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August 2001 Gloucester and Cumberland Ringette Associations Proposed Merger Introduction In June 2001 the Cumberland Ringette Association (CRA) approached the Gloucester Ringette Association (GRA) to consider an amalgamation of the two associations. Subsequently a committee was formed of nominated individuals to discuss the matter and provide their views in a report to the executive committees of the two associations . The committee , consisting Bernie Cockburn, Joanne Dearden, and Randy Dudding ( committee Chair) nominated by GRA; Annette Mallon and Laura Ladouceur nominated by CRA ; and Diane Carnegie from Eastern Region met on Wednesday August 22,2001 . This report represents the results of this discussion. General Conclusion After a thorough discussion of the reasons underlying the proposed merger , the pro's and con's of proceeding, and the many issues involved in realizing the merger, the committee concluded that such a merger is feasible and desirable to take effect for the 2002/03 season. Why a Merger? The CRA had slightly over 100 players registered for the 2001/01 season. There was some shuffling of players between the CRA and Clarence-Rockland and more between the CRA and Gloucester to create teams and to find the appropriate level of competition for their players. The process of team creation has been a strenuous and time consuming process for all concerned and many players are changing associations where they play each year. The CRA and its members have concluded , that for ringette to grow in Cumberland , they cannot on their own provide an appropriate place to play for all its registrants and need to seek a more stable longer term relationship. The CRA is in a healthy financial situation with sufficient reserves to carry them forward. They have a dedicated core of volunteers and ice availablity that more than meets their needs. Their recruitment of new players has been limited by the inability of their current executive to take on more players and work. From the perspective of the GRA they are open to such discussions with the CRA. They recognizer the difficulties of the smaller neighbouring association and the need to take some action. The GRA had over 300 registrants in 2000/01 and expect some growth for 2001/02. GRA is in a healthy financial situation and ice availability is sufficient to meet most needs. As a minor historical note , players from Cumberland in the 1970's and '80's were part of the GRA. When Cumberland formed it 's own association in the 1980's their players moved in the CRA. The point to note here is that cooperation has long been a point between Cumberland and Gloucester. The Pro's and the Con's From the positive angle there are many Pro's to proceeding with an amalgamation : -It will be easier to make complete teams at many age groups and levels with a bigger pool of players. -Players will more likely to be on teams at the correct age and skill level. -There will be no shuffling of players back and forth between teams managed by two different associations. -With the reduced shuffling , there will be less need for players to buy equipment coloured to the host association. -There will be less confusion in team compositions and tryouts, and competitive coaches will be less concerned about the "quota" (ie. the limit on the number of out-of-area players that can be selected). -CRA has lots of ice time available in the northern populated part of the new area. -CRA will be bringing a dedicated core of volunteers to the GRA. -Cumberland and Gloucester are neighbours and part of the new City of Ottawa . While Clarence-Rockland is a neighbour of Cumberland , it is not in Ottawa and therefore limits the extent of cooperation between these two associations. As with any proposition to change the status quo , there are some negatives that will need to be considered and dealt with appropriately: -Teams will be travelling within a wider geographic area for practices( They already travel for games) . This could be a concern for the younger teams and newer players who are not used to this aspect. The management of this will need to be handled sensitively if the merger proceeds. -Fees will need to be rationalized so they are the same. This may not be much of an issue as many costs are the same (ex. ice) but there are some subsidies applied. -If the CRA becomes part of an expanded GRA there will be a loss of identity for Cumberland. Although the current movement of players between the two associations contributes to this , it is difficult for the committee to assess the real impact of this. Any promotion of the merged associations will have to make things clear to participants and possible participants, especially in Cumberland. -The reaction of other associations could be negative. It would be necessary for the executives of the CRA and GRA to explain to their colleagues in the Eastern Region and the NCRRL why and how they are proceeding. Because of the current cooperation between the CRA and the GRA this may not be an issue with the other associations. -GRA competitive players ( or their parents) could perceive they are being bumped down a level by a CRA player. Although CRA players on GRA competitive teams have been a fact for several years this perception will need to be addressed. -GRA would need to reassess the "quota" policy, particularly when CRA players become "in-area". Non GRA/CRA competitive players may still be wanting to play in Gloucester. Timing of a Proposed Merger As the 2001/02 season is to start within weeks , it is unrealistic to expect this merger to have all the issues resolved and membership approval secured by the time the season starts. It is realistic, however, that work can proceed so that the 2002/03 season sees an expanded (or merged) association. To make this happen both Executives will need to make an early approval-in-principle to proceed. A transition plan, including extensive member communications and consultation, will be needed. The target for this plan should be the Spring 2002 AGM's of the two associations so that formal approvals of the memberships can be obtained and the ByLaws changed. Technical Issues Based on the assumption that the two associations do approve in principle the merger , a number of issues arise that will need to be addressed and resolved. Membership Approval The committee considered several approaches to obtaining membership approval. Ultimately we concluded that the two Executives must take