British Columbia Ringette Association

British Columbia Ringette Association

2013-2014

POLICY MANUAL

(This manual provides rules and regulations solely for the sport of ringette in British Columbia)

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Section A. Constitution .............................................................................................................................. 3

Section B. By-Laws ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Section C. Administration and Operations ............................................................................................. 14

Section D. Registration and Team Formation ........................................................................................ 27

Section E. Competitions and Events ...................................................................................................... 41

Section F. Technical Development – Coaching ..................................................................................... 67

Section G. Technical Development – Officiating ................................................................................... 76

Section H. Technical Development – Athletes and Sport ..................................................................... 85

Policy Section I. Risk Management ......................................................................................................... 94

Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 104

Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 108

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section A. Constitution

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Section A. Constitution

1 Mission Statement 4

2 Vision 4

3 Values 4

4 Non Profit Purpose 4

5 Growth of Activity 4

6 Governance of Activity 4

7 Dissolution 4


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The name of the Society is the B.C. Ringette Association, herein after referred to as BCRA.

1 Mission Statement To create opportunities for all British Columbians to participate in Ringette in an engaging environment that provides fun, sportsmanship, competition, health and life long development.

2 Vision The vision of the British Columbia Ringette Association (BCRA) is: Ringette is played by people of all ages and all abilities in all communities in British Columbia.

3 Values Our Board of Directors and Employees are committed to living the values of our association. We use these values to guide us in all of our interactions with other: members, athletes, fellow staff, board members, and all community partners. Integrity Excellence Respect Teamwork

4 Non Profit Purpose To raise, use, invest and reinvest money to support the activity of the BCRA, provided however that no property, funds or income of the BCRA shall inure to the private profit of any member, association or person. This provision shall be unalterable.

5 Growth of Activity To promote, foster, and develop the playing of ringette throughout the Province of British Columbia.

6 Governance of Activity To formulate, publish, and administer policies beneficial to ringette and enforce laws and regulations governing the sport.

7 Dissolution In the event of the winding up or dissolution of the Society (BCRA), all funds and assets of the Society remaining after the satisfaction of its debts and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such organization or organizations having purposes similar to the purposes of this Society as may be determined by its members at the time of winding up or dissolution, and if effect cannot be given to the aforesaid provision, such funds and assets shall be given or transferred to such other organization or organizations as may be determined by such members; provided in any case that to qualify as an organization eligible to receive funds or assets of the Society, such organization must also be a registered charity under provisions of the Income Tax Act or a department or agency of the federal or provincial government. If the BC Ringette Association, having received charitable gaming funds from licensed charitable gaming and/or


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direct charitable access, at any time dissolves or ceases to exist, any and all gaming monies or assets purchased with gaming funds held at the date of dissolution or cessation of existence shall be distributed by the BC Ringette Association to

-a registered charity or registered charities in British Columbia, as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), as may be determined by the members of the Society at the time of winding up or dissolution.

-or- -such charitable organization or organizations in British Columbia having a similar charitable purpose. This provision cannot be altered without the consent of the Registrar of Companies.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section C. Administration and Operations

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Section B. By-Laws

1 Interpretation 7

2 Membership 7

3 Meetings of members 8

4 Proceedings at General Meetings 8

5 Election of Directors 9

6 Proceedings of Directors 10

7 Officers 11

8 Seal 12

9 Borrowing 12

10 Auditor 12

11 Notices to Members 12

12 By-laws 13

13 Transition 13


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1 Interpretation 1.1. In these By-laws, unless the context requires a contrary meaning:

a) “Association” means the British Columbia Ringette Association;

b) “Board” means the board of directors of the Association for the time being; c) “Directors” means the directors of the Association for the time being; d) “Society Act” means the Society Act of British Columbia from time to time in force and all amendments

to it; e) “Registered Address” of a member means the member’s address as recorded in the register of

members, including the member’s mailing address, email address and fax number; and f) “Voting Members” means those members set out in By-law 2.

1.2. In constructing these By-laws, reference shall be had to the Society Act and words and expressions used in these By-Laws shall, so far as the context does not otherwise require, have the same meaning as would be the case when used in the Society Act.

1.3. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, and words importing a male person include a female person and a corporation.

1.4. The headings in these By-laws are for ease of reference only and shall be disregarded in interpreting these By-laws.

2 Membership 2.1. The Voting Members of the Association shall be:

a) League Members who are groups of associations or clubs which agree in writing to abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association and whose applications for membership in the Association are accepted by the Directors; and

b) Association Members who are single associations or clubs which agree in writing to abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association and whose applications for membership in the Association are accepted by the Directors.

2.2. The non-voting members of the Association shall be: a) Affiliate Club Team Members who are 30+ (Masters) teams or university/college 18+ teams which

agree in writing to abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association and whose applications for membership in the Association are accepted by the Directors; and

b) Individual Members who are individuals who wish to maintain an interest in the Association, who agree in writing to abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the Association and whose applications for membership are accepted by the Directors; and

c) Player Members who are all players registered as such with an Association Member; and d) Honourary Members who are such individuals who have rendered consistent, distinctly valuable

service to the Association over a period of years and as may be appointed from time to time by the unanimous approval of the Directors.

2.3. A Voting Member shall designate in writing a person to be its authorized representative. The Voting Member may from time to time substitute another person to be its authorized representative by giving notice in writing to the Association.


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2.4. A person shall cease to be a member of the Association: a) upon the Association’s receipt of the member’s written resignation; b) upon the death of a member or the dissolution or other termination of a corporate member’s existence; c) upon being expelled as provided by By-law 2.5; or d) having not been a member in good standing for a period of 30 days.

2.5. Upon 30 days’ notice in writing to the member in question, the Board may, by a resolution passed by not less than 75% of the Directors present at any properly convened meeting of the Directors, expel any member who, in the Board’s opinion, is guilty of conduct detrimental to the interests of the Association or has transgressed any of the rules or By-laws of the Association. The member who is the subject of the proposed expulsion shall be given an opportunity to be heard before a resolution under this By-law is put to a vote.

2.6. A member who has been expelled pursuant to Bylaw 2.5 may be readmitted to membership by resolution passed by not less than 75% of the Directors present at any properly convened meeting of the Directors upon the offence being corrected and the payment of any sum in arrears at the date of expulsion, together with a fine as determined by the Directors.

2.7. All members are in good standing except a member who has failed to pay any applicable membership fee or due or other debt due and owing to the Association, and the member is not in good standing so long as the fee, due or debt remains unpaid.

3 Meetings of members 3.1. General meetings of the members must be held at the time and place, in accordance with the Society Act,

that the Directors decide. 3.2. Every general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, is an extraordinary general meeting. An

annual general meeting is a general meeting. 3.3. The Directors may, whenever they think fit, convene an extraordinary general meeting. 3.4. Notice of general meetings shall be given to all those entitled to receive notice from the Association at least

14 days in advance of the general meeting. 3.5. Notice of a general meeting shall specify the place, the day and the hour of meeting, and in the case of

special business, the general nature of that business. 3.6. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of a notice by, any of the members

entitled to receive notice does not invalidate proceedings at that meeting. 3.7. The annual general meeting must be held at least once in every calendar year and not more than 15 months

after the holding of the last preceding annual general meeting.

4 Proceedings at General Meetings 4.1. Special business is:

a) all business at an extraordinary general meeting except the adoption of rules of order; and b) all business that is transacted at an annual general meeting, except:

i. the adoption of rules of order; ii. the consideration of the financial statements;


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iii. the report of the Directors; iv. the report of the auditor, if any; v. the election of Directors; vi. the appointment of the auditor, if required; and vii. such other business as, under these By-laws, ought to be transacted at an annual general

meeting, or business which is brought under consideration by the report of the Directors issued with the notice convening the meeting.

4.2. No business, other than the adjournment or termination of the meeting, shall be conducted at a general meeting at a time when a quorum is not present.

4.3. If at any time during a general meeting, there ceases to be a quorum present, business then in progress shall be suspended.

4.4. A quorum consists of at least 25% of the Voting Members of the Association. 4.5. If, within 30 minutes from the time appointed for a general meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting

shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, and if, at the adjourned meeting, a quorum is not present within 30 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, the members present constitute a quorum provided there are at least three Voting Members present.

4.6. A general meeting may be adjourned from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting, other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.

4.7. When a meeting is adjourned for 10 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of the original meeting.

4.8. Except as provided in these By-laws, it is not necessary to give notice of adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned general meeting.

4.9. A resolution proposed at a meeting must be seconded, and the chairperson of a meeting may move or propose or second a resolution.

4.10. In the case of an equality of votes, the meeting chairperson shall not have a casting or second vote in addition to the vote to which he may be entitled as a Voting Member, and the proposed resolution shall not pass.

4.11. A Voting Member in good standing present at a meeting of members is entitled to one vote. 4.12. Voting is by show of hands, unless the Voting Members present otherwise decide. 4.13. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

5 Election of Directors 5.1. The Association shall be governed by a Board of seven Directors, of whom:

a) three shall be elected in odd-numbered years; and b) four shall be elected in even-numbered years.

5.2. Directors shall be elected pursuant to the following process. a) The Board shall nominate candidates for election to the Board each year. In doing so, the Board shall

strive to ensure that those nominated represent a diverse mix of candidates as to gender, geographical region and skill set.


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b) The Board shall advise the Voting Members of those candidates nominated for election by the Board at least 60 days prior to the annual general meeting.

c) Nominations of candidates may also be made in writing and signed by at least three Voting Members. Such nominations must be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee(s) and delivered to the Association at least 45 days prior to the annual general meeting.

d) The Chair shall direct the preparation of a ballot containing the names of all candidates for Director positions nominated by the Board and the Voting Members.

e) The successful candidates for the Directors to be elected each year shall be those who have received the highest number of votes in the balloting.

f) The Directors so elected shall take office at the close of the annual general meeting at which they are elected.

5.3. Each Director shall be elected for a term of two years. No Director may hold office for more than three consecutive terms (the “Maximum Term”).

5.4. A Director shall cease to be a Director upon the occurrence of any of the following: a) resignation; b) death; c) mental incapacity; or d) removal by Voting Members by special resolution.

5.5. The Directors may at any time appoint an individual as a Director to fill any Director vacancy, who serves until the general meeting immediately following his or her appointment. Where necessary, at that general meeting, a Director may be elected for a partial term of one year so as to ensure that Directors’ terms are staggered as contemplated by By-law 5.

6 Proceedings of Directors 6.1. The Directors may exercise all such powers and do all such acts or things as the Association may exercise

and do, and which are not by these By-laws or by statute or otherwise lawfully directed or required to be exercised or done by the Association in the general meeting, but subject, nevertheless, to the provision of: a) all laws affecting the Association; b) these By-laws; and c) rules, not being inconsistent with these By-laws, which are made from time to time by the Association in

the general meeting. 6.2. Without limiting the generality of By-law 6, the Board’s powers shall include (but not be limited to):

a) making and amending policies, rules, financial policies and operating procedures for managing the affairs of the Association;

b) ensuring members adhere to the Association’s policies, rules and operating procedures; c) ensuring directions from general meetings are carried out; and d) setting the financial policy of the Association.

6.3. No rule made by the Association in the general meeting invalidates a prior act of the Directors that would have been valid if the rule had not been made.


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6.4. The Board may meet together at such place as it thinks fit to conduct business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings and proceedings as it sees fit.

6.5. A quorum for Board meetings shall be a majority of Directors then in office. 6.6. The Chair, or in the Chair’s absence, a Director appointed by the Chair, shall chair meetings of the Board. 6.7. Questions arising at a meeting of the Directors shall be decided by a majority of votes. In the case of a tie

vote, the Chair does not have a second or casting vote. 6.8. A resolution in writing, signed by all the Directors and placed with the minutes of the Directors, is as valid

and effective as if regularly passed at a meeting of Directors. 6.9. A meeting of the Board or of a committee of the Board may be held by means of a conference telephone

call or other communication facilities by which all the Directors or committee members agree to participate in that manner and those participating can hear each other. A person participating in a meeting in such a manner shall be deemed to be present at the meeting.

6.10. The Board may strike such committees as it sees fit and may delegate any, but not all of its powers to committees consisting of the persons they consider appropriate.

6.11. A Director must not be remunerated for acting as a Director but is entitled to be reimbursed for all expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by the Director while engaged in the affairs of the Association.

7 Officers 7.1. The Association shall have as officers:

a) a Chair; and b) an Executive Director.

7.2. Every year, prior to the annual meeting the Directors shall elect from among their members a Chair. The Chair shall hold office for one year commencing at the close of the upcoming annual meeting and terminating at the close of the annual meeting in the following year.

7.3. The Chair may be re-elected once, for a total term of two years as Chair. 7.4. The Chair’s responsibilities shall include chairing the annual meetings of members and chairing meetings of

the Directors. The Chair shall direct the preparation of, and have custody of the minutes of the meetings of the Directors.

7.5. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Directors and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Directors.

7.6. The Executive Director shall have charge of the offices of the Association and shall be responsible for the staff of the Association. The remuneration of the Executive Director shall be as approved from time to time by the Directors. The duties of the Executive Director shall be those prescribed by the Directors. The Executive Director shall prepare and have custody of the minutes of the meetings of the members of the Association.

7.7. An officer shall cease to be an officer if: a) he or she resigns his or her office by delivering a notice in writing to the address of the Association; or b) he or she is removed from office by resolution of the Directors.


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8 Seal 8.1. The Directors may provide a common seal for the Association and they shall have the power from time to

time to destroy it and substitute a new seal in its place. 8.2. The common seal shall be affixed only when authorized by a resolution of the Directors and then only in the

presence of not less than two Directors.

9 Borrowing 9.1. In order to carry out the purposes of the Association, the Directors may, on behalf of and in the name of the

Association, raise or secure the payment or repayment of money in such a manner as they decide, and in particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by the issue of debentures.

9.2. No debenture shall be issued without the authorization of a special resolution. 9.3. The members may, by special resolution, restrict the borrowing powers of the Directors, but a restriction so

imposed expires at the next annual general meeting.

10 Auditor 10.1. This part applies only where the Association is required or has resolved to have an auditor. 10.2. The first auditor shall be appointed by the Directors, who shall also fill all vacancies occurring in the office of

the auditor. 10.3. At each annual general meeting, the Association may appoint an auditor to hold office until he is re-elected

or his successor is elected at the next annual meeting. 10.4. An auditor may be removed by ordinary resolution. 10.5. An auditor shall be informed forthwith in writing of appointment or renewal. 10.6. No Director and no employee of the Association shall be auditor. 10.7. The auditor may attend general meetings.

11 Notices to Members 11.1. A notice may be given to a member either personally, or by mail, email or fax to the Registered Address

provided by the member. 11.2. A notice sent by mail, email or fax shall be deemed to have been given on the second day following that on

which the notice is delivered, sent, emailed or faxed. 11.3. Notice of a general meeting shall be given to:

a) every Voting Member shown on the register of members on the day notice is given; and b) the auditor, if Part 10 of these By-laws applies.


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12 By-laws 12.1. These By-laws must not be altered or added to except by special resolution.

13 Transition 13.1. The effective date (the “Effective Date”) upon which these amended By-laws shall come into effect shall be

September 1, 2012. 13.2. Notwithstanding any other provisions in these By-laws, as of the Effective Date, the then-President shall

become the Chair and shall serve as such until the annual general meeting held in 2014, when he shall retire.

13.3. Notwithstanding any other provisions in these By-laws, as of the Effective Date, and in order to create a scheme where the terms of Directors are staggered, a) the Board shall appoint from among the current Directors three Directors for a term that shall expire at

the annual general meeting held in 2013; b) the Board shall appoint from among the current Directors (including the Chair) four Directors for a term

that shall expire at the annual general meeting held in 2014; and c) except as contemplated in this By-law 13.3, the terms of office of all other Directors holding office

immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed to be terminated. 13.4. For the purposes of these amended By-laws including this Article 13, except as otherwise provided in these

By-laws, the term or part thereof, served by any Director prior to the first annual general meeting following the Effective Date shall not be included as part of the Maximum Term allowed for such Director pursuant to By-law 5.3.


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Section C. Administration and Operations

1 Organizational Structure 16

2 Board of Directors 16 2.1 Board of Directors 16 2.2 Conflict of Interest 16 2.3 Legal Advisor 16

3 Planning 16 3.1 Long-Term Planning 17

4 Communication 17 4.1 Association Official Contacts 17 4.2 League Contacts 17 4.3 Association Structure 17 4.4 Good Standing 17 4.5 Communication Procedures 17

5 Copyright 17

6 Amendments to Operating Policy 17 6.1 Amendments to Policies 17

7 Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors 18 7.1 Board Meetings 18 7.2 Standing Committee Meetings 18

8 Appeals 18 8.1 General Principles 18 8.2 Appeal Process 19

9 Finance 20 9.1 Annual Budget 20 9.2 Signing Authority 20 9.3 Payment of Bills 20 9.4 Reimbursement 20

10 Volunteer Recognition 21 10.1 General 21 10.2 Hall of Fame 21 10.3 Yearly Recognition Awards 22

11 Other Awards 24 11.1 Service Awards 24


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12 Code of Conduct 24 12.1 General Conduct 25 12.2 Personal Conduct 25 12.3 Consequence 25 12.4 Athletes’ Conduct 25 12.5 Coaches’ Conduct 25 12.6 Officials’ Conduct 26 12.7 Volunteers’ Conduct 26 12.8 Fair Play 26

13 Outreach Program 26 13.1 Outreach 26


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1 Organizational Structure The structure of ringette in British Columbia is such that the decision making process includes the entire membership on issues other than the day-to-day organization management. Generally, communication is directed to either the leagues or local associations. This does not mean individuals looking for answers cannot go directly to BCRA staff or a provincial director. BCRA staff and directors can be approached for answers but members are encouraged to contact local or league representatives initially.

2 Board of Directors

2.1 Board of Directors The board of directors shall manage the affairs of the association and exercise all powers and do all such things and acts as may be exercised or done by the association.

2.2 Conflict of Interest a. The duty of all board members is to be impartial and fair in rendering decisions in accordance with the board’s

mandate as set out in the by-laws and/or policy manual.

b. If a board member stands to gain financially from a decision being made by the board, the board member shall disclose and absent himself/herself from the proceedings without attempting to influence the discussion, without participating in the discussion, and without voting.

c. If a board member or his/her local association stands to significantly or substantially gain an advantage or significantly or substantially receive a benefit as a result of a decision to be made by the board, the board member will disclose and absent himself/herself from the proceedings without attempting to influence the discussion, without participating in the discussion, and without voting.

d. If there is doubt as to a board member’s ability to be impartial and fair, the board member shall disclose it and the remaining board members shall, by majority vote, determine whether the board member shall disqualify himself/herself from the discussion and remove himself/herself from the proceedings without voting.

e. All BCRA Directors are required to sign and abide by BCRA’s Conflict of Agreement (Appendix U).

2.3 Legal Advisor The Legal Advisor will be asked to provide their legal counsel or opinion on issues under discussion or review by BCRA when the board of directors requires professional legal advice. Qualifications for this position include:

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of BC. • Legal experience and knowledge relating to current and potential issues at BCRA.

3 Planning A major responsibility of the board of directors is to ensure that a constant cycle of evaluation and planning occurs for all program areas. The board of directors will endeavor to include all levels of ringette (from individual members to league presidents).


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3.1 Long-Term Planning The purpose of the long term planning is to allow BCRA to obtain/retain resources needed to complete the tasks. BC Ringette implements a strategic plan, which is reviewed on a periodic basis by the board of directors.

4 Communication

4.1 Association Official Contacts The BCRA recognizes the President and one alternate executive member of each association membership as the official contact in all matters, unless directed otherwise by the said association by the way of a letter signed by the President or by a resolution in writing by a majority of the association.

4.2 League Contacts The BCRA recognizes the President (or head of each league) as the official representative of each league unless notified by the league in writing otherwise.

4.3 Association Structure BCRA encourages each association to structure its board the same as the provincial body. This will allow for effective formation of provincial membership operational committees.

4.4 Good Standing Associations must be in good standing in their own league as well as BCRA to be eligible to participate in the provincial championships and/or sanctioned tournaments.

4.5 Communication Procedures a. The BCRA office shall be the official address; all correspondence must be sent to this address. Mail will be

circulated to the appropriate individuals as required.

b. The original copy of all incoming correspondence addressed to BCRA or its board members, committee members or staff shall be placed on file in the BCRA office with copies distributed as required. Copies of all outgoing correspondence shall also be kept on file at the BCRA office.

c. Confidential material shall be maintained by the Executive Director in separate file.

5 Copyright No party may use the BCRA logo unless they have prior written express consent from BCRA before using.

6 Amendments to Operating Policy

6.1 Amendments to Policies The board of directors can amend by regular resolution at any board meeting, the operating policies of the association.


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Policy Amendment Procedure: a. Any registered member may submit recommendations for policy changes to BCRA for consideration by a

provincial operational committee responsible for the area of policy the amendment request affects.

b. The board of directors may eliminate notice to membership for minor amendments which do the following: Change the number of sections or the order of sections in the operating manual, but does not add or delete sections;

c. BCRA may consolidate previously approved policy amendments into a new document without altering any of the policies;

d. BCRA may correct grammatical or typographical errors, change dates (years/season) and “general housekeeping”, which do not affect the intent of the policies.

7 Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors

7.1 Board Meetings a. The BCRA Chair shall chair the meeting and will attempt to use Robert’s Rules as a guideline for running the

meetings.

b. BCRA board meetings are deemed open and public meetings except for “in-camera” items as defined in the Provincial Privacy Act. The purpose is to allow members and the public to attend and observe, but not participate in, said meetings.

7.2 Standing Committee Meetings a. BCRA’s Board of Directors shall establish standing committees as required and set their meeting

requirements within the committee’s individual terms of reference.

8 Appeals

8.1 General Principles a. A BC Ringette member has the right to appeal any decision or action that is not covered in the protest &

grievance section of the BCRA Policy Manual (Section E. Competitions and Events, sub-section 2.9). This includes, but is not limited to, decisions on releases, suspensions or fines.

b. BC Ringette will hear appeals resulting from BC Ringette decisions, grievances between leagues and act as an arbitrator to league decisions. (Leagues will hear appeals, protests and grievances within their boundaries and jurisdictions. League policies and procedures pertaining to appeals must not contravene those of the BC Ringette Association.)

c. All appeal hearings will be conducted as expediently as possible.

d. Any member of an appeal panel or BCRA Director who has personal involvement in the dispute will be considered ineligible to sit on either the appeal panel or any subsequent Board of Directors appeal panel.

e. BC Ringette shall inform all parties involved that an appeal has been made and provide all submitted


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documentation to all parties.

8.2 Appeal Process a. Any party directly involved in a BC Ringette decision may appeal the decision. To initiate the process, a

written appeal with an appeal fee (see: Appendix N. Rates and Honorariums) must be received by BC Ringette within 72 hours of the party receiving the decision.

b. BC Ringette’s Chair will appoint a three member appeal panel consisting of 1 BCRA Director and 2 non-presidents (must be BCRA registered members) to hear the appeal. The appeal panel will meet within 7 working days after receiving the written request, along with the fee.

c. BC Ringette’s Executive Director will provide administrative support for the appeal panel. This includes, but is not limited to, providing the panel with all materials and submissions related to the appeal, BC Ringette’s response to any appeal submissions and clarification of BCRA policies related to the appeal. The Executive Director shall be responsible for ensuring that all information before the appeal panel is disclosed to all parties involved.

d. BC Ringette’s written submission to the appeal parties will be provided to the parties not less than 72 hours prior the appeal panel meeting. Should the appellant wish to respond, they must provide their final written response to the appeal panel not less than 24 hours prior to the appeal panel meeting.

e. The appeal panel will provide a written decision. BC Ringette will provide this decision to all parties involved in the original decision within 72 hours of the appeal panel decision being made. A copy of the appeal panel decision will be filed with the BC Ringette office.

f. Any party may appeal the decision of the appeal panel to BC Ringette’s Board of Directors. An appeal to the board can only be based on new evidence, improper adherence to process by the appeal panel, or improper process in the original decision. An appeal will not be heard if it is simply because the party disagrees with the decision of the appeal panel. A written request of an appeal to the board of directors along with the appeal fee (see: Appendix N. Rates and Honorariums) must be received by BC Ringette within 72 hours of the party receiving the appeal panel decision. The board will meet to consider the appeal within 7 working days of receipt.

g. In the case of appeals to the board, BC Ringette’s Chair will provide the board with the appeal panel record and any submissions related to the appeal of that decision, as well as BCRA submissions related to the appeal. The president shall be responsible for ensuring that all information before the board is disclosed to all parties involved.

h. BC Ringette’s submissions related to an appeal to the board will be provided to all parties involved not less than 72 hours prior the board meeting. Should the appellant wish to respond, they must provide their final written response to the board not less than 24 hours prior to the board meeting.

i. The board will provide a written decision to all parties involved within 72 hours of meeting. A copy of the board decision will be filed with the BC Ringette office. The board’s decision is FINAL.


