Annual General Meeting s2

2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONFERENCE

1 11759 Groat Road Edmonton AB T5M 3K6 www.ringettealberta.com

May 2013

Hello and Welcome… to the 2013 Ringette Alberta Annual General Meeting and Conference.

Welcome, to the Ringette Alberta’s 39th year which once again looks like it’s going to be a great one. Whether you are a returning member or are getting involved for the first time I am happy to welcome you to join us in another exciting year of ringette.

Building on the successes of last season, we have put together a stimulating day of events to cater to every one of our partners in ringette. This years’ conference will bring together all of Ringette Alberta for a day-long interactive session that addresses key sport challenges and identifies factors that are critical to success. Given our focus on our strategic plan and the "big picture," we have included exciting plenary sessions on Canadian Sport for Life and Club Excellence. With six break-out discussions, we will provide an interactive platform that facilitates intriguing debates and lively discussions.

We hope our conference helps each one of you discover ideas and solutions to innovate, grow, collaborate - and most importantly, to create an impact. Thank you for coming!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome!

Andy LaForge President, Ringette Alberta

2 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONFERENCE Sunday, May 5th, 2013, The Links of GlenEagles Golf Course, 100 Gleneagle Dr, Cochrane, AB T4C 1P5 Contents: 1. Day at a Glance p.2 5. Conference Session Descriptions p.8

2. AGM Voting Delegate Allotment p.3 6. 2012-13 Season Reports a. President’s Report p.10 3. AGM Agenda p.4 b. Vice President’s Report p.12 c. Financial Report p.13 4. Elections d. Operations Report p.13 a. Returning Board Members p.5 b. Board Nominees p.5 c. Board Nominees’ Bios p.6

Day at a Glance

8:15 – 8:45 AGM Registration 8:45 – 10:30 AGM Annual General Meeting (Terrace Room) Canadian Sport for Life / Long Term Athlete Development Big Picture Update & Implementation Scorecard 10:30 – 11:15 PLENARY Dean Kozak, Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation (Terrace Room) 11:15 – 12:30 2014 Provincial Championships Universal Athlete Assessment BREAKOUT David Myers, Tim Berrett, Nicole Lark Playdowns Design (Terrace Room) Darron Bunt, Ringette Alberta (Falcon Room) 12:30 – 13:30 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN* 13:30 – 14:45 Club Excellence PLENARY Kyle Johnston from Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport (Terrace Room) 14:45– 15:00 BREAK 15:00– 16:15 Success with Working with Zone 1, 2, 3 Ringette ABCs Traditional & U14AA in 2013/14 League Play in BREAKOUT Guy Baillie & Social Media David Myers 2013/14 Kim Stanlake-Cammer, Dave Clark, (Terrace Room - split) Facilitator TBA Strathmore Ringette Alberta Media Services (Terrace Room - split) (Falcon Room - split) (Falcon Room-split) 16:15 – 16:45 Closing Remarks PLENARY (Terrace Room) *Due to insufficient nominations and lack of registration, the traditional volunteer and athlete recognition luncheon will not run this year. Alternate arrangements are being made to recognize the individuals who were selected to receive an award.

Please make plans for lunch on your own off site.

3 AGM Voting Delegate Allotment Zone Association Delegates Zone Association Delegates

1 Bassano Ringette 1 4 Central Alberta Sting 1 1 Brooks Ladies Ringette Association 1 4 Central Alberta Wiggers 1 1 Brooks Ringette Club 1 4 Lacombe Ringette 4 1 Lethbridge Ringette 3 4 Red Deer Ringette 5 1 Medicine Hat Ringette 5 5 Pembina Ringette 1 2 Airdrie Ringette Association 3 5 Beaumont Ringette 4 2 Cochrane Ringette 3 5 Drayton Valley Ringette 2 2 Hussar Ringette 1 5 Fort Saskatchewan Ringette 3 2 Indus Ringette Association 2 5 Hinton Ringette Association 2 2 Olds Ringette 1 5 Leduc (Jaguars) Ringette 2 2 Rockyford Ringette 2 5 Northern AB Women's Ringette 4 2 Strathmore Minor Ringette 4 5 Riviere Qui Barre 1 3 Bowview Ringette 8 5 Sherwood Park Ringette 7 3 Calgary East Ringette 1 5 Spruce Grove Ringette Association 5 3 Calgary Open Ringette Association 7 5 St. Albert Ringette 9 3 Northwest Ringette 9 5 Zone 5 AA Ringette Club 1 3 Ringette Calgary AA 2 6 Edmonton Ringette (EFCLRA) 10 3 South Calgary Ringette 6 6 Edmonton Ringette Club 2 Women's Ringette Association of 3 5 6 U of A Ringette Club 1 Calgary 7 Fort McMurray Ringette 3

