manager information handbook - ramp...

This has been produced as an information booklet and guideline for managers and cannot be taken as policy or procedures of SGRA. Official policy and procedures of the SGRA can be found on the website at www.sprucegroveringette.com and are based on the rules/regulations and operational requirements of the Black Gold League (BGL) and Ringette Alberta

(RAB). For a complete listing of rules and operations information visit the Black Gold League website at www.blackgoldleague.com.

The Manager Information Handbook is a live document, subject to amendments, additions and deletions as necessary.

Please visit the SGRA website at www.sprucegroveringette.com for most current version.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2015

MANAGER INFORMATION HANDBOOK

http://www.sprucegroveringette.com/

http://www.blackgoldleague.com/


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MESSAGE TO MANAGERS Welcome and thank you for volunteering to manage on behalf of the Spruce Grove Ringette Association. SGRA is committed to the growth and development of its players and association. The following document outlines what SGRA expects from managers throughout the Ringette season in order to optimize the experience for all the players and families. These expectations are in accordance with the policies and guidelines of SGRA, the Black Gold Ringette League, and Ringette Alberta. The Spruce Grove Ringette Association is dedicated to the support and development of our team staff and their players. This handbook is meant to act as a guide. MANAGER TEAM STAFF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Every team needs to have a Manager. SGRA registered team managers will follow the Ringette Alberta Coaching/Team Staff Policy. The most current version of this policy will be found at www.ringettealberta.com. Excerpt from RAB Policy: 10.4.46 Managers Certification Program: Each team may list a maximum of one manager on their team registration. This manager must have their Ringette Managers Certification from Ringette Canada. This certification course can be found at the following web page: www.coachingringette.ca/index.php?page=327 Certification costs are reimbursed by SGRA for registered managers of the current season. Managers that will not be on the player’s bench are not required to be listed on the Official Team Roster, however it is recommended. Managers that are listed on the Official Team Roster must meet the requirements as per 10.4.1 and Section 2.4.5 of 2.0 Registration Policy as noted below. 10.4.1 Timelines The deadline for Team Staff (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer, and Manager) certification requirements, excluding evaluations, to be completed is December 15th of the current playing season. 2.4.5 Team Staff All team staff members that will be on the player’s bench must be registered on the appropriate team as team staff members. The fee to register team staff is listed in Appendix A - Rates and Fees and team staff shall be registered in accordance with the Team Staff Certification Policy (see 10.0 Coaching/Team Staff Policy)

http://www.ringettealberta.com/

http://www.coachingringette.ca/index.php?page=327

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MANAGER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Code of Conduct SGRA registered coaches and team staff are expected to follow the Spruce Grove Ringette Association Code of Conduct Policy (Appendix A) in conjunction with Black Gold League and Ringette Alberta Code of Conduct Policies. The SGRA supports the concept of ZERO TOLERANCE where there is inappropriate or abusive behaviour towards other teams and/or game officials. SGRA registered coaches and team staff will follow the Zone 5 Ringette/BGL Operation Policy 1.1 Line of Communication Flowchart as follows:

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Team Communication

Act as a liaison between the parents and coaches; (Please refer to the SGRA Parent Information Handbook);

Provide information to the parents. Parent Handbook

Advise families to review the “Parent Information Handbook” which can be found on the website at www.sprucegroveringette.com.

Managers will ensure parents are following guidelines and information set out in the Parent Information Handbook; are following the SGRA communication policies, and answer any questions the parents may have with regards to policies and procedures.