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9 Finance

9.1 Annual Budget a. BCRA will advise all leagues of fees for the following season by March 31st of each year.

b. A copy of the approved annual BCRA budget will be made available to the membership at the annual general meeting.

9.2 Signing Authority The BCRA Chair, Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee and the Executive Director shall act as signing officers and any two are required to sign for BCRA.

9.3 Payment of Bills a. BCRA will invoice all services no later than 30 days following the last day of the month during which the

service was rendered. All accounts are due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.

b. Interest may be charged and invoiced in the current month on any accounts receivable outstanding for greater than 30 days from the date of the invoice at the prime bank rate in effect at the end of the prior month plus 5%. This interest shall be added to the outstanding accounts and any outstanding interest, as well as accounts receivable are required to be paid in full prior to the annual general meeting in order for the association to vote at the AGM.

c. All BCRA grant disbursements are to be made payable to team accounts only, not individuals.

d. Should members fail to remit payment of outstanding bills by the annual general meeting; insurance coverage will be cancelled until such time as the outstanding amount is remitted. Should affiliate club teams not pay their outstanding amount by March 31, insurance coverage will be cancelled effective immediately on that date and not reinstated until the amount is paid in full and a deposit in the equal amount is given for the next year.

9.4 Reimbursement BCRA shall provide reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out the business of the society when such expenses have the approval Executive Director.

a. Reimbursement Procedure

• The board of directors is entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the course of his/her duties as follows:

• Travel to and from board of director or committee meetings, return economy airfare or personal vehicle (for personal vehicle mileage rate: Rates/Honorariums) or train or ferry or bus, whichever is cheapest.

• Any necessary limousine or taxi to and from the airport upon presentation of receipt. • Hotel accommodation, receipts required. • Meal allowance: $50 per day (no alcohol) (See: Rates/Honorariums) – no receipts required Please

see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Reimbursement” for meal allowance reimbursement. • Stamps and stationary, receipts required.


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• Telephone calls made by the board of directors shall be charged to their home phones and the bill (or a photocopy with explanations) submitted for subsequent reimbursement. All long distance bills must be supported by a note of explanation. Under normal circumstances, no board member will accept collect phone calls from any member of a member club.

b. Expense claims should be filed on a monthly basis with the Executive Director using the standard BCRA expense claim form.

c. Advance payment to the board of directors may be approved at the discretion of the Executive Director.

d. Board of directors expenses outside of those mentioned above should receive prior approval of the Chair. Any controversy in this regard will be resolved by a majority vote of the board of directors.

e. Receipts for all expenditures along with money not spent (in cheque format) must be submitted to BCRA.

f. All expense reimbursement claims must be requested by those incurring the expenses no later than one week after the end of the fiscal year, March 31st. If a director does not file an expense claim in time, no reimbursement shall be made.

g. Expense claims for facilitators and instructors must be submitted within two weeks after the clinic/course. Expenses will not be reimbursed until the BCRA office has received the registration form and remaining clinic resources.

10 Volunteer Recognition

10.1 General The volunteer recognition program is designed to recognize outstanding performance and contribution by both volunteers and players in various disciplines within ringette. There are two areas of recognition – Hall of Fame and Yearly Recognition Awards. The deadline to submit nominations for all Volunteer Recognition Awards is April 1st of each year.

10.2 Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame is reserved for those individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the sport of ringette within the province of BC. There are four categories of the Hall – Builder, Coach, Athlete, and Official. Once inducted into the Hall of Fame, they become permanent members of the society.

a. Builder Category: This category recognizes individuals who have contributed to the overall development of ringette in the province. Examples of individuals who would fit into this category are volunteers who have founded local associations, board members, or people who developed provincial and community based programs that contribute to the growth of ringette, increased associations’ numbers, or promoted the sport to the general public. These individuals would be retired from active participation for at least 3 years. This category is further divided into Provincial Builder and Community Builder so that local associations can honor their members as well.

i. Provincial Builder: There shall be no more than one (1) Provincial Builder selected annually. Award: plaque and certificate

Nominees shall have been involved at the Provincial level for a minimum of three (3) years. An exception may be granted by virtue of a nominee's extraordinary and outstanding contribution to the


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Provincial Organization. This includes involvement on the board of directors, ad hoc or standing committees. Nominees shall also have made an outstanding contribution to BCRA in its growth or development. Nominees shall also have made a significant contribution to ringette at the community level. No nominations may be submitted for individuals currently serving on the board of directors or selection committee.

ii. Community Builder: There shall be no more than three (3) Community Builders elected annually. Award: plaque and certificate. Nominees shall have been involved in a community program for a minimum of three (3) years. The nominee shall have contributed to the development and/or expansion of ringette within the community, and fulfilled a key leadership role. examples:

• increase player registration

• assisted other associations in starting ringette

• involvement with hosting ringette events

• active in coaching, officiating, fundraising etc.

• initiation of a new program or developing existing ones

Nominees may or may not be actively involved at the time of the nomination.

No nominations of individuals actively serving on the BCRA board of directors or selection committee will be accepted.

b. Athlete Category: This category recognizes athletes who have contributed to the development of athletes throughout the province through camp organization, development of skill programs or being a role model for young athletes by practicing appropriate behavior through adherence to the code of conduct. Examples of individuals in this category are past skills instructors, High Performance athletes and athletes who volunteered to work on local, league and provincial boards. These individuals would be retired from competition for at least 3 years.

c. Coach Category: This category recognizes volunteers who further the development of coaches throughout the province, through program development, clinic administration, mentoring and participation in the development of athletes. Examples of individuals in this category include NCCP program developers, course conductors, mentoring new coaches or leading teams to provincial and national prominence. These individuals would be retired from active coaching for at least 3 years.

d. Official Category: Recipients in this category are individuals who have further developed the National Officiating Certification Program through clinic administrations, active participation in events, and program development for officials within the province. Recipients could include past instructors, evaluators, referees-in-chief (association, league and provincial), and national championship caliber referees. Recipients can still be active in the program as instructors and evaluators, but must be at least 3 years removed from being an active referee.

10.3 Yearly Recognition Awards Every year there are members and associations who have numerous successes that should be recognized. The Yearly Recognition Awards section of the program would allow BCRA to recognize these deserving


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individuals/associations with the following awards:

• Coach of the Year – Provincial and Community • Official of the Year – Senior and Junior • Athlete of the Year – Senior and Junior • Volunteer of the Year • Association of the Year

Nomination Procedures: The following committees and members are eligible to nominate people for volunteer recognition awards: BC Ringette Board of Directors - all award categories, League Members - all award categories, Registered Members (local associations) - all award categories, Officiating Committee - Provincial Official of the Year. Nominations for these volunteer recognition awards are to be submitted, in writing, accompanied by a detailed resume, to the Provincial Volunteer Recognition Selection Committee c/o the BC Ringette Office. All award nomination forms are to be submitted to the BCRA office on or before April 1st of each year. The volunteer recognition award selection committee chairman is appointed by the board of directors. The Committee will review all nominations and make their selections prior to the AGM.

a. Coach of the Year – Provincial: There shall be no more than one (1) Coach of the Year in this category elected annually. The nominees must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for selection: Nominees shall have been involved with a Provincial level team (AA, Canada Winter Games) for a minimum of three (3) years in the capacity of Head Coach or Assistant Coach. Nominees shall be a current member of a Provincial level team. Nominees must display an excellent rapport with players, parents, opponents and officials, and embody ringette’s philosophy of teamwork, fair play and Sportsmanship. Nominees shall also have a proven capacity to improve the teams/ and individual athlete’s performance.

b. Coach of the Year – Community: There shall be no more than one (1) Coach of the Year in this category elected annually. The nominees must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for selection: Nominees shall have been involved with an association level team for a minimum of three (3) years in the capacity of Head Coach or Assistant Coach. Nominees must be designated head coach of a team during the season they are nominated and must be fully certified to coach at that level. Nominees must display an excellent rapport with players, parents, opponents and officials, and embody ringette’s philosophy of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship. Nominees shall also have a proven capacity to improve the teams/ and individual athlete’s performance.

c. Official of the Year – Senior: There shall be no more than one (1) Senior Official of the Year elected annually. Nominees to the Senior category must have been involved in ringette officiating for a minimum of three (3) years. Nominees must be actively involved in officiating at the Provincial Championships or other BCRA or Ringette Canada sanctioned events. Nominees must display:

i. a solid understanding of the rules.

ii. consistent and fair rule application during games and from game to game.

iii. a professional attitude when dealing with players, team staff members, spectators and fellow officials.

iv. appropriate manner that best represents all officials both on and off the ice.

d. Official of the Year – Junior: There shall be no more than one (1) Junior Official of the Year elected annually.


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Nominees to the Junior category must have been involved in ringette officiating for a minimum of two (2) years. Nominees must be actively involved in officiating at the Provincial Championships or other BCRA or Ringette Canada sanctioned events. Nominees must display:

i. a solid understanding of the rules.

ii. consistent and fair rule application during games and from game to game.

iii. a professional attitude when dealing with players, team staff members, spectators and fellow officials.

iv. appropriate manner that best represents all officials both on and off the ice.

e. Athlete of the Year – Senior: The recipient will be a currently registered athlete with BC Ringette in the U19 division and above. The athlete may have contributed to their local association, league or provincial body through coaching, officiating or skill development, as well as displaying outstanding skill and fair play. The recipient should embody ringette’s philosophy of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship. No more than one award will be given each year.

f. Athlete of the Year – Junior: The recipient will be a currently registered athlete with BC ringette in the U16 division and below. The athlete may have contributed to their local association, league or provincial body through coaching, officiating or skill development, as well as displaying outstanding skill and fair play. The recipient should embody ringette’s philosophy of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship. No more than one award will be given each year.

g. Association of the Year: There shall be no more than one (1) Local Association of the year elected annually. Nominees shall be in good standing with the BC Ringette Association and their League (if applicable). Nominees will have displayed above average performance in areas including, but not limited to, publicity, promotion, volunteer/participant recruitment and development, outreach assistance, player development, competition for varied levels of play and generally offering a well rounded program for their membership. Nominations may be put forth by another local association.

h. Volunteer of the Year: The recipient will have made a significant contribution during the current season that promotes the philosophy of ringette. This could be through promoting the sport and local association; initiating a new dynamic program; chairing a host committee; developing policy for the association. One award will be given each year.

11 Other Awards

11.1 Service Awards Service awards will be presented to the following:

• Retiring board members • Association: 10, 15, 20, 25 year service

12 Code of Conduct The opportunity for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers to participate in sport should be one where values of


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good sportsmanship and citizenship should be prevalent. Therefore, the following code of conduct will be applied to all BCRA sanctioned events and activities for all members.

12.1 General Conduct Members are expected to treat each other with mutual respect for the betterment of our sport on and off the ice. o BC Ringette believes in fair and equal treatment of all individuals. BC Ringette, therefore, conducts all of its

business and activities in compliance with the Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, age, or unrelated criminal or summary conviction.

o BC Ringette strives for an environment that is free from any form of discrimination, and is constantly working towards meeting and exceeding the conditions of the Human Rights Act.

o BC Ringette’s policy on this issue is designed to promote equal opportunity for all in any and all programs offered by BCRA.

o Any persons feeling that they or another member has been discriminated against should report the situation to the Board of Directors immediately.

o Should the Board of Directors determine that discrimination has taken place, and then disciplinary actions will proceed, which could result in harsh disciplinary actions and dismissal from the association.

12.2 Personal Conduct The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited (see anti-doping policy). Alcohol consumption by minors is strictly prohibited. Alcohol consumption by those of legal age must be handled with discretion and in a manner not demeaning to the association. BCRA has a zero tolerance policy for drivers of vehicles transporting bench staff or players to or from any BCRA sanctioned event or out-of-province event with regards to the consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. This does not apply to parents driving only their own children. Vandalism to accommodation sites, competition venues, transportation vehicles etc. will be dealt with severely. If such an incident occurs, the member or association will be held accountable.

12.3 Consequence Should a member or members be found not adhering to any of the above statements, they will be immediately suspended from the remainder of the sanctioned event and be asked to attend a disciplinary meeting at which time further sanctions could be levied on both the member and local association.

12.4 Athletes’ Conduct All athletes who are members of BCRA are required to sign a code of conduct form which they must adhere to at all times. Failure to comply may result in suspension from BCRA. Athlete code of conduct forms must be signed and kept on file by the local association. See the BCRA Policy Manual Appendices for the athlete’s code of conduct form.

12.5 Coaches’ Conduct All registered BCRA Head and Assistant coaches are required to sign a coaches code of conduct form, which they must adhere to at all times. Failure to comply may result in suspension from BCRA. Coach code of conduct form


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must be signed and kept on file by the local association. See the BCRA Policy Manual Appendices for the coaches’ code of conduct form.

12.6 Officials’ Conduct All on-ice officials registered with BCRA must sign a code of conduct form prior to officiating their first game of the season. Failure to comply may result in suspension from BCRA. The officials’ code of conduct form must be signed and kept on file by the local association. See the BCRA Policy Manual Appendices for official’s code of conduct form.

12.7 Volunteers’ Conduct As part of the BCRA Board of Directors, each director is to sign a form indicating their adherence to the code of conduct as well as indicate any conflicts of interest, which may be perceived by the membership (i.e. type of business they are in). See the BCRA Policy Manual Appendices for an example of the volunteer code of conduct form. It is highly recommended that local associations adopt this code of conduct for their volunteers.

12.8 Fair Play BC Ringette strives to educate its members on the premise that all events, whether they be Provincial Championships, a weekend tournament or league game, should be organized with the fair play concept in mind. All coaches and players should strive to abide by all the rules. This includes the rules of play as well rules of conduct. Officials should strive to enforce these rules whether the official is a referee or tournament chairman. Fair play is the underlying message in our visions and values and should be always paramount in everyone’s minds.

13 Outreach Program The BC Ringette Association will endeavor to assist associations and leagues to promote the sport of ringette in communities where ringette is not played, by providing resources and qualified volunteers to demonstrate the sport.

13.1 Outreach a. Associations, communities or areas wishing to start a ringette program, shall contact the BC Ringette office

for assistance.

b. Associations may be called upon to assist a nearby community in starting a ringette program.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section D. Registration and Team Formation

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Section D. Registration and Team Formation

1 Registration 28 1.1 Playing Season 28 1.2 Age Divisions 28 1.3 Membership 28 1.4 Residency 29 1.5 Temporary Declaration of Relocation 29

2 Registration Procedure 30 2.1 Individual Player Registration 30 2.2 Team Registration 30 2.3 U9, U10 and U12 Player & Team Formation 31

3 Leagues 33 3.1 League Boundaries 33 3.2 League Operations 34

4 Releases 34 4.1 Release Policy 34 4.2 Release Procedures (General) 34 4.3 Uncontested Release Procedure 35 4.4 Contested Release Procedure 36

5 General Sport Rules 37 5.1 Player Pick-up 37 5.2 Overage Players 37 5.3 Violation of Participant Rules 37 5.4 Ineligible Players 38 5.5 Ineligible Team Staff 38 5.6 No Female Behind the Bench 38

6 Misconducts, Match Penalties & Suspensions 38 6.1 General 38 6.2 Game Definition 39 6.3 Suspension Guidelines 39


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1 Registration All associations, and all coaches and other members of all associations, must use their best efforts to accommodate every person entitled to and wishing to play on a team in that association. Teams shall not be formed based on the tiering level(s) of the potential players if that action may result in a player not participating. Teams deemed by BCRA to have been formed in violation of this principle will not be allowed to participate in any BCRA sanctioned or out-of-province event as a BCRA registered team.

1.1 Playing Season The BC Ringette playing season shall be September 15 to September 15.

1.2 Age Divisions All age groups are as of December 31st of the current season.

U9 (U7) 8 years and under U16 15 years and under

U10 9 years and under U19 18 years and under

U12 11 years and under 18+ 18 and over

U14 13 years and under 30+ (Masters)

30 years and over

1.3 Membership a. All member associations must be a registered society and be in good standing with the Society Act of British

Columbia. Annual proof of good standing must be provided to BCRA no later than November 1st. Failure to provide documentation may lead to suspension of member privileges.

b. The fee for association membership for new associations in the first year shall be waived.

c. The fee for individual membership shall be as assessed by the BCRA and all associations and leagues will be advised of planned increases to the costs of membership fees for the following season by March 31st of each year.

d. 30+ (Masters) Recreational/Drop-in Team Registration fee: (See: N – Rates & Honorariums) For 30+ (Masters) teams who meet recreationally or play on a drop-in basis only and do not attend sanctioned events (in or out of province) or host sanctioned events. There are no limits on the number of participants on a team in this registration category. Includes BCRA insurance.

e. An insurance fee for coaches, managers, officials, players, and executive members & other volunteers is charged.

f. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Membership Fee” for specific membership fees.

g. Annual membership registration fee payments by associations to BCRA: 50% due by November 1st and balance due by December 1.


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1.4 Residency a. Principle: It is expected that minor players (U9 to U19) will play where they live. (Note: Players seeking a

release to play in a jurisdiction other than where they live, refer below to Section 4 – Releases)

b. Residency is defined as the primary residence where a player lives the majority of the time. For annual registration purposes, the player’s residence shall be determined as of September 15. The registrar of the local association shall be responsible for confirming residency through a parent or guardian’s driver’s license, utility bill with residential address or residency letter signed by the appropriate municipal authority. (In cases of joint or shared custody, residency is still defined as where the player lives the majority of the time. If equal, the determination of primary residence will be at the parent(s)/guardian(s) discretion.)

c. A player registering in BC must register with the association having geographical jurisdiction over the player’s place of residence, unless an association’s jurisdiction is based on criteria other than geographical criteria (i.e. memberships in a club) or unless the player lives outside the geographical boundaries of an association or unless otherwise permitted by these policies (See: Section 4 – Releases).

d. A player may not be registered with an association other than the association set out in (b) unless a release has been granted or these policies otherwise permit (See: Section 4 - Releases). 18+ and 30+ (Masters) age categories are exempt from this policy.

e. Should two (or more) associations agree to merge into a single entity the following shall apply to the registration of the players registered prior to the merge:

In the first year following the merge, all players, registered prior to the merge, shall have the choice of playing for the NEW association or for the association in whose geographical boundaries they reside.

In the second year the registration of the player becomes binding as their HOME association. At that time all applicable registration policies will apply.

f. Players living outside any designated association boundaries must register with the association having geographical jurisdiction over the nearest community to the player’s residence.

g. The local association is responsible for ensuring that each player is either a resident within the jurisdiction of that association or is a resident within an area, which is not within the jurisdiction of another association.

1.5 Temporary Declaration of Relocation a. Should a player’s place of residence change during the season (mid-season) to an area whose boundaries

are not the same as the player’s previous association, the player has the option of remaining with their previous association or playing with the association in whose boundaries they currently reside. Regardless of which option the player chooses, a declaration of relocation form must be completed.

b. The registrar of the association chosen shall be responsible for submitting the Temporary Declaration of Relocation application form to the BCRA office along with either:

written proof of enrollment in an educational institution if the relocation occurs for educational reasons; or


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a parent, guardian or player’s driver license change stamped by the appropriate authority, or a copy of the changed driver’s license or a “residency” letter signed by the appropriate municipal authority if the relocation represents a permanent change in the player’s primary residence.

c. A Temporary Declaration of Relocation application does not become effective until final BCRA approval is received.

d. A Temporary Declaration of Relocation is valid only for the remainder of the season in which it is approved. Commencing with the following season, the player is required to register with the local association in whose jurisdiction they reside or apply for release.

2 Registration Procedure

2.1 Individual Player Registration a. All new registrants and members turning 19 years of age must fill out a BC Ringette Association registration

form.

b. New players must supply a copy of their birth certificate when registering. Birth certificates and individual registration forms are to be stored with the local association, to be made available to BC Ringette upon request.

c. The registration deadline for all players is December 1 in U14 to 18+ age divisions. U9, U10, U12, and 30+ (Masters) players are exempt and may register at any time within the respective Association registration deadline.

d. Athlete carding (participation) restrictions are in effect for AA participants. See: Policy Manual Section E. Competitions and Events, Provincial AA (sub-section 4.1 – Athlete Carding)

e. All players registered with BCRA by December 1st of the playing season will be eligible to participate in the provincial championships provided they have participated in a minimum of four (4) counter league games with their own association. Counter games are those that count towards league standings (exhibition games are not considered counter games).

f. Players moving to BC from out of province during the ringette season must get a written release form from the other provincial association and give their date of residence in BC. Players will be eligible to participate in the provincial championships provided they have participated in a minimum of four (4) counter league games with their own association.

g. Individual registrations (signed forms) and team registration forms (registration database rosters) must be completed no later than December 1st of the playing season (U9, U10 and 30+ (Masters) categories are exempt and may be registered at any time). Teams participating in tournaments prior to December 1st must submit forms three weeks prior to the event.

h. Players may only be registered with one (1) association at a time

2.2 Team Registration a. Teams (U9 to U19 divisions) must consist of a minimum of seven (7) players and a maximum of eighteen (18)

with a maximum of five (5) team staff. Teams in the 18+ and 30+ (Masters) divisions may have a roster of 22


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players, with any 18 dressed at any one time. Teams attending the Canadian Ringette championships must consist of a minimum of seven (7) players and a maximum of twenty-two (22) with a maximum of five (5) bench staff. In accordance with Ringette Canada rules, only 18 players may be dressed to participate in any given game.

b. Once teams are selected, associations and leagues must ensure that all players and bench staff are properly assigned to team rosters in the BCRA registration database. The only registration form or team roster that will be accepted is one that is unaltered from the BCRA registration database. The players listed on the BCRA team roster are the ones that will participate in the provincial championships for that team. The Ringette Canada Team Registration form (TRF) must be completed by AA teams attending the Canadian Ringette Championships.

c. No players may be deleted from a roster once that roster has been filed with BCRA. Exceptions will be considered by BCRA for season ending injury and relocations.

2.3 U9, U10 and U12 Player & Team Formation (Association Responsibility)

At the beginning of the Ringette season players will be evaluated on individual skill development levels and assessed a point value (Point system: 3 good, 2 average, 1 weak). Providing there are enough players to form more than one team, it will be the Association’s responsibility to make sure the players are divided equally based on the skill development ranking point values. A standardized evaluation form will be provided by BCRA that will be universal throughout the province. During the first 1/2 of the season (until November/December) Associations can re-balance Teams if there is a noticeable gap in Team skill development level. Player movements between the 2 teams will be allowed, providing all parties are in support.

Players may be moved (advance or retreat) between the U9, U10, and U12 non-tiered divisions. Player movement from U12 to U14 (non-tiered to tiered) is permitted but only if it is stage-appropriate* for the participant.

(*Note: Players should only be moved from a non-tiered to a tiered division with careful consideration. The participant’s stage appropriateness should be the primary consideration to ensure areas of development additional to skill, such as cognitive and social abilities, make them suitable for the level of participation. The general expectation will be that a participant’s development is such that they continue moving forward from that level in subsequent years. In much the same way a child in school who is moved ahead a grade is not typically placed back a grade in the following year, players who are moved to a higher level of play because it is stage appropriate, would not typically revert back to a lower level in the following season. Player movement from non-tiered to tiered should not be used solely for the purposes of short term, seasonal team formation solutions.

Evaluations (Community Stream). The term evaluation refers to a selection, in that associations evaluate players based on their on-ice play to determine if they are better suited to the B or C level team. These players are not cut and are always provided a place to play that is appropriate to their skills. They are not expecting to be trying out for a team, and often are not aware that there is an evaluation taking place. This is simply a means to divide teams.


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Tryouts (Competitive Stream): The term tryout refers to a player who pays a fee to attend ice times that will evaluate her skills. At the end of the ice times the player will be assessed a value (based on a tryout selection formula) and if she is in the top group she will be selected to the team. The player may be “cut” from either of these teams if she is deemed not of high enough caliber to compete.

(League Responsibility)

Effective January 1 of the playing season, each League will "divide" their U12 teams into two pools for the purpose of team scheduling (the roster make-up of the teams can not change). At this point teams have played sufficient games to determine a natural divide in the division. League standings will be used to split this division in two, with the stronger 50% in one pool continuing to play against one another and the other 50% in the other pool playing against each other, for the remainder of the season.

The pools will be universal throughout the province, as “Red” and “Blue” to create consistency at tournaments featuring teams from multiple leagues. The Red Pool will field the stronger teams and the Blue Pool will field the weaker teams.

The intention is not to create stronger/weaker teams but to level the playing field of those teams already formed by minimizing (not eliminating) the large score differentials that may occur. This means some “weaker” players may be in the higher pool and some “stronger” players may be in the lower pool. Associations will assist the League in providing information of where they think their team sits (Red vs Blue Pool).

(Provincial Responsibility)

All tournaments in BC are sanctioned by the BC Ringette Association. In all U12 tournaments the teams must all receive the same number of games. Awards (medals, t-shirts, etc.) can be provided to all participants and teams, but must be provided equally. It is recommended that tournaments host social, skill development and fun events for participants outside of the games.

