Definitions

A. Full-time student – the term "full time student" refers to a full time student as defined by the host institution (definitions vary by university and college), and which is verifiable in writing by the institution.

B. Intercollegiate – in this document the word intercollegiate is intended to mean competition involving universities, colleges, and other recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada.

C. Part-time student – the term "part-time student" refers to a part- time student as defined by the host institution (definitions vary by university and college), and which is verifiable in writing by the institution. For greater certainty, alumni or those holding only facility memberships are not considered part-time students for the purposes of this document.

D. Provincial Ringette Associations – means the governing bodies of ringette in each province (e.g. Ontario Ringette Association, Ringette Alberta, etc).

E. Recognized post secondary institution – Typically, recognized post secondary institutions are public and private institutions established under provincial and territorial legislation. Non-recognized institutions are typically private commercial enterprises, the regulation of which emphasizes consumer protection. As well, non-recognized institutions programs are normally not regulated.

Eligibility Intercollegiate Play and/or UCC participation

A. Commencing in 2008/2009 ringette season mature (in existence more than three years) university or college ringette teams wishing to compete against each other, or participate in the University Challenge Cup must adhere to eligibility requirements as follows:

1. A minimum of 85% of team composition must be full-time students of the university or college which the team is representing¹.

2. Up to 15% may be composed of

i. part-time students from that same university, and/or

ii. full time students from another recognized post secondary institution in the area. All attendance must be verified by way of identification cards and/or documents confirming attendance status at the institution.

3. Players registered with the National Ringette League (except as affiliates) are not permitted to participate in the University Challenge Cup as players.

4. In determining player eligibility from percentages, part numbers resulting from a percentage calculation will be rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, on a team composed of 14 players total, 15% equals 2.1 which would be rounded to 2 players.

5. All players participating in the UCC must be registered members of their provincial ringette association.

B. Effective for the 2008/2009 season start up (in existence less than 4 years) university or college ringette teams wishing to compete against other university or college teams or participate in the University Challenge Cup may have a composition that consists of an aggregate of players as follows:

1. A minimum of 50% of the team composition must be full time students of the recognized university or college which the team is representing,

2. Up to 50% of the team may be composed of full and part time students from that or another recognized college(s) or university(ies)

3. Players registered with the National Ringette League (except affiliates) are not permitted to participate in the University Challenge Cup as players.

4.  Team composition must be submitted for approval by the organizing committee of the University Challenge Cup before the end of November. A full rational for the team composition should be provided.

5. Transitional teams submitting composite teams for a second time must show measurable year over year progress toward mature composition (A above) in order to be approved for participation in the University Challenge Cup.

C. Until such time as demand and participation is adequate to support co-ed competition at the University Challenge Cup, this event will be designated a female only event.

D. Effective the 2008/2009 season, University and college ringette team coaches would be required to hold coaching qualifications required at the Open A or B level (depending upon the team seeding) as required by their respective provincial associations. Ringette Canada guidelines regarding inter-provincial play will be the authoritative guideline for coaching eligibility and bench staff at the annual University Challenge Cup.

E. Eligibility exceptions must be approved by the Executive of Canadian University and College Ringette Association. In no case shall persons who are not a part time or full time student at a post secondary student participate at the University Challenge Cup or in intercollegiate competition.

Code of Conduct

A. Any person who interferes with the game or verbally abuses or harasses an official, player, or bench staff will be asked to leave the playing area and not to return. The Head Coach will be notified by an on-ice official to remove the person. If the person refuses to leave the arena playing area after a reasonable period of time, the game will be called and the team that the person is associated with will forfeit the game.

B. Any participant in the play, administration, or representation of university and/or college ringette who engages in conduct unbecoming of the sport and/or sportsmanship, shall be subject to such sanction or discipline as the Executive considers appropriate.   

Harassment and Discrimination

A. The Canadian University and College Ringette Association is committed to providing a sport and work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to participate and work in an environment which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. Harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment is prohibited by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and by human rights legislation in every province and territory of Canada. CUCRA fully supports and has adopted the policy of Ringette Canada in regards to complaints concerning Harassment and Discrimination. The full policy may be found at Ringette Canada Policy Manual