4 AGM Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Confirmation of Voting Delegates

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. President’s Welcome

5. Approve the Minutes – Semi- Annual General Meeting October 24, 2012

Ringette Alberta Semi-Annual General Meeting October 24, 2012 7:00 PM

Agenda 1. Call to Order 19:23

2. Confirmation of Delegates Quorum = minimum of 50% of zones represented and 15 voting members Majority = 11

3. Adoption of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda. Moved: Donna Smith, Spruce Grove Seconded: Todd McDonald, Sherwood Park CARRIED

4. Approval of Minutes of last General Meeting (May 5, 2012) Motion to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2012 General Meeting. Moved: Jim Cullihal Seconded: Sandra Perrin CARRIED

5. New Business Motion to approve the financial statements for the year ending July 31, 2012 as presented. Motion: Todd McDonald Sherwood Park Second: Donna Smith, Spruce Grove CARRIED

6. Announcements a. Ringette’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations b. Local Association visits

5 c. Policy Document Format Change d. Appeals Policy e. Group Member Operations Policy (see item 10.3 in 2012 AGM Minutes) f. Club Excellence g. Update on “On-Ice Assistant” role h. Value of Zones? i. Next AGM – May 4, 2013, Holiday Inn on 67th, Red Deer

7. Adjournment Motion to adjourn the meeting. Moved: Todd McDonnald Meeting adjourned at 19:54

6. New Business a. President’s Report – Andy Laforge b. Governance Committee Report – Harry Benders c. Financial Report – Jodee McKinney d. Appoint Auditor – Jodee McKinney e. Operations Report – David Myers 7. Elections 8. Announcements a. Reminders: a.i. Group Member Operations Policy a.ii. Group Member Application b. Other: 9. Adjourn

Elections Returning Ringette Alberta Board Members Andy Laforge, President (Leduc) Harry Benders, Vice President (Sherwood Park) Laura Shannon, Director at Large (Drayton Valley) Stu Frunchak, Director at Large (Sherwood Park) Kim Patten, Director at Large (Edmonton)

Ringette Alberta Board Nominees Members will be asked to elect a Treasurer plus four (4) Directors at Large for a two-year term *This is the only nominee for Treasurer so this nominee will be elected by acclamation Name (alphabetical) Home association Board position sought Jim Cullihall Fort McMurray Ringette Director at Large Colleen Dawson Northern Alberta Women’s Ringette Association Director at Large Monique Laurin Northern Alberta Women’s Ringette Association Director at Large Jodee McKinney Edmonton Treasurer* Hilary Pischke Calgary Director at Large Dallas Robbins Calgary Director at Large Marilyn Wilkinson Calgary Director at Large

6 Nominees’ Bios

Marilyn Wilkinson: 2012/13 South Calgary Ringette Association (SCRA) Director at Large 2007-2012 SCRA Registrar and Board Executive 2012/13 SCRA EGRT Representative 2011/12 U16AA Team Representative for Calgary AA and SCRA Marketing Coordinator 2012/13 Season- 3 daughters in ringette (U19AA, U19B & U14A) Coaching qualifications include CSI, CI, MED & Respect in Sport Numerous ringette volunteer positions as a parent over the past 8 seasons 2003-06 Parent Council Chairperson for Chinook Park Elementary School

I would like to become a Ringette Alberta board member because it is my personal belief that volunteer involvement is vital to the success of any local or larger sport association, and change or growth can only come with commitment and time. I will contribute a balanced view of local and competitive needs in ringette. My past positions have provided me with the experience to see the various sides of important issues and make informed decisions on what is best for all.

Dallas Robbins (Dallas had to withdraw her nomination ) My name is Dallas Robbins. I live in Calgary and I’m 28 years old. I have been playing Ringette for 21 years. I have had the opportunity to play in eleven Canadian Ringette Championships, the 2003 Canada Winter Games and World Championships in Finland 2010. The highlight of my career has definitely been playing for Team Canada. The experience of playing against the best players in the world was amazing. Given the opportunity to wear our maple leaf on your jersey and play for your country was a very proud moment in my career. I am currently playing on Calgary Rath and Team Canada 2013.

Other ways I have been involved in Ringette include; coaching my 4 year old son played his first year of ringette in 2012-2013 and a present owner/instructor of BiLt Ringette in Calgary, AB with one of my teammates.

Hilary Pischke 2009-present – Director for Bow View Ringette 2007-present – Registrar Bow View Ringette Association 2010-present – Committee Member Calgary AA Association 2011-present – Registrar Calgary AA Association Many parent volunteer positions with the teams including Manager 3 years School Council Chair/Vice Chair Midnapore School 4 years Director Midnapore Lake Residents Association

I think I bring valuable experience from being on the Boards of 2 associations at both the quadrant and city level. As Registrar for the past 6 years I have seen tremendous growth in the sport and hope to be a part of the future growth of ringette in the province through being part of the Ringette Alberta Board. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on your Board.

