Team Formation/Play Up Play Down Policy
All players are required to register as per their birth year, visit our Levels of Play page. In general, “playing up” or “playing down” will not be permitted: in almost all instances. The vast majority of St. Catharines ringette players will play within the level of play designated for their age as it is important for players to play with their social peer group. However, there are some players who, due to their specific circumstances (with skill level in consideration), may be allowed to play at a different level than their age specifies. These exceptions are granted on an individual, year-to-year basis and must be approved by the St. Catharines Ringette Executive.
Play Up/Down requests are evaluated based primarily on roster space at the requested level and the skill level of the player. Feedback from players and coaches will be procured to aid in decision making. In addition to these primary criteria, in all cases of player movement the following factors will be considered:
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?
(It may be necessary for the Association to move players in order to balance divisions or to form viable teams).
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 level not offered, alternatives in St. Catharines will be offered, but the player will be allowed to try out and play elsewhere. SRRA and ORA rules on player releases apply.
Any players requesting to play up or play down will submit a written request by Aug 1 (for the upcoming season) to the Registrar scringetteregistrar@gmail.com - who will forward it to the Executive Committee for review. Requests must include a rationale for the request and address all of the considerations above. Ultimately, requests made by players might be denied if it compromises the viability of a team.
