Effective June 18, 2024, the following policy will be applied to player movement requests as it relates to underage players who have been requested, or request on behalf of themselves to play ringette at an age level higher than their actual age level as determined by birth year.
ASSOCIATION REQUESTS
The Association (represented by a Board Member, or Team Formation Committee members), or Head Coach may request that a player be moved up to play at an older age level if it is deemed favourable for all parties involved and approved by the Board.
They should provide rationale for why this is required, and the impact to:
This request should be made in consultation with the Head Coach of both teams (receiving team and team they would be leaving, if Head Coaches are named/known).
The Team Formation Committee must approve the request before any players are approached by the Association and requested to play up at a higher age level.
A player may choose to accept or decline an offer to play at the higher age level, and ERA will never force a player to play on a team at a higher age level. ERA will be required to explore other options to make teams viable if voluntary agreement cannot be made on player movement.
NOTE: Players on a two-team contract are not subject to this policy.
PLAYER/FAMILY REQUESTS
A player/family may request to play in an age-division at a level higher than their proper age level (defined by birth year) for the upcoming season.
The player/family must make this request, in writing, and will be asked to provide a letter of reference from their former Head Coach* stating that this player is exceptional among their peers and recommends that this player should play at a higher age level.
The reference letter may include the following supporting points:
The Team Formation Committee will take this recommendation into consideration, along with other factors, before making a decision to grant an exception for an underage player. Other factors may include (but are not limited to):
*Note: The Head Coach may not be the parent of the player in question. In this case, a reference letter must be written by another member of the Bench staff without bias or input from the Head Coach.
PROCESS
Players are encouraged to register in their proper age division. Exceptions to play as an underage player on a higher age-level team will not be granted until all steps above have been satisfied, including an on-ice evaluation.
A teams - all requests must be made in writing by March 31
B teams - all requests must be made in writing by July 31
(For the purpose of this policy, 12A is considered a Regional B team)
Any exceptions or requests outside of this policy, must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
Come Try Ringette @ Centennial Park Arena
Centennial Park Arena - Pad 1
September 14, 2024
Come Try Ringette @ Long Branch Arena
Long Branch Arena
September 29, 2024