7 Monique Laurin I joined the Ringette Alberta Board in 2011 and am proud to have been part of the advancements we have made. Prior to joining the Board I was an Executive Member for NAWRA (Northern Alberta Women’s Ringette Association) for 3 years. I started playing ringette in the early eighties when it came to Alberta and came back to the sport in 2003 after a 10 year absence.

I value honesty, integrity, and commitment. I believe more can be achieved when people work together rather than by themselves. I strongly believe in serving the member. I enjoy the challenge of finding ways to improve procedures and processes, even if the current ones work, as well as ways to advance the sport.

I have an educational background in finance and sports administration. I have been fortunate to use my sports administration knowledge by participating on sports teams and Boards. I am intrigued by the business of sports.

Colleen Dawson Presently, Coleen is a player and board member for the Northern Alberta Women’s Ringette Association (NAWRA) and she has been playing a part within the Ringette community for nearly 24 years. Coleen’s early Ringette involvement was in St. Albert as a player and referee, but for the last decade she has been actively involved as a player, team organizer, and board member with NAWRA.

Coleen has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and 3 years’ experience with the Government of Alberta developing policy and regulations in the Ministries of Health, Service Alberta, and presently, Alberta Energy. During her time with the Government of Alberta, Coleen has been a participant on numerous boards, committees, and working groups where she has been an integral part of the development of good policy options. Coleen wishes to join the Board of Directors for Ringette Alberta in order to work first hand at developing a sport that she feels has drastically, and positively, impacted her life. Coleen is a team player, innovative, and results oriented.

8 Conference Session Descriptions

Canadian Sport for Life / Long Term Athlete Development Big Picture Update & Implementation Scorecard Dean Kozak from the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation will provide a global perspective on the development and implementation of LTAD models across the country. Dean will also introduce participants to the LTAD Implementation Scorecard which is a valuable tool to help identify the priority areas for implementation and where there needs to be national, provincial and local co-operation.

Universal Athlete Assessment David Myers, Tim Berret and Nicole Lark will provide a summary of the work done to date on the development of a system designed to evaluate ringette players in the Learning to Train and Training to Train stage of development. There will be a Q &A opportunity as well as a quality discussion about the options for implementation of this system for the 2013 – 14 season.

2014 Provincial Championships Playdowns Design There will be no zone-based playdowns in 2014. Instead, playdowns will be conducted on a north / south regional basis.

Darron Bunt will provide a summary the changes to playdowns so that there is common understanding and then the group will roll up its sleeves and determine the mechanics of running playdowns starting in 2014. Some of the core questions to be addressed include: 1. How can Ringette Alberta secure ice (in advance [preferably by September the year prior], at an appropriate rate) 2. Where do off-ice officials come from? 3. How do we assign on-ice officials? 4. Mini-tournament format – do we agree? 5. Correct sequence of events; end of league play, round one, round two (where necessary), break, provincials?

Club Excellence Ringette Alberta has become an associate member of Club Excellence which is a program of the Canadian Centre for Excellence in Sport. Club Excellence is a resource to help local clubs become top performing organizations. Many of the off-ice challenges local ringette associations deal with each year can be mitigated and even eliminated by meeting the Club Excellence standards.

Kyle Johnston, from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport will present an overview of Club Excellence and how your association can begin the certification process with Ringette Alberta’s support.

Working with Traditional and Social Media Dave Clark is the owner of Targa Communications. Dave will present practical tips on how to deal effectively with traditional media outlets to obtain media coverage for worthy stories. He’ll also provide guidelines on what do to and what not to do when it comes to using social media. Dave will also lead participants through a hands- on exercise to get you started on your media relations journey. Finally, you will receive a summary of the media stories generated for ringette in Alberta this past season and how you can take advantage of this service Ringette Alberta and Targa Communications provide.

9 Success with Ringette ABCs The Universal Athlete Assessment is an extension of the skills taught and tested in the Ringette ABCS program which is designed for the Fundamentals stage of athlete development in ringette.

Strathmore Ringette Association has fully implemented the Ringette ABCs program for their athletes assuring each one of them will be given the instruction necessary to prepare them for the Learning to Train Stage of Athlete Development and ensure their athletes are as successful as possible in the their first exposure to the testing proposed for the Learning to Train and Training to Train stages.

Guy Baillie & Kim Stanlake-Cammer will provide information on how Strathmore has implemented Ringette ABCs, the benefits they’re seeing, and lessons learned.

U14AA Program Development Facilitator TBA

Ringette Alberta would like to see opportunity expanded to approximately 8 U14AA teams starting in the 2013- 2014 season to help us achieve the 15%-18% participation rate target.