For those tournaments taking place before January 1, the U12 division will not be divided and will be based on a "first-come, first-served" process in terms of who enters. Final games will not be allowed.

After January 1, the tournament may opt to have divided pools for the U12 division. If so, the tournament must provide two pools (there is no option to only provide for the Red Pool or only the Blue Pool in a tournament) and may allow for final games but all teams must be provided with finals at which time the awards can be presented. In other words, if a tournament has six U12 teams entered, there would be three final games taking place on the Sunday and all players receive the same medals.

(Coach Responsibility)

Association coaches will be held responsible and accountable to focus on the concept of like experience and skill level players playing with and against like experience players. Coaches will use techniques such as balancing lines so that "weaker" players play together in order to develop skills at their pace/level, and play against players of equal skills.

Lateral Pick-up (non-tiered divisions only): In non-tiered divisions, teams from the same association are permitted pickup players from other equal caliber teams within their own division and association providing the following criteria are met: UNDER REVIEW – Please see BCRA Policy Advisory 2012-2013-1 for player

pick up criteria in U12 and younger divisions.


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A team may only pick up to their regular roster size, unless the team has less than 11 players on their roster in which case they may pick up to a roster of 11 players.

The roster of the team picking up players must be 75% original roster players (i.e. no more then 25% pick-ups).

The “borrowing” team must work through the entire roster of the “supplying” team before being able to pick-up the same player again. By “work through” it is understood that not every player on the supplying team may take the opportunity to play for the borrowing team, but that every player on the supplying team must be given this opportunity.

All players are eligible to be picked-up for a maximum of two league games or one sanctioned tournament in a season.

If a player plays with the same or another higher age division/level of play team in an additional tournament or third or more league games, the team will forfeit the games. The player will not have the right to become a member of that team and must return to their original team.

This policy applies to league and tournament play. All eligible players from the borrowing roster who are not participating must have a documented reason for not attending the tournament.

Note: The intent of this is to allow only for the replacement of players who are unable to attend the event, and to support the formation of smaller roster teams. It is not intended to create combination teams.

3 Leagues

3.1 League Boundaries a. Ringette leagues shall be formed by geographic areas throughout the Province of BC as defined by the

BCRA. Geographic zones are based on the boundaries as set out by the BC government and Sport BC.

• The Lower Mainland league comprises of Zones 3, 4 and 5 of BC Provincial Recreation and Sport Zones (see Appendix 3).

• The Northern League comprises of Zones 7 and 8 of BC Provincial Recreation and Sports Zones (see Appendix 3).

• The Thompson/Okanagan league comprises of Zone 2 of BC Provincial Recreation and Sport Zones (see Appendix 3).

• The Kootenay league comprises of Zone 1 of BC Provincial Recreation and Sport Zones (see Appendix 3).

• The Island league comprises of Zone 6 of BC Provincial Recreation and Sport Zones (see Appendix 3).

b. League boundaries for the purpose of equal AA team formation are defined in Appendix D. These boundaries shall be mandatory for U14 and are highly recommended for U16 and U19.

c. Should a league not be able to form the number of teams to the number of zones they have been assigned, that league will not be able to participate in the AA Provincial Championships.


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3.2 League Operations a. Established ringette leagues shall confirm/submit their operating policy and league rules to BCRA by August

31st of the current playing season and shall also forward amendments and/or changes as they occur. These policies and rules cannot contravene BCRA rules.

b. New ringette leagues shall advise the BCRA in writing of their official title and rules under which they will be operating.

c. Association boundaries shall be formed by geographic areas throughout the province of BC as defined in Appendix 4.

4 Releases BCRA administers all player releases between its members (30+ Masters and 18+ age players are exempt from the release process). The following release policies and procedures are provided for house level A, B & C participants only. <For release policies and procedures involving AA participants, please refer to Section E. Competition & Events (sub-section 4.2, AA Releases).> In developing these release procedures, BCRA has aligned its policies and procedures to be consistent with the organization’s guiding principles to ensure that all entitled players have an association and team to play on. All associations and members of all associations must use their best efforts to accommodate every person wishing to play. It is incumbent on the associations to manage and report player release applications to BCRA according to the following policies:

4.1 Release Policy a. BCRA’s release policies are designed to support the needs of the individual player. Any person representing

an association found to be soliciting players to be released shall be suspended immediately from ringette (with the right to appeal).

b. Any coach and/or association, that allows a non-released player to participate in any on-ice activities with his/her team or association in contravention to BCRA’s release policies, shall be immediately suspended from all BCRA sanctioned events and/or fined per week for the duration of the non-released player’s involvement prior to approval, at the discretion of BCRA. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Releases” for specific fee details.

c. Any person or association found to be deliberately violating these policies shall be subject to sanctioning by BCRA; with a maximum penalty being disqualification of the member’s association from participation in BCRA sanctioned events for the remainder of the season.

4.2 Release Procedures (General) a. A player must register with the association they intend to play with. If registering with an association outside

their residential boundary (See: Section 1.4 – residency) they must complete the on-line Player Release Form (on the BCRA website) which must be filed with the (receiving) association they wish to register with.

b. At no time shall the registration of player from outside an association’s geographical jurisdiction replace (or displace) a player previously registered with the association.

c. Within 72 hours of receiving a player release application, the (receiving) association is required to notify the


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(releasing) association having geographical jurisdiction over the player’s area of residence to request a player release. (Notification must include a copy of the completed player release form filed by the applicant.)

d. (Non-Tiered Divisions) If there is no age division suitable for the player at the time of the application, the (releasing) association may defer their consideration of the release to September 15th in order to allow time for additional player registrations. The (releasing) association must immediately advise the (receiving) association and the player of its intent to defer. During this time, the player is permitted to participate with the (receiving) association.

e. (Tiered Divisions) If there is no age division or caliber level suitable for the player at the time of the application, the (releasing) association may defer their consideration of the release to September 15th or the date of player evaluations, whichever is later. The (releasing) association must immediately advise the (receiving) association and the player of its intent to defer. During this time, the player is permitted to participate with both the (receiving) and (releasing) association. The player should be encouraged to participate in evaluations with both associations during this time.

f. Should an uncontested release be possible, refer to Section 4.3. - Uncontested Release Procedure for additional information.

g. Should an uncontested release NOT be possible, please refer to Section 4.4 - Contested Release Procedure for additional information.

h. The (receiving) association is responsible for filing all player release applications (uncontested & contested) with BCRA. If possible, associations should file their seasonal release applications as a group, rather than one at a time.

i. All release requests must be received by BCRA no later than October 1st or prior to the commencement of league scheduled tiering games (whichever comes first) of the current playing season.

j. BCRA will only consider releases after October 1st in special circumstances.

k. BCRA approved releases are valid from September 1st through August 31st of the subsequent year (One playing season).

l. BCRA shall notify the affected associations and their league of final decisions on release applications within 15 working days of receipt of applications.

m. Notwithstanding any other policy contained in this manual, appeals of final release decisions by BCRA can be made. Such an appeal is subject the BCRA’s appeals policy.

n. The fees related to contested releases are non-refundable and must be presented with the application for contested release. There are no processing fees for an uncontested release application. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Release Procedures” for specific fees.

4.3 Uncontested Release Procedure a. A player wishing to register with a (receiving) association outside their residential boundary must complete the

on-line Player Release Form (on the BCRA website) which must be filed with the (receiving) association they wish to register with.

b. Within 72 hours of having received a player release application, the (receiving) association is required to


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notify the association having geographical jurisdiction over the player’s area of residence to request an uncontested player release and obtain (releasing) association authorization.

c. After obtaining the (releasing) association’s” authorization, the player is permitted to participate with the (receiving) association, with the understanding that the release is subject to final approval by BCRA.

d. The (receiving) association is responsible for filing the player release application with BCRA. If possible, associations should file their seasonal release applications as a group, rather than one at a time.

e. BCRA shall notify the association and league of its final decision on the release application within 15 working days of receipt of the application.

4.4 Contested Release Procedure a. Should the (receiving) association be unable to obtain an uncontested release, it must immediately advise

BCRA of the contested release. In the case of contested releases, the player requesting release is only permitted to participate with the (receiving) association once the (receiving) association has notified BCRA of the contest release. Failure to notify BCRA of a contested release may also result in such disciplinary action against the (receiving) association that includes but is not limited to fines and suspension from sanctioned events or activities. (See Release Policy, Section 4.1.b)

b. Upon notification of a contested release, BCRA must contact the unwilling (releasing) association within three (3) working days to advise the (releasing) association that a contested release has been received.

c. Upon filing or notification of a contested release, each association is required to provide BCRA (within 72 hours) a written submission including any supporting information or documentation regarding their position to support or deny the release application.

d. BCRA will consider the release application and render its final decision within five (5) working days. BCRA will place an emphasis on the best interests of the individual player and it’s consideration of contested release applications may include but is not limited to:

• The (releasing) association has no team in the appropriate age level;

• The (releasing) association has no team at the appropriate skill level of the player;

• Previous registration with the (receiving) association;

• Siblings who are registered with the (receiving) association;

• The player’s residence being closer to (receiving) association facilities;

• The player attending school within the (receiving) association’s geographical boundaries;

• The player having additional family support within the (receiving) association’s geographical boundaries.

e. Associations should make every attempt to avoid contested releases.


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5 General Sport Rules

5.1 Player Pick-up Associations are only allowed to use players who are registered with BCRA from within their own association when required to bring the number of team members to its original roster size. Teams may only add players of a lesser caliber of play from within the same division or of equal or lesser caliber from a lower age division. No deletion of players from the team picking up is allowed. It is understood that this will not be an all-star team. An association having two teams in the same division will not be allowed to combine the two teams. In tiered divisions (non-tiered divisions AND non-tiered players <U12 and younger> see: U9, U10 and U12 Player & Team Formation, Section 2.3) players may be picked up for one sanctioned tournament and three counter league games (counter games are those that count towards league standings - exhibition games are not considered counter games). If the player plays with the same or another higher age division/level of play team in an additional tournament or fourth or more league games, the team will forfeit the games. The player will not have the right to become a member of that team and must return to their original team. Any team from U9 up to and including U12 that has a male goaltender must be making an effort to develop multiple goaltenders of both genders.

5.2 Overage Players a. Overage players are permitted only with BC Ringette approval. Overage requests are to be made through a

local association, who in turn must apply to their respective league. The deadline for leagues to submit overage requests to BCRA for final approval is November 1st.

b. No overage players are permitted to play in sanctioned events except for the reasons stated below:

i. Any player who is physically or mentally challenged may apply in writing to BC Ringette (upon league approval) for permission to play in an age group other than their actual age division.

ii. Any player (or the parents/legal guardians of any player) who exhibits uncharacteristically weak skating and playing skills for their age, may apply in writing to BCRA (league approval required) for permission to play in an age group other than their actual age division. (Leagues will monitor game results and incidents involving size and strength to ensure an advantage is not being gained by the permission of the overage request)

iii. An association designated as a ‘remote area’ by BC Ringette can apply, in writing, to register players in a division other than their actual age division. Upon approval, these players are eligible to compete at the A, B, or C level as determined by their League. A ‘remote area’ is defined as an association that is not within close proximity of another association to allow for the release of players for the season. Distance and travel conditions are taken into consideration when determining an association as one that is in a remote area.

5.3 Violation of Participant Rules There shall be a fine levied for each violation of the following participant rules. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Violation of Participant Rules” for specific fine breakdown.

a. Player/team found to have played in the wrong age division without Association, League, or BCRA approval.


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b. Player/team found to have played at the wrong competitive level without Association, League, or BCRA approval.

c. Player found to have played in more than one championship event.

d. Bench staff found to have the incorrect qualifications (where applicable).

e. Player/team/team staff participating in regularly scheduled games while under BCRA or league suspension.

f. Coaches who have a team member (player or team staff) who violates the participant rules will be subject to further disciplinary action by the league or the BCRA.

Note: Teams playing in events prior to November 30th of the current playing season will play in their tiered level designated with league approval.

5.4 Ineligible Players a. A player who is not registered and verified with BCRA.

b. A player in a division other than the one she is registered in (she may move up a division or caliber but not down).

c. A player playing while under BCRA and/or league suspension.

5.5 Ineligible Team Staff a. Team staff members that are not registered with the BCRA.

b. Team staff members that do not have the required qualifications/certifications (where applicable).

c. Team staff participating while under BCRA and/or league suspension.

5.6 No Female Behind the Bench A fully certified female coach, 19 yr. of age or older, is required behind (on) the bench for the U19 division and below. Violation of this rule may result in the team being disqualified from the tournament. Should the female be required to tend to an injury, no penalty will be enforced.

6 Misconducts, Match Penalties & Suspensions

6.1 General a. All misconduct, match penalties and any other noteworthy incidents must be explained on a BCRA officials

report or the league copy of the game sheet; by the referee, in writing, within 24 hours following the game.

b. A copy of the incident report is to be submitted to the BCRA and league within 24 hours by the referee.

c. Referees are to enforce the Ringette Canada rules and any additional rules as laid down by the BCRA or the league.

d. The grievance committee has the right to assess further penalties and/or suspensions based on individual cases after a hearing.

e. All match penalties will automatically be reviewed by the BCRA.


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6.2 Game Definition Regularly scheduled games shall be defined as any game during BCRA sanctioned play, Interprovincial play and organized league play. Exhibition games are NOT considered regularly scheduled games. Counter games are those that count towards league standings (exhibition games are not considered counter games).

6.3 Suspension Guidelines a. Games are in addition to the automatic one game suspension stated in section 19.3.e of the Official Rules.

These suspension lengths are the minimum suspensions and are NOT open to appeal.

Action Suspension (# of games)

Hair pulling 3

Face masking 3

Head butting 3

Hitting from Behind 4

Spearing 4

Butt ending 4

Stick swinging 4

Kicking 4

Deliberate attempt to injure 4

Fighting:

instigating 4

participating 2

Abuse of an official

excessive verbal 2

physical:

minimal (e.g. touch/brush) 3

moderate (e.g. push) 5

excessive (e.g. punch/attempt to push causing fall) 7

NOTE: The length of the suspensions is either the minimum number of games or the equivalent time in weeks, whichever is less. During the period of suspension, the affected player would not be allowed to practice or play with the team. Suspension lengths may be more severe should the player/bench staff in question be a repeat offender.

b. Suspended players/team staff members are NOT permitted on or near the bench or in the dressing room


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before or after the game during any regularly scheduled games.

c. Suspended players/team staff members are not permitted to coach any team until their suspension has been fully served.

d. Note: Games missed as a coach on another team are not included in the suspension numbers.

e. Suspended players/team staff members are not permitted to officiate any games until their suspension has been fully served.

f. It shall be the responsibility of the Home Association of the suspended individuals to ensure that ALL game suspensions are served.

g. Persons participating in regularly scheduled games while under suspension shall be subject to penalties.

h. Suspension shall carry across seasons (within BCRA) and across governing bodies (BCRA - Ringette Canada), Provincials/Nationals, etc.

i. Leagues are encouraged to follow the suspension guidelines outlined above to maintain consistency throughout the province.

j. Any match penalty received outside the province is subject to further inquiry and/or suspension by BCRA, in addition to the suspension given by the governing body in charge where the offence took place.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section E. Competitions & Events

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Section E. Competitions and Events

1 Event Hosting Request for Proposal Guidelines 43 1.1 Request for Proposals 43 1.2 Evaluation 43 1.3 Inadequate Responses 43

2 Tournaments 43 2.1 Sanctioning 43 2.2 Violation of Hosting Rules 44 2.3 Inter-Provincial Play 44 2.4 General Sport Rules 45 2.5 Team Rules 45 2.6 Tie-Breaking Rules 45 2.7 Protest and Grievance Committee 46 2.8 Grievance 47 2.9 Procedures for Protests and/or Grievances 47

3 Provincial Championships – A, B & C 48 3.1 Hosting 48 3.2 Organization 48 3.3 Game Play 49 3.4 Fair Play 50 3.5 WCRC Eligibility 50

4 Provincial – AA 51 4.1 Athlete Carding 51 4.2 League Releases 51 4.3 Provincial AA Participation 52 4.4 Hosting 53 4.5 Rules 53 4.6 Pick Ups 54

5 BC Winter Games 55 5.1 Procedures 55 5.2 Zone Requirements 55 5.3 Zone Representative 55 5.4 Coach and Player Selection 56 5.5 Head Coach Selection 56 5.6 Player Selection 56

6 Canadian Ringette Championships and Western Canadian Ringette Championships 57 6.1 Objectives 57 6.2 WCRC Eligibility 57 6.3 BCRA Responsibilities 58 6.4 League Responsibilities 58 6.5 Provincial Team Coordinator 59


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6.6 Team Staff 59 6.7 Player Selection 60 6.8 Regulations for Players 61 6.9 Team and Player Pick-up Procedure 62 6.10 Adding Players to Rosters 62 6.11 Team BC Equipment 63 6.12 Fundraising, Sponsorship and Donations 63

7 Canada Winter Games 63 7.1 Team BC 63 7.2 Head Coach 63 7.3 Player Selection 63 7.4 Team BC Players 64 7.5 Budget and Finance 64 7.6 Liaison 64

8 World Ringette Championships 65

9 Travel Grant Program 65 9.1 Purpose 65 9.2 Eligible Teams and Criteria 65 9.3 Expenses 65 9.4 Application Process 66


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1 Event Hosting Request for Proposal Guidelines

1.1 Request for Proposals The BC Ringette Association (BCRA) shall seek proposals from member associations and leagues for significant events it is assigned or wishes it or its members to host. Such events include but are not limited to the Western Canadian Ringette Championships, the Canadian Ringette Championships, the World Ringette Championships, and the Ringette Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM). BCRA shall submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to all member associations ninety (90) days prior to the selection of a host for significant events and shall provide a sixty (60) day period for member associations to respond in writing.

1.2 Evaluation BCRA shall fairly and objectively evaluate RFP responses based minimally on the following criteria:

• Quality of proposal; • Likelihood of success; and • Best overall interests of the sport of ringette.

Evaluations of responses shall occur within thirty (30) days of the submission deadline. Respondents shall be provided written notification of evaluation outcome.

1.3 Inadequate Responses Should no suitable response be received within the sixty (60) day deadline, BCRA may, at its discretion, assign the event to a league or association willing to assume the responsibility of hosting the event.

2 Tournaments

2.1 Sanctioning a. All tournaments must be sanctioned by the BC Ringette Association (Provincial AA Championship and

Provincial A, B & C Championships are automatically sanctioned). All associations hosting a tournament must apply to BCRA in writing by October 1st of the current playing season. If after October 1st, an association is offered ice time sufficient to host a tournament, the association may apply to BCRA for sanctioning of the event.

b. An application will not be considered unless it is accompanied by a sanction fee. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Sanctioning” for specific fee details.

c. After a tournament is sanctioned, it will receive a sanctioned event confirmation and a list of pre and post tournament requirements.

d. If an Association wishes to deviate from the rules, the proposed tournament rules must be supplied, in writing, to BC Ringette for sanctioning. All invited teams must be advised, in writing, of the tournament rules.

e. Failure to fulfill pre and post tournament requirements will jeopardize sanctioning of the tournament in the future.


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f. All teams participating in a tournament must supply the host committee with a copy of their official BCRA team roster form (with alternates indicated, if applicable) unless given permission by the BCRA to do otherwise.

g. It is the host committee’s responsibility to verify these rosters with the BCRA office.

h. Teams are responsible for ensuring that the tournaments they are attending are sanctioned. Teams participating in unsanctioned tournaments will be subject to discipline by the BCRA board of directors.

i. A copy of all score sheets must kept on file with the hosting association and be accessible by BCRA for a period of 13 months from the conclusion of the event or risk losing their sanctioned event status.

2.2 Violation of Hosting Rules There shall be a fine levied for each violation of the following administrative rules. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Violation of Hosting Rules” for specific fine details.

• Host not submitting tournament rules to the BCRA by specified date. • Host not submitting tournament schedule to the BCRA by specified date. • Host not submitting tournament score sheets (white copy) to the BCRA by specified date. • Host not submitting tournament program with scores to the BCRA by specified date (note: if no program

available, schedule with scores listed shall be acceptable). • Host not submitting list of officials to the BCRA by specified date.

2.3 Inter-Provincial Play a. BCRA host associations shall accept out of province teams/officials provided they are members in good

standing in their own province.

b. The host committee must inform the BCRA office, in writing, immediately of any incident that occurred during the tournament involving an out of province team.

c. The host committee must inform the BCRA office, in writing 30 days prior to the event, of all out of province teams entering their tournament prior to the event providing the following information:

• Province • Date of arrival • Date of departure • Complete team list

d. Any BCRA teams participating in out-of-province tournaments shall inform the BCRA office, in writing, prior to the event providing the following information:

• Destination • Departure date from BC • Return date to BC • Complete team list

e. The BCRA shall notify the appropriate provincial association(s) of any incidents that involve an out of province team(s).


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2.4 General Sport Rules Associations and teams may play against each other provided that they adhere to the policies of the BCRA. Games and tournament rules may differ if approved in writing by BCRA. All games are played in accordance with the "Official Rules" of Ringette Canada except where written permission has been granted by BCRA. The latest version of the Ringette Canada Shot Clock Rule shall be used at the provincial A, B and C Championships, in the U12 division and older, excluding 30+ (Masters). Note: To ensure consistency with BCRA’s LTAD U12 Handbook, which recommends that shot clocks not be used in the U12 division, BCRA encourages members to consider the elimination of the shot clock for U12 and determine if they would prefer to do so for sanctioned events and activities. Should any sanctioned event host elect to adopt the LTAD U12 handbook recommendation of no shot clocks, BCRA will (on written request) support a suspension of the current shot clock policies for U12.

In the event that errors or omissions are found in reproductions of BCRA policy appearing in, but not limited to, tournament programs and information sheets for coach’s tournament packages, the current BCRA policy shall prevail. This is to include re-prints of tie-breaking rules.

2.5 Team Rules Ringette Canada rules will apply in all sanctioned events with the following exceptions:

a. Teams must be ready to go on the ice 10 minutes before the game time and be ready to start playing within 5 minutes of the game time. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that affect a team’s ability to start their game within 5 minutes of the scheduled start or adjusted starting time, the on-ice officials shall declare a default. The host committee shall make a decision to reschedule or not, based on the following circumstances only:

• Proof of transportation breakdown • Team vehicle accident • Cancellation or delay of transport due to weather or traffic conditions.

b. There shall be no more than five (5) team staff allowed on the bench at any one time.

c. Score sheets must be signed by ALL team staff participating behind the bench.

d. Teams entering the tournaments must compete in all scheduled games or will be disqualified from further tournament play (exceptional circumstances exempt).

e. Teams must wear their designated colors, as outlined in the appendix. If they do not wear their designated colors, they are required to change jerseys in case there is a conflict between themselves and their opponent, whether they are home team or visiting team. Any other tournament rules that differ from those listed above and the Ringette Canada rulebook must be submitted to the BCRA for approval.

2.6 Tie-Breaking Rules a. Tie games will stand in round robin play. Teams will receive two (2) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie,

and zero points for a loss.

b. Breaking of ties in standings

NOTE: In ii), v) and vii) the maximum difference (spread) between goals for and goals against that will be counted per game is SEVEN (7) goals.


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i. The maximum goals FOR that will be counted per game is seven (7) more than the goals AGAINST.

ii. If a team(s) has forfeited a game, that team(s) shall be given the lowest position(s) amongst the tied teams. The score of a forfeited game shall be 7-0.

iii. The procedures will be followed in sequence until the tie is broken and the teams are ranked in sequence.

iv. The procedures, in most cases, will declare the team(s) in individual rankings. However, in some cases teams may be tied within the rankings (i.e. in a four way tie for first in a round robin, the procedures could place a team clearly in first, two teams tied for second/third and one team in fourth). In these cases, the procedures shall revert back to i) in order to break the tie between teams, within ranking positions.

v. When two (2) or more teams have an equal number of points after the completion of the round robin games, the ranking of the tied teams will be determined in the following order:

1) The teams will be ranked in order of the winner(s) of more games between each other during round robin play. The tied teams MUST have played each other or the procedure starts with v) unless one of the tied teams have beaten all other tied teams in which case that team is ranked highest and the procedure reverts back in order to break the tie within the remaining ranking positions.

2) If still tied, the teams will be ranked in order of the largest (positive) net difference between goals FOR minus goals AGAINST in the games between the tied teams.

3) If still tied, the team(s) will be ranked in order of the most goals FOR in games between the tied teams. The maximum goals FOR that will be counted per game is seven (7) more than the goals AGAINST.

4) If still tied, the teams will be ranked using the following formula in games between the tied teams: goals for (+plus) goals against ( / divided by) goals against.

5) If still tied, the teams will be ranked in order of the largest (positive) net difference between goals FOR minus goals AGAINST in games against all teams. I

6) If still tied, the teams will be ranked in order of the most goals FOR in games against all team.

7) If still tied, the tied teams will be ranked in order of the least total goals AGAINST in games against all teams.

8) If still tied, the teams will be ranked in order by applying the formula in iv) to all games.