Organize and Logging Off-Ice Activities/Events

Coordinates the activities of the team to allow coaches time to teach the players;

Schedule outside league games, and additional practices;

Assists coaches with scheduling of off-ice activities such as dry-land, social activities, bottle drives, etc;

Off-ice activities and events must be submitted through the SGRA website via the “Activity Reports” icon PRIOR to the team activity. This is to ensure all SGRA participants have insurances coverage while engaging in the SGRA logged event. The following information will need to be entered in the fields on the “Activity Reports” portion of the website and will be emailed to the Player Development Director and collected/stored in the Ramp web server.

o Participants: (ex: U12A-1 registered players) o Facilitator(s): (ex: Bob Jones, Head Coach; Sally Smith, licensed physiotherapist) o Date: Thursday, September 27, 2013 o Time: 6:30 PM o Location: John Paul II school outside field o Activity: Running and strength training

Equipment

Assist with distributions and collection of SGRA equipment and jersey to the team;

Manager will have access to SGRA equipment storage at Spruce Grove Agrena, holding responsibility for providing shot clock remotes to workers prior to games, and returning to lock-up after games;

All keys given out to coach/manager will be signed/documented for and must be returned at the end of the current Ringette season. If keys are not returned or lost, the team will be held accountable and will pay a fine.


http://www.sprucegroveringette.com/?p=frm&id=1109

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Game Sheets

Fill the game sheet in correctly: date, time, location, game number, division & level, team (using codes, not names eg. SGV-U14A-2) and make sure they are recorded under Home and Visitors appropriately. The game number and team codes can be found on your Black Gold schedule. There is a sample game sheet on the Black Gold website.

Division and Level Enter level i.e. U10 or U16. Circle A or B as appropriate for U12 and

above

Game Number Can find this on the schedule that Ice Allocator sends out League - Black Gold

Home or Visitor Team SGRA TEAM NUMBER eg. SGV-U10-2, not the "Chix With Stix"

Team Staff Include all applicable names Player's Name and # If using labels, apply them to all 4 copies of the game sheet

Player's Name and # If using labels, apply them to all 4 copies of the game sheet

Goals Enter jersey number of player who scored and assisted (referee will tell you who)

Game Summary Enter scores by period; the final score in the total

Extra game sheets for SGRA teams can be requested from the statistician;

Each game sheet has 4 parts:

If using game sheet stickers, be sure to put stickers on all 4 pages. If hand-writing the information, press hard enough to show on all 4 sheets.

If for some reason, you don't have the sheets for drop off, PLEASE photocopy your copy of the game sheet and submit that.

Ensure game sheets are collected and distributed appropriately after games. See BGL Policy update below.

Submitting Game Scores

Game scores will be submitted using the SGRA website “Report a Score” icon by 9:00am the following day after game completion. This button will redirect you to the Black Gold League game reporting. You may go directly to the Black Gold League Website. Enter the game information as indicated below then click “SUBMIT”. Game Number: U10-005 (Important to include accurate game number). Home Team Code: SGV-U10-3 Home Team Score: 5 Visiting Team Code: SPK-U10-1 Visiting Team Score: 2

It is the responsibility of both teams to submit the game sheet, and email scores to the statistician.

Game scores must be submitted by 9:00am the following day prior to a completed game. Stats will be posted on the BGL website on Tuesdays. If your scores are not submitted before 9am following games, they will not get posted until the following week.

http://www.sprucegroveringette.com/?p=frm&id=1108

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If you notice a discrepancy or error in the BGL website scores or standings please email the SGRA Statistician immediately with the details of the issue to straighten out with the Black Gold League.

A hard copy of the game sheet will need to be placed in the mailbox found inside the first SGRA lock-up storage unit at the Agrena within the week.

REVISED 2015 BGL POLICY UPDATE: 1215. Official Game Report (a.k.a. Game Sheets) Only Official Game Reports available from Ringette Alberta are acceptable. Official Game Reports are to be supplied by the Home Team. Upon completion of the game:

A. The white and canary copy of the official game report is to be given to the visiting team. Goldenrod and Pink copies are to go to the home team. B. Both Teams shall report game scores to their respective Association Statisticians (If one exists). As well, both teams shall report the game scores to the BGL Statistician using the Report a Score form found on the BGL website by 9am the following day. C. Both teams are to submit an electronic copy of the game sheet by 9am the following day. The game sheet may be scanned or a picture may be taken of the game sheet and submitted to the [email protected] D. Paper copies of the Official Game Report are to be retained by the team for the duration of the season. Upon request, paper copies of the Official Game Report are to be supplied to the BGL Vice President or BGL Statistician. E. Failure for Associations to produce/submit a legible version of the Official Game Report; when Requested by the BGL Vice President, may result in the game being declared a forfeiture against the Home Team of the respective game and the assessment of fines in accordance with Appendix B. F. Overage (OA) and Male (M) players must be identified on the Official Game Report.

