Nepean RavensReturn to Ringette

Volunteer Meeting

September 21, 2020

AgendaIntroduction and welcome

Ringette Ontario’s Return to Ringette (RTR)

Health and safety

Manager Role

Protocols and Responsibilities

Program Outline, Coaching

Values and Leadership

Qs and As

Closing

Return to the Ringette - Goals1. To get our athletes back on the ice safely

2. To work in cooperation with ERRA and RO to provide an effective program that follows all the RTR guidance

3. To provide each athlete with an experience within their range of ability that will focus on individual player development (stage 2) and modified game play (stage 3)

Important TermsPARTICIPANT - any individual participating in ringette activities: athletes, coaches, officials.

BUBBLE (COHORT) - A group of people who cannot maintain physical distancing (do not remain 2m apart); a closed group who participate in the same sport or activity. Each player is restricted to participate in only 1 ringette cohort at a time.

GROUP (SQUAD, POD) - smaller group formation within a Bubble. On ice numbers are limited to 25 players; Groups will ensure compliance to COVID-19 regulations. All Groups sharing ice-time must be from the same Bubble.

MINI-LEAGUE - Another name for bubble/cohort; groups of teams which practice or play amongst themselves, up to 50 players. Teams in different mini leagues may not play one another.

SANCTIONED ACTIVITY OR EVENT - Ringette Ontario has approved the activity or event. If the activity or event is sanctioned, the bylaws and policies of Ringette Ontario apply, and Ringette Canada’s liability and accident insurance is in effect. Members of Ringette Ontario are not permitted to run un-sanctioned events or activities.

RO Return to Ringette Package

(All Associations must submit & receive approval from RO before organizing any activities)

The package includes:• Facility (Arenas, Rec Centres, etc) Interviews, Audit and

Inspections•A plan for tracking of attendance and health attestation•Communications Plan•COVID Safety Checklist for all participants (players, coaches,

parents, etc.)•Protocols used to address situations of illness

& more

RO Stages of Return to Ringette

RO Stages of Return to Ringette

• RO STAGE 1 – Focus on Family – No Ringette Activities Permitted

• RO STAGE 2 – Return to Modified Training (Approved. Sept. 9)• Allows ringette activities to begin once the association has completed

their own Return to Ringette Activity package and had it approved by RO.

• Focused on individual training and practicing on the ice, if ice is available, under the facilities restrictions and local health regulations.

• Emphasis on small groups and focuses on development of fundamentals.

• 2m physical distancing at all times (including on ice)

RO Stages of Return to RingetteRO STAGE 3 – Return to Modified Play (Application pending for Nepean)

This progression must be approved by Ringette Ontario

• This progression can take place once local municipality has entered STAGE 3 of the Provincial reopening plan.

• Bubble/Mini League Play - practiced or played by players in a league may only be practiced or played within the facility if the league either,

• i. contains no more than 50 players and does not permit its teams to play against teams outside of the league, or

• ii. divides its teams into groups of 50 or fewer players and does not permit teams in different groups to play against one another or against teams outside of the league.

• Players are restricted to 1 cohort.

• Practices/drills/skills continues at 2m distancing - scrimmages/game play is within the 2m with no physical contact (see RO Modified Rules)

Health and Safety • Nepean Ringette will ensure that all direction from Ringette Ontario,

Eastern Region Ringette Association, Provincial Health Authorities (Ontario) and Ottawa Public Health regarding COVID measures are followed and adhered to. The health and safety of our members is our first priority.

• The Return to Ringette Guidelines seek to allow the maximum amount of participation possible for all members of the organization while adhering to Provincial Health regulations. Nepean Ringette guidelines do not override these. • The progressions of return to ringette is subject to change at any point in

the 2020/21 season if the restrictions by the Provincial or Regional Health authorities lessen or increase.• Our COVID Safety Leader this year is Nicole Shadbolt. She is happy to

answer questions at shadbolt@gmail.com.

COVID symptoms: what to do?• Attendance and Health attestation completed before every team

event, otherwise participant cannot attend

• Participants who don’t “pass” can’t attend until cleared by a medical professional (typically with a COVID swab.)

• If any member of the household is symptomatic and waiting on COVID test results, the whole household is excluded from ringette.

• Symptoms at a team event: • Isolate affected participant• Team staff don medical mask and gloves• Call for player pickup ASAP (or 911 if necessary)• Notify Bubble Lead and CSL immediately (shadbolt@gmail.com)• CSL will liaise with Ottawa Public Health• The event does not need to end immediately

Manager Support• All forms and waivers need to be collected: medical forms, concussion and

all Covid Waivers• Need to appoint den mom's for each activity• Coordinate VSC/PRC for anyone who does not have one (valid for 3 years)• Covid Safety Leads for each practice

The following is not necessary for at least the September to December portion of the season:

• No game sheets (or labels), or TRF• No budget, bank account, fundraising or team fees, or Treasurer• No tournament registration, coordination, or hotel bookings and meal

plans• No minor officials, unless modified game play permits this (TBD)

Manager Support (cont)Before each practice:

• Ensure attendance of all Participants (48 hours) and Health Attestation (within 8 hours) is complete

• The Safety Lead at the arena door is to ensure the following below.• Managing the participants and spectators at the entrance• Ensuring completion of assessment by all players/spectators• Monitor group capacity (players/spectators)

• This screening must be completed and shared with Arena Staff Greeter• Direct players to the change rooms and arena restrictions• They will also need to make sure the number of spectators is not exceeded

and that they are socially distanced in the stands.

City of Ottawa Arena Use - Participants

We are working closely with each facility as rules/requirements are constantly evolving

Current participant requirements for Arena use:• A maximum number of skaters permitted on the ice at any time is 25 plus

registered coaching staff and officials. • Mask are required upon entry of facility and must remain on until in full

ringette gear (helmet required);• Change rooms are open, and participants can change at the facility,

showers remain closed. We encourage players to come dressed to minimize the need and time in change rooms.

• Change rooms have a limited capacity load of 7 to 12 participants at a time. Participants will have access to the building 20 minutes prior to their booking. Participants must then vacate the building and property within 20 minutes after their booking.

City of Ottawa Arena Use - Spectators● A ratio of 1:1 participant to spectator will be permitted in the arena,

to a maximum of 25 spectators per booking. Spectators are asked to

enter at the beginning of the of their ice time unless accompanying a

child who requires assistance

● At this time parents/guardians will not be permitted in the change rooms. When spectators enter the building, please direct them straight to the designated viewing area in the stands.

● Be familiar with local and provincial public health authority guidelines

and adhere to them and facility guidelines.

● Learn and follow the guidelines put in place by the Provincial Ringette

Organization, ringette association and team staff.

A city employee (Greeter) will offer assistance with facility specific

information, policies and procedures.

● Spectators are not permitted in the change room

Roles & Responsibilities Coaches & Bench Staff must:

• Ensure each Group has two Safety Leads as the main contacts for tracking, monitoring and compliance of requirements for each ice time.

● Wear masks on the bench unless dressed in full helmet and ringette gear.● Ensure physical distancing on and off the ice be maintained as much as

possible; organizers are encouraged to plan activities that limit groupings on the ice. Share practice plans 12 hours ahead to avoid the need for close gatherings

● Complete health attestation no more than 8 hours ahead of ice time.● Familiarize themselves with detailed R&R’s and safety protocol process

flows in Nepean Ringette - Return to Play plan.● Complete and submit all required documentation ahead of first ice time. ● Ensure a trainer is always present with the provided first aid kit.● Ensure all shared equipment (pylons, rings etc. are cleaned after use).● Regularly review hygiene and safety protocols throughout the season

Roles & Responsibilities Parents and Participants must:

• Confirm player attendance no less than 48 hours ahead of ice time• Complete health attestation no more than 8 hours ahead of ice time.• Wear masks until dressed in full helmet and ringette gear.• Use hand sanitizer upon entry into the facility.• Provide personal hand sanitizer in equipment bag and must not share

with other participants.• Bring own water bottle with name clearly marked; please fill it at

home to avoid gatherings at filling stations.• Complete and submit all required documentation ahead of first ice

time. • Diligently follow and adhere to all requirements.• Openly report any and all symptoms to COVID Lead.• Regularly review hygiene protocols throughout the season.

Program Outline

• On Ice practices will start Sept. 24th • Fall Program will be from September - December• Players can expect 2 ice times per week, based on availability of

ice (and facility restrictions)• Bubble Leads and Group Leads (Coaches), Assistant Coaches are

expected to plan consistent programs within their Bubbles.• Health and Safety, Facility and other protocols will be strictly

monitored and managed by Group Safety Leads• Off-ice programming is possible, however, equal access to these

must be provided to all in the Bubble (and follow any Provincial/Local Guidance)

• A Winter Program will be developed in accordance with RO and ERRA for Jan– March/April

Coaching Requirements and SupportFrom Ringette Ontario (see the RO Modified Bench Staff Requirements):• It is vital that we have trained and screened coaches on the ice and on

the bench with our athletes • If and when, Ringette Ontario is ready to move into Stage 4 and team

formation, official bench staff formation will follow the traditional requirements for each bench staff role.•CI and CSI clinics will be online and are slated to begin in early October. •Depending on when we move to Stage 4 the deadline for CI/CSI training

will be adjusted.

Coach Support:

• We are lucky to have many experienced ringette coaches in the association. Don’t be shy to ask for help.

• Sarah-Lynne Begin will be developing Age and Stage appropriate Curriculum (skills and drills development) aimed at our U8-U14 Bubbles.

Coaching Support by Sarah-Lynne Begin

Nepean Ravens Alumni

Team Canada Alumni

OT Winner & Player of the game in

2015 World Junior Championship

https://www.ringette.ca/canada-wins-world-ju

nior-ringette-championship-gold/

Coaching Curriculum & Feedback Sessions

● Skills Development Emphasis

● Coaching Curriculum

● Roadmap, explanations, and

drills

● Tailored per Age Level

● Feedback Sessions

Values and Leadership

• Leadership in sport: • There are no "teams" this year, but the spirit of team remains. Your role

as coaches and leaders is to lead by example, encourage the players and ensure that you lead - and they play - as a team.

• Ravens ringette is about fairness in sport, every single player has talent, it may be different but equally valuable - and that includes their skill, their positive attitude, or their inclusiveness. It all matters.

• Why we play: • Healthy body and mind comes from team sport and getting out and

playing, and while winning is fun, this year helps us appreciate what matters most: getting out on the ice, making and strengthening friendships, and meeting / surpassing our personal best (PB).

• Community: • Girls in particular drop out of sport in their teens*, when they need sport

and team the most. You have a responsibility as community leaders and coaches to ensure that those girls who want to play, feel they have a place and sense of community - regardless of aptitude.

THANK YOU!

• Refer to the Nepean Ravens website for updated info

• Send additional questions to RTR@nepeanravens.ca

Thank you!