Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association

QUESTIONS
ANSWERS
IMPORTANT DATES
AUTOMATIC LINKS TO ERRA, NCRRL, AND ORA SITES

2005-2006 SEASON
COACHES MANUAL
ON-LINE VERSION AT http://www.gloucesterringette.com

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2005/2006 Ringette season and thank you for volunteering your time to coach or manage a Gloucester Cumberland Ringette team.

This handbook manual has been prepared to provide a handy reference guide for your use during the season. It contains lists of names and telephone numbers for many of the individuals you may wish to contact during the season. Please feel free to contact any of these people, at any time, if you have any concerns or suggestions. We are here to help each other.

Please take the time to read this handbook carefully. We have attempted to provide, in a condensed form, all of the information you should have prior to the Ringette season. Communication is vital - misunderstandings arise because people are not aware of the proper procedure. Please be informed.

If there are any parents on your team who express interest in becoming involved in the Ringette organization, please make sure they know who to contact. It is very important that we develop our volunteers as well as our players.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

The aims and objectives of the G.C.R.A. are:

	To foster, encourage and improve all organized amateur ringette within the area under its jurisdiction;
	To provide competition for all who desire to participate in ringette, giving due consideration to their individual capabilities;
	To maintain and increase interest in the game of ringette;
	To exercise general supervision and direction over the playing interest of its players, coaches, and managers with emphasis on the enhancement of good character and citizenship; and
	To aid and assist areas outside its jurisdiction in the development of the game.

In light of the above, every coach must endeavor to promote good sportsmanship and to develop each player to the highest degree possible. This can only be accomplished through participation in games, and well organized and structured practices which introduce skill development and game tactics.

Each coach should plan her/his season to ensure the players will gain as much as possible from their playing experience. The coach should share these plans with the players and parents.

FAIR PLAY PHILOSOPHY

A coach has many roles to play and numerous tasks to perform. None is more important than the tremendous responsibility of developing the athlete's sense of fair play. It is important for a coach to take the time to consider her/his coaching philosophy and determine how her/his actions and behaviour can affect athletes. G.C.R.A. philosophy emphasizes fair play and therefore the following:

a.
Respecting the rules of the game;

b.
Respecting officials and accepting their decisions;

c.
Respecting the opponent;

d.
Providing all participants with equal opportunities in return for equal commitment; and

e.
Maintaining dignity under all circumstances.

Unsportsmanship conduct, including foul play or language from any G.C.R.A. coach will not be tolerated and in fact the by-laws of the Association give the Executive the right to suspend, expel or discipline a team or any member for such conduct. As a coach, you are setting an example for young players as well as representing an association with a long and respected history in ringette. We are sure we can count on all of you to maintain our tradition of "Excellence in Coaching".

PLAYER/COACH, PLAYER/PARENT, COACH/PARENT RAPPORT

If, during the course of a season, a conflict or misunderstanding arises between team members, the coaching staff and/or parents, etc. the following steps must be taken in an attempt to resolve the difference:

Step One:	A meeting shall take place between the player (younger players shall be accompanied by their parents), the Coach and Manager. If the difference is not resolved, then Step Two can be initiated by either party.
Step Two:	The initiating party will notify the Competitive "AA", "A", or House League Convenor who will meet, as soon as possible, with both sides in an attempt to resolve the difference. If the "AA", "A", or House League Convenor cannot resolve the situation at this meeting, then Step Three is followed.
Step Three:	The G.C.R.A. Competitive or House League Vice President or Director, Player Development (Novice) will be notified, who will then meet, as soon as possible, with both sides in an attempt to resolve the difference. If the difference is not resolved at this meeting, then Step Four is followed.
Step Four:	One, or both parties can request that the difference be settled by the G.C.R.A. Executive. Such a request will be submitted in writing to the President of G.C.R.A. who will place it on the next agenda or call a special meeting, if required. The Competitive or House League Vice President or Director, Player Development will report to the Executive and both parties will be heard.
The differences will be voted by secret ballot. The decision of the majority will be binding on all parties.
Step Five:	Should the situation not be resolved at G.C.R.A., all registered members have the right of appeal to the Eastern Region Ringette Association (ERRA), and in turn, the Ontario Ringette Association (ORA).