The recent competitive equity seen at the Ringette Alberta Challenge (April 5-7) is evidence that the gap between U14B and U14AA is not as wide as perhaps general perception may have initially believed. There are many athletes with the desire to participate in the U14AA environment but we are not providing it to them due to limited opportunity and/or prohibitive cost.

There will be an update from Ringette Alberta on the progress on the recommendation of the Training to Train Task Force 2.0 and other developments that will impact the viability of 8 U14AA teams in Alberta starting in the 2013-14 season.

Current providers of U14AA programs and those interested in starting a program should take this opportunity to discuss how they will approach the 2013-14 season.

League Play – Zone 1, 2, 3 Facilitator TBA This session is a critical opportunity for stakeholders from zone 1, 2, and 3 to discuss the mechanics of league operations for the 2013-14 season. Thanks to the elimination of Zone playdowns, league play can involve teams from multiple zones throughout the season. Ideally, we’ll secure a representative from the Black Gold League to sit in on this session to provide lessons from this northern leagues experience.

10 President’s Report – Andy Laforge

As ringette leaders, as decision makers, and above all as parents, we need to understand the impact of our actions on a local and provincial scale. Moreover, we must analyze the consequences of non-action; to stand by the wayside out of complacence or denial. We must make a commitment as an individual and part of the collective, to work towards achieving sport excellence through a focus on economic, social and environmental criteria. This is what we believe is responsible sport. The 2013 conference will bring together diverse ideas and viewpoints to address the challenges and opportunities of a truly remarkable sport. As an initiative founded by people like you, Ringette Alberta has come a long way in providing a platform to foster idea-exchange and learning about responsible sport and the development of future leaders. Our goal is unwavering: to constantly expand the reach and relevance of ringette while spreading awareness, building partnerships, and building well- rounded athletes.

Governance… This past season has seen some significant changes in the way Ringette Alberta operates. The transition to our new governance structure is complete. We observed a few minor hic-ups, but proceeded as planned and as approved by you, the membership.

I am very excited that there will be elections for the five available Board positions. Ringette Alberta is a testament to the hard work of past and present members. It is governed by dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers are valuable partners of our association and we honour our relationship with them by providing a volunteer experience that they will value and enjoy.

Strategic Planning… Last season was also the first year implementing our new Strategic Plan. We knew going into the year that the plan was very, very ambitious. Progress is being made on many of the strategic priorities, and some of the priorities are complete and ready for implementation.

In April, another year was added to the Strategic Plan with help from Paul Jurbala who is a member of the Canadian Sport for Life Leadership Team. One area of his expertise is assisting organizations integrate LTAD into strategic plans.

If you have not seen the Strategic Plan, I invite you to obtain a copy from the website. It is our guide for the next three years. It is a living document and future focused and takes into account the changing physical and economical environment, specific local challenges and opportunities within Alberta, as well as the emerging trends from Sport Canada.

Fiscal Planning… Today, the Association is on solid financial ground. Tomorrow, we may be facing external pressures. We are fully expecting and planning for a decrease in government funding from Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation given the economic priorities of the Province. Today, we already know the Development Initiatives Program has been cancelled. We are exercising fiscal prudence and are planning for a time where the level of funding may not be what it is today.

Having said that, there is a small opportunity whereby government funding on an association by association basis may actually increase depending on how effectively we meet the priorities of the Alberta Sport Plan. As this is an unknown, we must plan for the worst and hope for the best.

11 Looking Ahead… Ringette Alberta has become a Club Excellence Associate Member. Ringette Alberta’s members now enjoy access to a range of tools and resources to improve association effectiveness. Through the Associate Membership, the Club Excellence program will be available to all Ringette Alberta member associations at all levels, focusing on all the characteristics of strong, sound clubs, from management to governance and program delivery. Workshops will help our member associations become Club Excellence certified, building capacity in a number of critical areas including coaching, people management, governance, recruitment, financial accountability, marketing, and revenue generation.

Our planning for 2013-2014 season includes the following (to name a few): 1. Coaching certification requirements will be examined and may modified; 2. Implementing Ringette ABCs; 3. Redesigning Provincials and provincial play-downs; 4. Implementing the Standardized Athlete Assessment; 5. Ringette Alberta Challenge for the U14 age group; 6. Ringette Alberta Cup for the U17 age group; 7. Furthering the Provincial Official Development program

Again, this is a very ambitious plan. Please take time to learn and understand what these programs are intended to accomplish. Engage with Ringette Alberta and engage with your members.

Ringette Alberta is committed to a strong working relationship with you, our members. We must work together towards a common goal, each doing our part, in making ringette the sport we know it can be. Ringette IN Alberta will only be as good as we make it - together.

Andy LaForge, President, Ringette Alberta

12 Vice President Report – Harry Benders As Vice president of RAB, I am on the Executive and Finance Committee along with the Treasurer, President and Executive Director. As well, I chair the Governance Committee. The other members of the Governance committee are Directors at Large Monique Laurin and Stuart Frunchak.