Referees

Book referees for all exhibition games – games regularly scheduled will already have referees booked.

TEAM FIRST AID AND SAFETY Ringette is a very fast and physically demanding sport. Even with the best training and preparation, accidents and injuries can occur. Thankfully many of the injuries are minor and do not require a player to miss a shift or game. However there is the rare occasion when injuries can be more severe.

SGRA has taken steps to establish a basic safety and first aid guideline for all injuries on and off the ice. Information and guidelines can be accessed by clicking on the Team Safety and First Aid icon on the front page of the SGRA website. This area has resources for coaches, team staff and parents such as the Team Safety and First Aid Response Plan which includes a Medical Response Plan, Activity Action Plan, Return to Play and Allsport Insurance Claim forms as well as other reference material in relation

to concussion awareness, asthma in sport and Ringette Alberta Insurance information and flow chart.

http://www.sprucegroveringette.com/default.aspx?p=firstaidandsafety

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TEAM FINANCES Team financial accounts shall be a team activity and team responsibility. SGRA assumes no liability or responsibility in the management of team accounts. Teams should discuss a budget at the start of the season as teams may require funds for items such as:

Tournaments;

Team Socials;

Provincials;

Team Apparel;

Bank Service Charges;

Additional Ice Costs;

Additional Referee Costs; and

Any additional fees not covered by the registration costs. It is up to the team discretion to determine seed money (up-front cash from parents) and/or fundraising requirements. The list above should only be used as examples of extra costs and is not intended to be all inclusive.

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Team Account Instructions The following is a guideline of what may be required by the bank for your Team Treasurer to follow with regards to opening, operating, and closing an SGRA team account. It’s a good idea to check the banks requirements when making the appointment to ensure you will have everything prepared.

Team minutes from the parent meeting will need to be prepared for the Team Treasurer to take to the bank when opening an account on behalf of the team. Minutes must include the following: o Date and time of meeting; o Team members/parents present; o Motion stating the name(s) of the individuals appointed to the treasurer position with the

team, giving the authority to open an account under the specified name (ex. SGRA U14-A) and identifying the number of signers for the account and signers names.

o The Head Coach, Team Manager and Treasurer must sign off on the copy of the minutes.

Booking the appointment: o Call ahead to book appointment and confirm what is required to ensure any additional

documentation needed is in place prior to appointment; o All signing authorities must be present; o All signing authorities must bring 2 pieces of ID, one being a picture ID;

To close account, both signers must be present. Team Financial Spreadsheet The manager/treasurer will access the excel file titled “Team Treasurer Financial Spreadsheet” on the SGRA website under Forms and Documents. This file includes detailed instructions on how to use. This file must be used throughout the season by the treasurer. At the end of the current Ringette season, this file must be printed and sent to the following members of the executive: Treasurer and Registrar. Along with the printed Team Financial Spreadsheet, a cheque for any player carry-over amounts must be included. The treasurer MUST return any monies to the parent/guardian of a player for the dollar amount which is equal to or less than the initial set-up amount contributed to the team account from each individual family (ex: $150). Any monies over the initial set-up amount gained through fundraising must be carried over to the following year’s player registration fees. Any fundraised monies over and above the next season’s registration fees will be forfeited to the Spruce Grove Ringette Association.

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SHOT CLOCK OPERATION Shot on Goal: A shot on goal is taken when the team in possession of the ring legally propels the ring toward the other team’s goal and:

The ring enters the net;

The ring contacts a goal post or the cross bar;

The ring contacts the goalkeeper or AGK within the goal crease;

The ring contacts the goalkeeper outside the goal crease and that contact prevents the ring from entering the net.

