Think ski runs. To “grade” athletes we use the system which will be familiar to skiers and snowboarders. Beginner programmes are rated green, early intermediates are rated blue, advanced Intermediates are rated red and experts are rated black. We have produced a progression chart in our brochure showing how our main camps are linked together.

We want an athlete to get as much as possible out of the camp. As they progress beyond the beginner and early intermediate stages the difficult task is to place athletes at an event where they will be challenged to improve, but not so much that they will be overwhelmed by the expected level of ability.

The importance of supplying a good video. The best way to evaluate an athlete’s ability and which camp will be suitable for them is to see them play. Of course it is not always possible to do this in person so a video of the athlete in action can help. The videos should not be a highlight reel of individual skills, but long shots of the athlete in a team setting, allowing us to see the standard of play on the athlete’s team and how the athlete interacts with his/her teammates and the opposition.

If no videos are available, and a coach report cannot be provided, a self-assessment of the athlete’s ability may be the way to determine the most appropriate camp. There is a self-assessment form in the VbDC brochure. Honesty and objectivity are required when doing a self-assessment. We encourage applicants and their parents to discuss the athlete’s skill level with us when in doubt.