9) If still tied, the teams will be ranked in order of the fewest penalty minutes in games against all teams.

2.7 Protest and Grievance Committee a. It is recommended that sanctioned events have a protest and grievance committee as appointed by the host

consisting of five (5) registered BCRA members (i.e. referee, coach, local executive member, etc). For BCRA Provincial A, B & C Championships, the committee will consist of the following: host chairman/designate,


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BCRA Provincials/Tournaments Committee Chair (or designate), BCRA Officiating Committee Chair (or designate), 2 BCRA general members. For BCRA Provincial AA Championships, the committee will consist of the following: host chairman/designate, BCRA High Performance Committee Chair (or designate), BCRA Officiating Committee Chair (or designate), 2 BCRA general members.

b. The committee of five (5) shall convene should any of the sanctioned event rules be violated by a participating player, coach, or team during the BCRA sanctioned event.

c. No protests and/or grievances shall be entertained against the official’s judgment and/or application of the playing rules on ice. Questions concerning the rule interpretations shall be directed to the referee-in-chief of the tournament.

2.8 Grievance a. At a sanctioned event, a BCRA member has the opportunity to grieve any action that is not covered in the

protest section.

b. The interpretation of a grievance is that it is of such a serious nature that a cash deposit, payable to the hosting body, will be required and is non-refundable if the grievance is not substantiated. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Grievance” for specific deposit details.

c. No grievance will be allowed against the judgment and application of the playing rules on ice.

d. All upheld grievances shall automatically go to the BCRA Standing Discipline Committee for potential further disciplinary action.

e. The BCRA office will be copied on all minutes of a protest and grievance committee meeting. Minutes must be taken.

2.9 Procedures for Protests and/or Grievances a. The coach will inform the on-ice officials at the end of the game his/her intention of protesting a violation of the

event rules or initiating a grievance. The officials will record the intended protest on the front of the score sheet.

b. The coach will submit a written protest or grievance to the arena convener on duty within 30 minutes of the end of the game. The cash deposit must accompany the submission.

c. The arena convener shall contact a member of the protest and grievance committee immediately.

d. The protest and grievance committee shall meet within 2 hours of notification of a protest or grievance and will inform both coaches of the teams involved within one hour of the end of their meeting as to whether the violation is substantiated or otherwise.

NOTE: A member of the tournament protest and grievance committee may not participate on a protest or grievance involving their Home Association. Should a team be found to have used illegal players/bench staff during any game, they will default the game, and be subject to further disciplinarian action.


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3 Provincial Championships – A, B & C

3.1 Hosting a. Associations who wish to host any provincial championships must apply in writing eighteen (18) months prior

to hosting the event. Provincial championships may be hosted by more than one association in a joint partnership. Provincial championships will be held for the U14 to 18+ divisions.

b. Upon approval of provincial championship hosting associations, each host is required to adhere to Policy Manual Appendix J (Sanctioned Event Hosting) which outlines all requirements for the provincial championships.

c. No other sanctioned events in BC shall run on the same weekends as BCRA Provincial Championships.

d. The BCRA will not be responsible for any debts in relation to the provincial championships.

e. The host association will set the entry fee with the approval of BCRA. The team entry fee, payable no later than January 1st, shall be paid as soon as a team confirms attendance to a championship with the filing of a BCRA Commitment to Attend form. There will be an additional late fee charged after January 1st. As part of the general commitment to attend process, all team entry fees are processed (cashed) upon receipt. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Hosting” for specific fee details. If a team has not paid the entry fee and late fee by March 1st, the team shall not be allowed to participate.

3.2 Organization a. Unless there is a minimum of three teams entered in a division, there will not be a division. If there is no

division for a team to play in they may move up a level of play and will be eligible for all awards.

b. Should players be unable to continue in the championships due to injury, the remaining team members will be allowed to complete the event, not having to default games because of a lack of players, unless otherwise required to by Ringette Canada’s rules.

c. Each league will be allowed to send one (1) team then, up to 50% plus 1 of their registered teams. The maximum number of teams shall be eight (8) teams total in each championship division.

d. Associations must submit a “Commitment to Attend Provincials” form and applicable team registration fees to BCRA by January 1st of the current playing season. Any team that qualifies for Provincials or Westerns and withdraws after the deadline will be penalized their entire event entry fee. BCRA will notify each league of the number of teams eligible to participate in each division by February 1st (this number may be less than 60% in large divisions). Any team not qualifying for Provincials or Westerns will be refunded their fee within 30 days of the qualifying event.

e. Should a league not fill its permitted quota of teams in a division, BCRA may reassign the unused entries between the remaining leagues, giving priority first to the league with the lowest percentage of teams entered in the relevant division and second to the league with the lowest number of teams entered in the relevant division.

f. Associations that do not participate in a League would be allowed to enter one team per division.

g. Late team registration may be eligible if approved by the league and BCRA prior to the provincial


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championships.

h. The hosting association may enter a host team in each division, notwithstanding the number of teams that the hosting association’s league is permitted to enter.

i. Leagues shall notify BCRA of the qualifying teams in each provincial championship two (2) weeks prior to the start of the respective championship or as league championships complete, whichever comes first.

j. Players are allowed to play in one division only in one provincial championship (A, B or C) only.

k. Game schedules for the provincial championships will be arranged by the BCRA. BCRA shall contact all leagues by phone, fax, email or letter prior to making the game schedule to confirm rankings of the teams in league play. Where more than one pool of teams is needed, this information will be used to seed teams into the pools evenly.

l. A maximum of three (3) games per day, excluding finals, with a minimum of two (2) hours between games.

m. U14 divisions will play two (2) eighteen (18) minute stop time periods. U16 and above will play two (2) twenty (20) minute stop time periods. All teams participating in provincial championships shall be guaranteed four (4) games minimum.

n. BCRA will provide medals in all divisions of Provincial Championships. The number of medals will be determined based on the number of teams in a division, minus 1, up to a maximum of three. Example: 3 teams (2 medals—gold & silver) 4 or more teams (3 medals—gold, silver, bronze)

3.3 Game Play a. All participating teams must be registered with BCRA and must be tiered according to BCRA policy.

b. Tournaments will run using a round robin or a pool system, under the supervision of the BCRA. The number of pools used shall depend on the number of teams entered in a division.

c. Where there are four (4) or five (5) teams entered in a division:

• Each team will play each other once (single round robin) or a modified round robin may be used (minimum four games)

• The top three teams after the round robin will advance to the medal round.

• 1st place will get a bye directly into the Gold Medal Game, and 3rd place will play against 2nd place in the Semi-Final Game. The winner of the Semi-Final Game will play for the Gold Medal, while the loser will receive the bronze medal.

d. Where there are six (6) or seven (7) teams entered in a division:





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e. Where there are eight (8) teams entered in a division, the division shall be split into two pools.

• Each team will play the other teams in its pool once (single round robin) or a modified round robin may be used (minimum of four games).

• The top two (2) teams from each pool shall advance to the medal round.

The first placed team in one pool shall play the second place team in the other pool. The winners shall play for the gold medal and the losers shall play for the bronze medal.

f. Teams entering the provincial championships must compete in all scheduled games or be disqualified from further tournament play (weather conditions exempt).

g. When a team is up by 10 goals, the remainder of the game is running time. The losing team, however, has the option to continue the game with stop time. The team leading by 10 goals is not allowed to pull its goalie in the last two minutes of the game, except for a delayed calling of a penalty.

h. The BCRA Chair’s Cup tournament shall be mandatory at season end for the U10 and U12 divisions. The venue would be selected on a rotating basis amongst the associations.

i. In all formats of Provincial Championships, should a team or teams be eliminated from the medal round using the tie-breaking rules, then mini-games will be used to determine who is eliminated.

3.4 Fair Play a. One vote per team, to be voted on by the players after each game. Score sheets will not be released until

vote received.

b. Guidelines for Fair Play:

• Teams acting in a friendly and courteous manner during games. • Accepting wins and losses gracefully. • Display of friendliness and comradeship off the ice. • Avoidance of using sneaky and foul play tactics. • Avoidance of use of foul language. • Display of concern in collision on ice. • Other acts of fair play. • Dressing room cleanliness.

3.5 WCRC Eligibility The provincial champions at the U16 A, U19 A, and 18+ A levels will be given the opportunity to attend the Western Canadian Championships. Please see “Western Canadian Ringette Championships” for more information.


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4 Provincial – AA 4.1 Athlete Carding

a. U14AA: It is recommended, but not mandated, that all U14AA athletes in the province be double-carded to an A team (cannot play B or C if playing AA). Local Association participation is to take precedence over AA teams for athletes playing on both A and AA teams. Double-carded athletes in the U14 division may compete in both the Provincial A Championship and the Provincial AA Championship.

b. U16AA: All U16 athletes must be single carded. Registration must be within the boundaries of each association for single carding. If the league in which the player is registered has formed a AA team, double-carding is NOT allowed. If a league is unable to form a AA team and an athlete is released to another league, double-carding may be permitted to ensure the athlete receives adequate ice time. Double-carded athletes (those playing on a AA team outside of their league) may only compete in the Provincial AA Championship, they may NOT compete in the Provincial A (B or C) Championship.

c. U19AA: All U19 athletes must be single carded. Registration must be within the boundaries of each association for single carding. If the league in which the player is registered has formed a AA team, double-carding is NOT allowed. If a league is unable to form a AA team and an athlete is released to another league, double-carding may be permitted to ensure the athlete receives adequate ice time. Double-carded athletes (those playing on a AA team outside of their league) may only compete in the Provincial AA Championship, they may NOT compete in the Provincial A (B or C) Championship.

4.2 League Releases AA athletes must register and play in their own zone based on residency (regardless of where they participate for a house team, if double carded. It is highly encouraged that all leagues form AA teams, and the release procedure is to be used when all other attempts to form a team have been exhausted.

Athletes have the ability to release to another league for the purposes of AA participation if their home league has insufficient numbers to form a AA team after tryouts are held, or after an athlete has been released from the league’s AA team program. The athlete must have registered for and attended 2 of 3 (or two thirds) of league tryouts to be eligible for release. The league is expected to use all resources to form a team before an athlete can be released.

(Release Procedure)

Athletes must apply for permission to release using the online Release Request Form, before September 30 of the playing season. Athletes must have support of their releasing League AA Coordinator before applying.

BCRA will notify the other League AA Coordinator to see if they are interested in picking up the athlete. The athletes release form must be signed by the receiving league and sent to BCRA release committee by the due date for approval.

(Solicitation)

Teams or team staff are NOT permitted to solicit athletes outside of their league for participation. Teams or team staff are NOT permitted to offer monetary incentives to entice releasing athletes, and no financial support is to be offered that is not otherwise available to all participants.

Once AA Teams have been selected, any released athletes can apply to participate with the league closest to


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their home league:

North AA – First released to TORL, Second released to LMRL

TORL AA – First released to North, Second released to LMRL

LMRL AA – First released to TORL, Second released to North

Athletes and coaches wishing to obtain a release must apply through their league (AA Coordinator) which will communicate with the other league, until both leagues have released the athlete. BCRA office will oversee communication between the leagues, until both leagues have signed off and the release is finalized.

(Team Division)

Residency is defined as where an athlete lives the majority of the time and as defined in standard BCRA residency policies. A “AA” athlete registering in BC must register with the league/zone having geographical jurisdiction over the athlete‘s place of residence.

Should an association wish to field a AA team, they may do so under the same restrictions as league or zone AA teams. All athletes must reside within the geographical boundaries of that association, and be of the proper age. The team will report to the League AA Coordinator and follow the same rules and regulations as all AA teams within that league.

The Zone division is as follows:

LMRL East: Coquitlam Port Moody, Fraser Valley, Port Coquitlam Ridge Meadows, Surrey White Rock

LMRL West: Burnaby New Westminster, Delta, North West Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver

TORL North: Armstrong/Enderby, Salmon Arm, Vernon

TORL South: Kelowna, Penticton/Summerland, Westside

NORTH: 1 team

In the U14AA Division, teams are divided into Zone Teams, based on the geographical boundaries.

In the U16AA and U19AA divisions, if there are only enough athletes for one team, teams are formed with the addition of a training squad (if applicable). If there are enough athletes for more than one team, teams are divided evenly using the above Zone boundaries or the BCRA AA Draft Procedures.

It is highly recommended that the Zone format take priority, as it decreases costs for travel.

4.3 Provincial AA Participation a. Every team registered as “AA” will be eligible to participate in the Provincial AA Championship tournament, to

a maximum of 8 teams per age division. Players are only permitted to participate in one division in the Provincial “AA” Championship. Teams compete for the right to represent BC at the Canadian Ringette Championships in the U16 and U19 age divisions. (U14AA teams participate at the Western Canadian Championships but do not compete in the provincial AA qualifier to do so) Should there be more than 8 teams in an age division, priority shall be given to at least 1 (one) team from each zone (zones as noted by BC


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Games). The winner of each age division shall represent BC at the Canadian Ringette Championships. These playoffs must be completed between January 1 and March 31. The latest version of the Ringette Canada shot clock rule shall be used at the Provincial AA Championship.

a. Each AA team must submit their entry fee (to be determined by BCRA) along with their team rosters to BCRA by December 1st Team fees will be paid in advance or the team will NOT be permitted to participate at the Provincial AA Championship. Cheques are to be made payable to “BC Ringette”. Should there not be Provincial Championships in a division; the money will be returned by January 15th.

b. All “AA” athletes and bench staff must complete the BCRA Code of Conduct form and submit it to the BCRA office by December 1st. Any athletes or bench staff not submitting a signed code of conduct form will not be eligible to participate until the form is complete.

c. Teams competing in the Provincial AA Championship must compete in their division (e.g. male teams vs. male teams, female teams vs. female teams, co-ed vs. co-ed and mixed vs. mixed)

4.4 Hosting a. Hosting is rotated through each league. Should the league whose turn it is to host the Provincial AA

Championship in a particular year decide not to, the Provincial AA Championship will be held in the league next in the rotation. The host league will be responsible for obtaining and paying for the required amount of ice for the Provincial AA Championship.

b. The Provincial AA Championship will be held within one city and one venue (arena).

c. In order to qualify as the Provincial AA Championship venue, the host league must provide the projected date and venue (ice times as well) by the AGM of the previous year.

d. The host will establish a “team registration fee” to be approved by BCRA. Hosting guidelines for the Provincial AA Championship are developed and provided by BCRA.

e. The host league will provide volunteers to act as minor officials for the event.

4.5 Rules All games will be played under Ringette Canada rules. BCRA will be responsible for the conduct of the playoffs and the declared winner(s). BCRA will select the officials for each game. Each league must wear their assigned colors. These colors must be approved by BCRA.

Provincial AA Championship Format: a. Two Teams:

• Best two out of three games. • No tie games - a winner must be declared for each game.

b. More than two Teams:

• Single round robin double knockout


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• No tie games – a winner will be declared in each game. c. Where there are four (4) or five (5) teams entered in a division:




d. Where there are six (6) or seven (7) teams entered in a division:




e. Where there are eight (8) teams entered in a division, the division shall be split into two pools.

• Each team will play the other teams in its pool once (single round robin) or a modified round robin may be used (minimum of four games).

• The top two (2) teams from each pool shall advance to the medal round.

The first placed team in one pool shall play the second place team in the other pool. The winners shall play for the gold medal and the losers shall play for the bronze medal.

f. In all formats, should a team or teams be eliminated from the medal round using the tie-breaking rules, then mini-games will be used to determine who is eliminated (see Section 3.4 Mini Game for format).

g. If there is only one league in BC with an AA team in a particular division, that team will represent BC at the National Championships or Western Canadian U14 AA Championships.

4.6 Pick Ups a. An athlete may be picked up to participate at the Canadian Ringette Championships or the Western Canadian

Ringette Championships (in the U14 AA division-further WCRC restrictions may apply) provided they meet one of the following conditions:

• The athlete originally tried out for the AA team, but was cut prior to the team registration form being submitted to the BCRA office.

• The athlete participated at the Provincial AA Championships with another AA team. • Athletes who are registered on a AA team but were not able to participate at the Provincial AA

Championships due to injury/illness are eligible to be picked up provided a "Return to Play" letter is received from the attending physician or physiotherapist.


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• Names of players from A, B or C level teams from leagues that did not have AA league representative teams and wish to be considered for potential AA play, will be provided to BCRA by the league. BCRA will provide potential team contacts for any of these players who may wish to play at the AA level.

b. Should athletes wish to remain eligible for being picked up for Westerns or Nationals, but do not fall within (1), (2), or (3), they must apply in writing to BCRA for consideration, outlining the reasons they did not participate in the AA Championships. This request must also be endorsed by the Head Coach of the AA team they participated with. The request must be received by the BCRA office no later than one week prior to the first game of the Provincial AA Championships.

5 BC Winter Games

5.1 Procedures a. BCRA will obtain the names of zone representatives prior to the BC Winter Games.

b. Zone representatives to hold a meeting with coaches from each zone to clarify regulations.

c. Each zone to select a team to enter the BC Winter Games.

d. Teams will conform to all rules and regulations as set out by BC Games.

e. Zones not able to field a team must notify the BCRA prior to December 1st of the current playing season.

f. Zone representatives shall be a liaison between zone teams and Winter Games with the responsibility of team list. They have no input on picking teams or team staff in their zone.

g. The BC Winter Games teams play in zone colors (this would make it easier to distinguish zones for spectators and would eliminate conflict of sweaters).

h. It will be the responsibility of the member associations within the zone to select the head coach and the head coach will choose the team roster and staff.

i. Zone representatives are to provide a statement of the revenues and expenses of the team to associations within the zone. A report is to be issued within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the BC Winter Games.

5.2 Zone Requirements a. Associations within each zone are to submit the name of a zone representative to BCRA by January 1st of the

year preceding the Winter Games.

b. Associations within each zone select a head coach.

c. Player and additional bench staff selection takes place.

5.3 Zone Representative Responsibilities include:

a. Organizing and publicizing the player selection event(s) to determine the individuals or teams who will represent their zone at the BCWG. To ensure that all individuals eligible to compete in the zone are made


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aware of the qualification date and location, in a timely manner.

b. Consulting and communicating with the provincial advisor on any questions concerning eligibility of athletes or any other aspects of zone qualification.

c. Completing and returning the registration forms listing the athletes and bench staff that will represent their zone at the BCWG to the BCWG and BCRA offices before the deadline.

d. Complying with the dates outlined in the critical time chart as well as all other rules, as outlined in the BCWG Media Guide and Rule Book (published by the BC Games Society in the fall preceding the BCWG).

5.4 Coach and Player Selection To qualify as a core sport, Provincial Sport Organizations (PSO’s) must demonstrate that they are using the Winter Games for athlete, coaches and officials development. As a result there should be similar processes in place for all zones with regards to coach and player selection.

5.5 Head Coach Selection a. The Associations that make up each zone are responsible for selecting the head coach for their zone team.

b. A letter should be sent to all partial level 2, or higher, certified coaches within the zone. This letter will include:

• A statement requesting coaches to submit applications to coach the zone team; • Dates of event; • Request for applications to include coaches qualifications, experience and a brief summary of

coaching philosophy; • Bench staff policies (i.e. maximum of 3 bench staff, per zone, one of which must be female 19 years

of age or older who is certified. The bench staff must reflect the gender balance of the team; • Deadline for submission of applications; • Who applications should be submitted to; and • Any zone specific data that may impact on the coaches choice to apply (i.e. if a zone has decided

that players must be selected form every association). c. Representatives from each zone association meet to make final head coach selection by October 1st of the

year preceding the BCWG.

d. Notification of successful applicant and confirmation of acceptance.

e. Notification of unsuccessful applicants.

5.6 Player Selection a. It is the responsibility of the associations within each zone to collaborate and clarify the final process for

player selection.

b. Guidelines for player selection are:

• Confirmation of date, time, location and cost (if any) of player selection event. Need to ensure adequate lead time for notification of players. Try and avoid conflict with other ringette events. zone


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reps should provide BCRA with dates of tryouts • Notify all eligible players of date, time, and location and cost (if any) of event (each association

should be responsible for notifying players within their association). • Determine the process that will be used for evaluating players. Suggested that:

i. Evaluation criteria be communicated to parents and players prior to beginning

ii. Evaluators be chosen based on experience and be representative of each association within the zone

iii. Evaluation results be documented

iv. All evaluation information be collated, discussed and final player selection determined

v. Head coach should have the final say on player selection. Successful players be notified and acceptance confirmed; unsuccessful players notified.

Note: If fees for tryouts are required and the team manager has not been identified, someone else must be appointed to keep a record of all financial transactions. As many alternates as required are permitted on the registration form, but substitutions cannot be made after the team signs in at the accreditation center prior to the games. Transportation will only be supplied for the 17 players that are eligible on the final roster.

6 Canadian Ringette Championships and Western Canadian Ringette Championships

6.1 Objectives a. BCRA shall try to be represented at the Canadian Ringette Championships in all divisions eligible (as defined

by Ringette Canada). BCRA will try to be represented at the Western Canadian Ringette Championships.

b. The teams entered in the Canadian Ringette Championships shall be “AA” teams who have won the right to represent BC at the event by either winning the Provincial AA Championship or being the only AA team in that division. BCRA shall have the authority to approve the registration of all “AA” teams.

c. The teams entered in the Western Canadian Ringette Championships shall be “A” teams who have won the right to represent BC at the event by either winning the Provincial A Championship or being the only A team in that division. BCRA shall have the authority to approve the registration of all “A” teams.

6.2 WCRC Eligibility a. The provincial champions at the U16 A, U19 A and 18+ A levels will be given the opportunity to attend the

Western Canadian Championships. Should the champions declare their intention not to attend, then the next highest team(s) will be given the opportunity to go. BCRA shall obtain commitment, in writing, to attend or not to attend the Western Canadian Championships from all U16 A, U19 A, and 18+ A teams by January 1st of each year. Commitment to attend the WCRC’s will be by head coaches’ signatures and a deposit to BCRA. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – WCRC Eligibility” for specific fee details. If a team commits


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to attend the WCRC, is asked to do so after provincials then decides not to go, then the deposit is given to the team that does go. All other deposits will be refunded.

b. The U16 A, U19 A and 18+ A teams going to the Western Canadian Championships may pick up to bring their roster up to a maximum of 18 players. “A” players cannot be removed from the original roster in order to pick up additional players. Pick-ups are confined to registered U16 aged players for U16 A teams, U19 aged players for U19 A teams and 18+ aged players for 18+ A teams. “AA” player are ineligible to attend the Western Canadian Championships.

c. A U14AA division is included under the WCRC development structure with BCRA registered U14AA teams being eligible to participate (WCRC restrictions apply).

6.3 BCRA Responsibilities a. BCRA:

• Shall have vested power to administer the affairs of the teams once they are declared BC’s representative for the event.

• Shall appoint a provincial team coordinator. Appointment of said coordinator shall be made on or before June 15.

• Approve appointment of team staffs for all league AA teams. • Approve the final player selection. • Register the teams with Ringette Canada. • Administer the provincial team funds: • Collect and disperse provincial team funds as necessary. • Apply for Provincial grants on behalf of the provincial teams. • Allot the BCRA funds to the provincial teams. • Establish dress code and uniforms for the provincial teams.

b. BCRA will administer all its policies to all league AA teams, their team staff and players from the start of the play downs to the BCRA annual general meeting.

6.4 League Responsibilities a. Appoint a head coach for each of AA team.

b. Approve the head coach’s selection of assistant coach(s), manager and trainer.

c. May appoint a team coordinator to be the liaison between the teams and the league and/or BCRA until the completion of the Provincial AA Championship.

d. Shall notify each member association of the formal tryout format.

e. Arrange for and coordinate tryout and practice ice.

f. Coordinate sponsorship and approve all fundraising projects prior to the provincial AA championship.

g. Support, enforce, and adhere to the BCRA policy manual. Report any violations to the BCRA board of


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directors.

h. Have the right to remove any member of the team (staff or player) prior to the provincial AA championship if they do not adhere to the policies of the league they represent.

i. Ensure that bench staff meets the certification criteria per Ringette Canada and BC Ringette rules. Proof of certification must be filed with BCRA by December 1st. Teams that compete at the Provincial AA Championships with bench staff who do not meet Ringette Canada/BC Ringette bench staff qualification requirements will be disqualified.

6.5 Provincial Team Coordinator a. Shall be the liaison between the BCRA and league coordinator prior to the provincial AA championship.

b. Shall be the liaison between the BCRA and the provincial teams after the provincial AA championship.

• Shall be the official contact with the teams. • To ensure meetings are held with the team staff and/or players and parents. • Shall report, in writing, to the BCRA at requested intervals. • Request written report from the team staff. • Give out questionnaires to be completed by all team staff, players/parents.

c. Prepare the provincial team budget:

• Prepare a preliminary budget to present to players and parents of all league AA teams prior to the Provincial AA Championship. The budget will be for a maximum of eight (8) days.

