Updates: Coaching & Officiating Clinics
As games are scheduled to begin soon, we wanted to provide an update on the officiating and coaching clinics that are currently in the works.
Who is officiating, and where?
It is important to recognize there are 3 different types of "games":
- League Games - must have a qualified individual(s) to officiate, may be used for standings or statistical purposes
- Exhibition Games - must have a qualified individual(s) to officiate, not used for standings or statistical purposes
- Scrimmages/Shinny - no qualified individuals officiating; NOBODY is allowed on the ice in an "officials" role, including coaches.
A qualified individual will be different for each age group/division:
- U10 Step 1 and 2: Coaches who have complete their typical coach requirements (CSI trained) will facilitate game play. Games may begin as coaches have until December 15th to complete this training
- U10 Step 3 to U14A: Ringette Canada certified officials OR coaches who have completed the Introduction to Officiating course may officiate league or exhibition games. More details on this course below.
- U14AA and older: Only Ringette Canada certified officials will officiate league or exhibition games.
Introduction to Officiating
The Introduction to Officiating course is designed for coaches of U10 Step 3 - U14A teams to learn how to safely officiate and facilitate a game. Originally, October 15 was the potential date for this training course to be available. Unfortunately there has been a delay and the course is not ready yet. This is not ideal, as leagues are starting up, but the committee working on the course is working hard to finish it as soon as possible. Part 1 is up on www.coachingringette.ca, and can be found under your coaching profile, in the status page; if you scroll to the very bottom, there is a tab for Introduction to Officiating. Parts 2 and 3 are also there, marked coming soon, and as soon as they are ready, Ringette Alberta will provide widespread communication.
It is important to remember that games without a certified official or coaches without this training are not to be played, but rather a scrimmage or a practice should be considered.
Officials Attestations
While all the players and team staff were able to sign their daily attestations via the TeamApp, that capability is not available for officials. Officials are needing to sign a paper copy in which the HOME team will collect before the game, it is also asked that all teams have extra forms at games, just in case. On the Return to Ringette page on the Ringette Alberta website, there is an Officials Attestation Information sheet to outline this, that has been sent to all officials directly. Thank you all for your cooperation in this.
While all the players and team staff were able to sign their daily attestations via the TeamApp, that capability is not available for officials. Officials are needing to sign a paper copy in which the HOME team will collect before the game, it is also asked that all teams have extra forms at games, just in case. On the Return to Ringette page on the Ringette Alberta website, there is an Officials Attestation Information sheet to outline this, that has been sent to all officials directly. Thank you all for your cooperation in this.
Coaching Clinics
Coaching clinics are scheduled and open for registration! All sessions are online only, and you must be able to attend all sessions in the same grouping. It is recommended you have a headset as you will need both speakers and a microphone to complete the courses. Courses are not compatible with tablets, Chromebooks, or phones; you will need either a laptop or desktop computer. More information can be found on our website: https://ringettealberta.com/coaching-clinic-schedule/
Please note more clinics may be scheduled as demand requires.
A Note about Scrimmages/Shinny
As emphasized above, NOBODY is to be on the ice in an "officials" or "referee" role during a scrimmage at U10 Step 3 and up. This is done in part because individuals have liability coverage only if they are acting within the scope of their duties. Coaches are to coach, players are to play, and officials are to officiate.
Use scrimmages as an opportunity to coach your athletes; help them learn to self-regulate and better understand the concept of fair play. If you feel the athletes are not mature enough or capable of self-regulating, then use the ice time for a practice.
Junior Coaches
We love our junior coaches! This year, Junior Coaches can be non-cohort coaches at the U14 or U16 levels. They must maintain strict physical distancing and wear a mask. If an individual is not playing this season, they may joint a cohort at any level provided there is room and there is adequate adult supervision.
Other links and info
- Please contact your local association before reaching out to Ringette Alberta. Coaching information is being posted into various Basecamp groups almost daily.
- It is recommended teams have few paper copies of the daily health check on hand in case there are issues with RAMP App, or for officials.
- Check out our webpage on Team Staff Requirements as they are changed from the previous years.
- Have people in your life that are new to ringette? Check out this video detailing the rules and game play! (Ringette Rules and Gameplay - extended)
Play safe, and have fun!
Ringette Alberta Staff