steps to explain why and how they are proceeding. This can be done through newsletters, the GRA website, information sessions, etc. These should be coordinated between the two associations to ensure the same messages are getting out and questions answered consistently. Because Association constitutions (CRA) and ByLaws (GRA) will need to be changed , formal approvals can only come fro Annual or Special General Meetings. ByLaw Amendments To bring this merger into effect it is the committee's recommendation that the CRA ultimately be disbanded and the changes made to the GRA ByLaws to allow for an expanded geographic area , Executive, and membership. One underlying factor in this recommendation is that the CRA is an un-incorporated organization while the GRA is an incorporated entity. These changes would need to be done before a new GRA Executive for 2002/03 is elected. The GRA nominating committee will need to ensure that some executives from the CRA are involved in the new Executive especially in the early years of the transition. Indeed the new Executive could be expanded or restructured in some way to factor in the new area and members. A New Name? This could be contentious if not handled sensitively no matter what decision is made. CRA seems to be willing to go under the GRA banner. The issue here then becomes one of marketing a Gloucester organization in Cumberland, especially in the new housing developments occurring in Cumberland. The Gloucester name itself has long and proud history throughout the Canadian ringette community. An alternative that could be considered would be a name such as Gloucester-Cumberland. This would broaden the appeal in both communities while retaining the essential character. In the longer term the Cumberland portion may drop through disuse. The committee recommends staying away from any name that incorporates the word "Ottawa" as too confusing with others that already use that name. The committee does not recommend seeking membership input through a name change suggestion program. Instead , a new logo for the expanded association could be developed for use on sweaters and as a corporate logo. Members could be asked for ideas on the new logo. House League Operations As outlined earlier combining the associations will afford larger pools for creating teams . Players will more likely be on teams at appropriate age and skill levels. There will also be a greater availability of ice times, especially in the northern parts of the area. The downside is the potential for greater travel to arenas throughout the enlarged area for practices. This is an issue that will need to be managed properly, especially for the younger and newer players. When the GRA changed from it's area based teams to association wide teams it also went through a process of re-cresting sweaters. Many new sets of sweaters have now been introduced. The sweaters from CRA could go through a similar re-cresting and eventual replacement process. A new association logo could be introduced on all the sweaters. The Bunny Program is virtually integrated now with ice times at either Blackburn on Saturdays or Ray Friel on Sundays, the choice left to the parent of the child. This should continue. Competitive Team Operations The Gloucester Devils is a well known and successful organization throughout Canadian Ringette. The Cumberland Royals do not have the same history and only one team is expected for 2001/02. The Royals name has fallen into dis-use. A question for the new association to consider is the name for the competitive teams . Is the Devils name still used? It certainly forms a part of the identity through the logos used. The other major change will be the "quota" policy and bumping as outlined earlier. In the new set-up the players from Cumberland will now be "in-area". Tournaments Both associations have annual tournaments . The CRA has ice available in November while GRA produces its event in February. Some thought will need to be given to this. The two events could take place separately, appealing perhaps to different audiences. Alternatively the ice allocated in November could be exchanged with others for ice times in February . This would have to be worked out with the ice time planners and the other users. Marketing As mentioned , the CRA has not been able to do effective recruiting in its area. With the new housing developments in both Cumberland and Gloucester there is an opportunity for the new association to market itself in the broader community. Some money would need to be set aside for promotions and use made of the local newspapers. If the new association uses the Gloucester name only efforts will need to be made to ensure that Cumberland residents feel included. Finances Both associations enter the potential merger in relatively healthy financial situations. The committee was not in a position to verify this , relying on the input from members of the executives. Both have sufficient funds to ensure continued operations for a year. In a merger it would therefore be natural that the funds be combined. In the transition year each Executive will need to resist the temptation to spend their surplus. There will need to be a mutual understanding that no major expenditure , not in the budget, be undertaken without the other's knowledge. This can be addressed in several ways: -exchange budgets -exchange copies of Executive Committee minutes -have observers sit on the monthly Executive Committee meetings. Consultations and Communications This report underlined the need to communicate consistently and clearly with its members throughout the process. This will need to part of any implementation plan. As well there are a number of others that will need to be informed once approval-in-principle is obtained to proceed: - Eastern Region/ NCRRL -Ontario Ringette Association -City of Ottawa recreation dept. , ice allocation authorities in Gloucester and Cumberland, and all the Regional Councillors for the two areas. Implementation It is important that both associations commit some of their executives to a joint implementation committee. This committee would be responsible for all aspects resolving issues, planning, communications, etc. They will of course report back to their respective Executive Committees on a regular basis. Conclusion A merger of the two associations for 2002/03 is feasible provided the twp partners commit to making it happen. For ringette to grow and prosper it is desirable that this happen. Submitted By
August 2001 |