Recent events in the news have highlighted negative fan behaviour at the arenas. Lest we think this doesn't happen in ringette, I can knowingly state that coaches and players have been suspended, refs reprimanded and fans ejected from the rink already this season. As we enter the playoffs, the intensity of games increase and so too does the potential for catcalls and jeering of both players and officials. We don't yell at players for missing a pass, so let's refrain from yelling at the refs over perceived missed calls. Let's not yell "c'mon" after a collision as the players may feel you are targeting them. Others may not appreciate such comments and negativity.

Let us instead focus on being positive and cheering on the game rather than jeering. If as a fan you hear or witness inappropriate behaviour, speak up. If we all do our part the game is more enjoyable for all involved. Instead of reacting to what might have been, shouting "Ooooh, almost" on a missed shot; let us instead cheer for the great goal scoring opportunity and the equally fantastic save. Players receive a boost and feed off all of the cheers. And after all, the game is about them, not us. It is their moment, so let us just sit back and enjoy it. 

The Winnipeg Ringette League 2013/2014 season is quickly coming to a close. Regular season play closed on Feb 16, with City Championships beginning on Feb 20. If you haven't already marked your calendar, city champions will be decided during finals weekend hosted at Gateway Community Centre March 8 and 9. All fans are welcome!

For those players in the U19 or Open age groups who are in, or moving onto, post-secondary education, the WRL scholarship application period is now open! Find more information on the WRL Website.

Members of the league have until March 23, 2014 to submit motions for consideration at the WRL AGM. These motions should be designed to modify one of the: Policy and Procedure, By-Laws or Constitution of the Winnipeg Ringette League. Motions will not be accepted from members at large, but must be submitted via an association or a member of the executive.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to call out for nominations for WRL executive positions. Please go to the WRL Website and scroll down in the News Items to "Call for Nominations" to see the list of positions up for election this year. The WRL executive meets once per month during the playing season, and has the important job of organizing the league and executing the policies and procedures set our by our rulebook.

R4U Jamboree Day

March 22nd, 2014

Glenwood CC. (27 Overton Street)

7:30am - 8:00pm

  

All players wishing to play AA must register directly with the MRA office, not with their Local Associations.  The deadline for submission of registration will be March 28, 2014.  The AA Tryouts for the 2014-2015 season will be held April 21-29 at Southdale Arena.

For any students graduating high school and moving into post secondary education applications for the MRA High/Five Scholarship are available on our website and are due April 15th yearly.

For players who are going into their third year of U19 applications for the MRA Bursaries are available online and are due April 15th yearly.

Coach and Volunteer Recognition                                       

Don't forget to recognize the outstanding volunteer or coach in your community by nominating them for coach of the month, coach of the year or volunteer of the year.  Applications are available online and are due April 15th yearly

2014 MRA Annual General Meeting

Amendment of By-Laws - Any voting member of the Association, in good standing, may propose an amendment to the By-Laws of the Association. This proposal must be submitted in writing to the Association's Board of Directors (and to the office) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the meeting at which it is to be considered. The proposed amendment will be presented to the Annual General Meeting or Special Meetings. No amendment to the By-Laws of the Association shall be accepted from the floor at any meeting.

There has been some changes to the MRA Board.  Don Kozun stepped down as President due to health reasons and has been replaced until the end of the year by Tamiko Hisanaga.  This was ratified at the recent Presidents Meeting.

MRA is the Provincial Sports Organization for Ringette in Manitoba and responsibilities include running of the High Performance program (Canada Winter Games, Manitoba Winter Games, AA Program, NRL), Provincials, certification of coaches and officials, Ringette 4U program, Winkler Camp, and many more other activities.  If you would like to help set direction for Ringette in Manitoba and help develop and promote our programs, please consider putting your name forward on one of the following positions for our June 7th MRA AGM:

Process for submitting your name for consideration are outlined in MRA Policy Manual starting on Page 8. Duties of each portfolio are outlined in the document below as well.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the MRA office or any currently sitting board member.

Daily, your child will spend 3 hrs (half day) at the Arena (in Morden) where 1.5 hrs will be on the ice while the other 1.5 hrs will be spent doing dryland activities (running, Gym Ringette, off- ice shooting, etc). The other half of the day will be spent doing activities back at the camp.

Camp dates this year are August 24 - 29 , 2014.  More information is available at the link below.