• Submit the budget for the BCRA’s approval. • Ensure that travel funds, equipment deposits, per diem funds and ice funds are collected from teams

10 days following the Provincial AA Championship. • Ensure that team managers have advised the players and/or parents that balance of budgeted

amount is due to team managers prior to travel to Nationals or Western Canadian Championships. • BCRA will arrange accommodation for bench staff and players for nationals and the AA teams will be

financially responsible for those arrangements. • BCRA will arrange air transportation for bench staff and players for nationals and the AA teams will

be financially responsible for those arrangements. • Arrange for the purchase of equipment, first aid kits, uniforms and jackets. Distribute to team staff

and arrange for return of same.

6.6 Team Staff a. Select the players as outlined in section G.

b. Ensure all players trying out have registered with their home association even if they are not playing on their home association’s team.

c. Notify the league coordinator prior to cutting players.

d. Call meeting with players trying out and their parents to review team objectives, rules and regulations and


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approximate cost.

• Introduce members of the team staff and outline their duties. • Outline predicted tryout and practice schedule. • If applicable, state intent to travel prior to the National Championships. • Estimate cost.

e. Receive approval from the league coordinator or provincial team coordinator of all fundraising projects. Coordinate and organize all fundraising activities for the team.

f. Maintain financial records of fundraising projects and submit records to the league coordinator or provincial team coordinator as applicable. Team funds are to be held in a recognized financial institute account where withdrawal transactions require a minimum of two signatures. It is recommended that at least one team staff member and one parent become signing officers of the account.

g. Be responsible for team members on and off the ice for the duration of the National Championships. This policy also applies while traveling as a team to tournaments prior to the National Championships.

• Enforce the dress code as established by the BCRA. • Responsible for accommodation and/or billeting of players (excluding Nationals). • Prepare and distribute schedule of tournament prior to departure. • Coordinate all non-ringette related activities. • Set and enforce team rules as applicable.

h. Submit written reports to the league and/or provincial team coordinator as requested.

i. Support, enforce, and adhere to the BCRA Policy Manual and Ringette Canada Policy Manual. Report any violations to the BCRA board of directors or league.

6.7 Player Selection Players trying out for League “AA” teams shall meet the following criteria:

• Shall be members in good standing with a BC member association. • Must be registered with their home association prior to the start of tryouts.

Players may play on a team in a division above their age grouping only after being cut from the team in their correct age category. The tryout format for players will be as defined by the league. The team roster must be submitted to the BCRA or provincial team coordinator on or before December 1st. A player who has been asked to return to the team after being cut once cannot be cut again. In a situation of severe disciplinary problems, illness, or injury, special consideration may be made. The provincial team coordinator shall be notified in writing and shall present the situation to the BCRA board of directors. Team staff requests to cut or add a player after January 15 shall be submitted in writing to the BCRA board of directors and co-signed by the league coordinator and head coach. The intent is that players not be cut or added after January 15. In the situation of severe disciplinary problems, illness, or injury, special consideration may be made. Coaches may pick up players, from other league “AA” Teams or from players who tried out for “AA” teams (proof of


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participation at try-out must be provided to BCRA by each league by December 1st) and were released, after the Provincial AA Championships. Coaches’ choice, and no roster deletions. The deadline for adding players is 48 hours after the completion of Provincial AA Championships, after which no changes to the team roster will be accepted unless a documented severe injury occurs prior to travel to the championships. The coach of any successful team may select from the unsuccessful team only if he/she complies with the following criteria:

• To supplement the roster to the allowed maximum. • No player from the team is released to make room for a player from another team (except as stated in #10). • The player(s) picked up must first agree to fulfill as a priority – their home association (if any) and league AA

Team commitments up to the normal end of the playing season. • The coach and/or any member of the team staff shall not, either directly or indirectly, canvas or solicit players

registered with another league or association until a minimum of 1(one) hour has elapsed after winning their division at Provincials or the Provincial AA Championship. Any member(s) of the team staff breaching this provision shall be disqualified from participating in the National Championships or the Western Canadian Championships, as the case may be.

6.8 Regulations for Players Regulations for players representing the BCRA at the Championships (these regulations also apply while traveling as a provincial team member to tournaments prior to the Championships): NOTE: In addition to the following regulations, the current BC Ringette Association “Code of Conduct” shall be in effect.

a. Players shall stay at the resident site or billeting home.

• Be permitted, in some circumstances, to leave the group to visit relatives. However, written permission from the parents shall be received prior to departure.

• Shall not enter hospitality suites designated for officials and/or coaches. • Adhere to any team rules set by the team staff.

b. Players shall travel to and from the Championships by the means of transportation designated by the BCRA.

• Shall be permitted, in some circumstances, to travel to the Championships with their parents. However, written approval from the team staff and provincial team coordinator shall be obtained prior to departure.

• Shall adhere to the dress code established by the BCRA. c. Possession or use of alcohol is prohibited for all players not of legal drinking age. The team staff has the

authority to restrict legal age players from drinking.

d. Possession of any substance prohibited by any Federal or Provincial law is prohibited.

e. Use of tobacco products is prohibited while in ringette uniform and/or in the arena where the tournament is taking place. The team staff has the authority to further restrict the use of cigarettes.

f. Support and adhere to the BCRA Policy Manual. Report any violations to a team staff member or, in the event of dispute or conflict, to the provincial team coordinator.

g. Any misconduct of the nature mentioned herein will be dealt with by the BCRA and/or Ringette Canada. Results of misconduct could be one or more of the following:


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• Disqualification from the National Championships for one year. • Further suspension by the BCRA. • Prosecution by law. • Fine, and/or • In the case of illegal drug use, suspension or banishment from ringette. Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct may be cause for disciplinary action by Ringette Canada against individual players, coaches or organizers.

6.9 Team and Player Pick-up Procedure a. U16, U19 and 18+ A representative teams: The provincial representative in the U16, U19, and 18+ A division

of the Western Canadian Ringette Championships will be the declared winner in the respective divisions of the Provincial “A” Championships, provided that BCRA has obtained a commitment, in writing, to attend the Western Canadian Championships from that team. If the provincial champions have not committed to attend, the provincial representative will be the next highest placing team that has committed to attend.

b. U16, U19 and 18+ A teams must commit to attend the WCRC by December 1st of the current playing season to be eligible to attend. Commitment to attend the WCRC will be confirmed by the head coach’s signature and a deposit to BCRA. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – WCRC Eligibility” for specific fee details. If a team commits to attend the WCRC, is asked to do so after provincials and decides not to go, then the deposit is forfeited and given to the team that does go. All other deposits will be refunded.

c. When an association in BC hosts the WCRC, the host association shall be eligible to provide a team in both U16, U19, and 18+ A divisions. Should the host team win provincials in either division they will be the provincial representative, and the next placed team, which has committed to attend, shall be the host team.

d. Should the host association not be able to provide a team in either U16, U19, or 18+ A divisions, the next placed team at provincials which has the committed to attend in the division shall be the host team.

e. U14 AA and National Representative Teams: The Provincial representatives for the U14 AA division at the Western Canadian Ringette Championship are determined by WCRC guidelines following participation at the BCRA Provincial AA Championship. U16 and U19 divisions at the Canadian Ringette Championships will be the declared as a result of winning the Provincial AA Championship in each of the divisions.

f. When Nationals are held in BC, a second team is eligible to participate at the respective event as “host teams”. The host team shall be the team from the league in which the event is taking place. Should the team from the hosting league win the Provincial Championship then they will become the provincial representative and the second place team will be the “host team”.

6.10 Adding Players to Rosters All player pick-ups must be coordinated and approved by BCRA. The order of selection priority is as follows:

• Division winner • Division host (if Westerns or Nationals are held in BC) • Next highest division winner


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• Next highest division host (if Westerns or Nationals are held in BC) Each team has 48 hours to make an offer to a player, after which the right to pick up the player goes to the next team in line. Another team may not pick up any player who has declined a previous offer to attend the Westerns or Nationals. When BC hosts an inter-provincial championship, the Provincial representative in any division may not pick-up from the host team. Any player registered on a “AA” team after the registration deadline (December 1st) is ineligible to participate at Westerns.

6.11 Team BC Equipment All Team BC participants will use BCRA uniforms and equipment (jersey, pants, equipment bag and walkout wear) only. Each team is required to purchase, through BCRA, the uniforms equipment necessary to outfit all those appearing on the team roster. Once purchased, athletes are permitted to use their same uniforms and equipment in subsequent years, provided it is in an acceptable condition (as determined by BCRA). BCRA reserves the right to limit the use of Team BC on-ice uniforms outside of the Canadian Ringette Championships and the Western Canadian Ringette Championships. BCRA is responsible for securing competitive pricing by September 1st of each year.

6.12 Fundraising, Sponsorship and Donations Players are not expected to fundraise prior to the final cuts; however, they shall be permitted to fundraise on a volunteer basis. Anyone fundraising prior to the cut and who does not make the team, shall submit these funds to the team she tried out for.

a. Coordination of all matters relating to individual and team sponsorship and/or donations will be conducted by the leagues prior to the Provincial AA Championship and by the provincial team coordinator after the Provincial AA Championship.

b. Approval of all fundraising projects will be given by the leagues prior to the Provincial AA Championship and by the provincial team coordinator after the Provincial AA Championship.

7 Canada Winter Games

7.1 Team BC BC will send a provincial AA team selected under Ringette Canada and Canada Games Council guidelines.

7.2 Head Coach The BCRA will appoint the head coach 24 months prior to the Canada Winter Games (CWG). The head coach will select his/her staff and submit their names to the BCRA for ratification. Both the BCRA and the head coach must follow the coaching requirement guidelines as established by Ringette Canada and the Canada Games Council.

7.3 Player Selection


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a. The coaching staff will select the players for the team.

b. All eligible players will be invited to tryout.

c. Number of players for the team will be determined by the Canada Games Council (2011 CWG is 16 players).

d. Alternates cannot attend the CWG at the team’s expense unless replacing a player.

e. Final cuts for the team to be made by January 31st of the year of CWG.

f. Team staff requests to cut or add a player after the final cuts shall be submitted in writing by the Team BC liaison. The intent is that players not be cut or added after the final cuts. In the situation of disciplinary problems, illness, or injury, special considerations may be made. The Team BC liaison shall present the situation to the BCRA.

7.4 Team BC Players a. Team BC players have the option to play for their home associations and/or league AA team for the entire

season.

b. Team BC participation takes precedence over all other teams.

c. It is suggested that leagues legislate necessary allowances for home teams to play with under-manned rosters, or revised rules until Team BC players return from the CWG.

d. The leagues should make an effort to schedule league games during the week, January through March, to allow the CWG players to participate with Team BC on weekends.

7.5 Budget and Finance a. Team staff must present a budget and training program outline to the BCRA for approval before any training

program or camp begins.

b. Team BC must provide update reports after every camp and/or every four months.

c. Weekend and weeklong camps to be held at the discretion of the team staff. A minimal charge for the camps may be charged.

d. Team BC will receive the CWG grant that the BCRA receives from the Provincial Government. All other monies are the responsibility of Team BC.

e. Fundraising will be conducted at the discretion of Team BC.

f. Any debt associated with Team BC will be the responsibility of the coaching staff and the team.

g. Team funds are to be held in a recognized financial institute account where withdrawal transactions require a minimum of two signatures. It is recommended that three team officers (i.e. head coach, manager, and assistant) become the signing officers of the account.

7.6 Liaison a. The BCRA will appoint a liaison between the Board and Team BC. This person may not be a parent whose

daughter is involved in the program.


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b. Liaison will attend all Team BC meetings and will report back to the Board on the team’s activities.

c. Liaison will attend, with the coaching staff, all meetings with the Team BC Chef-de-Mission.

8 World Ringette Championships Ringette Canada will select the team to represent Canada at the World Ringette Championships and the World U19 RIngette Championships. BC will follow Ringette Canada Guidelines in selecting players eligible to attend Team Canada tryout camps. Any player who wishes to be eligible to attend tryout camps must be a currently registered player with BCRA.

9 Travel Grant Program

9.1 Purpose During the Ringette season, there are two high profile events that allow teams to vie for the opportunity to represent the province of BC – the Canadian Ringette Championships and the Western Canadian Championships. This program will allow the representative teams to apply for travel assistance to cover some of the expenses incurred at these events. All Travel Grant funds are subject to availability. Travel Grant funding made available through BC Ringette’s Direct Access funding is subject to final approval by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch and subject to branch restrictions.

9.2 Eligible Teams and Criteria a. Teams eligible for funding include:

• Western Canadian Championships – U14-AA, U16-A, U19-A, 18+A • Canadian Championships - U16-AA, U19-AA • National Ringette League Championship – BC NRL Teams

b. To be eligible for the gaming portion of the travel grant, teams must be representing the province as a result of merit achieved through organized competition.

9.3 Expenses a. Eligible Expenses include:

• Major Transportation to host venues such as air travel, charter bus rental, train • Van/Car Rental expenses during the time of the event • Accommodation expense incurred while staying in the host city. These expenses must be in the form

of hotel accommodations b. Ineligible expenses include:

• Travel and Accommodation expenses for parents. • Meals • Major travel expenses for team members who use their own vehicle to travel to the event • Entry Fees to the event • On-ice and ceremonial uniform costs


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• Billeting costs of players

9.4 Application Process Upon winning the right to represent BC at either the Western Canadian Ringette Championships or Canadian Ringette Championships, the team has 5 days in which to apply, in writing, for the BCRA Travel Grant program (subject to availability). The application letter will include the following:

• Use of Proceeds (What the funding will be used for) • Date and name of event

The following must be included with the application letter:

• Proposed team budget for the event, not including travel grant Once the event is complete, the team has 7 days in which to provide copies of all receipts relating to the eligible expenses in order to receive funding.

9.5 Payment All BCRA grant disbursements are to be made payable to team accounts only, not individuals.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section F. Technical Development – Coaching

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Section F. Technical Development – Coaching

1 Coaching Goals and Structure 68

2 Team Staff Duties 68 2.1 Team Staff Definitions 68 2.2 Team Staff Composition 68 2.3 Game Play 68 2.4 Coach Qualifications 68 2.5 Player Coaches 68 2.6 Team Staff Change 69 2.7 Sanctioned Tournaments 69 2.8 Rules 69 2.9 Excessive Penalties/Suspensions 69

3 Team Staff Qualifications 69 3.1 Bench Staff Certification Requirements 69 3.2 Female on the Bench 70 3.3 Prevention in Motion 70 3.4 Manager Qualifications 70 3.5 Trainer Qualifications 70 3.6 Coaching Critical Dates 71 3.7 Coaching Recertification 71

4 Coaching Development 71 4.1 Clinic Format 72 4.2 Course Attendance and Participation 72 4.3 Trained vs. Certified 72 4.4 Learning Facilitators 72

5 Coaching Courses 73 5.1 Community Sport Initiation (CSI) 73 5.2 Competition Introduction (CI) 73 5.3 Competition Introduction, Gradations (CIg) 73

6 Evaluation and Certification 73 6.1 Certification Requirements 74 6.2 Timing of Evaluation 74 6.3 Role of the Evaluator 74

7 Coaching Descriptions and Definitions 75


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1 Coaching Goals and Structure The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) goal is the development of coaching excellence. To assist in this development, the NCCP:

• Provides coaches with a progressive, multi-leveled program; • Teaches essential information and practical coaching methods; • Establishes coaching qualifications.

Each level of the NCCP has certain requirements, namely, courses or a study program and assessment for coaching effectiveness. As coaches progress through the levels they build on their coaching proficiency. Coaches who participate in coaching courses are considered “trained”. When coaches successfully complete their evaluation for a given level, they are considered “certified” and receive a "passport to coaching" in recognition of their accomplishment. The program is a partnership of sport organizations and governments. Development of the program is primarily the responsibility of the National Sport Organization (BCRA) and the Coaching Association of Canada.

2 Team Staff Duties

2.1 Team Staff Definitions A maximum of five (5) team staff can be registered with a team and be permitted to be on the bench during games:

• Head Coach - Ultimate responsibility for players and staff. • Assistant Coach - Teacher of skills, directing a given responsibility as delegated by the head coach. • Manager - Administration, manager of human and other resources, transportation, communications and

finances. • Trainer - First aid, prevention of injury, medical resources, physical conditioning and equipment.

2.2 Team Staff Composition Each team (all divisions) must have a “Head Coach”. Other positions are optional but strongly recommended for the efficient operation and organization of a team. Head coaches must be 18 years of age or older. Teams may have more than one person assume the position of head coach or assistant coach. However, there may only be one person registered as a trainer and one as a manager.

2.3 Game Play There must be a head coach, Alternate head coach or assistant coach (with head coach qualifications) present on the bench at the beginning of all games.

2.4 Coach Qualifications All team staff must fulfill the qualifications required for the position they are registered as and cannot be a player on the team he/she is registered with as a member of the team staff (see Player Coaches). These qualifications are applicable for BCRA sanctioned tournaments, the Provincial Championships, BC Winter Games, Western Canadian Ringette Championships and the Canadian Ringette Championships.

2.5 Player Coaches BCRA will allow qualified player coaches on 30+ (Masters) and 18+ teams. The player coach must have the proper level of certification for training. This player coach will be held to the same accountability as a coach and a player of the given team. If a team has a coach who is not a player, then they must follow the coaching grid for certification


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guidelines.

2.6 Team Staff Change Local associations may change team staff lists if required, providing they are received in writing at the BCRA office on or before February 15. The new team staff member or members must meet all qualification requirements prior January 1st.

2.7 Sanctioned Tournaments For sanctioned tournaments, alternate team staff is permitted provided the team registration adjustment form is submitted to the host committee with the entry form or a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the event. If, during the course of the event an alternate team staff member is required, BCRA must approve the request. Alternate team staff must satisfy the team staff qualification requirements for that level (if applicable) and be registered with BCRA at the position he/she is assuming. Note: Alternate team staff for events with minimum team staff qualification requirements will only be permitted provided the team staff member he/she is replacing meets the qualification requirements as well.

2.8 Rules It is highly recommended that all team staff attend a rules clinic in the rule change year.

2.9 Excessive Penalties/Suspensions a. Any head coach whose team accumulates a minimum of thirty (30) minutes in servable penalty time in a given

game shall be suspended from their next regularly scheduled game.

b. There are strict suspensions enforced during BCRA sanctioned play.

c. Any coach who is suspended by the BCRA is prohibited from participating in any on-ice activities. Any team staff member who removes his/her team from the playing area during a game and does not return within the guidelines of the current rule book shall forfeit the game and be suspended immediately, and shall remain so until the league or BCRA makes a ruling.

d. Should a team use illegal team staff during any game, they will default the game.

3 Team Staff Qualifications

3.1 Bench Staff Certification Requirements a. BCRA’s coaching certification guidelines follow current Ringette Canada/NCCP standards and are subject to

change. Current coaching certification guidelines are maintained on BC Ringette’s website under “Coaching”. With the change to the new CBET model, BCRA will be monitoring all bench staff. Coaches are considered ‘in progress’ if registered for an appropriate clinic, and thus can attend tournaments prior to their clinic.

b. All coaching staff must be 14 years of age and older (Note: Registered players 15 years of age and younger and therefore not old enough to take a coaching course (per BCRA and Ringette Canada policy), are permitted to participate with a team as a "coach in training", they are not considered bench staff).

UNDER REVIEW – Please see BCRA Policy Advisory 2012-2013-2 for in-province revisions affecting “A” Level coaches.


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3.2 Female on the Bench a. U9 to U19 - Must have one female head or assistant coach, she must be 18 years of age or older if she is the

Head Coach or is the only female on the bench. Please take note that having a female manager on the bench and no female coach is NOT sufficient.

b. 18+ - Does not require a female on the bench.

c. BC Winter Games and Western Canadian Championships (U14 Division) - Both require 1 coach to be female and for the U14 AA, she must be on bench for AA Provincial Championships.

d. Canadian Ringette Championships - The U19 and U16 representatives must have a fully certified female coach, as per Ringette Canada policy.

3.3 Prevention in Motion All bench staff from U9 to U19 level (18+ & 30+ (Masters) coaches excluded), are required to be certified in BCRA’s Prevention in Motion (formerly More Than Just a Game) program or any of the equivalent certification programs listed below, which are offered by other organizations:

A. “Prevention in Motion” – All Canadian Red Cross certifications from other organizations (not limited to sports organizations.

B. “Speak Out” – Hockey Canada certification program.

C. “Respect in Sport” – Certification program.

(Note: Acceptance of equivalent certification status is based on BCRA receiving proof of completion and certification for a program in 2005 or later.)

BCRA will provide clinic locations and dates in consultation with Leagues and Associations for its Prevention in Motion” program. Bench staff may also take this course through other sources (as noted above). In addition to bench staff, BCRA and the Canadian Red Cross strongly recommend that all executive board members, officials and parents participate in this training program.

3.4 Manager Qualifications Ringette Canada Manager Certification Program (all divisions and levels). This program is intended to prepare an individual for a managerial or an administrative position on any ringette team. Each person successfully completing the manager’s certification program will be accredited as a Certified Manager by Ringette. These individuals will be registered with their provincial/territorial association and with Ringette Canada as certified managers.

3.5 Trainer Qualifications The trainer must be 18 years of age or older and have valid 1st Aid Certification. For all teams it is highly recommended that at least one bench staff member is qualified in First Aid or in a Sport Specific Injury Course. First Aid Certification must be from a recognized Canadian institution such as the Red Cross or St. John’s Ambulance. Certification must be current (i.e. not expired) and in good standing. Minimal certification is recognized, such as emergency first aid, standard first aid, or CPR. Valid First Aid is current certification in many of the following:

• Medical Doctors/Student • Fireman • Registered Nurse

UNDER REVIEW – Please see BCRA Policy Advisory 2012-2013-2 for in-province revisions affecting Female on the Bench requirements


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• Ambulance Training • Athletic Therapy

Equivalency for any first aid course, seven (7) hours or more in duration, which includes the following content:

• Principal of First Aid and Safety • Artificial Respiration • Wounds and Bleeding • Shock, Unconsciousness and Fainting • Fractures • Head and Spinal Injuries • Joint Injuries • Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Asthma, etc.)

3.6 Coaching Critical Dates a. All leagues will provide verification to BCRA by the deadline that all bench staff for teams are appropriately

certified. If any of the proposed bench staff are not fully certified by that date, the report from the league must include a description of the steps that are to be taken to ensure that all bench staff will be certified by the deadline. It is the responsibility of the unqualified bench staff member to provide proof of qualifications to BCRA by the following deadline. Failure to do so will result in removal from the staff list.

b. Deadline to have completed qualifications is as follows:

January 1 – All coaches must be certified. (Note) All Head Coaches must be fully certified to be selected to coach a high performance team.

3.7 Coaching Recertification a. Ringette Canada is in transition between the old National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and the

new competency based education training (CBET) programs. The new NCCP courses apply to people with no previous certification or incomplete old certification. The old NCCP refers to the phased out levels program (levels 1, 2, & 3 – theory, practical & technical components).

b. Coaches' Training and Certification will be for 5 years. It is the intent of the CAC that all coaches will continue Professional Coaches Training as a lifelong pursuit. The re-qualification process primarily will mean that coaches will take coach-training modules to maintain certification every 5 years.

4 Coaching Development BC Ringette will endeavor to provide every player with qualified coaches and team staff through our Coaching Development Program. Coaching resources, workshops and clinics are offered through the BC Ringette Association (BCRA) in association with Ringette Canada, the Coaches Association of British Columbia and the Coaching Association of Canada. Programming offers instructional clinics to be used at all levels on a country-wide basis. Ringette coaches trained or certified in ringette-specific courses of the NCCP are recognized by Ringette Canada. Certification records are monitored by BC Ringette, Ringette Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada. Levels are not progressive so a coach does not have to work through each course to get to the highest level. The


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only part that is progressive is the Competition Introduction to the Competition Introduction Gradations (a coach must take the CI prior to taking the CIg). There is a difference between being trained for these levels and being certified (see definitions).

4.1 Clinic Format There is to be a minimum of one CSI and one CI clinic provided at the beginning of each season for every League. No clinics will be held after January 15 of the current playing season. All clinics are administered by the Leagues. BCRA will assist the leagues in attaining the resources and instructors, and will pay for costs of ice, room and AV rental. BCRA reimbursement and payment levels associated with coaching clinics are listed in the Policy Manual Appendices. It is recommended that local associations fund (cost of registration, etc.) their coaches to attend clinics. BCRA will pay travel and accommodations expenses along with registration fees for selected Canada Winter Games coaches to attend clinics, if required.

4.2 Course Attendance and Participation All participants must attend the entire course. Failure to attend any portion of the course will result in incomplete training and the coach will not be considered “trained”. It is detrimental to the learning of the participant, their peers and to the learning facilitator to have participants absent for a portion of a course. For this reason BCRA has a 100% attendance policy for all coaching courses.

4.3 Trained vs. Certified a. A coach is considered trained once a course has been completed (see Course Attendance and Participation)

e.g. a coach that has completed the CI course is considered Trained in CI but not certified. To become trained a coach takes courses: CSI for B, C or house league coaches, and CI and CIg for A and AA coaches.

b. Once a coach has completed the evaluation process and received a successful evaluation of his/her coaching abilities, they are considered certified (see Evaluation and Certification). This occurs after a coach has been trained at a coaching clinic. To become certified the coach completes one evaluation for CI and CIg, and must be evaluated and show competency for CI and CIg at the same time. See Ethics Module for Ethics Certification.

