How to Choose Athlete Evaluation Software

Looking to switch from paper-based evaluations but unsure what to look for in athlete evaluation software? The software you choose doesn't just support your process; it shapes your drafting decisions, the way you track performance, and how feedback reaches your athletes

We put together a step-by-step guide that coaches of any size sports organization or academy can follow to choose a platform that best suits their needs.

Step 1: Define Evaluation Needs

Athlete evaluations can mean different things depending on your role and the number of athletes you coach. Before starting your search, write down your primary use case(s). In other words, ask yourself “Why do I need athlete evaluation software?” Some examples include:

Team drafting- Scoring athletes at tryouts and selecting well-rounded teams for the upcoming season.

Performance tracking- Hosting mid-season and year-end evaluations to assess athletes on similar skills and measure progress.

Athlete feedback- Providing players and parents with actionable and personalized feedback to justify decision-making (i.e., team placement) and provide transparency.

Step 2: Translate Needs into Features

While you won’t know exactly what features a software has until research is underway, translate your evaluation needs into features.

1. Team drafting → easy mobile scoring, player rankings & comparisons

2. Performance tracking → intuitive, auto-generated reports

3. Athlete feedback → personalized report cards

Step 3: Book A Walkthrough

Now is the time to book a brief walkthrough to see how the platform's functionalities can meet your requirements. Some important questions to ask:

1. Can we import existing player information?

2. How is data protected and stored?

3. Is there dedicated customer support after onboarding?

4. What types of reports are available, and can they be branded with our team's logo/colors?

5. Is pricing per athlete or a flat rate, and what happens if our roster grows?

6. Is there a free trial available before we commit?

7. Can evaluation templates differ by age group and position? And can we add custom metrics?

8. Can athletes access their own progress, or is it coaches only?

Step 4: Test it Out

Before committing to an annual contract, test the platform with a small group during one evaluation event (i.e., tryouts). A trial reveals areas a walkthrough can't:

1. How it performs with spotty wifi/cell service at a field, rink or gym

2. Whether evaluators and assistant coaches find it intuitive: login process, scoring players, navigation between athletes.

3. Whether the reports are easy for coaches to access, select preferences, and pull real-time insights from

4. Whether there are any gaps between what was promised and how the software actually performs

5. How much time it saves compared to your old evaluation process

Step 5: Ask Final Questions

Whether you have questions about pricing, features, or support, this is the perfect time to reach out over email or book a final meeting.

1. Are there any setup or onboarding fees?

2. Is there a minimum contract length?

3. What is the cancellation policy?

4. Are new feature rollouts included in the price or billed separately?

5. If we add new coaches or admin users mid-season, does that affect the cost?

6. Is customer support included in each pricing tier?

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right athlete evaluation software doesn't have to be overwhelming. By defining your evaluation needs, translating them into must-have features, booking a walkthrough, testing out the platform, and asking the right questions, you'll set your organization up for a smooth transition away from paper-based evaluations.

Looking to cut down evaluation time and reduce administrative burden? With SkillShark, score players on any mobile device, access immediate insights, and have teams drafted on the same day. With minimal effort required, you can focus on what matters most—coaching.