Playing Rule:

The shot clock shall be set to 30 seconds at the beginning of each period;

The shot clock shall count down only when the game clock counts down;

The shot clock shall be started when play is started and stopped when play is stopped;

The shot clock shall be reset to 30 seconds when: o The team in possession of the ring takes a shot on goal; o Control of the ring changes from one team to the other team; o A delayed penalty is signaled. If additional delayed penalties are signaled before play is

stopped, the shot clock shall not be reset again; o A penalty causes the non-penalized team to commit a violation, and play is stopped as a

result; o A player on the team not in control of the ring commits a violation, and play is stopped

as a result; o A player on the team not in possession of the ring is injured, and play is stopped as a

result.

When the shot clock reaches zero seconds, an audible signal will sound when: o Play is stopped, as the team last in control of the ring has committed a violation; then

the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds and the ring is awarded to the non-offending team, in the nearest circle within the zone in which the ring was last contacted or controlled.

If the shot clock’s audible signal sounds in error: o Play is stopped; the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds; and the ring is awarded to the

team last in control of the ring, in the nearest circle within the zone in which play was stopped.

If the shot clock is reset in error, play continues.

The shot clock display units shall be turned off when there is less time remaining in the period than there is on the shot clock. If the display units cannot be turned off, then the shot clock shall be reset to 30 seconds and stopped.

Shot Clock Operator: The shot clock operator is a minor official, responsible for the operation of the shot clock. The shot clock operator shall be positioned so that they can see the rink and follow play, while being protected from interference or distraction by spectators or team staff. The on-ice officials must be able to communicate easily with the shot clock operator. At the end of the game, the shot clock operator shall sign the Official Game Report.

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LEAGUE PLAY Spruce Grove Ringette Association (SGRA) plays within the Black Gold League (BGL). Your team has been registered with the BGL. SGRA operates following the bylaws of the Zone 5 Ringette Association and the BGL Operations Manual. Both can be found on the BGL web site www.blackgoldleague.com. It is your responsibility to review BGL Operations Manual. The BGL league covers 5 of the 8 Zones in which Alberta is divided into for sport association purposes. Spruce Grove is in Zone 5. In order for Ringette to obtain provincial funding there must be a team in every zone. The smaller associations require the support of larger organizations to provide competition. As such all teams (at all levels) are expected to travel to play the games they have been assigned by Black Gold League (typically two games / year). Examples of other locations: Red Deer, Lacombe, Hinton, Drayton Valley, and Fort McMurray. The Black Gold League game scheduler deals with 1000+ games and considers travel time, tournaments, blackout dates, and other factors. The season is divided into two sessions with and posted on the BGL website at www.blackgoldleague.com. Changes to the season structure have been made for the 2015-2016 season and will provide for a more accurate assessment of competitive equality and also provide for the development and preparation for playdowns and Provincials.

U10 will play four (4) games in the first and ten (10) games in the second session. Session one play will commence on October 21, 2015.

U12 to U19 will play six (6) games in the first session and ten (10) games in the second session. Session one play will commence on October 7, 2015.

November 24, 2015: session two play commences for all divisions.

The exception to games scheduled within the BGL will be the SGRA Active Start teams which will not have scheduled league games but instead, they will have fun games or exhibition style games coordinated by each team for the season.

Teams are re-pooled according to their record of the first session with the intent of making more competitive games and divisions in the second session. Failure to play a league-scheduled game without just cause (as defined by Black Gold League) will result in the team being assessed a $500 fine from the League. All league games must be played and take precedence over practices, tournaments, or team events.


