Please note this list of frequently asked questions will continue to change as we learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on sports and facility use.
*Last updated on June 18th, 2020
Please note this list of frequently
asked questions will continue to change as we learn more about the impact of
COVID-19 on sports and facility use.
*Last updated on June 18th, 2020
Associations & Administration:
1.
If there is
no provincial ban on ringette activities, does that mean that ringette can
start immediately at the facility in my area?
No. The return to ringette after
September 1st will occur within any geographic region when it is
safe to do so, as determined by local public health authorities. The ability of
a facility to open for ringette will be determined by the facility owner in
consultation with public health authorities.
2.
Is Ringette
Ontario working with other sports to make decisions about Return to Play?
Ringette Ontario has been
collaborating with other sports on both return to activity and return to play.
There has been a team approach amongst the sports to share resources and
documentation as we are all working on the same goal of getting our members
back to sport as safely as possible.
3.
How will
Ringette Ontario member fees work this season?
Fees will work the same way they did
last season, but Ringette Ontario will not be increasing the core fees this
season, as we recognize that this will be a challenging season for our
Associations. The only increase will be for insurance as that is a hard
cost that we do not have control over.
4.
How should
Associations set up their registration structure for this season and when
should they open registration?
Ringette Ontario will work with
Regions and their Associations to come up with some creative solutions for a
registration structure that will reflect the programming that will be offered
in different areas. We encourage Associations to have members register as
they must be registered to participate in any programming as a coach,
volunteer, official or athlete.
5.
Are there
any plans to share how Associations are going to charge for their offerings
this Fall?
Ringette Ontario will be working
with Regions and Associations on some out of the box options for programming
this season. However, it should be noted that this will be
different with each Association as ice costs differ from facility to facility.
6.
Will
Ringette Ontario be preparing some Return to Activity Plans for Associations to
use?
Yes. Ringette Ontario is
currently working on the creation of Return to Activity and Return to Play
plans and resources for Associations. These are being developed in
conjunction with Ringette Canada and the other Ringette Provincial
Organizations.
7.
If the
province is taking a regional approach to return to “normal”, should Ringette
consider something similar?
Yes, that is what Ringette Ontario
is already planning. We recognize that in Ontario it will not be possible
– or reasonable – to expect everyone to be at the same stage at the same
time. Instead, we are supporting Associations to be able to begin
programming after September 1st, but only programming that fits within the local public
health authority guidelines and their facilities health and safety protocols.
8.
When will
the sanctioned event list be made available?
The list will not be released until
we are sure that sanctioned events will run this season. Our anticipated
date at this time is October 15th.
Summer Camps & Programming
1.
Can
Associations still host summer programs (i.e. camps and gym ringette)?
No, all programming is suspended
until September 1st
2.
Can camps
that are not being hosted by local Associations, still take place if public
health has opened facilities?
Ringette Ontario does not have any
oversight on unsanctioned or private camps. Please note however, that
these camps are not insured by Ringette Ontario and your Ringette Ontario
insurance will not cover you at these camps, so you will be attending under
their insurance and health & safety guidelines.
Tryouts:
1.
Will
Associations be allowed to run tryouts, team formations and practices? If so,
what is the start date?
Associations will have to adhere to
their local public health authority guidelines and their facilities health and
safety protocols. As these guidelines and protocols will determine the
numbers which will be allowed in the facility, and not the sports, we cannot
provide guidance on the timings. We strongly suggest that Associations wait
until we are back at larger numbers to begin tryouts in order
to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for athletes to be seen by
evaluators. There is the additional factor of teams being formed in one
area but not in others, which may lead to teams not having anyone to play in
their division.
2.
Will
University Ringette be able to hold tryouts in September?
Universities can host ice
times/tryouts if there are facilities who will allow the numbers but with a large number of students not returning to the schools come
fall, we would not encourage formal tryouts proceeding. Until those
formal tryouts can occur, we strongly suggest that all university level
athletes register and get out on the ice with their local association, so that
they can continue to practice and train, allowing them to be ready when the
call for tryouts comes.
Coaching & Officiating:
1.
Will
Coaching Clinics & Referee Clinics still take place this season?