4.4 Learning Facilitators a. The role of the Learning Facilitator (LF) is to facilitate the coaching course for coaching participants. LF’s

become trained by attending a minimum 20-hour training course offered by BCRA in conjunction with Ringette Canada. LF’s are persons who are coaches in good standing who have shown proficiency in the following areas:

• Full Level 2 certified (old NCCP) • CI and CIg certified (new NCCP) • Sport science background • Teaching and facilitation background

b. LF’s must facilitate a minimum of one course per year to maintain their trained status. LF’s do not necessarily teach all courses, as LF’s facilitate only those courses in which they have shown proficiency. Upon completion of the LF training course, LF’s are required to shadow teach two courses under the supervision of a Master Learning Facilitator (MLF) or an experienced LF.


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5 Coaching Courses

5.1 Community Sport Initiation (CSI) This course is intended for coaches of community and recreational youth teams, mostly the “C” and “B” caliber teams. It deals with needs of sport participants, ethical coaching, equipment and rules of ringette, planning and safety, tasks of the coach, and competition organization. This course is 11 hours and usually taught on a Friday night and Saturday. This course includes 2 hours of on-ice training.

5.2 Competition Introduction (CI) Intended for coaches of competitive youth teams, mostly “A” and “AA” caliber teams. It deals with intro to coaching, ethics, planning a practice, strategies and tactics, and ringette skills. This course is 16 hours and usually taught on a Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Includes 2 hours of on-ice training. Competition Introduction (CI) – Certification: A one-on-one evaluation between a coach and an LF. After successful completion of the CI course, the candidate prepares a detailed practice plan and emergency action plan (EAP). These documents are submitted to the LF for review, and upon acceptance the LF will arrange to evaluate an on-ice practice session of the coach. Preparation and delivery will take 8-10 hours on the part of the coach, and the evaluator will spend 4-6 hours performing the evaluation process. Please note that any cost due to travel and accommodations of the LF will be the responsibility of the league.

5.3 Competition Introduction, Gradations (CIg) This course supplements the CI course. It deals with planning a season (yearly training plan), advanced strategies and tactics, and advanced Ringette skills. This course is 13.5 hours and usually taught on a Friday night and Saturday, but can be taught on 4 weekday evenings. Includes 2 hours of on-ice training. Gradations Equivalency: In place of taking the CIg course, participants may use the Competition Introduction Multi-Sport Part B if taken prior to May 2006. Competition Introduction, Gradations (CIg) – Certification: A one-on-one evaluation between a coach and an LF. After successful completion of the CIg course, the candidate prepares a structured seasonal training plan (yearly training plan). This is submitted to the LF for evaluation. Preparation and delivery will take 8-10 hours on the part of the coach, and the evaluator will spend 4-6 hours performing the evaluation process. Please note that any cost due to travel and accommodations of the LF will be the responsibility of the league.

6 Evaluation and Certification © Coaching Association of Canada 2004, Ringette Canada Coach Evaluation Package. This section describes the evaluation and certification requirements for the Competition Introduction context and the Competition – Introduction: Gradation context in Ringette. It has been developed based on the NCCP Competency Matrix as prepared by the Coaching Association of Canada. To become a certified coach, the candidate must prove that he/she is capable of performing certain coaching tasks that have been identified as important for the specific context. Candidates, who have completed the Ringette Canada CI or CIg workshop, have received training that supports the evaluation process. It is the responsibility of the candidate to schedule evaluation when he/she feels ready. All participants in each workshop will receive a copy of the Evaluation Package that outlines the evaluation criteria specifically. There are several steps in the evaluation and certification process. Each step is linked directly to a coaching outcome, or description of a task that the coach must be able to perform. Each outcome includes several evaluation criteria, and these must be fulfilled to a minimum standard to meet certification requirements. Candidate performance will be evaluated on-ice (CI only) and off-ice by accredited Ringette Canada evaluators. All outcomes must be successfully completed before certification is granted.


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6.1 Certification Requirements To achieve certification a candidate must meet the minimum standards for each outcome as determined by the evaluator. If a candidate does not adequately meet the minimum standards of a particular outcome, he or she must undergo another evaluation for that outcome. All reevaluations are up to the discretion of the evaluator. There should be a minimum of one week between the initial evaluation and a re-evaluation. When the candidate has met all the minimum standards and is accredited with all four outcomes, he/she will be certified. Evaluation is made according to the NCCP Minimum Standard, as accepted by the National Coaching Certification Council in November 2004. The evaluator’s comments will be recorded on a summary sheet. The evaluator’s comments should indicate where weaknesses occur (i.e. not meeting the pass standard) and provide constructive suggestions for improving the plan. The evaluator should also provide contact information in case the candidate needs a resource person for assistance.

6.2 Timing of Evaluation The candidate and the evaluator will work together to determine when each component will be evaluated. Evaluation is not to take place during a workshop. Candidates may complete the requirements of all evaluation components on the same day, or may wait a week or more between evaluation components.

a. It is recommended that CI candidates allow approximately four (4) weeks between completion of the workshop and evaluation (exception is Making Ethical Decisions module). During this time, it is expected that the candidate will be actively coaching a team. Evaluation of CI Making Ethical Decisions will be done online, using a Multisport format, and may be done at any time following completion of the workshop.

b. It is recommended that CIg candidates submit their assignment for evaluation before the beginning of a new season (i.e. between June and September). The plan submitted should reflect the coach’s actual coaching situation.

c. CI practice plan evaluations will be completed by the evaluator within 14 days of the coach submission to BCRA or League.

d. CI on-ice evaluations and associated evaluation documentation will be completed by the evaluator within 30 days of the coach submission to BCRA or League.

e. Cig evaluations will be completed by the evaluator within 30 days of the coach submission to the BCRA or League.

6.3 Role of the Evaluator During an evaluation, the evaluator’s job is to ASSESS, not TEACH. However, the evaluation process has been designed to be a positive learning experience, and some feedback is required. The evaluation tools are designed to allow for the provision of objective feedback. Each tool has room for the evaluator to record subjective comments. The evaluator may use this opportunity to provide praise on tasks particularly well done, thus reinforcing positive coaching behaviors. He/she may also use the opportunity to explain why he/she did not believe that some coaching behaviors were adequately demonstrated. In the case of the latter, the evaluator’s comments are to be constructive and provide the candidate with a clear direction for improvement (i.e. more practice, talking to more experienced coaches, reviewing the course materials, etc.). It is essential that every candidate walk away from the process feeling that they have learned something regardless of the outcome.


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7 Coaching Descriptions and Definitions • BCRA: British Columbia Ringette Association (www.bcringette.org).

• CABC: The Coaches Association of British Columbia (www.coaches.bc.ca). • CAC: The Coaching Association of Canada (www.coach.ca). • CBET: Competency Based Education and Training. This is a new methodology used to design the new

NCCP. CBET is not a course or a replacement for the NCCP (i.e. we did not get rid of the NCCP and adopt CBET).

• CC#: Refers to a coach certification number, assigned by the NCCP upon completion of a course. • Certified: Once a coach has completed the evaluation process and received a successful evaluation of

his/her coaching abilities, they are considered certified. This occurs after a coach has been trained at a coaching clinic. To become certified the coach completes one evaluation for CI and CIg, and must be evaluated and show competency for CI and CIg at the same time. See Ethics Module for Ethics Certification

• CI: Competition Introduction sometimes referred to as IC. Offered by BCRA • CIg: Competition Introduction Gradations sometimes referred to as ICg. Offered by BCRA. • CSI: Community Sport Initiation. Offered by BCRA • Competition Introduction Multi Sport– Part A: Offered by local colleges and not recognized by Ringette

Canada. • Competition Introduction Multi Sport– Part B: Offered by local colleges and not recognized by Ringette

Canada. • Ethics Module: A component of CI and Competition Introduction Multi Sport– Part A course. This module can

be delivered separately so Competition Introduction Multi Sport– Part B participants receive ethic training. To become Ethics Certified a coach must practice then complete evaluation and pass with 75% or more on the computerized Ethics Evaluation online at www.coach.ca. The Ethics application will only allow you two attempts to successfully complete the evaluation. If both attempts are unsuccessful, you will be required to participate in a Make Ethical Decisions module in order to access the online evaluation for another two attempts.

• Gradations Equivalency: In place of taking the ICg course, participants may use the Competition Introduction Multi-Sport Part B if taken prior to May 2006.

• Level 1 - Theory, Technical, and Practical: The old NCCP that is no longer offered. • Level 2 - Theory, Technical, and Practical: The old NCCP that is no longer offered. • LF: Learning Facilitator. A LF was previously called a Course Conductor (CC’s). LF’s have been trained in

the new NCCP, and their purpose is to facilitate the learning of coaches during courses. • MLF: Master Learning Facilitator. As certified by Ringette Canada and the NCCP, is able to train and

evaluate LF’s, and to certify coaches in the CI and CIg courses • NCCP: National Coaching Certification Program. The NCCP is a program, not an organization. • Trained: A course has been completed (see attendance and participation below) e.g. a coach that has

completed the CI course is considered Trained in CI but not certified. To become trained a coach takes courses: CSI for B, C or House League coaches, and CI and CIg for A and AA Coaches.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section H. Technical Development – Athletes and Sport

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Section G. Technical Development – Officiating

1 Registration and Certification of Officials 77 1.1 Process 77 1.2 Official’s Association 77 1.3 Communications 78 1.4 Game Play 78 1.5 Sanctioned Events 78 1.6 Discipline 78

2 Certification Ranks 78 2.1 Categories of Certification Within Levels 79

3 Levels of Certification 79 3.1 Level 1 Officials 79 3.2 Level 2 Officials 80 3.3 Level 3 Officials 80 3.4 Level 4 Officials 80 3.5 Level Requirements 80

4 Maintenance of Officiating Certification Ranks 81 4.1 Rank 4A through 1B Officials 81 4.2 Level 5 Officials 81

5 Officiating Clinics 82 5.1 Officiating Clinics 82 5.2 Level 1 Clinics 82 5.3 Level 2/3 Officiating Refresher 82 5.4 Player’s Clinic 82 5.5 Clinic Instructors 82 5.6 Certification and Evaluation 83 5.7 Travel reimbursement Policy 83


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1 Registration and Certification of Officials Officials at all Levels and from every member of Ringette Canada shall be eligible for the benefits of the National Officials Certification Program (N.O.C.P.).

1.1 Process The registration and certification of officials shall be conducted as follows:

a. All officials must be a member of the BC Ringette officials association.

b. All officials must be registered with BC Ringette by November 30 of the playing season.

c. Certification programs, clinics and all related materials shall be developed and maintained by Ringette Canada.

d. These certification programs, clinics and materials shall be made available to each provincial/territorial association and their director/chair of officials.

e. The Provincial/Territorial directors/chairs of officials shall be responsible for implementing the certification program in their province/territory under the specific guidelines as prescribed by Ringette Canada.

f. N.O.C.P. guidelines, as outlined by Ringette Canada, shall be adhered to by all provincial/territorial associations. Minimum requirements are as follows:

• Implementation of the N.O.C.P. (i.e., structure, clinics, evaluations, administrative guidelines) as outlined in the program guidelines; and

• Annual registration of officials. • Eligibility of the member to utilize the services of the N.O.C.P. (e.g. officials at national’s use of

resources) shall be determined through satisfactory fulfillment of program requirements as determined by Ringette Canada.

1.2 Official’s Association a. The officials association will be run by the BCRA officiating committee consisting of the chair and 6 regional

representatives (2 LMRL representatives, 1 TORL representative, 1 Northern league representative, 1 Island representative, and 1 Kootenay representative).

b. The representatives of the association will be responsible for evaluating referees in their own area, (with assistance from evaluators that are already trained), ensuring all officials are aware of any new rule interpretations, and reporting on the progress of officials in their area to the chair of the officiating committee.

c. It is recommended that the Referee-in-Chief of each association be a working referee. Local Referee-in-Chief’s responsibilities:

• To maintain continuous training of officials including on-ice evaluation with the aid of the Provincial Director of Officials or a Provincial Instructor.

• To represent the association at all officials’ meetings. • To set an example


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• To retain travel program as much as possible, scheduling maintained through Referee-in-Chief at U16, U19 and 18+ levels in league.

1.3 Communications a. Meetings may be held to discuss game situations and rule interpretations. These will be held at the discretion

of the officials association.

1.4 Game Play a. Referees will not have numbers on their jerseys.

b. It is recommended that every effort be made to avoid having a referee officiate a game at the same level in which he/she plays.

1.5 Sanctioned Events a. Only those officials who belong to the BCRA officials association or are registered with Ringette Canada may

be used in games and tournaments that are sanctioned by BC Ringette.

b. Associations hosting Invitational tournaments are to appoint referees and minor officials (timekeeper, scorekeeper) with BCRA approval.

c. For provincial championships and sanctioned tournaments, the pay scale for officials is a minimum and may be adjusted upwards to reflect local referee payment scales. Please see “Appendix: Rates and Honorariums – Officiating Sanctioned Events” for specific fee details.

d. No coach may referee in a regional, provincial, or inter-provincial tournament game in the same division he/she is coaching. Special consideration may be allowed only by approval by the BCRA Director of Officials.

1.6 Discipline a. Any official who removes himself/herself from the ice during a game (except in the case of illness, injury, or

emergency) shall be suspended immediately from officiating any games until appearance of said official before the grievance committee (see protest section).

b. The Chair of the Officiating Committee has the right to remove any official from a game if he/she deems so necessary during league, inter-league, regional, provincial, and inter-provincial play.

c. The Chair of the Officiating Committee, with a committee of three officials picked at random, may reprimand any official or minor official if necessity arises, from provincial, inter-provincial, regional, league, or inter-league play.

2 Certification Ranks The N.O.C.P. certifies officials through its provincial/territorial members at five (5) levels. Within each level (excluding level 5) an official is classified by category according to the highest age division of play at which she/he is deemed competent. A summary of the structure of NOCP certification ranks (level and category) appears below.


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Level Category* (clinics/ranks) Administration Caliber of Play

1 N Province/ Territory N/A

1 A, B, C Province/ Territory “C”

2 A, B, C Province/ Territory “B”

3 A, B, C Province/ Territory “A”

4 A, B, C Province/ Territory “AA” (Provincial)

5** A & B Ringette Canada “AA”

6 pending I.R.F. “AAA” (International)

Note: * Categories N=not certified for on-ice assignments ** National competition currently limited to U16 and above.

2.1 Categories of Certification Within Levels Each category must be prefaced by one of the "level of play" indicators (level 1, 2, 3 or 4). This rank identifies both the caliber and age division of play at which the official is deemed competent.

• C - Officiate games in the U12 and younger age groups. • B - Officiate games in the U16 and younger age groups. • A - Officiate games in all age groups.

3 Levels of Certification

3.1 Level 1 Officials a. Officiate within their local association, are assigned games, are evaluated and certified within the local

association by their Referee-in-Chief.

b. Ringette Canada offers a Level 1 Officiating Certification Clinic, which presents the officiating philosophy, rules, and basic officiating techniques. Participants are required to pass (i.e. achieve 50%) a written quiz as well as pass a skating skills assessment in order to be fully credited with this clinic. New officials begin at Level 1, must be evaluated on the ice, and must attend clinics to be upgraded to higher levels. A Level 1 official must attend a level 1 clinic or, at the discretion of the Referee-in-Chief, a refresher clinic if the official has officiated for three consecutive seasons, every rule change year. The most extensive explanation of rules and violations occurs in the level 1 and refresher clinics.

c. Should an official not attend the appropriate clinic every rule change year, she/he may not have an up-to-date, working knowledge of recent rule changes. To ensure this does not happen, attendance at a clinic each rule change year is mandatory for officials at all levels. Officials are also required to pass a written test at each clinic.


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d. It is the provincial/territorial association's responsibility to ensure that their officials attend clinics as required. The individual official shares the responsibility to ensure attendance at required certification clinics.

3.2 Level 2 Officials May officiate inter-association competition, regional play downs and similar events at a "B" level of play. A Level 2 official must have received two evaluations recommending upgrade by Provincial/Territorial officiating supervisors or evaluators. Attendance at a level 2/3 officiating certification clinic and passing performance (60%) on the required test is also necessary before being upgraded. Attendance at a refresher clinic is required once every rule change year to reinforce the officiating philosophy, basic techniques, and to review any new rules or clarifications.

3.3 Level 3 Officials Officiate/referee in competitions and events similar to those worked by level 2 officials but generally at a higher ("A") level of play. Full (i.e. technical and practical) certification at level 2 is a prerequisite for attainment of level 3. Upgrade from level 2 to 3 requires a minimum of three evaluations by Provincial/Territorial officiating supervisors or evaluators recommending same.

3.4 Level 4 Officials Officiate/referee in the provincial/territorial championships and the provincial/territorial preliminaries or the equivalent. Only 4A, 4B and level 5 officials are eligible to officiate at the Canadian Ringette Championships. The official must receive four evaluations, including a tournament final game (or game of equivalent difficulty), from at least two different officiating evaluators to be upgraded from level 3 to level 4. Attendance at the level 4 officiating certification clinic and passing performance (70%) on the required test is mandatory prior to upgrade. This clinic covers the rules in more detail and concentrates on officiating techniques and the psychology of officiating. Attendance at the refresher clinic is required once every rule change year to reinforce the officiating philosophy and basic techniques and to review any new rules or clarifications.

3.5 Level Requirements This table outlines the NOCP in terms of level attainment, renewal/maintenance and downgrade for levels 1 – 5.

Level Attainment Maintenance/Upgrade Downgrade

1 Attend level 1 Pass written & skating test

Attend Level 1 or Refresher at the recommendation of the Referee-In-Chief if the official has officiated 3 consecutive seasons, each rule change season

One evaluation/ year by Community Referee-In-Chief (CRIC) to maintain or upgrade within Level (egg. 1C to 1B)

2 Level 1’s only Attend Level 2/3 Pass written test Min. 2 evaluations from 2 different

evaluators to 2C or higher Approval by BCRA

Attend refresher course each rule change season.

One evaluation/ year by 1 evaluator recommending maintenance, or 2 evaluations to upgrade within the Level e.g. (2B to 2A)

3 evaluations by 2 different evaluators recommending drop in Rank or failure to provide maintenance evaluation as required

Confirmation by BCRA


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3 Level 2’s only Min. 4 evaluations from 2 different

evaluators to 3C or higher Approval by BCRA

Attend refresher course each rule change season

One evaluation/ year by evaluator recommending maintenance, or 3 evaluations to upgrade within the Level (e.g. 3B to 3A)

3 evaluations by 2 different evaluators recommending drop in Rank or failure to provide maintenance evaluation as required

Confirmation by BCRA

4 Level 3’s only Attend level 4 Pass written test Min. 4 evaluations from 2 different

evaluators to 4C or higher Approval BCRA

Attend refresher course each rule change season

One evaluation/ year by BCRA recommending maintenance of 4A/4B

One evaluation (a minimum of) every three years by Ringette Canada Officiating chair (or designate) recommending maintenance or upgrade

Failure to provide 4A/4B maintenance evaluation as required, or min. 3 evaluations by Ringette Canada Officiating Chair (or designate) recommending drop in Rank

Behavior not becoming an official Confirmation by Ringette Canada

Officiating Committee

Notes: a. Within each of Levels 1-4, categories (A, B, and C) denote the highest age division (at that level) at which the

official is deemed competent. At present, level 5 consists of ranks 5A and 5B (with National competition limited to U16 and above).

b. Officials who fail to attend the required refresher clinic become ineligible to officiate sanctioned play for the duration of that playing season.

4 Maintenance of Officiating Certification Ranks

4.1 Rank 4A through 1B Officials a. Officials will be given until December 15 of each year to acquire appropriate maintenance evaluations for their

current rank. Should an official not provide a maintenance evaluation by that date, his/her certification rank will be downgraded one full level at the same category (e.g. 4A to 3A, 4B to 3B, etc.). 1A/B officials not providing a maintenance evaluation will be downgraded to 1C. Officials will continue to lose one level per year (to a minimum rank of 1C) that maintenance evaluations are not provided. Extenuating circumstances for not providing said evaluation will be considered providing same are outlined in writing to the respective provincial officiating director/chair.

b. An official may be reinstated at the Level above by providing the same number of evaluations required to originally attain that level (e.g. a 3A official who is downgraded to 2A as a result of failure to provide a maintenance evaluation at level 3 may be reinstated at 3A by obtaining three (3) 3A evaluations).

4.2 Level 5 Officials a. Maintenance of 4A/B is necessary for maintaining level 5 status. Should a level 5 official not provide an

appropriate level 4 maintenance evaluation, that official will lose his/her level 5 status and will be subject to downgrade as outlined (above) for rank 4A through 1B officials. A copy of level 4 maintenance evaluations (for level 5 officials) is to be forwarded to the Ringette Canada office by the province.


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b. Level 5 evaluations (by the Ringette Canada Officiating Chair or designate) may be completed at Nationals or Canada Winter Games (CWG). Ideally, level 5 officials should be evaluated at level 5 once per year. Minimally, level 5 evaluations must be provided to Ringette Canada by level 5 officials once every three (3) years. Level 5 officials not working Nationals or CWG for two consecutive years will be put on notice at the end of the second year that a level 5 evaluation must be provided within the next year or they will lose their level 5 status. All level 5 officials, regardless of year of attainment of level 5, fall under these requirements.

5 Officiating Clinics

5.1 Officiating Clinics Level 1, 2 and 3 officials may upgrade in non-rule change SEASONS by satisfying the clinic and evaluation requirements of the desired level. **Skating skills testing waived for level 1 officials. ***At the recommendation of the BCRA director of officials if the official has officiated 3 consecutive seasons.

BCRA reimbursement and payment levels associated with officiating clinics are listed in the BCRA Policy Manual Appendices.

5.2 Level 1 Clinics a. Should be funded by local associations (books, gauges, etc.) then if the official wishes to upgrade to Level 2

and Level 3, they do so at their own expense.

b. There is to be a level 1 clinic provided at the beginning of every season for every league and a follow-up in January, if necessary.

c. To be administered by the leagues, and to be completed in the province by late November with no clinics being held after December 31 of the current playing season.

5.3 Level 2/3 Officiating Refresher a. Level 2/3 Officiating Refresher Clinics to be held as required.

b. To be administered by the leagues and BCRA, and to be completed in the province by February 15.

5.4 Player’s Clinic a. Conducted upon request by Referee-in-Chief.

5.5 Clinic Instructors a. Each Provincial/Territorial director/chair of officials or designate must have completed the relevant Ringette

Canada instructors' clinic in order to instruct certification clinics at the various Levels.

b. Each clinic instructor must have completed the relevant Ringette Canada instructors' clinic in order to instruct certification clinics at the various Levels.


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5.6 Certification and Evaluation a. When an official completes a specified level of certification, a registration and/or evaluation form will be

completed and submitted to the Provincial/Territorial director/chair of officials. If it results in a new 4A or B rank, the Provincial/Territorial director/chair of officials must forward that information to Ringette Canada prior to December 15th to ensure consideration of that official for the Canadian Ringette Championships.

b. For all activities concerning officials in the N.O.C.P. directory of officials (such as upgrading, downgrading or removal), the Provincial/Territorial director/chair of officials shall submit these changes in writing to Ringette Canada Directory Maintenance Form (Form 0-09). This does not apply to new registrants or clinic participants who are recorded in the directory of officials upon submission of the clinic register forms.

c. Provincial/Territorial directors/chairs of officials shall certify officials up to and including the rank of 4A.

d. Level 5 ratings shall come under the sole jurisdiction of the Ringette Canada officiating committee.

e. Fees for certification and registration shall be determined annually by the Ringette Canada officiating committee and will be approved by the Ringette Canada board of directors.

f. Any evaluations done, outside of sanctioned tournaments, shall be paid for by the official's home association, provided that the association is aware of the evaluation prior to it taking place.

g. The cost of evaluating an official shall be equivalent to that of refereeing the observed game.

h. Any BC official participating in out of province tournaments shall inform the BCRA office, in writing, no less than 2 (two) weeks prior to the event providing the following information:

• Destination • Departure date and return to BC date

5.7 Travel reimbursement Policy

1) Any official applying for travel re-imbursement or grants must adhere to the following. All applications must

be received in advance by BCRA. (a) In a written application indicate where and when the travel will take place, noting the amount of

money that is being requested for re-imbursement or grant. (b) State that you are aware that no money is granted unless funds are available for that purpose at

the conclusion of the playing season. (c) No grant or re-imbursement will be considered without the accompanying receipts.

2) The general guidelines that will be used to determine reimbursement are:

(a) The amount, if any, of funds available. (b) The level of official (c) Amount of previous travel re-imbursements/grants already made.


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(d) Inter-provincial travel will be prioritized over out-of-province travel, unless an official requires an out-of-province evaluation to advance a level not available in BC.