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RETREATS AND ADVANCES

BGL: The SGRA President and BGL Representative may submit requests for a team to be moved into a different pool within the same or different level or division. Requests for movement within the league must be received by a specified BGL deadline. The team advancement and retreat requests are dealt with at the BGL Re-pooling Meeting, November 17, 2015, prior to the start of Session 2. Note: Acceptance or denial of a request made for a team to move to a different Level (i.e. Retreat or Advance) within BGL does not guarantee that Ringette Alberta will reach the same decision for purposes of provincial classification. Should coaches feel their team should be considered for a Retreat or Advance, you must communicate with your Division Director prior to Friday, November 6th, 2015 so that it can be brought to the attention of the SGRA President and BGL Representative. ICE TIMES The SGRA Ice Allocator is responsible for scheduling all practices based on the available ice slots that we have allotted. Game slots are submitted in the middle of September to the BGL Scheduler who will determine the game schedules. This information is returned to SGRA approximately one week before the start of the season to allow for scheduling of all remaining slots by the Ice Allocator. The SGRA Ice Allocator will endeavour to ensure that the teams receive equal amounts of desirable and undesirable ice times from all practice slots remaining. Practices are scheduled after school during the week and on weekends beginning as early as 7:00 am. Games are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Generally, there are two ice times per week – one practice and one game slot. Please note that the ice allocator requires at least FIVE days’ notice for cancellation of practice ice. If you cannot use your designated practice ice, you are required to try and find another team to take it. Any alterations to the schedule need to be reported to the ice allocator at [email protected]. Failure to play a league-scheduled game without just cause (as defined by Black Gold League) will result in the team being assessed a $500 fine from the League. All league games must be played and take precedence over practices, tournaments, or team events. (Please note – that ‘not wanting to travel’ outside of metropolitan Edmonton, is not acceptable to either SGRA or the BGL). Team staff must contact the SGRA Director of Ice Acquisition and Allocator (SGRA Ice Allocator). At

no time should coaches/managers be involved in the rescheduling of league games. The SGRA Ice

Allocator will talk directly to other Association Ice Allocator as well as BGL.

mailto:[email protected]

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TOURNAMENTS Most teams enter tournaments each year, although it is not mandatory. SGRA encourages a maximum of 3 tournaments per season. Tournaments may interfere with BGL scheduled games. BGL games MUST be played regardless if you are in a tournament or not. Please note that the home team of the season game DOES NOT have to honour the rescheduling of a scheduled game. Your team must play the scheduled game before the end of the session. You must notify the SGRA Director of Ice Acquisition and Allocator of all tournaments that your team has applied to attend, even if you have not been accepted as yet. The SGRA ice allocator will notify the BGL scheduler if possible to not schedule games in tournament periods of second session games. The SGRA Ice Allocator will also help facilitate the rebooking of league games when possible. Check Black Gold League or Ringette Alberta’s website for a listing of all sanctioned tournaments and registration information: www.ringettealberta.com and www.blackgoldleague.com.



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PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPRESENTATIVES SGRA registered coaches and team staff will follow the Ringette Alberta Competitions Policy. The most current version of this policy will be found at www.ringettealberta.com All teams must submit their intent to attend provincials to their Division Director in order for SGRA to complete the applicable Commitment to Attend forms and submit payment to Ringette Alberta in order to be eligible to participate in Provincial Championships. Teams which are successful through RAB Provincial Playdowns will be responsible to submit payment to attend the Provincial Competition as per RAB Polices and Guidelines. INSURANCE If I need to file an Accident Claim Form, how would I do this? Download the form from either the SGRA or Ringette Alberta website. Fill in all sections and return to Ringette Alberta. Ringette Alberta will then forward your claim to their insurance broker. Do not file directly to AllSport. What is a Special Event Application Form? If you require insurance coverage for a special event, please download the form from the Ringette Alberta website above, fill in all sections and return to Ringette Alberta. They will then forward your claim to their insurance broker. Do not file directly to AllSport. Special events include: Ringette schools, camps, clinics and fundraisers. What coverage is provided to us through Ringette Alberta? Ringette Alberta provides its members with $5,000,000 comprehensive sports liability coverage, along with a features rich Sports Injury Package. What's the difference? No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. You or your association can be sued by anyone who claims injury or damages resulting from your operations and activities. These suits can be filed by participants, parents, members, the general public and others. Your liability policy will pay claims and all associated legal costs to defend any actions taken against you. The Sports Injury coverage provides protection for participants in your programs, in the event they sustain injury that results in the need for dental work, prescription drugs, physiotherapy ($300 maximum - $30 per visit), crutches, ambulance service, etc. In addition, there is a schedule of benefits for any participant who is more seriously injured. The primary difference between the types of coverage are that liability coverage implies a negligent act may have been committed, while the sports injury coverage responds when an injury occurs, without regard to any wrongdoing or negligence. A single claim may involve both coverages. What are the activities covered? Sanctioned or authorized events within your sport discipline, including related training authorized by you. These events must be logged or authorized with the SGRA prior to the event. The event must be facilitated by qualified Coach/Team Staff or qualified sport disciple trainer.