The Governance Committee took on several projects this year.

Since the last AGM, the Governance Committee worked with Kristen over the summer to finish a rewrite and reorganization of the policies, which required reading over them many times word by word and comparing to each trying to clarify the wording of the original while not changing the intent. These were finally approved for use when this past season started. The Provincial Championships technical manual was also constructed using the applicable sections from the old policies manual that had to do with how provincials are run and all of the on and off-ice rules. There were no changes in content or intent. Again thanks to Kristen for doing the computer work on that. Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference for the three Board standing committees were updated. Review of current Policy: We proposed changes to the Registration policy on what 18+ means and specified the other age divisions as per Ringette Canada. We clarified the Coaching policy with new wording to resolve the conflicting statements in Applicability and Principles sections of Coach Policy. Also some principles on the value of female coaches were added. New Policies:

We also completed the new Group Member Operations Policy after receiving input through the Executive Director’s series of member association meetings.

All of these changes above were developed and proposed by the Governance Committee and ultimately approved by the Board.

I attended 2 member association meetings with the Executive Director. I found it a very worthwhile exercise to hear about local association issues from a board and governance committee perspective. Harry Benders Vice President, Ringette Alberta

13 Finance Report – Jodee McKinney (to be provided in separate document)

Operations Report – David Myers To start, I’d like to thank you for attending the all the work you do as volunteers throughout the year to make ringette a reality in your communities across Alberta. Your commitment to your children and this amazing sport inspires us in the Ringette Alberta office to continue to push forward with the work we do for you and with you.

Overall, the 2012-13 season has been a great step forward for ringette in Alberta. Since my first involvement with Ringette Alberta in 2001, I am not sure I have seen a more meaningful year for the association. This, in large part is due to three critical factors:  the membership approving modifications (2012 AGM) to the governance model of the association has allowed the Board to focus on the big picture / strategic direction of the association while giving the staff the authority and autonomy to manage operations;  the involvement of the Board and a representative group from our membership coming together in April 2012 to build a multi-year strategic plan;  the willingness of many of you to actively engage with Ringette Alberta, particularly through the local association meetings to which you invited Ringette Alberta representatives.

Generally, I have been very pleased with the increase in two-way communication between Ringette Alberta and our members. This season, I made a deliberate point of getting out of the office to meet with you in your associations and I hope to do more of this in 2013-14. Although it is an extremely busy time of year, we would also like to try to attend your association’s start of season coaches meetings where possible. I encourage associations to take us up on the offer to come meet with you in your communities. For those that did in 2012- 13, I think it was a mutually beneficial exercise.

The only other general comment I’d like to make, before providing a detailed operational update, is with respect to policy development and application. Policies, along with bylaws and budgets, exist to establish a framework for how ringette is to be run. The better our policies are and the more consistently we apply them, the fewer challenges we will have when trying to run our organizations. This goes for Ringette Alberta and your local association equally. Policy development isn’t the most exciting part of our roles in Ringette but, after providing quality coaching, there is nothing more critical to running successful sport organizations.

In the 2012-13 season there were a number of appeals that came to Ringette Alberta. Our process is, simply put, to engage an independent third party to adjudicate appeal hearings. Inevitably, appeals are upheld when organizations or individuals do not follow policies (this applies to local ringette associations and Ringette Alberta equally).

A number of times this season, there were associations who lost appeals who subsequently suggested that Ringette Alberta did not support them. It is not Ringette Alberta’s job to choose sides between members and participants. We provide a mechanism for opposing parties to present their case to the independent adjudicator and that individual makes a decision based on what is presented.

Additionally, there were quite a few situations this year where the office staff of Ringette Alberta was asked to ‘let things slide’ or ‘use our judgement and make an exception’. This expectation is, essentially, asking the staff of Ringette Alberta to apply the policy to some individuals but not apply it to others. This is unfair to those who

14 do meet the expectations set out in the policy. Although in some cases we can see the validity in the request we still can’t make exceptions. Additionally, a number of times we heard from members who said things like, ‘I didn’t know you were following your policy...’

While Ringette Alberta will continue to improve our policies and apply them evenly for all members and participants we will also be available to help your associations do the same. We’ve taken a huge step forward in this area by becoming an Associate Member of Club Excellence and we are committed to supporting you through the Club Excellence certification process.

Now, on to the details...