THE CODE OF RINGETTE

Ringette is a fast-moving game emphasizing no body contact. The emphasis is on fun, participation, and team play. Ringette stresses several basic principles:

a)	the well being of every person involved in the sport;
b)	the opportunity for all to play in a fun atmosphere;
c)	the option of higher level tournament play;
d)	a high standard of safety while aiming at a low cost of participation;
e)	the development of players, coaches, referees and parents; and
f)	the promotion of goodwill and friendship.

THE PLAYER'S CODE

Given that the spirit of the game is fun, friendship, fair play and team play, I will:

a)	always work for the good of the team and assume my share of the responsibilities;
b)	use the game and the opportunities that it offers for my personal growth in a team setting;
c)	personally bring to the attention of the coach, as soon as possible and practical, any suggestions or concerns in respect of myself or the team
d)	recognize and respect the needs and skills of my teammates and opponents;
e)	dutifully attend all games, practices and team events unless my absence is justified and reported ahead of time;
f)	assume responsibility for my equipment at all times including back and forth to arenas;
g)	respect the rules of the games, obey them and play fairly at all times;
h)	respect the coaching staff, the game officials, the parents and other spectators;
i)	cooperate with the coaching staff and teammates;
j)	be dressed for games and practices at the time determined by the coach;
k)	remember why I am playing the game - to have fun whether I win or lose; and
l)	always give my best effort by performing to my potential and being a good sport.

THE COACH'S CODE

I will:
a)	offer, to the best of my ability, a "fun" and "productive" season;
b)	make a personal commitment to keep myself informed about sound coaching principles and principles of growth and development;
c)	have a sound knowledge of the rules of the game;
d)	regard the rules as mutual agreements which no one should try to evade or break;
e)	provide equitable opportunities to all players who indicate their commitment to the team by dutifully attending team activities and justifying any absences;
f)	listen to the players, encourage them and be positive;
g)	insist on the best effort and the highest standard of sportsmanship;
h)	promote the safest standards of conduct and the use of safe equipment;
i)	be reasonable in demands for time, energy and enthusiasm;
j)	treat players, coaching staff and parents with respect;
k)	evaluate players and discuss progress with the players and parents;
l)	treat officials with respect and regard their decisions as honest in intent;
m)	organize practices and games according to the players' maturity, skills and abilities;
n)	seek no advantages, except superior skills and strategy over the opponent; and
o)	accept winning or losing graciously.

THE PARENTS' CODE

I will:
a)	ensure my child is properly equipped with safe equipment;
b)	advise the coaching staff of any medical or physical concerns about my child,
c)	remember that my daughter is involved in organized ringette for her enjoyment;
d)	encourage my daughter to play by the rules and let her be herself;
e)	reinforce with my daughter that an honest effort is as important as victory;
f)	ensure my daughter's attendance and arrival at games and practices at the times determined by the coach;
g)	turn defeat into victory by helping my daughter work toward skill improvement and sportsmanship, and evaluate progress along with the coach;
h)	remember that my daughter learns best by my example;
i)	not publicly question the coaching staff and officials judgement or honesty;
j)	recognize the value and importance of volunteers;
k)	personally bring to the attention of the coaching staff, as soon as possible and practical, any suggestions or concerns in respect of my daughter or the team; and
l)	actively support the team by assuming my share of the responsibilities.

THE SPECTATOR'S CODE

I will:
a.	attend as many games as possible and be on my best behavior;
b.	applaud good play, ability and achievements and condemn any use of violence;
c.	never ridicule or scold a player, especially my daughter, for making a mistake during practice, a game or a tournament; and
d.	show respect for the opponents and respect the officials' decisions and never abuse them verbally or otherwise.

BE AWARE!! BE INFORMED!

ON A DAY- TO- DAY BASIS, WE PLAY IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION RINGETTE LEAGUE - WHICH HAS ITS OWN SET OF RULES. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU COMPETE IN A TOURNAMENT, TEAMS ARE GOVERNED BY THE ONTARIO RINGETTE ASSOCIATION RULES. THESE ARE TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF RULES. THE MOST COMMON AREA OF CONFUSION IS PLAYER PICK UPS - AND WE HAVE REPRODUCED BELOW THE TWO SETS OF PICK-UP RULES BELOW FOR YOUR INFORMATION. HOWEVER, IN ANY SITUATION WHERE YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE RULES ARE - PLEASE NOTE:

IF IT IS A REGULAR SEASON NCRRL GAME, OR THE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION RINGETTE RULES APPLY.