Yes, we are still planning on
running clinics this fall. Clinics will be run online. Details will
come from the Ringette Canada Technical Director to the Ringette Ontario
Technical Director who will communicate with Regional Coordinators and Developers
when information is available. Clinic dates will be communicated to
membership as soon as they are available. We strongly encourage coaches
to get the online pre-clinic modules completed in advance. Questions can
be directed to Karla Xavier at [email protected]
2.
Will there
be training for coaches to help with the new measures being put in place?
Ringette Ontario will work with the
Coaching Committee and Coaching Coordinators in Associations to ensure that
there are resources developed for coaches on the RTA/RTP protocols.
3.
Will coaches
be permitted to be within two metres to help and
support the player?
It is recommended that both coaches
and players follow public health authority guidelines and continue to practice
physical distancing. Review your public health authority recommendations and
requirements on the wearing of masks. It is important to note that the trainer
or coach may need to be within two metres of a player
if the player suffers an injury, but the trainer or coach should wear a mask
and, as recommended that non-latex gloves if treating a player for an injury.
Ringette Programming & Events:
1.
Will RO be
delaying the Introduction of Children’s Ringette?
No. The Introduction to
Children’s Ringette Program will be released in early July. Associations
will be strongly encouraged to adopt this this season, utilizing
cross-ice/half-ice play will help ease the cost of ice for players below U10,
when numbers are permitted. Associations will only be permitted to host
Jamborees following the Children’s Ringette Guidelines this season for U8 and
below teams. FUN1/FUN2 will be mandatory for all the 2021-2022 season.
2.
What does
League Play mean? Is this the same as House League?
When we reference the suspension of
league play until January 1st, we are speaking on the league circuit within different
regions of Ontario, and not specifically with regards to House League.
This was to align with expected restrictions on travel between
communities. Internal House League may occur as long as
the Association adheres to the guidelines of local public health authority
guidelines and facility health and safety protocols.
3.
Will
Associations/Teams be required to reduce the number of participants in House
League? Is this a decision that is made by Ringette Ontario or Ringette Canada?
The facilities and local public
health authorities will determine the numbers which are allowed within their
facilities as well as field of play in each municipality – not the
sports. However, Ringette Ontario is working on resources which allow for
progressions of numbers for practices, games and
events.
4.
Will the
season be extended, or will it end in March/April?
It is currently too soon to determine
this, but we are not discounting any possibilities at this
point in time.
5.
Will teams
be permitted to attend tournaments outside our province?
The ability for any team to travel
outside its geographic region to play ringette will depend on several factors,
including public health authority guidelines, instructions and travel
restrictions in your province and the province you will be visiting, and will
require the approval of the governing ringette bodies in your region and the
region you wish to travel to. Note that provincial guidelines and travel
restrictions may also limit the ability to host local tournaments and your
ability to accept tournament entries from teams outside your region.
6.
Will
Ringette Ontario reconsider their stance on no leagues? Alternatively, if
opening league play will not be reconsidered, would exhibition games within the
same city be allowed (and insured)?
The decision to suspend leagues was
based on the current information we have received from experts with regards to
the opening of Phase 3 in the province. We recognize that this is a fluid
and constantly changing situation. We are allowing exhibition games to
take place, as long as they adhere to their local
public health and safety guidelines and facility regulations.
Health & Safety
1.
Will
Municipalities decide independently about the status of their Facilities, and
will there be a coordinated approach to how they start to phase in access?
Each Province is at a different
stage in their re-opening. Facilities will vary in their approach to
reopening based on applicable public health authority guidelines in
place. There may be even further differences within regions of the
Province.
2.
Would
Ringette Ontario consider requesting players to wear full face shields instead
of cages to help reduce the spread of droplets on the Benches and ice?
At this time, there is no plan to implement face shields. However,
Ringette Canada has had discussions with helmet/cage manufacturers
and we will find out from them what the decision will be with regards to
equipment modification.
3.
What do I do
if I or my child tests positive for COVID-19?
If a player tests positive, they
must stay home and out of the ringette environment. It is also important
to communicate with your physician and public health authority, ensuring you
follow the steps identified. The player will need a note from their
physician or public health authority to return to play
4.