Registration 2012-2013 Total Minor Adult Players Zon Players Players 2012- e Association 2012-2013 2012-2013 2013 1 Bassano Ringette 5 5 1 Brooks Ladies Ringette Association 14 14 1 Brooks Ringette Club 47 47 1 Lethbridge Ringette 75 52 127 1 Medicine Hat Ringette 194 48 242 2 Airdrie Ringette Association 148 148 2 Cochrane Ringette 123 123 2 Hussar Ringette 14 14 2 Indus Ringette Association 67 67 2 Olds Ringette 19 19 2 Rockyford Ringette Association 36 32 68 2 Strathmore Minor Ringette Association 162 162 3 Bowview Ringette 394 394 3 Calgary East Ringette 36 36 3 Calgary Open Ringette Association 321 321 3 Northwest Ringette 428 428 3 Ringette Calgary AA 73 15 88 3 South Calgary Ringette 277 277 3 Women's Ringette Association of Calgary 244 244 4 Central Alberta Sting 43 43 4 Central Alberta Wiggers Ringette Association 16 16 4 Lacombe Ringette 126 35 161

15 4 Red Deer Ringette 232 232 5 Pembina Ringette 13 13 5 Beaumont Ringette 166 166 5 Drayton Valley Ringette 64 64 5 Fort Saskatchewan Ringette 111 14 125 5 Hinton Ringette Association 66 16 82 5 Leduc (Jaguars) Ringette 90 12 102 5 Northern AB Women's Ringette 188 188 5 Riviere Qui Barre Ringette Association 14 14 5 Sherwood Park Ringette 312 33 345 5 Spruce Grove Ringette Association 195 15 210 5 St. Albert Ringette 405 18 423 5 Zone 5 AA Ringette Club 34 34 6 Edmonton Ringette (EFCLRA) 291 167 458 6 Edmonton Ringette Club 48 21 69 6 U of A Ringette Club 39 39 7 Fort McMurray Ringette 135 15 150 4410 1348 5758

The information below is an account of our progress towards achieving the ringette IN Alberta 2012-2015 strategic plan.

LTAD- Athlete Development 1. Adopt ABCs  To our knowledge, the following associations are running some version* of Ringette ABCs:

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Medicine Hat Airdrie nil Brooks Cochrane Indus Strathmore

Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 nil Spruce Grove Edmonton Ringette Federation Fort Saskatchewan Beaumont Zone 7 Sherwood Park** Fort McMurray

*We have not completed any on-site evaluations or other follow up to determine how closely associations are adhering to the program as it is designed. Anecdotally, we know that some are

16 taking only select components of the program, e.g., no bandanas, just using practices plans, no report cards. ** Sherwood Park’s “phasing” approach is similar in philosophy to Ringette ABCs however it is run completely independently of any Ringette ABCs structure, resources or testing.

2. ABCs Catch Up  Essentially, this is to ensure that prior to moving on to U10, athletes have achieved the standard of the green bandana in the Ringette ABCs program. This will aid in creating a narrow range in skill differences at U10 and aid in improving competitive equity.  On-hold until we work our way through greater implementation of ABCs for 2013-14 season

3. Universal Athlete Assessment / Standardized Testing  Survey of members completed to establish current state  First draft of system March 11, 2013  Based on review of draft, two controlled tests were conducted and more adjustments made  Live test conducted April 14 in Red Deer, feedback session and more adjustments made  Refining scoring process  No goaltender component at this time

4. LTAD Implementation Plan  No comprehensive all encompassing plan has been written  Despite that, progress is happening on other LTAD related initiatives (see elsewhere in this report)  Ringette Canada is currently conducting a complete check-up of LTAD implementation across ringette in Canada. Ringette Canada is also conducting a Competition Review.

5. Train to Train  Train to Train Task Force 2.0 recommendations were presented to the Board previously. They were: 1. Standardized Evaluation Program (e.g. Universal Evaluation Program) as a means of addressing competitive equity imbalances created as a result of geo-concentration issues and the expansion of AA- playing opportunities. o Underway – See #3 above 2. Review Governance Model with the goal of implementing governance best practices in relation to the co- delivery of Competitive and Community programs. o Club Excellence is a start o Additional guidelines to be developed over the summer 2013 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Zone model as the frame for determining the location of teams and the associated catchment areas. o To date the following observations of the zone model have been made: . The zone approach may be contributing to a real or perceived increase in travel, time, cost . The differences in registration numbers per zone can affect competitive equity . The difference is physical size of zones can affect travel, time and cost relative to other zones . The working relationship between zone clubs and local associations within zones vary . Some local associations feel AA clubs are “taking their players” . Some local associations do not feel AA clubs contribute enough to the local clubs from where the AA clubs get their players . Some clubs feel they know more about developing players than the local association . In some zones, once a player is involved in a AA program there is a disassociation with

