Out-of-Community Player Policy
Purpose
This policy establishes a consistent and transparent process for evaluating out-of-community player requests for Team Dallas 13O and 14U teams.
The intent is to:
- Support player development at the appropriate level
- Maintain strong alignment with TAHA member organizations
- Ensure fair and consistent decision-making
Definition: Out-of-Community Player
An out-of-community player is defined as:
- A player whose family’s primary residence is outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area
- Is rostered within a TAHA-affiliated organization
Guiding Principles
Local Development First
Players should participate within their home organization when a comparable and appropriate developmental opportunity exists.
Director-Led Process
The preferred method is that all requests must be initiated and managed through the player's local hockey director to ensure proper evaluation and alignment.
The secondary method is for the Team Dallas Coach to approach the Team Dallas Board with the situation and take it to the director of the non-DFW program.
Situational Evaluation
Each request is reviewed individually based on player development needs, competitive fit, and available opportunities.
Decision Matrix
All requests are evaluated across the following criteria:
| Category | Key Question | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Local Team Availability | Is there an appropriate team within the player's home organization? | Critical |
| Competitive Level Fit | Can the player compete at the Team Dallas level? | High |
| Development Need | Does Team Dallas provide a meaningful development advantage? | High |
| Local Director Recommendation | What is the home organization's assessment and recommendation? | Critical |
| Roster Consideration | Is there an appropriate roster opportunity on Team Dallas? | Medium |
| Logistical Feasibility | Is participation practical for the player and family? | Low |
Decision Outcomes
Deny
A request will typically be denied if:
- The player has access to a comparable and appropriate team locally, and/or
- The local hockey director recommends the player remain within their home program
Conditional Review
A request may require additional evaluation if:
- Local opportunities exist but may not fully meet the player's development needs
- Additional assessment (e.g., further discussion or evaluation) is required
Approve
A request may be approved if:
- The player does not have access to an appropriate local opportunity, and
- The local hockey director supports the request, and
- The player demonstrates the ability to compete at the Team Dallas level
Process
Step 1: Request Initiation
- All requests must be submitted by the player's local hockey director
- Direct requests from families will not be considered
- The Team Dallas Coach can submit a request to the Team Dallas Board
Step 2: Director Submission
The local hockey director provides:
- Player background (age, position, current level)
- Current team and placement
- Assessment of player ability and development needs
- Confirmation of local team availability
- Recommendation (approve, deny, or neutral)
Step 3: Team Dallas Board Review
The Team Dallas Board reviews each request using the defined criteria and makes a situational decision.
Step 4: Decision Communication
- All decisions are communicated to the local hockey director and team Dallas Coach
- The local director communicates the outcome to the player's family
Step 5: Documentation
Team Dallas maintains internal records of:
- Requests received
- Decisions made
- General rationale for consistency and future reference
Closing Position
This policy is designed to:
- Prioritize player development
- Reinforce the strength of local TAHA organizations
- Ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent process