The RAB Ringer - September 2024

Sep. 09, 2024

Welcome to the 2024/2025 Ringette Season!

We’re excited to kick off another season of ringette, and whether you’re a returning player or new to the sport, we’re glad to have you with us! For those just starting out, welcome to the Ringette Alberta community—you’re in for an amazing experience. Ringette isn’t just about competition; it’s about teamwork, growth, and forming lasting friendships both on and off the ice.

As we dive into this season, be sure to stay connected by following The RAB Ringer—your go-to source for all the latest updates, news, and happenings across Ringette Alberta. We’ve got plenty in store for you this year, and we can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!

TOP STORY: THE LATEST SPONSOR TO SUPPORT YOU

Ringette Alberta is thrilled to announce Fresh Brand Gear (https://freshbrandgear.com/) as our newest official sponsor!

Not only are they supporting our athletes, but they are also the official supplier of Ringette Alberta merchandise, as well as gear for the Alberta National Ringette League teams: Calgary RATH, Edmonton Black Gold RUSH, and Edmonton WAM!

We’re excited to partner with another incredible Alberta business helping us elevate the game!

Be the FIRST to shop the collections here!

(PS - Fresh Brand Gear makes team wear! Contact plaw@freshbrandgear.com)

A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our Association volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours at the start and throughout the season to keep everything running smoothly. Your hard work and commitment are truly the backbone of Ringette Alberta, and we couldn’t do it without you!

As the season progresses, we remind everyone to please be respectful in all communications with our volunteers. Don't forget the 24-hour rule—if emotions are running high, take a day to cool off before addressing concerns. Let’s remember to be patient and understanding.

So, let’s show our appreciation! A kind word, a thank you, or even a smile goes a long way. Together, we can make this season the best yet!

NEW INFORMATION THIS SEASON - BOARD APPROVED POLICY CHANGES + UPDATES

As we gear up for the new season, we want to inform our members about a few key policy changes that have been implemented to enhance the experience for everyone involved. These updates focus on player safety, competitive equity, and creating a more inclusive environment for all participants.

We encourage all players, coaches, parents, and officials to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable season ahead. For full details, please visit our policy section on the Ringette Alberta Website.

The board has approved changes to SIX Ringette Alberta Policies

Policies that have been updated are:

2.0 Registration Policy

4.0 Tiering Policy

7.0 Overage Player Policy

8.0 Team Advance Retreat Policy

12.0 Event Sanctioning Policy

21.0 Competitions policy

Appendix A - Rates and Fees Updated Sept 2024

Please review all the policies and see the changes on our website under Bylaw and Policies HERE

NEW Administration RAB Team Member

We're thrilled to announce that Brandy Hanson has joined Ringette Alberta as our new Administration and Finance Assistant. Brandy brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for ringette, making her a perfect fit for our team.

Attention Coaches! December 15th Deadline for Certification

Last year, we were thrilled to see over 90% of our coaches complete their required courses on time!

What was the secret to their success?

Finishing certifications early!

Why is this important?

You’ll likely need to miss a practice or event to complete your certification, and it’s much easier to handle that earlier in the season. So, don’t wait—register now!

All courses are listed on our website, and for easy navigation, click HERE.

Also! Mark your calendar for National Coaches' Week!

Free e-learning will be available from Sept 16th-19th, and these courses are perfect for both new certifications and professional development points (PD):

Sept 16th: Coach Initiation in Sport (usually $15, 5 PD points, highly recommended for us!)
Sept 17th: Creating a Positive Sport Environment (usually $15, 5 PD points)
Sept 18th: Sport Nutrition (usually $20, 5 PD points)
Sept 19th: Coaching Athletes with a Disability (usually $15, 5 PD points, especially great for RFA coaches!)

Just start the course on a free day, do a few minutes, and you can finish it another day!

Be a Shot Clock Pro!

New to the Shot Clock this season?

Have you always wanted to be a Shot Clock Official but felt unsure?

Or maybe you just need a refresher to perfect the finer points? We’ve got you covered!

Ringette Alberta is excited to pilot Ringette Canada's Shot Clock Officiating Program for the 2024-25 season!

Head over to our events calendar at ringettealberta.com to find your clinic and register today!

Attention Officials!

Rules:
The 2024-25 season is NOT a rule-change year, so the 2019 rulebooks are still in effect. If you're unsure about a rule or need an update, don’t hesitate to ASK AN OFFICIAL.

Registration Reminder:
ALL officials must register! You can find registration details here. Stay tuned for clinic information, dropping mid-September on www.officiatingringette.ca.

Ringette Stories Worth Sharing!

"Why I Almost Quit — and Why I’m Still Here"

For one ringette player, the start of this season wasn’t filled with the usual excitement. Instead, it was clouded with doubt and thoughts of quitting a sport she once loved. "Before last season, I really wanted to quit ringette," she shared. "I didn’t feel like I was good enough or that I could get anywhere with this sport. I didn't think I was a good player."

Despite her team's success — winning games, earning medals, and claiming tournament victories — she felt like she wasn’t contributing enough. "My confidence went down, and I really didn’t want to be on the ice," she said.

But then something changed. "My season and team this year taught me so many skills. I could’ve never grown as a player or changed my mindset toward the game without them."

The support she received from her teammates, coaches, and even the parents cheering from the stands became a lifeline. She credits this season with transforming her perspective on ringette. "This team helped me realize that I *am* good enough, that I can play this sport as long as I want, and that it's up to me to change how I play."

One person, in particular, made a lasting impact: a fellow volunteer at a camp. "She helped me see things differently and shifted my entire mindset about the sport. I’m seriously grateful for her.

Last season wasn’t just about winning games; it was about personal growth and finding a renewed love for the sport. "This season is the reason I’m not quitting. I was so ready to drop out and never play again, but if I had done that, I would’ve missed out on the amazing friends and bonds I made. I am forever grateful for this team."

With renewed confidence and the support of her team, she’s gearing up for another season — and as many more as she can. This player’s story is a powerful reminder that ringette is about more than just competition; it’s about the friendships, the growth, and the belief that *you belong* on the ice.

As we head into the new season, let’s take her story to heart: support each other, lift each other up, and remember why we love this game. The best is yet to come!

Do you have a memorable moment or heartwarming story from playing ringette?

We want to hear it!

Our theme, "Ringette Stories Worth Sharing," is all about celebrating the spirit, teamwork, and joy of ringette through your personal experiences.

We invite you to submit your stories and photos via our new Google Form.

Whether it’s an unforgettable game, a special bond with teammates, or a personal triumph, your story could be featured in our upcoming publication, on our website, or on social media.

Click here to share your story!

Thanks for Reading!

The Team at Ringette Alberta