Oh, the infamous task of rating players’ skill levels. It’s a job nobody wants but everyone has an opinion on. If you’ve been in the beer league circuit for more than a hot minute, you’ll know that classifying players’ skills is like trying to nail jello to a wall. Yet, in the spirit of competitiveness and fairness, we soldier on, knowing full well that every team will plea for an exception for ‘that one guy’.
You know the one. He insists he’s a ‘C level player’ while dangling around the competition like Wayne Gretzky in his prime. Then there’s the opposite - the player rated ‘A’ who hasn’t seen the inside of a gym in a decade and thinks a saucer pass is a dish at a fancy restaurant.
Let’s not forget the guy who just learned to skate last week but insists on being in the ‘B’ category because he’s ‘got heart’. Yes, we applaud your enthusiasm, but let’s face it, you're more Bambi on ice than Bobby Orr.
All jokes aside, it’s crucial to find a balanced way to make teams competitive. If teams are mismatched, it takes the fun out of the game. Nobody wants to get steamrolled every week, and similarly, it’s no fun to play against a team that doesn’t challenge you.
So, what’s the solution? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Self-Assessment with Oversight: Players rate themselves but have the assessment reviewed by a panel or committee. This panel should consist of experienced players or league officials who can make necessary adjustments.
2. Skill Tests: Organize a ‘skills day’ where players can showcase their abilities in various drills. This can help in giving a more accurate depiction of a player’s skill level.
3. Peer Review: Players can be rated by their teammates or opposing players from previous seasons. Sometimes your peers can offer the most honest assessment of your abilities.
4. Previous Performance: League commissioners and captains should rely on data from previous seasons. Top scorers might need to be bumped up, or weaker players moved down. Goals, assists, plus-minus, and other statistics can be helpful, but should be used in conjunction with other methods as they don’t always tell the whole story.
Remember, the goal here is to have fun and make the games as competitive as possible. No system will be perfect, but with a little effort and cooperation, we can make it as fair as possible.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out the latest gear at Skull and Bones Hockey. Our hoodies and t-shirts are perfect for showing off your beer league pride, regardless of your skill level!
So, let’s all put on our big boy pants, rate ourselves honestly, and remember – it’s just a game. Let’s keep it fun, competitive, and as fair as possible. And always, don’t be an asshole.
Check out the gear at Skull and Bones Hockey and show your beer league pride! And don’t forget – whether you’re a seasoned vet or a newbie, we’re all here to have fun. Let’s keep it that way.
