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Elite Development Program

The Elite Development Program will provide those athletes with exceptional skill, the opportunity to participate at a level of play that will further enhance their Ringette abilities. The Elite Development Program is the responsibility of the Elite Development Committee. The Elite Development Program was initiated in 1988 to co-ordinate ORA’s activities in preparing for, and competing in, the Canada Winter Games. Its mandate has since been expanded to include participation in all elite play events, such as the Canada Winter Games (C.W.G.), Ontario Winter Games (O.W.G.), and the World Championships. At that time Ringette™’s involvement in the C.W.G. shall be evaluated according to its success. It’s continued participation will be determined at that time. In order to produce as many elite athletes as possible and also to build a strong base of highly skilled athletes the Elite Development Program will provide the opportunity for elite competition as detailed below:

1. The Elite Development Program will run in four-year cycles culminating in the year of the Canada Winter Games (C.W.G.) event.
2. Each four year cycle will be broken down into two, two-year segments. The first two-year segment will be a preparatory phase to organize and select the representatives for Team Ontario to compete in the C.W.G. event. The second two-year segment will be a competitive phase during which Team Ontario will train, prepare and compete in exhibition games and tournaments. It will culminate with the Canada Winter Games in the final year.
3. The Elite Development Committee is responsible for ensuring elite Provincial All-Star Teams (Team Ontario) are organized, trained, and maintained to participate in National level competitions such as the Canada Games and other elite competitions such as the: “Ontario Cup”, other Province’s Provincial Teams’ Invitational Tournaments, and/or other competitions as developed and approved by O.R.A. In addition, the Elite Development Committee is responsible for ensuring elite athletes are organized, trained and made ready to participate either as a team or as individuals in the World Championships or any qualifier Ringette Canada organizes for that event.
4. To assist in the selection of Team Ontario, the Ontario Winter Games competition will be used as a vehicle to evaluate players. To this end, each two year segment will consist of a one year Preparatory phase and a one year Competitive phase for Regional teams competing in the Ontario Winter Games. Each two-year segment is completed when the Regional Teams participate in the O.W.G. (March 1998, March 2000, etc.).
5. Each of the six (6) geographical regions is responsible for organizing, training and maintaining an elite “squad” of athletes to participate on Regional All-Star Team (R.A.T.) in elite competition such as the Ontario Winter Games and Regional Challenge Cup Tournaments.
6. The age group of Elite Teams, both Provincial and Regional, will be determined by the age requirement of the Elite Event to be attended such as the O.W.G., C.W.G., and International Competitions like the World Championships.