The Sport Development Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Long Term Athlete Development plan in Ontario. Your Regional Sport Development representative is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this plan within your region beginning in September 2011. Associations are asked to conduct their own evaluations using the skills matrix for each age group (U8, U9 and U10) at the beginning of the season. After the teams have been formed using the matrix, the results are to be forwarded to your Regional Sport Development representative. 

The goal this year is to get all associations in Ontario (U8 to U10) using the skills matrix for player evaluations and forming the teams accordingly. Implementation of the program this year will assist in the creation of benchmarks for the future.

U8 teams should be restricted to seven year olds as much as possible. However, there may be instances where the total number of athletes in U8, U9 and U10 in the association needs to be considered.  If an exception is required, the association needs to bring the request back to the Regional Sport Development representative in writing to discuss the options and come up with a solution.  Age will be the first determining factor in forming teams, and the second will be the skills matrix.  The skills matrix will be used more to determine overall ability for the team so that the team plays against teams of a more similar skill level.

The goal is for players to play within their age group, yet be able to play at their ability and not be held back by their age.  This is where the exceptions mentioned above come into effect. If you are unsure of how this affects your association please contact your Regional Sport Development representative. It is important to ensure that the same policy is being applied in every region across the Province.