17 her local association and in these cases, the individuals remaining in the local association clubs are largely unaware and unconcerned (uninterested?) in the AA program . Some AA clubs do a poor job selling the benefits of their programs . Some AA clubs do a poor job of controlling real or perceived costs which drives away potential AA athletes, i.e., those with the desire and skill choose not to play AA 4. Promoting/Marketing Ringette to encourage athletes to invest their sporting careers in ringette o Some tactics underway: . Come Try Ringette continues. Could user greater buy-in from associations . Ringette Alberta Challenge o Other tactics to come: . Athlete development pathway document . Opportunities in Ringette document 5. Coaching Development to attract/retain coaches and athletes. o Working with Ringette Canada to develop modified instructor training for Ringette ABCs (to make coaching a less intimidating role for new coaches) o Encouraging Ringette Canada to develop more on-line modules o Considering a leadership development program targeted at female athletes to commence summer of 2014 (to encourage and prepare them for transitioning into leadership roles in coaching, officiating, and off-ice administration)

6. Ringette Alberta Challenge (NEW)  Cochrane April 4-7  Initially created to deal with no U14AA at Westerns but also as additional development opportunity for all U14s  Unanimous positive feedback from participants  Leveraged for coach development  Leveraged for officials development  This programs feeds into RAB Cup in subsequent seasons

7. Ringette Alberta Cup  Dates: o North Development Camp – Sherwood Park, April 10-12 (90) o South Development Camp – Cochrane, April 27-28 (93) o Development Tournament – Cochrane, May 3-5  Call for coaches for RAB cup (March 15 deadline)  Leveraged for part of the AWGs Coach Selection process  Leveraged for officials development  This programs feeds into AWGs in subsequent seasons

8. Alberta Winter Games  Next games 2014  New format submitted to Foundation as per requirement, i.e., meaningful competition in all zones (which we did not have in old format)  Zone coaches call not happened yet – loose connection to RAB CUP has been established though (strongly recommended that if you want to got to AWG you go to RAB Cup)  How Zone teams will function to be out prior to the start of 2013-14 season, e.g., coach selection, team selection, team training guidelines, etc.

18  Does link to RAB Cup and CWG

9. Canada Winter Games  Head Coach applications have been received. Assistant Coach applications pending  Head Coach selection tentatively set for June 2013  General outline of program established. To be finalized with Head Coach. Generally, the next program will differ from the previous program as follows . CWG Training and Competition schedule in synch with club programs . Reduced out of province travel (control cost, avoid athlete burnout) . Take greater advantage of competitive opportunities within Alberta as part of team preparations, e.g., vs. RATH, WAM!, Relit, etc. . Better working relationship between clubs and CWG team staff, i.e., individual development will generally occur in clubs while team tactics and strategy will be handled by CWG team staff..

LTAD – Competition 1. Define Developmental Objectives for Each Provincial Competition  pending

2. Provincial Championships / Year End Events  No structural changes to Provincials or creation of Year End Events (non-provincials) for 2013  Will change from Zone Playdowns to Regional Playdowns. Some work to be done to clarify the playdown process particularly how we secure ice and where.  Contractor hired to assist with the review our hosting guidelines, bid and selection process, etc.  There will be multiple dates to apply to host to accommodate municipalities that have ice meetings in spring for following year.  Ringette Canada’s Competition Review may assist us in making necessary LTAD adjustments to our competitions

3. Sanctioned Tournaments  Some standards being considered to relate sanctioning to LTAD principles, i.e., tournaments must be developmentally appropriate.  Considering a phased in approach over 1-3 year period.

Sport Development 1. Recruitment  Status-quo  Considering Come Try Ringette support and resources only be provided to members who adhere to the “formula” for successful Come Try Ringette events. In pilot, we achieved 87% conversion rate. Since then, the conversion rate (with associations picking and choosing which elements of the Come Try Ringette system to use) has dropped significantly in some cases as low as 50%

2. Opportunities in Ringette Document  In draft in progress

19 3. Zones – examine necessity  Work has been done to remove the administrative requirement of Zone Representatives to sign off on things like releases, overage, etc. These are between the parties to the transaction and are not Zone business  There is a need for some Zone structure however we currently have vague and varied structures across the province  Recommend that Ringette Alberta take lead: . Who is Zone Rep accountable to? RAB or Zone? . If there is to be a Competitions Committee is shouldn’t Zone Reps be accountable to Ringette Alberta? ...or are they accountable to their zones? . What should the role description of a Zone Representative be?

4. Template for Charity Events  no action

5. Ringette Visibility  Nominated Phyllis Sadoway for Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal  Nominated Phyllis Sadoway for ASRPWF Volunteer and Athlete Recognition Awards  Nominated University of Alberta Ringette Team for “builder” category of the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame  Responded to St. Albert Gazette story on Westerns eligibility  Media releases . “Outdoor Ringette Tournament Returns to St. Albert” . “Long time Ringette Coach honoured with Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal” . “Fundraising Tournament more than just a sporting event”  Photography & social media . Phyllis Sadoway Diamond Jubilee Medal . 2012 AA Provincials (would have preferred to have done more than just AA) . RAB Challenge . RAB Cup

Human Resources Development 1. Coaches  Revised Coach Education for ABCs Coaches  Discussed with Ringette Canada Coaching Committee  Possibility of developing something after the 2012/13 season  Ringette Canada concerned that non-compliance with NCCP standard may affect Sport Canada funding, eligibility for CWGs, provincial games, etc.