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Who is covered? All members of your organization, including executives, managers, coaches, trainers, officials, employees and volunteers while acting within the scope of their duties on your behalf. What about newcomers to the sport who are not yet registered with Ringette Alberta? Newcomers are considered to be day members of Ringette Alberta when they first come out to try the sport. As such, they are temporarily covered until such time as they formally register and become a Ringette Alberta member or decide not to participate in the sport and no longer require coverage. Our association is thinking of conducting or hosting a skills clinic. Are we covered? The general liability coverage of $5,000,000 protects the association, but may not extend to cover the instructors, unless they are RAB members and have received the proper approval in writing. In order to provide the participants with Sports Injury coverage, the clinic must be sanctioned by Ringette Alberta and all participants must either be, or become, full or day members of RAB. I have heard that as a volunteer member of our association's executive or that of Ringette Alberta, I could be personally sued for my actions. Am I covered for this? Yes. The policy provides Directors and Officers Liability coverage up to $2,000,000. Suppose we have a fundraiser or social and alcohol is served. Can we be held liable for someone's actions if they drink too much? Suits such as these are becoming more common all the time. Your liability policy has been amended to cover this exposure, along with any other injury that might occur during the event that is due to your negligence. Permission for those events where alcohol is served must be obtained in advance from Ringette Alberta (a small charge will be levied). How do I file an accident claim? Claims should be initiated within 90 days of the accident. Simply fill in a claims form, attach any receipts and forward to Ringette Alberta. Must everyone on the ice wear protective equipment such as a helmet? Yes. The only exceptions are the coaches, trainers and other bench personnel. (Ringette Alberta's Risk Management position is that anyone under 18 years old must wear a helmet) Are there any other risks we should know about? Yes. Due to changes to the Insurance Act, drivers transporting children and others can be held liable for any injuries sustained by passengers in their own vehicle, as well as those of a third party, when involved in an at fault accident. We consider this to be a major exposure and strongly recommend that you review your automobile policy liability limits for adequacy. Ringette Alberta provides no protection in this area. THE ANSWERS TO THESE FAQ HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR ACTUAL POLICY WORDINGS. PLEASE CHECK OUT ALLSPORTS WEBSITE www.allsportinsurance.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.

http://www.allsportinsurance.com/

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APPENDIX A – CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

PURPOSE Spruce Grove Ringette Association seeks to ensure that all participants are treated with respect; that everyone has equal opportunity; and that discriminatory practices are prohibited. Under this policy participants are required to behave in a manner which upholds SGRA Core Values.

SCOPE This Code of Conduct Policy identifies the standard of behaviour which is expected of all Members and Participants involved in the sport of Ringette as well as related on and off ice activities within the SGRA and within the Province of Alberta as well as teams and their organizations participating in Ringette activities outside the Province of Alberta.

DEFINITIONS

These words have the following meaning in this policy:

a. Core Values of SGRA are established as:

• Teamwork: Co-operation to achieve common goals. Competition on the ice, cooperation off the ice; Clearly defined roles, responsibilities and expectations; Recognition for achievement and the celebration of our successes and respecting the values, skills and contributions of others.

• Integrity and Respect: Commitment to opportunity and consistent actions; Commitment to be open, honest and ethical in all that we do.

• Safe and Fun Communities: Ensuring a positive, fun and safe environment. • Excellence: A commitment to high standards in process and knowledge.

b. Discipline: Defines the steps taken and the consequences for not acting in a manner consistent with

the Code of Conduct.

c. Members: All categories of membership defined in the SGRA Bylaws

d. Participants: Includes, but is not limited to, all SGRA Executive, Members, oaches, officials, athletes,

managers, volunteers, administrators, employees (including contract personnel), parents or legal guardians, and fans.

