Ringette Association prepares for annual tournament

By Fernando Moreno-Prado Times Contributor

The Strathmore Minor Ringette Association (SMRA), under the leadership of its president Martin Croft, is preparing for its annual home tournament on Jan. 24-26, with 40 teams expected to participate, including a new open division for women over 18. 

The association, which includes teams from ages 4 to 19, relies heavily on volunteers for roles such as coaching, officiating and organizing events. The focus is on providing a fun, competitive environment that encourages girls’ participation in sports.

Director of player development, Natasha Lausen cites how there are challenges for girls to remain in sports with 70 per cent of them leaving by the age of 13.

“For every boy that would leave, two girls leave,” said Lausen. The association gives girls the opportunity to see the benefits of fitness and “make connections through sport that are able to see them through their future years of playing.”

SMRA currently hosts 10 local teams and is looking to grow and provide opportunities for more girls to play ringette. Lausen assures that that volunteer recruitment has been successful with dedicated volunteers always stepping up to fill necessary roles.

“Our volunteers wear many hats,” said Lausen. Volunteers consist of parents that serve as minor officials who help run the time clocks, score keep or do team management. The board of directors is also made up of volunteers. They help with event organizing, tournaments and “all the gears it takes to keep moving our association forward.”

The association hosts “Come Try Ringette” events in the spring and fall where current players introduce new players to the sport.  Some of the girls serve the program as junior coaches.  Lausen stresses how this allows them to develop leadership and coaching skills.

SMRA aims to make ringette affordable and accessible for all families. Lausen mentions that families can look to the KidSport funding, which helps families with financial support for their children to participate in sports.

Fundraising priorities are set by the individual teams which can include the covering of tournament costs, apparel and special events. The association conducts casino fundraisers and uses tournament fees to support their operations.

SMRA aims to foster athletic development and community involvement as a not-for-profit sport organization.

“As a society we understand the importance of good mental, emotional, physical, [and] social well-being,” said Lausen.

The public is welcome to attend the aforementioned Laurie Morton Rupp Memorial Tournament in January to see what the association and members are all about.