River East Ringette Association (“RERA”) is disappointed but understands the Winnipeg Ringette League’s (“WRL”) decision to cancel the 2020/21 league.
In light of WRL’s decision, RERA continues to be committed to provide a quality ringette program for the remaining 2020/2021 season in a manner that is safe and responsible to our members. We have had discussions with Ringette Manitoba (“RMB”) and sport officials and are hopeful that we can still provide a ringette program for our members.
There are a number of options still on the table, including an extended season, exhibition-style games or tournament playoffs, and practice and development sessions. RERA is planning to work with other local associations with different approaches to the remaining season with the teams who are already formed and we are looking at all possibilities of return to play scenarios.
RERA will follow the restrictions that may be in place from the Manitoba government and public health. Once RERA receives approval to reenter Return to Activity from the governing bodies – RMB and Sport Manitoba – we will return to the ice. While we don’t know what the next few weeks hold, it is our intention to begin the Return to Activity program as soon as possible following the lifting of restrictions.
While we are hopeful that we can return to ringette, we are also mindful of the concerns of our members relating to the registration fees paid for the season. Please know that RERA wants to make decisions about fees for the season in a fair and transparent manner.
With the uncertainty of existing public health orders, RERA has been unable to make definitive decisions to date about what the future of the season will entail and what is a fair and reasonable associated cost for our members. We have contractual obligations as an Association and we must ensure the financial sustainability of our organization. Once further decisions are made by the government, Ringette Manitoba and/or by our local facilities, RERA will make decisions accordingly.
Again, we remain hopeful that we can provide a quality ringette program for the remaining 2020/2021 season in a manner that is safe and responsible to our members. We kindly ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this difficult situation.
