Gloucester Ringette Association Merger with Cumberland Ringette Association


As A GRA/CRA Member, What Am I Being Asked To Do?

You are being asked to exercise your right as a member of GRA/CRA to vote Yes or No on a proposal to merge the operations and management of the Cumberland Ringette Association with those of the Gloucester Ringette Association. The results of this vote will be binding upon the Executives of Gloucester Ringette Association and Cumberland Ringette Association, respectively.

What Is Being Proposed?

In the summer of 2001 the Cumberland Ringette Association approached the Gloucester Ringette Association with a proposal to formally merge our two associations. This proposal is being brought to you, the members of each association, for approval.

Do the Executives of GRA and CRA support the proposal?

Yes. After initial discussions, the executives of both associations agreed to have the proposal considered by an independent committee of experienced and knowledgeable ringette administrators. In its report dated August 2001, the committee indicated that a merger is both feasible and desirable. The report also discussed the benefits and issues surrounding such a merger. The full report can be viewed on-line at http://www.gloucesterringette.com/gra-cumbmergerreport.htm .

Why Is A Merger Being Proposed

There are two main reasons your Executive supports a merger. The first is for administrative efficiency. Second, we see the opportunity for substantial membership growth in the combined geographic area through the pooling of our resources and volunteers.

On the first point. Much of the motivation for a merger flows from the dispersion of membership within the Cumberland Ringette Association. This year, Cumberland Ringette did not field any competitive teams, and all players of competitive caliber were released to other associations, as out-of-association players.

At a number of levels, Gloucester and Cumberland have had an insufficient number of players to field full teams without the participation of another association - frequently each other. For several years our two associations have worked closely and negotiated annual agreements to ensure that all house league players in our areas had ready access to play on teams at the appropriate age and skill level.

In recent years, by times, team formation has been a strenuous and time consuming process for numerous members from both associations. In the end, many players have been changing associations each and every year. The merger will allow us to avoid the constraints associated with separate associations, fee structures, and Executive bodies; and to provide a more stable playing environment for many players.

Second, there is unprecedented population growth and development in the combined Cumberland/Gloucester areas that is not yet reflected in our membership numbers. Through the pooling of resources and volunteers between our two associations, and the extension of recruiting and marketing programs already in place in GRA, we see great potential for growth in our area membership, all with a view to benefiting the continuation of Ringette in the area.

What would the new organization look like? How would it be different in 2002/03?

There are of course many details that need to be worked out if we were to proceed with an amalgamation. However, the two Executives recommend that upon membership approval:

  • Our two organizations would irreversibly combine under the direction of a single executive body . Initially members of the two executives would form this new Executive body. They would appoint an interim president whose term would continue until an election at the 2003 Annual General Meeting of the Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association.
  • All members would operate under a single financial policy, ice allocation policy, and registration fee structure. All other policies would be reviewed in the context of the larger organization.
  • The single association be named the Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association. The geographic jurisdiction of the new association would be the combined territories of the two former associations.
  • We operate a single competitive program, which would continue under the name of the Gloucester Devils. All members from within the former associations would be considered equal for the application of all operational policies such as the GRA out of area policy.
  • The organization may temporarily retain separate house league structures (largely based on geographic residency) to avoid excessive traveling for young players. Even so, the movement of players necessary to form full teams would take place without obstruction.

I have an opinion on this. How can I contact the Executive?

There will be an open house on this issue. The Executive members from both associations will be on hand to discuss concerns, hear opinions, and answer questions. It will take place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on May 1, 2002 at the Orleans Recreational Centre - Hall C. All members from both associations are encouraged to attend. You may also provide your opinion through the website above, or by telephone at 830-9124.

I am ready to vote - how do I do that?

If you are a member of the Gloucester Ringette Association, you may vote at the Annual General Meeting which takes place at 7:30pm on Wednesday May 15, 2002 at the Orleans RecreationCentre. Members of the Cumberland Ringette Association may vote at their Annual General Meeting - date and time which will be announced by Cumberland.


1Because GRA is an incorporated entity, there would likely be a need to legally change certain aspects of our incorporation. Our by-laws will also need to be changed.


 
This Page Last Revised: 23 Mar, 2002