Volunteer Policy for All Players

New for the 2026-2027 season, is a mandatory volunteer program for each Whitby Ringette player.

This program has two goals:

To encourage participation by all players in the recruitment and retention of players
To raise the profile of ringette by showcasing our sport in the Whitby community.

A $150 surcharge will be added to each player’s registration for the 2026-2027 season. After each player completes a mandatory three (3) hours of volunteering at approved activities, mentoring opportunities and events, they will receive a refund of $150. If the hours are completed before the fee deadline of September 30, they will receive a code for a $150 credit on their account. Later refunds will be calculated and disbursed at the end of each month.

For each volunteer opportunity, a sign-up link will be provided. Once the event is full, the link will close. Anticipated volunteer opportunities include Come Try Ringette, Community Events (e.g. Brooklin Spring Fair, Whitby FC MiniFest, etc.) and Mentorship Opportunities within the Association. Please sign up for events and opportunities with a firm intention to attend so we can ensure we have the required volunteers.

FAQ

Can I cover the hours on behalf of my player?

Feedback from CTRs and younger players tells us that they love to see older players come out and be role models for the sport. We’re looking to get players involved as much as possible. If there are extenuating circumstances, please reach out to marketing@whitbyringette.com.

I am an Open A/18+ Player, am I still expected to volunteer?

Yes, and we encourage you to consider mentorship opportunities. We would love to see mentorship at all levels to build coaching confidence, foster female leadership, and help young athletes develop skills both on and off the ice.

I’m on a bench staff of a team. Do those hours count?

First of all, thank you for your time! Because we are trying to get players involved, time as bench staff does not count towards the mandatory 3 hours. This is also true for all board members with players in the association.

Can I just pay the money and not volunteer?

If you don’t complete your three hours, you will not receive the refund, so yes, this is possible. However, our goal is to boost volunteerism and player engagement. We hope we can refund everyone’s money!

What if I do 2 hours? Do I get $100 back?

No. We picked 3 hours to reflect the association’s need and to make it a reasonable ask. There will be reminders at each volunteer opportunity. If you need to check on your volunteer balance, you can email marketing@whitbyringette.com.

Will these 3 hours of volunteer time be separate from the time volunteered at the Whitby tournament?

Yes, they are separate expectations. Details about volunteering at the Whitby tournament will be communicated via your coach and bench staff closer to the date.