COVID-19 Update 4
May 7 2020
Dear League and Club Association Presidents,
Subject: COVID-19 Update
The ongoing contact and engagement with the leadership of the Leagues and Club Associations leadership through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is outstanding. Ringette BC is extremely fortunate to have supportive and engaged members during this time of uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers and forced organizations and communities to be creative, innovative and adaptive to minimize the impact as much as possible.
On May 6, 2020, the Premier announced that the province is moving forward with a “restart BC” program. We estimate that a return to sport will not occur until Phase 2 under this plan which means that Ringette activities remain suspended at this time. While we await updates, guidelines and the reopening of recreation facilities and a return to sport, it is still critical to plan for the upcoming season. However, opening registration for the 2020/21 season is not permitted at this time.
Ringette BC is actively working with ViaSport, Sport BC and other Provincial Sport Organizations on return to play and return to activity guidelines. Ringette BC will continue to follow the direction from BC’s Provincial Health Officer and will continue to provide updates to our Membership as they come available from the Provincial Government and the Sport Branch.
Annual General Meetings
Ringette BC, like all Leagues and Club Associations in the province, has postponed the Annual General Meeting and Conference. We hope to host this event in August 2020. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Gaming Information
The Community Gaming Grants Branch released an official statement on March 24 to all sport organizations regarding their 2020 Applications. The Gaming Grant deadline is May 31st. The update confirmed that the application period is open and organizations should follow the normal application process for 2020. Organizations should continue to check the Community Gaming Branch website for updates.
Funding Initiatives:
As we await Phase 2 of the restart plan, we want to remind you of a couple of funding initiatives that will be more important than ever as ringette families potentially face economic challenges due to COVID-19.
KidSport
KidSport supports a number of ringette families each year by off-setting the costs of registration. While funding cheques will not be issued until sport resumes, they are continuing to accept applications. Visit their website for the most up to date information.
Payment Deferrals or Payment Plans
Ringette BC is strongly encouraging Club Associations to consider payment plans and/or deferrals for families who wish to register early and receive early bird discounts. These strategies will allow families to register and commit to the season ahead with some flexibility due to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
Refund cheques are in the mail!
On April 2, Ringette BC announced to all Club Associations that the full team registration fees for cancelled competitions were being refunded to the affected teams. The refund cheques were mailed out on April 3rd to all Club Association at their contact address. We understand that Canada Post is experiencing significant delays in delivering mail. Please inform your teams that refunds are forthcoming so they can advise their families.
Ringette BC is available to provide access to conferencing systems, answer questions and provide support for our members
Sincerely,
Dennis Callaghan
Chair of the Board of Directors
Nicole Robb
Executive Director
Cc: Ringette BC Board of Directors
