MEMORANDUM

To:All Member of St. Albert Ringette Association

From:Glen Dennis

President St. Albert Ringette Association

Subject:2013-2014 “AA” SARA Ringette

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1.0Introduction:

As you are aware the SARA Board of Directors struck a committee to review AA Ringette opportunities for SARA athletes and determine advantages and barriers to the structure. Research was conducted which included surveys, presentations, meetings and inclusion of Ringette Alberta. The Committee provided presentations to the Board of Directors on July 2, 2013 and subsequent decisions were made to provide “AA” teams at the U-14, U-16 and U-19 levels for the 2013-2014 playing season. Following the decision a meeting was held in order to determine process and support mechanisms for the upcoming season.

2.0“AA” Season Administrative Processes:

2.1Coach Selection Process:

The applications process for all three “AA” teams will be posted on the SARA Website and as well will be advertised in the local St. Albert Gazette. The posting will be open and applications will be accepted until August 1, 2013. A selection Committee will review the applications and conduct interviews with a selection being made and notified by August 7, 2013.

The Selection Committee will be Todd Koslowski (Coach Coordinator); Travis Sawchuk (Treasurer) and Dwayne Girard (“AA” Coordinator).

2.2Player Evaluation Process:

Evaluations will be organized and conducted by Travis Sawchuk with the assistance of the SARA Open “A” Team. The information provided is a general overview and specific information will be advanced to all athletes prior to the evaluation dates by the respective Division Coordinators.

U14 “AA” evaluations have been set as follows:

  • August 24, 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm Kinex Arena;
  • August 25, 11:00am to 12:30 pm SCUP-MM and
  • August 26, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm SCUP-NSH

As the U-14 Division is developmental in the LTAD framework the evaluations will not be position specific.

U16 “AA” evaluations have been set as follows:

  • August 24, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Kinex Arena;
  • August 25, 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm SCUP-MM and
  • August 26, 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm SCUP-NSH

The evaluations will be position specific and additional information will be advanced to the athletes by the Division Coordinator prior to the evaluation dates.

U19 “AA evaluations have been set as follows:

  • August 28, 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm SCUP-MM (this is 2 one hour time slots with a flood)
  • September 2, 8:15 pm to 9:30 pm Kinex and
  • September 4, 8:00 pm to 9:15 pm SCUP-MM

The evaluations will be position specific and additional information will be advanced to the athletes by the Division Coordinator prior to the evaluation dates. The athletes may declare a specific position to the Divisions Coordinator prior to the evaluation dates.

3.0Ice Allocation

The current ice allocation policy will apply to all SARA teams. Each team will be provided with an equal amount of ice with the option of purchasing additional ice should it become available. In the event a “AA” team wishes to purchase additional ice it will be the individual team’s responsibility. A communication will be made available on the SARA website relative to the available ice for the upcoming 2013-2014 playing season.

4.0Coach and Team Mentoring:

For the upcoming season steps have been taken to provide mentoring to our coaches at all levels which will include those selected for the “AA” teams. Advances have been made and additional information will be available through e-mail and the SARA website. The SARA points of contact are Travis Sawchuk and Todd Koslowski.

In order to provide the opportunity for success at all levels of the Association it is important to mentor athletes and teams. Exposure to older athletes is key for the younger teams in order to aspire to compete and advance within the sport. Team mentoring will be available for the upcoming season through the Junior Coach program as well as advanced divisions assisting with practices and events with the younger divisions.

5.0“AA” Coordinator

Dwayne Girard has volunteered his time and energy to become the “AA” Coordinator for the upcoming season. During the season the role and responsibilities of the Coordinator will evolve. The Coordinator will liaise with all three “AA” Teams and as well with the SARA Board of Directors. Assistance will be required in order to make this a successful season. Travel, fundraising and tournament coordination assistance will be required once the teams have been selected.

6.0SARA Role in “AA”

The SARA Board of Directors will support the “AA” teams through process, policy and liaise with Ringette Alberta. The direct line of communication will be through the “AA” Coordinator to the Board.

All “AA” Teams will be provided with two sets of SARA Jerseys and game pants consistent with the current Equipment and Team Provisions policy.

7.0Expectations

Expectations vary from the perspective of the athlete, the parents’ and coaches. In order for a team and an individual athlete to be successful it is important to understand what the expectations are and more importantly how to fulfill the expectations. The following information offered is certainly not exhaustive however will provide the athletes and parents’ with an overview of what will be expected from them upon entering the competitive “AA” Ringette stream. Coaches will present a seasonal plan and budget for their respective teams and will seek additional team volunteers from the parent group.

7.1Time Commitment

In order to develop at the highest level, dedication to the sport is required. There will be at least two practice times, off ice physical training and Ringette related activities each week. All SARA “AA” teams will also participate in the Black Gold League play, Tournaments and exhibition games. Other activities are encouraged however if a conflict exists then whenever possible your “AA” Ringette team will be the priority. Family and education are the exception to this.

Each “AA” Team can expect to participate in three tournaments held in Alberta and two out of province tournaments. All teams will participate in the Provincials due to the number of “AA” Team in the province.

Team fees may range from $1500 to $2,000 depending upon the extra activities undertaken by an individual team. All teams with SARA are self funded with fundraising and sponsorship opportunities which are the responsibility of the individual teams.

This is a terrific opportunity however the athletes and parents must be informed and prepared to commit the time and dedication to make a “AA” Team and experience successful.

Additional information will be made available through the respective Division Coordinators and selected coaches regarding process, seasonal plans and required commitment.

8.0Player Residency and Release

SARA is providing “AA” Ringette for the 2013-2014 playing season therefore will have a suitable team for all athletes on which to participate. All SARA athletes wishing to play “AA” Ringette will participate in the evaluation process offered in SARA. In the event an athlete is not selected to a team they will be granted a release to attend evaluations with another association offering “AA” Ringette.

The exception to the residency rules and release policy will be for those athletes who have played with Zone 5 AA Club or Zone 6 AA Club during the 2012-2013 playing season. Upon request, those athletes will be granted releases in order to continue to participate with the respective AA Clubs.

Glen Dennis,

President SARA.