IF IT IS A TOURNAMENT, PRELIMINARY PLAYDOWNS (PROVINCIAL A TEAMS), OR PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THEN ONTARIO RINGETTE ASSOCIATION RULES APPLY. GO TO FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.ontario-ringette.com/administration/op_manual/documents/oragt.pdf

PLEASE NOTE - TOURNAMENTS IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC ARE GOVERNED BY QUEBEC RULES. OBTAIN YOUR INFORMATION FROM THE TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER.

PICKING UP PLAYERS

When picking up a player from another team, permission must be obtained from the player's coach prior to speaking with the player. Asking the player, or the player's parents only is not sufficient, and must be done only after speaking with the player's coach.

NCRRL RULES RE PICKING UP PLAYERS

	A team may pick up a player within the same association as a substitute only in cases of illness or injury, and may pick up the same player a maximum of three times during the season. Pick-up players may only play at an age or skill level as follows:
	1.	at a higher age and/or skill level; or (e.g. Junior B can pick up from Tween B, or C and Junior C (e.g. Junior A can pick up from Junior B ; Tween A, B or C)
	2.	at a higher age but lower skill level only in cases where the association has only one team at the next lower age level. ( e.g. Junior B can pick up from Tween A);
	Example: Junior B team needs to pick up a player.
	1.	GCRA Junior B cannot pick up from another GCRA Junior B team;
	2.	Pick-up players must be from a lower age and/or skill level;
	3.	Junior B can pick up from Tween C or Tween B.
	No lateral pick-ups will be allowed at any level except Novice C;.
	A team may pick up enough players to bring its roster up to eleven (11) maximum, but not exceed its number of registered players; and
	No pick-up players may be used during play-offs. Exception may occur following a written request to the League Executive; and
	A team may pick up the same player a maximum of three times during the season.(already mentioned earlier)
O.R.A. RULES RE PICKING UP PLAYERS
	Eligible players shall be registered with your association and be an O.R.A. registered player.
	Can choose either/or:
	a.	Same age division or lower, same caliber or less
			Junior AA team could choose: Junior AA, A, or B or C; or Tween AA, A, B or C.
			Junior A team could choose: Junior A, or B or C or Tween A, B or C.
	a)	One caliber higher only, age division lower
			Junior A team could also choose a Tween AA player.
	You may carry up to three substitute players per tournament. They must actually replace a player who is unable to attend part or all of the entire at tournament. If the player they are replacing returns to play, they may NOT continue to play, although they could then replace another player who was injured or called away. The roster can NEVER increase in size as a result of a substitute and cannot exceed ten skaters with substitutes.
	A player may play for only ONE team in that particular tournament.
	The players may play as a substitute for ONE tournament in a season (Goaltender exempt).
	All substitutes must be listed on the T.R.F. Adjustment Form () and be submitted to the Tournament Host Chairman within their specific deadlines and/or at the Event Registration and/or before a game to substitute for a player who had to leave the tournament.
	A player that appears on more than one T.R.F. Adjustment Form constitutes violation of sanction rules (Goaltender exempt).

ICE

G.C.R.A. will provide each of its teams with a maximum of 13 hours of ice for practices and 10 hours of ice for League Games, depending on ice availability. These hours will include pre-season practices but will not include try-out ice. Any team which exceeds this ice allotment will be charged for excess hours. Ice costs $115 per hour. Any teams requiring ice during the Christmas Break or March Break must inform Christine Brunet (613-674-1439) before December 8th and February 23rd respectively. For more information, please refer to the Ice Allocation Policy at http://www.gloucesterringette.com/gcra_policy_2005_ice_allocation_policy.htm

Please do not cancel games without good reason. Additional ice to reschedule games is not always available and your team may be charged if the cancelled ice is not rebooked.

If you cannot use your practice ice, please make sure someone else does. All "no-shows" of ice are reported by the arena staff to the City of Ottawa and recorded on our file. Excessive no shows can affect our future ice allocations.

Any change in game or practice ice allocated to your team must be reported to the ice scheduler.

