Play up/down policy

POLICY:

Player Movement

• One of the primary goals of ringette is the development of positive self-esteem and a proper sense of self-worth, we feel it is important that the player remain with her social peer group.

• RAB feels that leadership is a bigger challenge than skill improvement. It is a harder task to become a team leader on and off the ice than it is to score goals and the rewards in life are much greater if this skill is mastered.

• In general, "playing up" or “playing down” will not be permitted: in almost all instances, it would be better to challenge the player with leadership than with "playing up". However, the Executive, upon application of the parent, may approve movement using these guidelines.

Basic Premises

• In all cases of player movement, three standards will be applied:

1. Is this move good for the player?
2. Is this move good for the team gaining the player? Will this move compromise the team losing the player?
3. Is this move good for the association?

• In all cases, the player's viewpoint and opinion should be obtained before proceeding. Coaches’ feedback will also be considered.
• In the U12 to U19 divisions, tiering should provide sufficient separation of skill levels to challenge all players and attempts to stay within the age group at a more appropriate tier will be strongly encouraged.

Playing Up

In the U12 to U19 divisions, tiering should provide sufficient separation of skills levels to challenge all players. If a parent insists that a player move up and the player is truly in agreement, then the following guidelines would apply:

• The player should consider playing with a team at a higher tier in her age division to play up a division (U14 'B' cannot bypass U14 'A' to play U16 'B').  Reasons for not utilizing the tiering available at that age division needs to be understood when an application is made.
• Consider the birth date, size, maturity and skill level together with the overall complexion of the Burlington teams,
• Players peer group needs to be understood,
• All Risk Management concerns must be addressed (on an individual basis), and
• The player move-up is valid for the one year only. 

Playing Down

• Our principal goal for first year players is to ensure that they have a positive playing experience.
• Considering the birth date, size, maturity and skill level together with the overall complexion of the Burlington teams in a given year, it may be better for a player to play down.
• The Director of Player Development will make player placement after consultation with the player, parents and coaches.

Association Needs

It may be necessary for the Association to move players in order to balance divisions or to form viable teams.

Requests made by players might be denied if it compromises the viability of a team, the needs of the teams will also be considered in any decisions. 

Player Releases

When a player wants to play at a tier not offered in Burlington, alternatives in Burlington will be offered, but the player will be allowed to try out and play elsewhere. SRRA and ORA rules on player releases apply.

PROCESS:

Any players requesting a play up or play down will submit a written request by June 30 (for the upcoming season) to the Registrar who will forward it to the Conveners Committee for review.  Requests must include a rationale for the request and speak to all of the considerations identified in this document.

Requests will be reviewed by the Conveners group for discussion and recommendations.  This committee will present their recommendations to the RAB Executive who will have final say in the decision.  Player will be notified by a member of the Conveners Committee of the decision that was made prior to team formation for the upcoming season (usually in late August or early September).  

Playing_Up_and_Playing_Down_Policy_2016.doc