Player Release Policy

HRA Player Release Policy

At Hamilton Ringette Association (HRA), our priority is to build strong, sustainable teams that support all athletes who want to play ringette within our club. To ensure transparency and consistency, we are publishing our formal stance on player releases at both the provincial and regional levels.

HRA's Player Release Policy

We do not issue player releases when the requested level of play is offered by HRA.
We do gladly issue releases when the requested level of play is not offered by HRA.

Examples:

• A U14B player whose home association is HRA, wants to play in St. Catharines. HRA does not offer U14B = Release Approved.
• A U16A player whose home association is HRA, wants to play in Paris. HRA offers U16A = Release Denied.

Please note: this policy applies equally to players whose home association is not HRA but their next closest association is HRA. Please consult with Ringette Ontario's Player Movement Matrix for more information.

Please do not inquire about an exception. Please refer to our FAQs below.

Summer/Fall Registration:

If the level of play has not yet been finalized (e.g., during summer or early fall registration), players should register with HRA. If, after registration, the desired level of play is not offered, a release will be granted. HRA will make every effort to release players as early as possible if their age level appears to be non-viable. 

HRA has the right to defer signing a player’s release until September 15th. This rule is implemented to assist HRA in forming our teams, in the event that team formation for a particular age level is approaching viability. 

Why We Do This

Our association is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. We do not have the procedures, resources, or governance framework in place to consistently and fairly assess individual release requests on a case-by-case basis. To remain impartial, consistent year over year, and to ensure fairness for all families, we follow a blanket policy and refer all exceptional cases to Ringette Ontario.

Granting releases outside of “level of play not offered” can have a negative effect on the larger group of athletes from a viability standpoint. For that reason, and the reasons outlined above, we have opted to remove this decision responsibility from our ever-changing volunteer board. 

If You Are Requesting a Release for "Other" Reasons

If your reason does not fall under “level of play not offered,” this notice serves as our official denial of your request.

You are encouraged to proceed with a Contested Release Request through Ringette Ontario. We defer your release effort to RO for an impartial ruling.
👉 Click here to submit a contested release request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: We prefer another club, even though you offer the level of play. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: We have personal or logistical challenges that make playing in Hamilton difficult. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: My child wants to play with friends in another association. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: Another team is closer to our home. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: My child might choose another sport if not released. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: We have more family support in another location. Can we get a release?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: We were granted a release in a previous season. Can we get another one?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. This is a new policy effective immediately. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: Can you make an exception for our unique situation?
A: No. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

Q: Our request is for sensitive, personal reasons. Can we get a release?
A: We apologize, a release cannot be granted. HRA does not evaluate individual requests. Please proceed with a contested release request through Ringette Ontario.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to build a fair and thriving ringette program in Hamilton.