As the OPDL begins to work on the framework for the 2016 season, OPDL License Holders will begin Trial Process for players born in 2001, 2002 and 2003 on both genders. 

As a standard based league, the OPDL has also established Trial standards and guidelines for OPDL License Holders similar to standards applied on Game Day, Operations and Technical aspects of the league.

The Trial Process includes two different formats, "Open Trials" and "Invitation Only Trials". These are designed to effectually identify as well as promote a responsible and progressive evaluation and assessment process for players.

Open Trials

An "Open Trial" is for players who desire an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to participate within an OPDL License Holder and is of the appropriate age for registration and gender for the team's designation. No more than 35 players are allowed at each "Open Trial" to provide for a more responsible evaluation process. 

Players must have the opportunity to attend a minimum of three "Open Trials" before a final decision is made. License Holders are permitted to charge a reasonable fee for a player to participate in an open trial. Fee should be designated to cover operational cost to run trials.

Invitation Only Trial 

An "Invitation Only Trial" involves the interested OPDL License Holder contacting and asking for only specific players to return for further trials. Players shall not undertake more than one "Invitation Only Trial" at a time and may attend a new "Invitation Only Trial" once an existing "Invitation Only Trial" has been completed. Players may attend a different "Invitation Only Trial" once the organizers of the existing trial have been informed in writing that the player wishes to terminate that trial.

2015/2016 OPDL Trial Process

For the 2015/2016 OPDL Trial Process, existing OPDL Players as well as Non-OPDL players will have several opportunity to be evaluated between September 15th, 2015 and April 15th, 2016.
The OPDL has detailed the Trial Process and provided specific guidelines, focussed on improving player identification and enhance player experience.

The trial process will be divided into four Phases, as outlined below:

Phase I – Non-OPDL Players Only

In Phase I, Non-OPDL Players will have the opportunity for Trials at OPDL License Holders from September 15th to December 31st. This phase is composed of "Open Trials" as well as "Invitation Only Trials".

Objective at this Phase is to identify players outside OPDL environments.

Phase II

On Phase II, OPDL Players are eligible to attend "Open Trials" between November 9th and 30th , 2015 and eligible for "Invitation Only Trials" between January 15th and 31st, 2016.
Non-OPDL Players can attend any trials during "Phase II". 

Objective at this Phase is to identify and select 14 Players for the 2016 OPDL Main Roster.

Phase III

Between February 1st and March 31st, 2016, Phase III of OPDL Trial Process takes place. On this Phase, OPDL License Holders have the opportunity to conduct additional Open Trials. At this point, Players returning from the 2015 OPDL Season have the opportunity to attend trials at different OPDL License Holders. Following the period of "Open Trials", "Invitation Only Trials" will be conducted. 

Objective is to identify and select remaining 4 Players to complete the 2016 OPDL Main Roster

Phase IV

The OPDL Trial Process concludes with Phase IV. Between April 1st and 15th, 2016, OPDL License Holders can conduct "Invitation Only Trials" with players invited from previous phases. Players can't be under Agreement with another OPDL License Holder. 

Objective is to identify and select 4 Players of the team's age for 2016 OPDL Sub-Roster 

Looking Ahead

OPDL understands that trials are an essential part of the Talent Pathway and an important moment for players, parents and License Holders. Along with important technical aspects, communication and respect are crucial for continued improvement of this process and can reduce stress and frustration usually associated with trials. 

Trials must be seen as an opportunity to "shine" and where players and parents can get familiar with the High Performance environment, understanding its challenges but also recognizing its benefits.

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If you have any questions regarding OPDL trials, please contact Gabriel Assis