When cancelling a game, the GCRA Ice Scheduler and Referee-in-chief must be notified. Do not leave it till last minute!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please Note the new online method of reporting Cancelled & Rescheduled Games

TOURNAMENTS

If you will be attending any out of town tournaments, please notify the ice scheduler within the established deadline outlined in the Ice Allocation Policy as soon as you know so he/she can make arrangements regarding ice around those plans. If you have ice scheduled for a time when you will not be in town and have not notified the ice scheduler at least 3 weeks in advance, you will be charged for that ice if you are unable to find another team to take your place.

If you are attending local tournaments, and you have a regular game scheduled, check with the other team first to see if they are also attending that tournament. In many cases, you can still play that game depending on your tournament game i.e. your game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Sunday night and your last tournament game is at 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

EQUIPMENT

By now, you should have received your team sweaters and other equipment. G.C.R.A. policy requires that team sweaters be retained by one individual between games and not distributed to players. Players are not to wear their game sweaters for practices.

When sewing name and sponsor bars on sweaters, please keep the stitching to a minimum in order to better preserve the sweaters.

Only jerseys that have been supplied by the Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette association may be used by GCRA teams. No third party or privately supplied jerseys are permitted.

It is mandatory for all bench staff to wear helmets during practices. This is an Ontario Ringette Association rule and considered a bench requirement for all Ringette Associations in Ontario. This rule will be enforced and a fine could be levied against the Association and it's volunteers .

TEAM BUDGETING

Each team should prepare a team budget early in the season for presentation to the players/parents. Once approved by team members, a copy must be provided to the House League or Competitive Vice President or Director, Player Development (Novice), as appropriate by October 31st. At the end of the season, a financial statement showing all team revenue and expenses must be prepared and distributed to each parent/player and appropriate Vice President or Director, Player Development (Novice) by March 31st. In order to assist you, there is an example of a team budget posted on the website at www.gloucesterringette.com

BOND STATEMENT

Every team is required to put up a performance bond. This bond will be fully refundable as long as the team does not incur any bench fines (for unqualified coaches) and that all the sweaters and equipment issued are returned at the end of the season. If the team does incur fines, then these will be paid out of their performance bond. The Executive recognizes that not all teams have the same type of schedule, or league requirements, and are using a graduated system of bond requirements. These will be as follows:

Novice Rec, Novice C	$50
Novice B, House League (Petite to Belle)	$100
Competitive (Petite A to Open AA)	$150

Bond cheques must be received from each team on or before October 31st. Cheques should be forwarded to the Association Treasurer. . Team Registration Forms (TRF) will only be given to a team if they have paid their bond money. In the event that regular bench staff cannot be in attendance at a sanctioned game, the Executive can provide teams with a list of eligible bench staff who could substitute for a team (would include names of qualified individuals registered on a TRF for another team).

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

All necessary certification must be obtained by January 8th, 2006.

For information on coaching clinics, or the new program that replaces the Technical One level, please visit the Eastern Region Website () and follow the links under Coaching Development. If you are unable to access the internet, or would otherwise like to discuss coaching courses - please contact Peter Blier @ 830-9888 to register. Space is limited, so register early. The GCRA will reimburse coaches for the cost of courses. Copies of training expenses, proof of certification and all cost receipts must be provided .

PRACTICAL II CERTIFICATION

Practice evaluations are required. The following is a list of Certified evaluators :

Richard Robert	835-3050	Paul McBride	730-0325
Lary Allen	253-7596	Gerry Leadbetter	837-5838
Doug Malanka	825-5175	Donna Laramee-Kelly	834-8190
Lyndsay Wheelans	742-8186	Rock Rancourt	834-8840
Bernie Cockburn	747-8579

FIRST AID TRAINING

You can register for training by calling the St. John's Ambulance directly. In addition, you may wish to contact other sport organizations who offer sport specific clinics.

MANAGER'S COURSE

The Manager's Course is a manual, which G.C.R.A. will order for all unqualified managers. When the manual has been read, a open book test, which is in the manual, must be completed and submitted to Ringette Canada. This too is required prior to January 8th in order to be valid in the season.