3) Funding decisions by BCRA are final and not open to appeal.

Eligibility for Consideration

Any Official who wishes to officiate at one or any of the major ringette tournaments (including provincial and national championships) that BCRA designates officials for will be selected using the following guidelines.

1) Appropriate level to officiate for the games being held. 2) Demonstrated officiating support to local the association and/or league by number and type of games

officiated, and previous support to local/BCRA sanctioned tournaments. 3) Demonstrated efforts to advance in ranking by training and mentoring. 4) Recent evaluations at the level needed for the various events that the official will be considered for.

In late December BCRA send out a request of interest to the league/association Referee-in-Chiefs with the tournaments listed and the level of Officials required.

• Any Official that meets the general requirements will be able to apply for consideration to officiate at any of those tournaments.

• Selection will take place based on the above guidelines and officials should not apply if travel/work absence issues would preclude them from fully taking part in the event.

• Efforts will be made to include officials from the various Leagues throughout the province, but that will only be considered if the guidelines are met as indicated. Regional selection will however be considered depending on the event.


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Section H. Technical Development – Athletes and Sport

1 High Performance Development 86

2 Athlete Development Clinics 86 2.1 Purpose 86 2.2 Clinic Types 86 2.3 Instructors 87

3 30+ (Masters) Development 88 3.1 Program Mandate 88 3.2 Purpose 88 3.3 Goals and Objectives 88 3.4 Levels of Play 88 3.5 Membership 88 3.6 Age Divisions 88 3.7 Outreach and Assistance 89 3.8 Coaches Clinics/Officiating Clinics 89 3.9 Resource Material 89 3.10 Tournament Sanctioning Guidelines 89 3.11 Bench Staff Requirements 89 3.12 Bench Staff Suspensions 89 3.13 Substitutes 90 3.14 Tiering 90

4 Safety 91 4.1 Equipment 91 4.2 Safety (Return to play after injury) 91 4.3 Alcohol and Drug Consumption 91

5 Anti-Doping Policy 91 5.1 Position Statement 91 5.2 Prevention 92 5.3 Doping Penalties 92 5.4 Appeals 92

6 University Programs 93 6.1 Eligibility 93 6.2 Coaching 93 6.3 Game Play 93 6.4 Vision 93

1


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High Performance Development The BC Ringette Association strives to provide avenues in which the athlete can participate in this sport at their highest ability possible. With this in mind, ringette has been incorporated into the BC Winter Games, National Championships, Canada Winter Games and World Championships. Please see Section E – Competitions and Events.

2 Athlete Development Clinics

2.1 Purpose To provide British Columbian ringette athletes of all ages and skill abilities the opportunity to improve their physical skills and mental knowledge of the game, year round, while encouraging fun, fitness and friendship. BCRA Athlete Development clinics are designed for ringette associations in BC who wish to provide development clinics for their athletes, at any point in the year. BCRA reimbursement and payment levels associated with Athlete Development clinics are listed in the Policy Manual Appendices.

2.2 Clinic Types a. General Athlete Development Clinic

• General Athlete Development clinics can take place at any age, and at any ability level. The clinic consists of one or more on-ice sessions, and instructors will teach general skating, fitness, ringette techniques and, positional skills. Goaltenders may attend, but may not receive position specific advice.

• A minimum of 20 athletes per ice time must be registered 1 week prior for the clinic to take place. • There is a maximum of 30 players per ice time. • The clinic may have more than one age group to ensure the athletes are being instructed with other

players of similar age and playing ability. No group shall have an age span greater than 5 years. • All athletes must wear the mandatory equipment as per “Official Rules” of Ringette Canada. • There is a maximum player to instructor ratio of 10:1. • General ringette skill instruction will take place. Sport specific skills will be combined with skating,

fitness, and specific positioning instruction. Instruction will be based on the developmental age of the athlete. Individualized instruction will take place whenever possible.

• Goaltenders may attend, but may not receive position specific instruction. Please request a goaltending clinic or instructor to accompany this clinic if desired.

b. High Performance Athlete Development Clinic

• High Performance Athlete Development Clinics are designed for athletes who wish to develop their skills to play or continue to play competitive ringette. Clinics can involve both on and office fitness, training and skill development, and athletes are introduced to sport nutrition, mental training and sport science. These clinics are recommended for ‘A’ or ‘AA’ players, or players who wish to compete at that level.

• A minimum of 15 athletes per ice time must be registered 1 week prior for the clinic to take place.


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• There is a maximum of 30 players per ice time. • There is a maximum player to instructor ratio of 10:1. • Goaltenders may attend, but may not receive position specific instruction. Please request a

goaltending clinic or instructor to accompany this clinic if desired. • All athletes must wear the mandatory equipment as per “Official Rules” of Ringette Canada. • On-ice components: • Advanced power skating will focus on improving athletes’ technique and fitness level. • Advanced ring skill drills will be integrated. • Drills will have progressive complexity with an emphasis on game tactics and strategy. • Off-ice components (activities will be dependent on appropriate facility venue and time allotted)

i. Dry land training can consist of: dynamic/pre-game warm-up exercises, strength exercises, plyometrics, speed, agility, quickness, and movement skills.

ii. Mental training will focus on introducing various components such as: goal setting, concentration, self-talk, and arousal management.

iii. Discussion on basic daily nutrition guidelines and recommendations, and preferred fuel sources for pre and post competition.

c. Goaltending Clinics

• Goaltending Clinics are designed for goaltenders of all abilities in the U12 division and above. Goaltenders will receive position specific advice, training and skill development. Goaltending clinics may be separate clinics, or may be combined into the general athlete development clinic and the High Performance development clinics.

• Minimum of two goaltenders, maximum of six per ice time. • The host association may be required to provide a few athletes to be ‘shooters’ for the goaltenders. • Instructor to athlete ratio ideally should be 1:3. • All athletes must wear the mandatory equipment as per “Official Rules” of Ringette Canada. • Care should be taken to ensure the goaltenders are of a similar developmental age and ability.

2.3 Instructors a. BCRA will identify, contact, and arrange for appropriate skill instructors for BCRA Athlete Development clinics.

b. If an association has a preferred instructor, they may recommend them to BCRA for consideration.

c. The instructor(s) are required to have a practice plan for each ice session. The practice plan will reflect the physical, emotional, and mental maturity levels of the athletes.

d. The instructor(s) are expected to modify and adapt every practice plan accordingly.

e. The instructor(s) must be competent in instructing the age and skill level of the participants. Wherever possible, BCRA instructors will have experience and training in areas such as coaching, skill instruction, athlete development, sport science, first aid, officiating, or other relevant areas of expertise.


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f. The instructor(s) must always act as a positive role model, reflecting BCRA values, emphasizing fair play, sportsmanship, and encourages participants to have fun.

3 30+ (Masters) Development

3.1 Program Mandate The 30+ (Masters) development program for BC is established to provide the continuation of fun, friendship, exercise and sportsmanship for adults who wish to play ringette at the 30+ (Masters) level. As participants in the sport of ringette at the adult (30+ (Masters)) level, BCRA recognizes you have specific needs and requirements, many of which are very different from those of youth. In this time of growth in this division, teams should maintain a degree of flexibility that will provide the 30+ (Masters) players with a place to play at their skill level.

3.2 Purpose • To provide ringette to all players at their level of ability • To provide resource material to these players to enhance their enjoyment and knowledge of the game. • To create programs geared to the adult participating in ringette. • To provide a continuing program at an adult level for athletes coming up through the minor system. • To encourage FUN – FITNESS – FRIENDSHIP

3.3 Goals and Objectives • To encourage the development of community hosted invitational tournaments in the 30+ (Masters) participant

divisions. • To encourage information and resource exchange between leagues. • To enhance the lines of communication throughout the community. • To continue the growth in numbers of 30+ (Masters) all across the Province, by continuing to promote and

inform about adult ringette. • To liaise and communicate with other local associations within your league. • To promote to beginners by providing schools and teams with materials necessary within each association.

3.4 Levels of Play • A: For the competitive athlete who plays with others of the same caliber; with few exceptions, players coming

from the minor system would find this level most suitable. • B: For players with moderate to good skating and ringette skills and may have come through the minor

leagues. • C: (Recreational) The least skilled of the levels, enjoyed by players new to the sport as well as those with

experience.

3.5 Membership All 30+ (Masters) affiliates shall register in accordance with BCRA registration membership. 30+ (Masters) teams who are not currently affiliated with a minor (youth) ringette association will be charged a registered member fee.

3.6 Age Divisions


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The 30+ (Masters) division is made up of players 30 yrs and older (no ceiling) with the following exceptions in the 30+ (Masters) B and C divisions:

• Any player who is 21 –29 yrs old who has NO previous experience playing ice sports may register on a 30+ (Masters) team.

• Any player who is 26 – 29 yrs old and is an *ex league player is allowed to register on a 30+ (Masters) team provided there are no more than 3 players under 30 yrs old registered on that team (including in that 3, inexperienced underage players as mentioned in 1-4-1-a).

• Any player who is 30 years of age or older and is an ex-league player may register on a 30+ (Masters) team provided that no more than 30% of that team’s roster (based on a roster of no more than 18 players) is made up of such players (including in that percentage any underage ex-league players as mentioned in 1-4.1-b).

* An ex league player is distinguished as such by playing 5 or more years in the minor (youth) league.

3.7 Outreach and Assistance If your group would like advice or assistance on starting 30+ (Masters) ringette or building your current program BCRA can either help you or direct you to the 30+ (Masters) rep in your area to provide assistance in areas of communications, promotions, organizing etc.

3.8 Coaches Clinics/Officiating Clinics BCRA offers Coaching Certification Programs to its members to improve your knowledge of ringette and coaching in general. BCRA also offers all levels of National Officiating Certification Programs to ensure that your referees know the rules and are trained to apply them properly.

3.9 Resource Material Rulebooks, coaching manuals, game sheets and promotional materials are available for sale to our members. As members you have access to these items. For details call BCRA office.

3.10 Tournament Sanctioning Guidelines a. All 30+ (Masters) tournaments must be sanctioned by BCRA as per the BRCA sanctioning guidelines.

b. 30+ (Masters) teams participating in provincial championships shall adhere to the BCRA provincials guidelines.

c. All 30+ (Masters) tournaments must be officiated by certified referees.

3.11 Bench Staff Requirements a. All bench staff must be registered members (players, coaches, managers or trainers) with BCRA.

b. All 30+ (Masters) teams must have a minimum of 1 certified level 1 coach (this may be a player currently registered on the team). See coaching development section for requirements

c. All coaching staff is required to sign the Coaching Code of Conduct Agreement at the beginning of the Ringette season and have it submitted to BCRA with the registration fees. See appendix for example.

3.12 Bench Staff Suspensions


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See Policy Manual section: Technical Development - Coaching.

3.13 Substitutes All substitutes are subject to approval by the tournament chair. NOTE: The substitution procedure is designed to assist 30+ (Masters) teams who, from time to time, experience a last minute shortage of players due to injury or illness. It is not intended to build a team’s roster size, but to avoid any last minute cancellations.

a. Eligible players shall be BCRA registered players.

b. The team can only choose players of the appropriate age category previously stated for A, B and C, who are same caliber or less than the player they replace.

c. Eligible players must actually replace a player who is unable to attend part or the entire tournament. If the player they are replacing returns to play, the substitute may NOT continue to play, although they could replace another player who was injured or called away. The roster can NEVER increase in number as a result of a substitute. The players must be identified as substitutes and home team noted.

d. Composite teams must be so identified upon application and home teams noted. Players are allowed to play on composite teams for more than one tournament.

e. All substitutes must be listed and submitted to the tournament chair with their respective deadlines and or at the event registration and/or before a game to substitute for a player who has had to leave the tournament.

3.14 Tiering a. Each 30+ (Masters) team will be tiered using a formula to determine which division they will fall under:

• 30+ (Masters) A • 30+ (Masters) B • 30+ (Masters) C

b. Each 30+ (Masters) team will submit to tournament chairs their registration information including team information pertinent to arriving at their tiering level. Information that will be mandatory from every team registered:

• Roster Number • Players Age • Years played 30+ (Masters) • Years played League • What year was last year in League? • Last division playing league

c. 30+ (Masters) teams will be asked to tier each individual player on their roster AA, A, B, or C, and submit it to the tournament chair (accompanied by the information as described in 4-5-1-b) in order to be tiered fairly. Information will be entered as a formula that incorporates all data in order for the tournament chair to designate each team to the appropriate division (30+ (Masters) A, B or C).


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d. A 30+ (Masters) team that consists of 2 or more players who have played at the National ringette level (including AA and AA teams) within five years previous to joining a 30+ (Masters) team will automatically be tiered 30+ (Masters) A.

4 Safety

4.1 Equipment All players must wear the mandatory equipment as per “Official Rules” of Ringette Canada.

• Helmets: All on-ice participants at practices and events must wear a CSA approved helmet. Failure to comply with this policy will result in automatic loss of BC Ringette sanctioning for the activity or event. Exemption to this policy may be requested on the basis that the wearing of a helmet would interfere with the observance of a religious custom. The process for applying for an exemption is as follows: (a) Application for such exemption must be made in writing to the BC Ringette Association Executive

Director. (b) Granting of such exemption will require the applicant to provide a signed BC Ringette Helmet Policy

Waiver form to the Executive Director prior to participation in any sanctioned event. • Facemasks: All players must wear approved facemasks in accordance with BCRA Guidelines. • Shoulder Pads: Shoulder pads are mandatory for all BCRA registered players in the U19 division and under.

General shoulder pad information: Size – Not too small leaving exposed areas or too large to hinder movement. Protection – Plastic (not just foam) protecting chest, shoulder, back and upper arms. Condition – Look for cracks, loose stitching and/or deteriorating paddling and Velcro strips.

• All participants, from U9 to 18+, are strongly recommended to wear a protective mouth guard.

4.2 Safety (Return to play after injury) • Prior to any player returning from any degree of neck or head injury, they must have a letter of clearance

from a practicing medical physician.

4.3 Alcohol and Drug Consumption • The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Alcohol consumption by minors is strictly prohibited. Alcohol

consumption by those of legal age must be handled with discretion and in a manner not demeaning to BCRA following all laws according to the Liquor License Act of BC.

5 Anti-Doping Policy

5.1 Position Statement BC Ringette is unequivocally opposed on ethical, medical, and legal grounds, to the practice of doping in sport and fully supports the position of the BC Sport Branch, Ringette Canada and Sport Canada against the use of banned substances and methods. The use, possession, and/or trafficking of banned substances, methods or recreational drugs, or the encouragement or counseling to use banned substances, methods or recreational drugs; and/or taking measures to mask the use of banned substances, methods or recreational drugs by any member of BC Ringette is unacceptable, constitutes doping violations, and will not be tolerated.


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Note: Recreational drugs include all substances, the use of which is restricted or prohibited by law. They include substances that may not already be included under the banned or restricted lists of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These lists are adopted by BC Ringette. BC Ringette accepts the Canadian Center for Drug-Free Sport's policy on banned substances: “The deliberate or inadvertent use by an athlete of a substance or method which is banned by the International Olympic Committee constitutes doping. The International Olympic Committee and International Sports Federations forbid such practices. The provision or administration of such banned substances or methods to athletes is forbidden.” BC Ringette will adhere to Ringette Canada’s anti-doping policy which outlines doping control, violations, penalties, etc.

5.2 Prevention a. BC Ringette is aware that, at any time, Sport Canada and Ringette Canada can randomly check ringette

players for use of banned substances or methods. BC Ringette, at present, does not conduct independent checks of its athletes, but does comply with standards set by Ringette Canada, and recognizes that checks more likely will occur at the Canadian Ringette Championships, Canada Winter Games and World Championships.

b. BC Ringette educates its Team BC players directly by supplying the teams with documentation on its anti-doping policy. At the same time, BC Ringette will afford each local association the opportunity to receive information on banned substances and methods, should they desire.

5.3 Doping Penalties The following penalties are to be used for all athletes representing the province/country at the Canadian Ringette Championships, Canada Winter Games and World Ringette Championships. Local associations are strongly urged to adopt these penalties as well.

a. BC Ringette shall respect all sanctions/penalties imposed by Sport Canada, World Ringette Federation or Ringette Canada regarding doping violations by BC Ringette athletes.

b. In addition, for inadvertent or intentional use of banned substances or methods, or refusal to provide a urine sample, the following BC Ringette grid of penalties may be applied:

Inadvertent use: • verbal or written reprimand; and/or • barred from next competition or training camp; and/or • barred from training or competition for a period of time

The above penalties shall be considered for first or second offences. Otherwise: Intentional use /Failure to provide a sample:

• 1st offence - minimum 1-year suspension • 2nd offence - life suspension

5.4 Appeals Appeal of a decision by the BC Ringette board of directors regarding doping violations may be presented by the athlete or representative at any time for consideration.


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6 University Programs

6.1 Eligibility Participants must be registered in post-secondary education in BC. There is no minimum number of courses the athletes must take. They must be a registered member in good standing with BCRA. Double carding policy: Players can play on one 18+ A team in BC and one University team at the same time. House teams will take priority. NRL players are not eligible.

6.2 Coaching That selected coaches have the same qualification as would be required for an 18+ A team.

6.3 Game Play That the team will participate in the league in which it is located, up until the University Cup Challenge, within the 18+ A division and is eligible for the University Cup Challenge. The season will be completed at the end of the University Cup Challenge.

6.4 Vision That there is at least one university team in each of the 4 leagues in BC, and preferably at least 2 in TORL and the LMRL. That schools field multiple teams at a higher and lower caliber. That university Ringette becomes a program in its own therefore allowing local tournaments to host university divisions in their tournaments and the Provincial championships have a separate university division.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Section I. Risk Management

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Policy Section I. Risk Management

1 Risk Management and Safety 95 1.1 Risk Management and Safety Policy 95 1.2 Risk Management Responsibility 95 1.3 Risk Management Definitions 95 1.4 Risk Assessment Guide 97 1.5 Implementation 97 1.6 Monitoring 97 1.7 Volunteer Screening 97

2 Harassment 98 2.1 Statement of Policy 98 2.2 Prevention 98 2.3 Investigation 98 2.4 Rights 98 2.5 Confidentiality 98 2.6 Complaint Procedure 98 2.7 The Investigation Report 100 2.8 Standing Discipline Committee 101 2.9 Appeals Committee 101 2.10 Minors 102 2.11 Review and Approval 102


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1 Risk Management and Safety

1.1 Risk Management and Safety Policy It is the policy of the BC Ringette Association to develop, implement, and monitor an effective risk management and safety program designed to foster the spirit of competitiveness in the safest possible environment. This policy includes identification, assessment and effective control of risk. It is the responsibility of every member, coach, official, volunteer, staff and board member to practice risk management and safety on a continuous basis. This program is constantly changing as new risks are identified and new risk control techniques developed. BCRA will provide regular communication on issues and concerns with regard to risk management and safety. Practice of risk management and safety is considered by BCRA to be as critical as physical conditions, sport instruction and all other aspects of the sport. Commitment to the philosophy of risk management and safety is critical to the avoidance and reduction of risks. Risk management is the willingness to identify and manage risk responsibility. The steps in the risk management process included:

• Identifying the hazards and risks that currently exist within the organization. • Categorizing and rating potential risks and hazards. • Developing options and plans to prevent, control and reduce the chance. • Assigning responsibilities and authorities for risk management.

1.2 Risk Management Responsibility a. The BCRA board of directors is responsible for overseeing this policy.

b. BCRA will identify and designate harassment advisors and harassment officers.

c. BCRA will act quickly on any complaint of harassment with the goal of resolving the situation fairly and of preventing future occurrences, including determining and enforcing appropriate discipline, if required.

1.3 Risk Management Definitions a. Appeals Board: A multi-disciplinary committee consisting of members of the sport and recreation community.

The committee shall consist of at least one woman and one man, each of whom have no personal or professional involvement with either the complainant or respondent, and no prior involvement in the matter under appeal.

b. Complainant: An employee, athlete, coach, official, or other participant of BCRA activities, who thinks he or she has been harassed.

c. Harassment: Behavior including comments, conduct or gestures which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading, or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals or which creates an uncomfortable environment, or which might reasonably be expected to cause embarrassment, insecurity, discomfort, offense, or humiliation to another person or group, including, but not limited to:

• written or verbal abuse or threats; • physical assault; • unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes, or taunting about a person’s body, sexual orientation, attire,

age, marital status, ethnic or racial origin, religion, etc.; • displaying of sexually explicit, racist or other offensive or derogatory material, sexual, racial, ethnic or


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religious graffiti; • practical jokes, which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endangering a person’s safety or

negatively affecting performance; • hazing or initiation rites; • leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures; • intimidation; • condescension or any other behavior which undermines self-respect or adversely affects

performance or working conditions • conduct, comments, gestures or contact of a sexual nature that is likely to cause offense or

humiliation or that might, on reasonable grounds, be perceived as placing a condition of a sexual nature on employment or any opportunity for selection, training or advancement;

• false accusations of harassment motivated by malice or mischief, and meant to cause other harm, is considered harassment;

• sexual harassment, as further described in section 10.5. d. Harassment Advisor: A designate of BCRA who is conversant with the issue of harassment. The role of the

harassment advisor is to serve in a neutral, unbiased capacity, to provide information about the resources and support available, and to receive simple complaints, assist in informal resolution of complaints, and to make recommendations as to further action. The harassment advisor will handle complaints, which may be resolved through informal procedures, and refer all other complaints to the harassment officer.

e. Harassment Officer: An individual identified by BCRA as possessing the training and appropriate background to investigate complaints.

f. Investigation Report: The product of an investigation completed by the harassment officer, including, but not limited to, a summary of details, determination of harassment, and recommended disciplinary action if harassment is found.

g. Respondent: The perpetrator of the action(s) which the complainant thinks constitutes harassment.

h. Responsible Adult: Where the complainant or the respondent is a minor, a parent, guardian, or other adult of the minor’s choice, who may speak on behalf of the minor complainant or minor respondent, as referred to in paragraph 1.12.

i. Sexual Harassment: One or a series of incidents involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal conduct of a sexual nature:

• When such conduct might reasonably be expected to cause embarrassment, insecurity, discomfort, offense, or humiliation to another person or group;

• When submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a condition of employment; • When submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for any employment decision

(including, but not limited to, matters of promotion, raise in salary, job security, or benefits affecting the employee;

• When such conduct has the purpose or the effect of interfering with a person’s work performance or


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creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. j. Standing Disciplinary Committee: A committee of persons as defined in the BCRA by-laws and constitution.

The standing disciplinary committee decides whether harassment occurred and confirms or rejects the recommendation(s) of the harassment officer.

1.4 Risk Assessment Guide a. Category Risk Potential Implement Risk Control Techniques:

i. Few incidents minor consequences minimum time and effort on risk control

ii. Many incidents minor consequences implement risk control over 2 - 5 years

iii. Few incidents major consequences implement risk control over 6 - 8 months

iv. Many incidents major consequences implement risk control immediately

b. Reporting Incidents

It is recommended that all potential or actual injuries resulting from participation in ringette be reported to your local association. The association passes this information to BCRA using a BCRA Accident & Injury Report form. This form allows BCRA to complete data to monitor and control risk within our sport. Any significant reports will be forwarded to Ringette Canada for input into their injury database. BCRA will undertake a process of educating:

• Its members on the dangers of concussions, • Its coaches and managers on proper treatment of suspected concussions,

The data is gathered by the staff, researched to develop an action plan, make necessary recommendations to the board of directors and then monitor the action taken.

1.5 Implementation The staff will ensure that the associations are focusing and developing the aspects of the program. The staff will report once yearly to the board of directors updates on the status of the program, action plans, inhibitors, concerns, etc. that will be heard.

1.6 Monitoring In order to monitor what has developed and what is to be completed the following tasks will be performed by the staff:

a. Staff to maintain records.

b. Updates to board of directors.

c. Present results and action plan yearly.

d. Status updates to general membership.

1.7 Volunteer Screening For any bench staff of provincial, league or association teams and for any individuals with signing authority on BCRA, league or association bank accounts, all respective presidents are to provide, in writing by December 15th of each year, confirmation to BCRA that the presidents have received in the last two-year period a satisfactory criminal record check for each staff member or signing officer.


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2 Harassment

2.1 Statement of Policy There will be no tolerance of harassment by the BC Ringette Association. BCRA is committed to providing a sport and work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to participate and work in an environment, which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. BCRA is committed to the education of all of its members in the area of harassment. This policy applies to all employees as well as to all directors, officers, volunteers, coaches, athletes, officials, and members of BCRA. BCRA encourages the prompt reporting of all incidents of harassment, regardless of who the offender may be. For the purposes of this policy, sport and/or workplace harassment can occur in the following places:

• At sporting events, competitions, and in training sessions; • At the office; • At office-related social functions; • At the organization’s business functions, such as meetings, conferences, training sessions, and workshops; • During work-related travel; • Over the telephone; or • Elsewhere if the person harassed is there as a result of work-related responsibilities or a work-related

relationship.

2.2 Prevention The BC Ringette Association is committed to the eradication of harassment through educational programs including information and training.

