Ohio Premier Player Placement Process

The Player Placement Process (PPP) is how Ohio Premier evaluates and places players on teams. Unlike a traditional tryout, where decisions are made based on a single session, The PPP allows for multiple evaluation opportunities over time.

We believe that a player’s ability can’t always be accurately assessed in one short tryout. Some players perform better in real-game settings, while others may need a few sessions to truly show their capabilities. By offering both training session evaluations and structured assessment dates, we ensure that every player has the best chance to be placed in the right environment for their development.

Traditional tryouts are often high-pressure, one-day events where players must perform at their best in a short period of time. This approach can be stressful and unreliable—some players may have an off day, while others might struggle to stand out in a crowded tryout environment.

When players attend training sessions this allows us to evaluate the player over time, giving coaches a more complete picture of their abilities 

This approach also gives families more clarity and less uncertainty—rather than waiting for a single tryout result, some players will receive earlier placement decisions through the training session process.

At OP, we evaluate players using a holistic approach that goes beyond just technical skills. We consider:

• Technical Ability – How well a player controls, passes, and strikes the ball.
• Tactical Awareness – Understanding of the game, movement off the ball, and decision-making.
• Work Ethic & Coachability – How players respond to coaching, their effort level, and their willingness to put the effort in to improve.
• Overall Fit – How a player’s skills and personality align with our club’s playing philosophy and team dynamics.

Players can showcase these qualities in two ways: by attending training sessions (where they train alongside OP teams) and/or by participating in a traditional tryout evaluation session.

Our Player Placement Process happens in 3 key phases:

1. Training Session Evaluations (April - Early May) – Players train with OP teams in their age group for 2-3 sessions, allowing coaches to evaluate them in a real training environment.
2. Traditional Tryout Evaluation Dates(Mid - Late May) – Players who haven’t been evaluated through training sessions or want more opportunities for evaluation can attend structured tryout sessions. Dates vary by age group and location.
3. Placement Decisions & Communication (Ongoing from April - Late May) – Depending on what option works best for your player, OP works diligently to give families placement decisions in a timely manner. Please keep in mind if you desire an opportunity to receive an earlier placement decision, players who register for our recommended option 1 training session option will potentially receive earlier placement decisions than those attending a traditional evaluation. After all sessions for an age group are completed, families will receive placement decisions in a timely manner. Some players may receive earlier placement decisions if they participated in training sessions.