 Long Term Coach Development Plan  See Train to Train strategy #5 above

 Stage Oriented Coach Resources  RABs Resources have been supplied (unknown uptake)  more work required on our part to make these resources more widely known

20  Coach Mentorship  No action to date

 Improve Capacity to Coach Female Athletes  No action to date

2. Officials  Implement the Provincial Officials Development Program (POD)  Three officials enrolled this season:  All three attended 2013 AA Provincials  All progressing as intended  More communication (promotion) for next season

 Mentorship of Officials at tournaments  Typical supervision at tournaments  No deliberate actions within a long-term officials development program

 Create Opportunities / Development Pathway Information  No pathway document started. Challenge is that current program is flawed and we can’t explain it (it also doesn’t seem that anyone else can explain it either) 1. National Staff meeting agreement... 1.a. Current program is convoluted and not generally understood 1.b.System needs streamlining. 1.c. Consensus from provincials Technical directors 1.d.On Ringette Canada’s plate now (will revisit again)

 Long Term Officials Development Plan  (see above)

 Establish Minimum Age for Officials  Discussed at National Staff Meeting. General consensus from staff meeting is 13-14 is the standard where one exists  no further action at this time but must be decided prior to start of 2013-14 season as this is a rule change year and many first time officials will be considering taking courses.

3. Administrative Volunteers  Investigate Club Excellence / Baseball Canada’s RBI Program  Ringette Alberta has become Associate Member of Club Excellence  Media release went out from Club Excellence (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport)  Club Excellence representative at Ringette Alberta AGM for information session  Actions to support our members’ efforts to become certified must be part of our Strategic / Operational Plans and budget for 2013-14 and beyond.

Operational Delivery 1. Policy Document – Revise Format  Complete

21 2. Governance Structure – Revise Structure  Complete  Discussion required on Competitions Committee and a meaningful way to facilitate Zone / Regional business

3. Policies – Consequences and Enforcement  Members informed at 2012 AGM  Greater compliance this season  Did not have opportunity to attend tournaments after December 15th to spot check team staff certification  Some fines are pending largely due to late registration

4. Policies – Membership Application  Draft Group Member operations policy circulated to all members. No negative response  Final policy has been approved  Application reflecting the Bylaws and Group Member Operations Policy will be developed and used prior to next season as a requirement for Membership

5. Player Release  Fewer issues this season  Still some issues around rural Alberta.  Recommendation that boundaries follow school divisions lines

6. Zone Representatives  Strat plan places heaving weight on releases  We need to think more deeply about what role Zone Representatives should be playing  To whom are they accountable? Ringette Alberta because they are on the Competitions Committee? To the Zone?  Need to review their position description  Ringette Alberta needs to provide better leadership to zones on how to select Zone Representatives and their function within the zones

7. Policies – Critical (NEW)  CRITICAL! Need to revisit Team Staff Certification Policy. . NCCP (particularly content for first time coach and delivery method) is out of touch with current reality. “Over-clinicing” our volunteers yet their coach education remains limited. . Confusion among participants why we have female coach policy. . What are Managers doing on the bench? Do we care if they are “coaching”? . Teams are not required to have a trainer but, when there is no trainer, do we care there is no one with basic first aid or better? . “On the Bench” + “for Provincials” is a misnomer and is grossly abused. Do we not care what happens on the ice? During practice? All year?  CRITICAL! Risk Management policies and practices at the local level . supervision / chaperones, two-deep rule . reporting (Speak Out)

22 . education and prevention

The Sport Landscape - We're not playing in a vacuum.

National Not for Profit Act http://www.sportlaw.ca/nfp-act/federal-act/  Effective fall 2014  non-compliance = dissolution of organization by Industry Canada  Key requirements are: o representation o appointments o membership o voting rights of members (all categories, e.g., lifetime, honorary, etc can be problematic)  Trickle down to provincial probable o Already similar process underway in Ontario. o Change to Ringette Alberta Societies Act?

Increased Expectations of Our Organizations  Policy o Canadian Sport Policy http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/sc/pol/pcs-csp/index-eng.cfm o Albert Active Alberta http://tpr.alberta.ca/activealberta/docs/ActiveAlbertaPolicy.pdf o Sport Canada CS4L / LTAD implementation & other standards  Access o Canada Games Council Sport Selection http://www.sirc.ca/news_view.cfm?id=50926  Confirmation of inclusion received April 29th o Facilities  Municipalities starting to consider things like CS4L, good governance (e.g.,Club Excellence), Federal and Provincial sport policy as factors in allocating facility time