PRINCIPLES

All participants will treat others with respect.

All participants will have equal opportunity limited only by their desires, effort and ability.

Discriminatory practices will not be tolerated.

SGRA will foster an environment that supports the Core Values.

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REQUIREMENTS All participants will maintain the dignity and self-esteem of other participants by:

Demonstrating respect for individuals regardless of gender, ethnic or racial origin, sexual

orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability, or economic status;

Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, and Members;

Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership, and ethical conduct and practices;

Acting, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory; Interacting with others in a way that enables all individuals to maintain their dignity and respect; Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably; Ensuring that the rules of the sport of Ringette, and the spirit of such rules, are adhered to.

Adults will take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages in social situations associated with Ringette events. All participants will adhere to the legal requirements for alcohol consumption.

Participants will respect the property of others and not willfully cause loss or damage.

Participants will abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods that will affect the Ringette performance or experience of themselves or other participants.

Participants will refrain from any behavior that constitutes harassment and/or bullying of any kind. , Harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Bullying includes, but is not limited to cyber bullying, emails, texting or social media chatter. Participants are not permitted to enter into the opposing team’s dressing room, the official’s dressing room nor are they permitted to confront game officials about the game unless invited to do so by said officials.

It is essential that Participants understand the importance of actively displaying respectful and equally ethical behaviour towards officials. The SGRA accepts the concept of Zero Tolerance where there is abusive behaviour towards game officials. Participants will refrain from any behavior that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature, when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, and where such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Participants will refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another participant to engage in inappropriate activities.

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COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT In addition to the above, Coaches have additional responsibilities and must model appropriate behavior. The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of athletes. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches will at all times:

Understand that you have an obligation to abide by the policies and practices of SGRA and that

failure to do so could result in a loss of coaching privileges;

Commit yourself to learning the rules of the game, skills to be taught, and coaching techniques for player and team development. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development in children. Attend all required clinics and coach development programs SGRA may hold and/or offer from time to time.

Remember that participants play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at players for making a mistake or losing a competition.

Ensure a safe environment for athletes/participants by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of athletes, including educating athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment;

Remember that players need a coach they can respect and look up to… be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example;

Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches;

Do not lower yourself to the level of fans or other coaches who throw tantrums, use profanity, make a spectacle of themselves by abusing the game officials, and in general degrade themselves and the game;

Communicate with parents and/or legal guardians and follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play. Player must obtain a letter from a physician authorizing play if they sought medical advice for the injury to begin with;

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and team staff during practices, games and team functions;

Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate and as opportunities arise;

Encourage and facilitate athletes to be responsible for their own behaviour, performance, and decisions;

Give athletes the opportunity to discuss, contribute to and agree with proposed training and performance standards. Provide athletes and the parents/guardians of athletes who are minors with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete;

Be reasonable in your demands on player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests, including academics, and being able to pursue these interests, as well as ringette, will help them maintain their enthusiasm and make them better players.;

At no time engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete under the age of 18 years and at no time engage in an intimate or sexual relation with an athlete over the age of 18 if the coach is in a position of power, trust, or authority over the athlete;

Refrain from intervening inappropriately in personal affairs that are outside the generally accepted jurisdiction of a Ringette coach;

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Keep confidential any information about athletes or others gained through coaching activities and believed to be considered confidential by those persons;

Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person.

COMPLIANCE AND CONSEQUENCES

Participants will comply at all times with the Bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of Ringette Canada, Ringette Alberta, and Spruce Grove Ringette Association as adopted and amended from time to time.

Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanctions pursuant to SGRA’s Complaints and Discipline Policy.

Ringette Alberta has the right to take action where it determines that SGRA’s actions are insufficient to maintain the Core Values. Failure to comply may make SGRA subject to sanctions pursuant to Ringette Alberta’s polices related to discipline.