BENCH STAFF QUALIFICATIONS *One of whom must be female

June 22, 2005

The below certifications must be completed by January 8th of the current playing season.
Division		Head Coach	Assistant Coach	Manager 1	Trainer
Canada Winter Games	Grandfathered 1	Level 3 certified	Level 3 Certified	Manager 1	Cert. "1" + First Aid Certification or CSI + First Aid
AA (Tween to Open) & AAA	Grandfathered 1 old NCCP system	Cert 2*	Cert 2*	Manager 1	Cert. "1" + First Aid Certification
	Grandfathered 2 This is for coaches who have some quals under the old NCCP system and some under the new.	Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + Prac 2 + CI Part A or Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + Pract 2 + CI Part B until 2008*	Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + Prac 2 + CI Part A or Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + Pract 2 + CI Part B until 2008*		CSI + First Aid Certification
	New	CI certified + CI Part B or CI trained + gradation trained if available + Certified ALL*	CI certified + CI Part B or CI trained + gradation trained if available + Certified ALL*		CSI + First Aid Certification
B & C (Novice to Belle)	Grandfathered 1	Tech 1/Prac 1	Tech 1/Prac 1	Manager 1	First Aid Certification
B & C (Novice to Belle)	New	CSI-Trained	CSI-Trained	Manager 1	First Aid Certification
A (Tween to Open) + Provincial Petite	Grandfathered 1 old NCCP system	Cert.1, Tech 2 + Theory 2 until 2008	Cert.1, Tech 2 + Theory 2 until 2008	Manager 1	Cert. "1" + First Aid Certification
	Grandfathered 2 This is for coaches who have some quals under the old NCCP system and some under the new.	Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + CI Part A or Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005)+ CI Part B until 2008	Cert. 1,Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005) + CI Part A or Tech 2 (taken prior to Sept 1 2005)+ CI Part B until 2008		CSI + First Aid Certification
	New	CI Trained I	CI Trained I		CSI + First Aid Certification
B(Open + Masters)	Grandfathered 1	Cert 1	Cert 1	Manager 1	First Aid Certification
B(Open + Masters)	New	CSI-Trained	CSI-Trained		First Aid Certification
* One of who must be female and must present on the bench during sanctioned events.

THIS REPRODUCTION FROM THE ONTARIO RINGETTE ASSOCIATION WEBSITE IS INCLUDED AS A HANDY REFERENCE ONLY - IT COMES FROM PAGE 7 OF THE COACHING DEVELOPMENT SECTION AND WAS REVISED on June 22, 2005. IT MAY CHANGE - AND THERE ARE MANY MORE RULES REGARDING APPRENTICE AND ASSISTANT COACHES. PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFICIAL RULES ON THE ONTARIO RINGETTE ASSOCIATION WEBSITE AT ORA COACHES QUALIFICATIONS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR BENCH STAFF IS PROPERLY QUALIFIED.

Important Dates - 2004/2005

Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association Annual Tournament
February 9th to February 12th, 2006

NCRRL League Championships
Check the NCRRL website for information regarding league championships.
NCRRL Championships to be held early April 2006 , host to be announced.
ERRA-NCRRL

Eastern Region Provincial Preliminary Championships
To determine Eastern Region representatives to Provincial A Championships. Specific divisions to be determined.
January 28th to January 30th, 2005
Host: Clarence/Rockland Ringette Association

Ontario Provincial Championships
"AA" Championships - City of Waterloo Ringette Association
March 2nd to March 5th, 2006
Petite AA to Open AA

"A" Championships - Sault Ste. Marie Ringette Association
March 23rd to March 26th, 2006
Petite A to Opene A

Canadian Ringette Championships - Longueil, PQ
April 03rd to April 08th, 2006

EASTERN CANADIAN TWEEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
TBA…late March/early April

TOURNAMENTS

ONTARIO TOURNAMENTS

The complete listing (8 pages in length) of tournaments available in Ontario is on the Ontario Ringette Association website at: Ontario Tournaments

QUEBEC TOURNAMENTS

The complete listing of tournaments available in Quebec is on the Fédération Sportive de Ringuette du Québec website at: Quebec Tournaments

WebSite Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association

www.gloucesterringette.com

While you are surfing the net one of these evenings, check out the wonderful job that Bernie Cockburn has done in bringing Gloucester Cumberland Ringette to cyberspace. There are links to everywhere you could ever want to go from our site.

Most of the information in this manual will be available on the website. It is likely to be more up-to-date as the season wears on as well. Check it out!

G.C.R.A. EXECUTIVE - 2005 / 2006