2.3 Investigation An investigation under this policy shall follow the process of natural justice, as described in this policy.

2.4 Rights Notwithstanding this policy, every person who experiences harassment continues to have the right to seek assistance from the B.C. Council of Human Rights, even when steps are being taken under this policy.

2.5 Confidentiality In all reported instances, a prompt, thorough, fair investigation will take place giving careful consideration to protect the rights and dignity of all people involved.

2.6 Complaint Procedure a. A person who thinks he or she has been subjected to conduct which constitutes harassment under this policy

(the “complainant”) is encouraged to make it known to the person responsible for the conduct (the “respondent”) that the behavior is unwelcome, offensive, and contrary to this policy.

b. If confronting the respondent is not possible, or if after confronting the respondent the conduct continues, the complainant should seek the advice of the harassment advisor.


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c. Upon receiving the complaint, the harassment advisor shall obtain from the complainant a statement in writing outlining the details of the incident(s) and the names of any witnesses. The statement should be dated and signed by the complainant.

d. At the first meeting between the harassment advisor and the complainant, the harassment advisor shall inform the complainant of:

• The options of pursuing an informal resolution of the complaint; • The right to make a formal written complaint under this policy when an informal resolution is

inappropriate or not feasible; • The availability of counseling and other resources; • The confidentiality provisions of this policy; • The right to be represented by a person of choice (including legal counsel) at any stage in the

complaint process; • Other avenues of recourse, including the right to file a complaint with the B.C. Council of Human

Rights or, where appropriate, to contact the police where the conduct may be an offense pursuant to the Criminal Code.

e. Following the initial meeting between the complainant and the harassment advisor, any of the following steps may be taken:

• If the complainant and the harassment advisor agree that the conduct does not constitute harassment, the harassment advisor will take no further action and will make no written record of the complaint.

• If the complainant wishes to proceed with a complaint investigation, the matter will be referred to a harassment officer for investigation.

• If the harassment advisor believes that the alleged harassment constitutes prima facie evidence of harassment but the complainant does not wish to proceed with a complaint investigation, the following steps may be taken: • If the complainant wishes to pursue an informal resolution of the complaint, the harassment

advisor will meet with the respondent with a view to obtaining an apology and an assurance that the offensive conduct will not be repeated;

• If the complainant does not wish to pursue an informal resolution of the complaint, the harassment advisor may, nevertheless, take either of the following steps: • The harassment advisor may meet with the respondent with a view to obtaining an apology

and an assurance that the offensive conduct will not be repeated. In the case of a meeting pursuant to this clause, the harassment advisor will make every reasonable effort to protect the identity of the complainant. If the harassment advisor is satisfied that the complaint has been resolved through this informal process, the harassment advisor will take no further action on the complaint. If the harassment advisor is not satisfied that the complaint has been resolved through this informal process, then the harassment advisor may refer the matter to a harassment officer for investigation.

• The harassment advisor may refer the matter to a harassment officer for investigation.


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f. Investigation by the harassment officer: When a harassment officer receives a complaint from the harassment advisor, the harassment officer will:

• Review and clarify the complainant’s written complaint; • Give a written copy of the complaint to the respondent and the complainant.

g. Where the harassment officer gives a copy of the written complaint to the respondent, the harassment officer will include with the written complaint a copy of this policy and a notice that the respondent has the right to be represented by any person of choice at any stage of the process when the respondent is required or entitled to be present.

h. The respondent will provide a written response to the harassment officer within ten (10) days of receiving the written complaint. If there are special circumstances, the harassment officer may extend the time for response.

i. The harassment officer will receive and clarify the response from the respondent.

j. Within sixty (60) days of receiving the initial written complaint, the harassment officer shall conduct an investigation and prepare a written investigation report.

k. All investigations stemming from this complaint shall follow the principle of natural justice, which states that:

• Everyone has the right to a fair hearing in the course of determining whether an infraction has been committed;

• The issues should be clearly and concisely stated so that the accused is aware of the essentials of the complaint;

• The accused has a right to have a representative present his or her case; • Relevant information must be available to all parties; • The accused has the right to call and cross-examine witnesses; • The accused has the right to a written decision following the judgment; • The accused has the right to appeal a decision (if there are grounds); • The decision-maker has a duty to listen fairly to both sides and to reach a decision untainted by bias.

2.7 The Investigation Report a. The investigation report from the harassment officer should contain:

• A summary of the relevant facts; • A determination as to whether the acts in question constitute harassment as defined in this policy; • If the act(s) constitute harassment, a recommended disciplinary action against the respondent.

b. When recommending disciplinary action to be taken, the harassment officer shall consider factors such as:

• The nature of the harassment; • Whether the harassment involved any physical contact; • Whether the harassment was an isolated incident or part of an ongoing pattern; • The nature of the relationship between the complainant and the respondent;


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• The relative age of the complainant and/or respondent; • Whether the respondent had been involved in previous harassment incidents; • Whether the respondent retaliated against the complainant.

c. On completion of the report, the harassment officer shall forward a copy of the Investigation Report shall be forwarded to the complainant, the respondent, and the standing disciplinary committee.

2.8 Standing Discipline Committee a. The standing discipline committee shall receive the Investigation Report as prepared by the harassment

officer.

b. After considering the investigation report, the standing discipline committee shall:

• Make a determination as to whether the respondent has engaged in conduct constituting harassment; and

• If the standing discipline committee determines that respondent has engaged in conduct constituting harassment, order such disciplinary action to be taken against the respondent as is appropriate in the circumstances.

c. When imposing disciplinary action against the respondent pursuant to sub-paragraph 6.16(b), the standing disciplinary committee may impose such disciplinary action as it considers appropriate in the circumstances, which may include, but is not limited to:

• A verbal apology; • A written apology; • A letter of reprimand from the sport organization; • A fine or levy; • Referral to counseling; • Sensitivity training in harassment issues; • Removal of certain privileges of membership or employment; • Demotion or pay cut; • Temporary suspension with or without pay; • Termination of employment of contract; • Expulsion from membership.

d. The standing disciplinary committee shall, not more than 10 days after it makes its decision, send a notice to the complainant and the respondent.

2.9 Appeals Committee a. A complainant or respondent who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Standing Discipline Committee of

BCRA may, not more than 30 days after the date he or she receives notice of the standing discipline committee’s decision, serve the chair of the appeals committee with a notice of appeal and request for hearing.


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b. The notice of appeal and request for hearing shall be in writing and shall set out the grounds for appeal.

c. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal and request for hearing, the chair of the appeals committee shall send a copy of the notice of appeal and request for hearing together with a hearing notice by registered mail to the last known addresses of the complainant and respondent.

d. The hearing notice shall be sent at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled hearing and shall:

• Specify the date, time, and location of the hearing; • Advise the parties that they should bring with them to the hearing all relevant witnesses and other

evidence they wish to be considered by the appeals committee; • Advise the parties that they have the right to be represented at the hearing;

e. Within 10 days after completing a hearing, the appeals committee shall send a notice of its decision, by registered mail; to the last know addresses of the complainant and respondent.

2.10 Minors a. If the complainant is a minor, the complaint may be brought forward by a “responsible adult”. The responsible

adult will have the right to act on behalf of the complainant throughout the complaint process, including:

• Making a complaint; • Receiving all notices on behalf of the complainant; • Being present at all dealings with the complainant.

b. If the respondent is a minor, the following shall apply:

• If the harassment advisor is attempting an informal resolution of a complaint, the harassment advisor may speak to the respondent directly concerning the complaint PROVIDED THAT prior to speaking to the respondent the harassment advisor shall inform the respondent that he/she may have a responsible adult present during the meeting.

• If the complaint is referred to a harassment officer for investigation: i. A copy of the written complaint shall be forwarded to a parent or guardian of the Respondent if

such person is known;

ii. The respondent shall be advised that he/she has the right to be represented by a responsible adult;

iii. The respondent’s designated responsible adult will have the right to act on behalf of the respondent throughout the investigation process, including:

• Responding to a written complaint • Receiving all notices of behalf of the respondent; and • Being present at all dealings with the respondent.

2.11 Review and Approval


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a. This policy shall be reviewed by BCRA’s Chair and Executive Director on an annual basis.

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Index

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Index

A

Administration and Operations ................................. 14 Alcohol and Drug Consumption................................ 91 Amendment, Procedure ........................................... 18 Amendments ............................................................ 17 Amendments, to Policies .......................................... 17 Anti-Doping Policy .................................................... 91 Anti-Doping Policy, Appeals ..................................... 92 Anti-Doping Policy, Penalties ................................... 92 Anti-Doping Policy, Position Statement .................... 91 Anti-Doping Policy, Prevention ................................. 92 Appeals .................................................................... 18 Appeals, Process ..................................................... 19 Athlete Carding ........................................................ 51 Athlete Development ................................................ 85 Athlete Development, Clinic Types .......................... 86 Athlete Development, Clinics ................................... 86 Athlete Development, Elite Athlete Clinic ................. 86 Athlete Development, General Clinic ....................... 86 Athlete Development, Goaltending Clinics ............... 87 Athlete Development, Instructors ............................. 87 Awards, Association of the Year .............................. 24 Awards, Athlete Category ........................................ 22 Awards, Athlete of the Year – Junior ........................ 24 Awards, Athlete of the Year – Senior ....................... 24 Awards, Builder Category ........................................ 21 Awards, Coach Category ......................................... 22 Awards, Coach of the Year – Community ................ 23 Awards, Coach of the Year – Provincial ................... 23 Awards, Community Builder ..................................... 22 Awards, General ...................................................... 21 Awards, Hall of Fame ............................................... 21 Awards, Nomination Procedures .............................. 23 Awards, Official Category ......................................... 22 Awards, Official of the Year – Junior ........................ 23 Awards, Official of the Year – Senior ....................... 23 Awards, Other Awards ............................................. 24 Awards, Provincial Builder ....................................... 21 Awards, Service Awards .......................................... 24 Awards, Volunteer of the Year ................................. 24 Awards, Volunteer Recognition ................................ 21 Awards, Yearly Recognition Awards ........................ 22

B

BCRA, Board of Directors ........................................ 16

BCRA, Conflict of Interest ........................................ 16 BCRA, Dissolution ...................................................... 4 BCRA, Governance of Activity ................................... 4 BCRA, Growth of Activity ........................................... 4 BCRA, Long-Term Planning ..................................... 17 BCRA, Mission Statement .......................................... 4 BCRA, Non Profit Purpose ......................................... 4 BCRA, Operations .................................................... 14 BCRA, Organizational Structure............................... 16 BCRA, Planning ....................................................... 16 BCRA, Values ............................................................ 4 BCRA, Vision ............................................................. 4 BCWG – BC Winter Games ..................................... 55 BCWG, Coach and Player Selection ........................ 56 BCWG, Head Coach Selection ................................ 56 BCWG, Player Selection .......................................... 56 BCWG, Procedures .................................................. 55 BCWG, Zone Representative ................................... 55 BCWG, Zone Requirements .................................... 55 Board of Directors .................................................... 16 Board of Directors, Board Meetings ......................... 18 Board of Directors, Meetings .................................... 18 Board of Directors, Standing Committee Meetings .. 18 Boundaries ............................................................... 33 By-Laws" .................................................................... 6

C

Coach Development, Certification Requirements..... 74 Coach Development, CI ........................................... 73 Coach Development, CIg ......................................... 73 Coach Development, Courses ................................. 73 Coach Development, CSI ......................................... 73 Coach Development, Evaluation and Certification ... 73 Coach Development, Learning Facilitators .............. 72 Coach Development, Role of the Evaluator ............. 74 Coach Development, Timing of Evaluation .............. 74 Coach Development, Trained vs. Certified ............... 72 Coach Qualification, Bench Staff Requirements ...... 69 Coach Qualification, Critical Dates ........................... 71 Coach Qualification, Female Behind the Bench ....... 70 Coach Qualification, Manager .................................. 70 Coach Qualification, Recertification ......................... 71 Coach Qualification, Team Staff............................... 69 Coach Qualification, Trainer ..................................... 70 Coaching .................................................................. 67 Coaching Clinics, Course Attendance & Participation

............................................................................. 72 Coaching Clinics, Format ......................................... 72


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Coaching Development ............................................ 71 Coaching, Descriptions & Definitions ....................... 75 Coaching, Excessive Penalties/Suspensions ........... 69 Coaching, Game Play .............................................. 68 Coaching, Goals and Structure ................................ 68 Coaching, Player Coaches ....................................... 68 Coaching, Qualifications .......................................... 68 Coaching, Rules ....................................................... 69 Coaching, Sanctioned Tournaments ........................ 69 Coaching, Team Staff Change ................................. 69 Coaching, Team Staff Composition .......................... 68 Coaching, Team Staff Definitions ............................. 68 Coaching, Team Staff Duties ................................... 68 Code of Conduct ...................................................... 24 Code of Conduct, Athletes ....................................... 25 Code of Conduct, Coaches ...................................... 25 Code of Conduct, Consequence .............................. 25 Code of Conduct, Fair Play ...................................... 26 Code of Conduct, General Conduct ......................... 25 Code of Conduct, Officials ....................................... 26 Code of Conduct, Personal Conduct ........................ 25 Code of Conduct, Volunteers ................................... 26 Communication ........................................................ 17 Communication, Association Official ........................ 17 Communication, Association Structure .................... 17 Communication, Good Standing .............................. 17 Communication, League .......................................... 17 Communication, Procedures .................................... 17 Competition and Events ........................................... 41 Constitution ................................................................ 3 Copyright .................................................................. 17 CRC – Canadian Ringette Championships .............. 57 CRC, Adding Players to Rosters .............................. 62 CRC, BCRA Responsibilities ................................... 58 CRC, Fundraising, Sponsorship and Donations ....... 63 CRC, League Responsibilities.................................. 58 CRC, Objectives ....................................................... 57 CRC, Pick-up Procedure .......................................... 62 CRC, Player Selection ............................................. 60 CRC, Provincial Team Coordinator .......................... 59 CRC, Regulations for Players .................................. 61 CRC, Team Staff ...................................................... 59 criminal record check ............................................... 97 CWG – Canada Winter Games ................................ 63 CWG, Budget and Finance ...................................... 64 CWG, Head Coach .................................................. 63 CWG, Liaison ........................................................... 64 CWG, Player Selection ............................................ 63 CWG, Team BC ....................................................... 63 CWG, Team BC Players .......................................... 64

E

Equipment ................................................................ 91 Event Hosting, Evaluation ........................................ 43 Event Hosting, Inadequate Responses .................... 43 Event Hosting, Request for Proposal Guidelines ..... 43 Event Hosting, Request for Proposals ..................... 43 Excessive Penalties/Suspensions ............................ 69

F

Fair Play ................................................................... 26 Female Behind the Bench .................................. 38, 70 Finance .................................................................... 20 Finance, Annual Budget ........................................... 20 Finance, Payment of Bills ......................................... 20 Finance, Reimbursement ......................................... 20 Finance, Signing Authority ....................................... 20

G

General Sport Rules ................................................. 37 Goaltending Clinics .................................................. 87 Grievances ............................................................... 47

H

Harassment ...................... See also Risk Management Harassment, Appeals Committee ........................... 101 Harassment, Complaint Procedure .......................... 98 Harassment, Confidentiality ..................................... 98 Harassment, Investigation ........................................ 98 Harassment, Investigation Report .......................... 100 Harassment, Minors ............................................... 102 Harassment, Review and Approval ........................ 102 Harassment, Rights .................................................. 98 Harassment, Risk Management Definitions ............. 95 Harassment, Risk Management Responsibility ........ 95 Harassment, Standing Discipline Committee ......... 101 Hosting .............................................. See Event Hosting

L

Leagues ................................................................... 33 Leagues, Boundaries ............................................... 33


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M

Manager Qualifications ............................................ 70 Masters Development .............................................. 88 Masters, Age Divisions ............................................. 88 Masters, Bench Staff Requirements ......................... 89 Masters, Bench Staff Suspensions .......................... 89 Masters, Coaches/Officiating Clinics ........................ 89 Masters, Goals and Objectives ................................ 88 Masters, Levels of Play ............................................ 88 Masters, Membership ............................................... 88 Masters, Outreach and Assistance .......................... 89 Masters, Program Mandate ...................................... 88 Masters, Purpose ..................................................... 88 Masters, Resource Material ..................................... 89 Masters, Substitutes ................................................. 90 Masters, Tiering ....................................................... 90 Masters, Tournament Sanctioning Guidelines ......... 89 Match Penalties........................................................ 38 Membership, Fee ..................................................... 28 Minors .................................................................... 102 Misconducts, Match Penalties & Suspensions ......... 38

O

Officiating ................................................................. 76 Officiating Clinics, Certification & Evaluation ...... 83, 84 Officiating Clinics, Instructors ................................... 82 Officiating Clinics, Level 1 ........................................ 82 Officiating Clinics, Level 2/3 Refresher .................... 82 Officiating Development, Level 2/3 Refresher .......... 82 Officiating Development, Player’s Clinic ................... 82 Officiating, Categories of Certification Within Levels 79 Officiating, Certification Ranks ................................. 78 Officiating, Clinic Timetable ...................................... 82 Officiating, Clinics ..................................................... 82 Officiating, Communications .................................... 78 Officiating, Discipline ................................................ 78 Officiating, Game Definition ..................................... 39 Officiating, Game Play ............................................. 78 Officiating, Level 1 Certification ................................ 79 Officiating, Level 2 Certification ................................ 80 Officiating, Level 3 Certification ................................ 80 Officiating, Level 4 Certification ................................ 80 Officiating, Level 5 Certification ................................ 81 Officiating, Level Requirements ............................... 80 Officiating, Levels of Certification ............................. 79 Officiating, Maintenance of Certification Ranks ........ 81 Officiating, Official’s Association .............................. 77 Officiating, Process ............................................ 77, 86 Officiating, Rank 4A - 1B .......................................... 81

Officiating, Registration and Certification ................. 77 Officiating, Sanctioned Events ................................. 78 Officiating, Suspension Guidelines ........................... 39 Outreach Program .................................................... 26 Outreach, Setting up a Clinic ................................... 26 Overage Players ...................................................... 37

P

Player Pick-up .......................................................... 37 Prevention in Motion ................................................ 70 Provincial AA, Hosting .............................................. 53 Provincial AA, Participation ...................................... 52 Provincial AA, Pick Ups ............................................ 54 Provincial AA, Rules ................................................. 53 Provincial Championships – A, B & C ...................... 48 Provincial Championships – AA ............................... 51 Provincials, Fair Play ................................................ 50 Provincials, Game Play ............................................ 49 Provincials, Hosting .................................................. 48 Provincials, Organization ......................................... 48 Provincials, WCRC Eligibility .............................. 50, 57

R

Registration ........................................................ 27, 28 Registration, Age Divisions ...................................... 28 Registration, Membership Fee ................................. 28 Registration, Playing Season ................................... 28 Registration, Procedure ........................................... 30 Registration, Relocation ........................................... 29 Registration, Residency ........................................... 29 Registration, Team Formation .................................. 27 Reimbursement Procedure ...................................... 20 Releases .................................................................. 34 Releases, Policy ....................................................... 34 Releases, Procedure ................................................ 34 Releases, Procedure Contested .............................. 36 Releases, Procedure Uncontested........................... 35 Relocation, Declaration ............................................ 29 Risk Management .................................................... 94 Risk Management and Safety ... See also Harassment Risk Management, Implementation .......................... 97 Risk Management, Monitoring.................................. 97 Risk Management, Risk Assessment Guide ............ 97 Risk Management, Safety Policy.............................. 95 Risk Management, Volunteer Screening .................. 97


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S

Safety ....................................................................... 91 Safety, Alcohol and Drug Consumption ................... 91 Safety, Equipment .................................................... 91 Sanctioned Tournaments, Team Staff ...................... 69 Sanctioning .............................................................. 43 Shot Clock ................................................................ 45 Suspensions............................................................. 38 Suspensions, Guidelines .......................................... 39

T

Team BC Equipment ................................................ 63 Team Formation ....................................................... 27 Team Formation, Female Behind the Bench ............ 38 Team Formation, General Sport Rules .................... 37 Team Formation, Ineligible Players .......................... 38 Team Formation, Ineligible Team Staff .................... 38 Team Formation, Overage Players .......................... 37 Team Formation, Player Pick-up .............................. 37 Team Formation, Violation of Participant Rules ....... 37 Technical Development – Athletes and Sport .......... 85 Technical Development – Coaching ......................... 67 Technical Development – Officiating ........................ 76 Temporary Declaration of Relocation ....................... 29 Tie-Breaking Rules ................................................... 45 Tournaments ............................................................ 43 Tournaments, General Sport Rules .......................... 45 Tournaments, Grievance .......................................... 47 Tournaments, Inter-Provincial Play .......................... 44 Tournaments, Procedures for Protests and/or

Grievances........................................................... 47 Tournaments, Protest and Grievance Committee .... 46 Tournaments, Protests ............................................. 47 Tournaments, Sanctioning ....................................... 43 Tournaments, Team Rules ....................................... 45 Tournaments, Tie-Breaking Rules............................ 45

Tournaments, Violation of Hosting Rules ................. 44 Trainer Qualifications ............................................... 70 Travel Grant Program .............................................. 65 Travel Grant Program, Application Process ............. 66 Travel Grant Program, Eligible Teams and Criteria.. 65 Travel Grant Program, Expenses ............................. 65

U

U12 Player & Team Formation ................................. 31 University Ringette Programs................................... 93 University Ringette, Coaching .................................. 93 University Ringette, Eligibility ................................... 93 University Ringette, Game Play ............................... 93 University Ringette, Vision ....................................... 93

V

Violation of Participant Rules ................................... 37 Volunteer Screening ................................................. 97

W

WCRC – Western Canadian Ringette Championships ............................................................................. 57

WCRC, Adding Players to Rosters ........................... 62 WCRC, BCRA Responsibilities ................................ 58 WCRC, Fundraising, Sponsorship and Donations ... 63 WCRC, League Responsibilities .............................. 58 WCRC, Objectives ................................................... 57 WCRC, Pick-up Procedure ...................................... 62 WCRC, Player Selection .......................................... 60 WCRC, Provincial Team Coordinator ....................... 59 WCRC, Regulations for Players ............................... 61 WCRC, Team Staff .................................................. 59 World Ringette Championships ................................ 65

British Columbia Ringette Association – Policy Manual Contents

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Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 2

Section A. Constitution ................................................................................................................................... 3

1 Mission Statement 4

2 Vision 4

3 Values 4

4 Non Profit Purpose 4

5 Growth of Activity 4

6 Governance of Activity 4

7 Dissolution 4

Section B. By-Laws .......................................................................................................................................... 6

1 Interpretation 7

2 Membership 7

3 Meetings of members 8

4 Proceedings at General Meetings 8

5 Election of Directors 9

6 Proceedings of Directors 10

7 Officers 11

8 Seal 12

9 Borrowing 12

10 Auditor 12

11 Notices to Members 12

12 By-laws 13

13 Transition 13


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Section C. Administration and Operations .................................................................................................. 14

1 Organizational Structure 16

2 Board of Directors 16

3 Planning 16

4 Communication 17

5 Copyright 17

6 Amendments to Operating Policy 17

7 Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors 18

8 Appeals 18

9 Finance 20

10 Volunteer Recognition 21

11 Other Awards 24

12 Code of Conduct 24

13 Outreach Program 26

Section D. Registration and Team Formation ............................................................................................. 27

1 Registration 28

2 Registration Procedure 30

3 Leagues 33

4 Releases 34

5 General Sport Rules 37

6 Misconducts, Match Penalties & Suspensions 38

Section E. Competitions and Events ........................................................................................................... 41

1 Event Hosting Request for Proposal Guidelines 43

2 Tournaments 43

3 Provincial Championships – A, B & C 48


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4 Provincial – AA 51

5 BC Winter Games 55

6 Canadian Ringette Championships and Western Canadian Ringette Championships 57

7 Canada Winter Games 63

8 World Ringette Championships 65

9 Travel Grant Program 65

Section F. Technical Development – Coaching .......................................................................................... 67

1 Coaching Goals and Structure 68

2 Team Staff Duties 68

3 Team Staff Qualifications 69

4 Coaching Development 71

5 Coaching Courses 73

6 Evaluation and Certification 73

7 Coaching Descriptions and Definitions 75

Section G. Technical Development – Officiating ........................................................................................ 76

1 Registration and Certification of Officials 77

2 Certification Ranks 78

3 Levels of Certification 79

4 Maintenance of Officiating Certification Ranks 81

5 Officiating Clinics 82

Section H. Technical Development – Athletes and Sport .......................................................................... 85

1 High Performance Development 86

2 Athlete Development Clinics 86

3 30+ (Masters) Development 88

4 Safety 91


-111-

5 Anti-Doping Policy 91

6 University Programs 93

Policy Section I. Risk Management .............................................................................................................. 94

1 Risk Management and Safety 95

2 Harassment 98

Index .............................................................................................................................................................. 104

Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 108

Date post:	14-Feb-2017
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British Columbia Ringette Association

Documents