What if a
parent/family member tests positive for COVID-19? What protocols do we follow?
If a parent or family member test
positive for COVID-19, the player and their family will need to stay out of the
ringette environment. They should contact their physician and public
health authority for instructions. The player will need a note from their
physician or public health authority to return to play.
5.
If someone
on the team tests positive for COVID-19, will the team be allowed to continue
to play ringette?
If someone on your team tests
positive, public health authority guidelines will determine contact tracing and
isolation requirements. It is possible, therefore, that one diagnosis on
a team could lead to that team being required to pause all ringette activities
until the public health authority determines it is safe to return.
6.
What if I am
sick or my child is sick but does not have COVID-19?
The player should follow up with
their physician and the public health line.
7.
What should
I do if I or my child is displaying signs of COVID-19 but have not been tested?
The player should remain out of the
ringette environment and contact their physician or public health authority for
required steps to be taken. The player will require a note from their
physician or public health authority to return to play.
8.
Should
players/parents/bench staff wear masks entering the
facility and dressing room?
It is recommended anyone entering
the facility should wear a cloth mask when physical distancing cannot be
followed (it may also be required by the facility). Continue to monitor public
health authority guidelines specific to wearing masks. Wearing a mask
alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and
strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent
hand washing and physical distancing. For important information on masks,
please CLICK HERE.
9.
Is it a
requirement for all individuals, regardless of age, to wear a mask in the
facility?
It is important to check public
health authority information on masks. Currently the Public Health Agency of
Canada recommends cloth masks not being placed on children under two years of
age, on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has
trouble breathing.
10. Will Ringette Ontario provide Associations with masks and
gloves?
No, Ringette Ontario will not be
providing Associations with PPE supplies. We strongly recommend that
Associations begin to resource and/or purchase these items now, as we know that
there is and/or may be a challenge acquiring PPE supplies.
11. Can players and teams bring equipment into an arena?
Decisions will be made by the
facility, based on public health authority guidelines.
12. Is it a requirement that all Members adopt the health and
safety guidelines of Ringette Ontario?
Yes. It is important to
recognize that they were created in conjunction with Ringette Canada as a
Pan-Canadian set of guidelines. RO acknowledges that Associations may
have to make some adjustments due to local public health authority guidelines.
13. How do we make sure our team has the most up-to-date
information to return safely to the rink, knowing that public health
authorities, our facility and Ringette Ontario are always adding new
information to follow as the pandemic evolves?
It is recommended that ringette
associations and leagues assign one person, a communications officer, who will
be responsible to ensure all updated and relevant information is passed on to
the officials, participants, volunteers and parents
within their jurisdiction. Always verify current information on applicable
websites and work with your designated communications officer.
14. As a participant or parent, should I expect someone to provide
me with information regarding the guidelines I need to meet to return to
ringette?
In the process of returning to play,
it is highly recommended that the Association appoint a Safety Officer who will
act as the liaison between the facility, Ringette Ontario, local public health
authorities and the Association members. They will organize any meetings
to discuss important areas, including:
·
Overview of what to expect.
·
Safety steps put in place.
·
The role of parents and the ringette
association in creating a safe and healthy environment.
15. Will parents be allowed in the stands to watch games?
This will be determined by public
health authority and facility guidelines. Families should be prepared to
minimize the number of parents/guardians/spectators that attend in order to limit the number of people in the facility.
16. Should I disinfect any ringette gear after each
practice/game?
Some equipment should be washed
(e.g. jerseys, pant shells, socks) after each practice/game, following
manufacturer guidelines. It is important that players ensure all equipment is kept clean at all times.
17. Should I sanitize water bottles after each practice/game?
Bottles should be labelled and
washed after each practice or game.
18. Will players be permitted to shower at the arena after a
practice/game?
This will be determined by public
health authority and facility guidelines, however,
Ringette Ontario is strongly recommending that if even if it is allowed, that
players shower at home. If showers are allowed to be
used in the facility, physical distancing must be followed.
19. If a participant is currently isolating, can they come to
the facility for ringette?
If a participant or person they are
residing with is in isolation, neither the participant nor those they are
residing with can be in the ringette environment until all public health
authority requirements are met. Public Health Authority Assessment Tools here