require this if
they are part of U10, U12, U14 and U16. As they would all be part of the respective
major divisions. However, for U9MD, U8 players are treated as independent and
would fall into the movement to a higher division as laid out in this policy.
4. A grant of exceptional status is valid for one (1) season only. This process must be
completed each year
5. If granted by the VP and 2nd VP OMHA, the player granted such exceptional status
must be ranked by the applicable evaluators and Head Coach as the top 1-2
defenceman, the top 1 goaltender or the 1-3 forward during tryout assessments or
the higher age division to which they are attempting to move in order to be offered a
roster spot on such team. For the U9 age group the ranking must be in the top five
(5) players. If the player does not make the higher division based on the above
criteria, the player will return to play within their own age group.
6. Players attending pre-tryout camps or mini-camps must register and participate in
their own division.
7. Players must pay tryout fees (if applicable) for both the applicable age group and the
high age group and must attend both tryouts. If a time conflict occurs, then the
higher age group will hold priority. Tryouts may be multiple in one day and
back-to-back between the two age groups.
8. Player movement is limited to one (1) age division older.
9. Applicants must be registered with NDMH before seeking exceptional player status.
10. An applicant must be in good standing with NDMH to be considered for exceptional
status.
11. The decision of the VP of OMHA and 2 nd VP of OMHA on grants and refusals of exceptional status is final and not subject to appeal.
U7 GUIDELINES
Player movement within U7 will be allowed, as it is one pathway (ex. From U5 to IP1, IP1 to IP2)
and will be determined by the fall evaluations, applicable coaches, and U9/IP convenor.
Parents are to make the U9/IP convenor aware of the interest in their child moving to the higher
age group
Movement will be a result of a child showing superior skill and/or to balance team numbers
between U5, IP1 and IP2. Movement will only be allowed if balancing teams numbers can be
maintained