IRA A Level Expectations

Interlake Ringette Association (IRA)

A Level Commitment & Expectations

Interlake Ringette Association participates in the Centralized A Tryout (CAT) process for the formation of A-level teams.

Families should be aware that A-level teams may be hosted by IRA or another participating association within the amalgamation group. As a result, players selected to an A team may be required to attend practices, games, and team activities outside of IRA.

The “A” level is offered at the U12, U14, U16, and U19 divisions. Players interested in competing at the “A” level must register for tryouts by the date established by IRA.

Playing at the competitive “A” level requires a significant commitment from both players and families. Participation, attendance, and dedication are expected at all team activities, including practices, dryland training, league games, tournaments, team meetings, and team-building events.

Team rosters typically consist of 12-17 players, including one or two goalies.

Team Fees and Financial Commitment

In addition to annual registration fees, players selected to an “A” team will be required to pay team fees. Team fees generally start at approximately $1,000 per player but may increase depending on factors such as:

• Number of players on the roster
• Tournament participation
• Practice ice costs
• Dryland training
• Team apparel and clothing
• Travel expenses
• Fundraising participation
• Coaches’ expenses

Registration fees are separate from team fees.  Registration only covers but is not limited to RMB and WRL fees, community centre fees, administration fees, WRL league games, referees and minor officials. Team fees are separate and cover expenses associates with competitive team operations.

 All players are expected to pay an equal share of team fees. If a player is injured, unavailable, or absent for a period of time, the player’s financial commitment remains the same as all other team members.

Families should be aware that participation at the “A” level may require travel both within and outside Manitoba.

U12A & U14A Teams

Players can expect:

• Approximately 3-4 ringette activities per week, including practices, dryland sessions, and games.
• Typically 1-2 ice practices per week, with additional ice sessions dependent on ice availability.
• Approximately 1-2 league games per week, totaling 20 league games during the season.
• Participation in 2-4 tournaments throughout the season, which may include travel outside the Interlake region and potentially outside Manitoba.
• Participation in WRL playoffs beginning in mid-February and Provincial Championships through March.
• Potential participation in the Western Cup, typically held in Saskatchewan at the end of March or early April.

Players selected to an “A” team are expected to remain available throughout playoffs, Provincials, and any qualifying championship events, as temporary player call-ups are generally not permitted during championship play.

U16A & U19A Teams

Players can expect:

• Approximately 4-5 ringette activities per week, including practices, dryland sessions, games, and team activities.
• Typically 2 hours of practice ice per week, with additional ice sessions dependent on availability.
• Approximately 1-2 league games per week, totaling 20 league games during the season.
• Participation in 3-5 tournaments throughout the season. At least one tournament may require travel outside Manitoba.
• U16A and U19A do not play in WRL playoffs. Teams only compete at Provincials that take place mid-February and typically run for 7 days.

Teams that are successful at Provincials will qualify for the Western Canadian Ringette Championships (WCRC) as Team Manitoba.

Should a team qualify for WCRC:

• All players are expected to attend.
• Additional expenses will be incurred, including Team Manitoba apparel, event fees, travel, accommodations, meals, banquet tickets, and team photos.
• WCRC may be hosted in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, or British Columbia and typically takes place in late March.
• If WCRC is held in Manitoba, the top two teams (1 st & 2nd place) qualify for WCRC. The team who finished second will become the Host Team.

Participation at the “A” level requires a commitment from both players and families to support the team’s goals and competitive schedule throughout the season.