GCRA AGM - New Governance Structure 2026

GCRA Governance

Overview

At the Annual General Meeting on June 15, 2026, the membership approved a new set of governance bylaws designed to modernize and streamline the administration of the Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association (GCRA).

The revised governance structure builds upon the volunteer model adopted in 2019 while creating a clearer and more sustainable framework for Association leadership. The new structure recognizes key operational leadership positions as strategic planning roles that directly influence budgeting, registration, scheduling, athlete development, programming, and overall organizational success.

GCRA continues to be governed by volunteers dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, development-focused, and positive ringette experience for all participants.

 Guiding Principles

GCRA is committed to:

• Providing a safe, inclusive, and athlete-centered environment
• Supporting player, coach, and official development
• Promoting sportsmanship, respect, and fair play
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making
• Supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of ringette in our community

Executive Council Structure

The affairs of the Association are governed by the Executive Council, which serves as the primary decision-making body of GCRA.

Voting Executive Council Positions

The following positions have voting authority:

*Past President serves a one-year term following completion of the President's term.

Appointed Non-Voting Positions

The Executive Council may appoint operational and advisory volunteers as required, including:

• Director of Competitive Operations
• Director at Large
• Convenors
• Equipment Manager
• Tournament Director
• Referee-in-Chief
• Social Media Coordinator
• Other operational volunteers as required

These positions support Association operations but do not possess voting authority.

What Does the Executive Council Do?

The Executive Council is responsible for:

• Administering the affairs of the Association
• Approving policies and procedures
• Approving annual budgets and expenditures
• Establishing registration fees
• Ensuring compliance with Ringette Ontario, ERRA, NCRRL, and Ringette Canada requirements
• Appointing operational volunteers and committees
• Managing governance, discipline, and risk management matters
• Acting in the best interests of GCRA and its members

Current Opportunities to Volunteer

GCRA is a volunteer-driven organization and welcomes members who are interested in contributing their skills and experience.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Director at Large
• Director of Competitive Operations
• Team Convenors
• Equipment Support
• Tournament Committee
• Social Media and Communications
• Sponsorships, grants, and funding
• Special Projects and Events Working Groups

Whether you have governance experience, administrative skills, coaching experience, or simply a desire to help youth sport thrive, there is a place for you within GCRA.

Why the Change?

The previous governance structure included multiple councils and vice-president positions. Over time, the Association recognized the need for a simpler and more sustainable model that better reflects current operations and volunteer capacity.

The 2026 governance review resulted in several key improvements:

Governance Enhancements

• Simplified Executive Council structure
• Elimination of multiple Vice President positions (except Executive Vice President)
• Clearer accountability and decision-making
• Better alignment between governance and operations
• Improved succession planning
• Greater recognition of strategic operational roles
• Streamlined financial oversight
• More flexibility to appoint volunteers where needed

Key Changes

• VP Operations replaced by Director of Competitive Operations
• VP Administration replaced by Director of Administration
• VP Development replaced by Director of Development
• Director of Accounting position eliminated
• Treasurer retained as the Association's lead financial officer
• Competitive Director added as a voting Executive Council position
• Regional Director added as a voting Executive Council position
• Coaching Director added as a voting Executive Council position
• Director of FUNdamentals added as a voting Executive Council position
• Ice Scheduler recognized as a strategic planning role and added as a voting Executive Council member

Terms of Office

Most elected Executive Council positions serve two-year staggered terms to provide continuity and effective succession planning.

Annual appointments include:

• Ice Scheduler - Annual Appointment
• Director of Competitive Operations - Annual Appointment
• Director at Large - Annual Appointment

Past President serves a one-year appointment following completion of a term as President.

Get Involved

GCRA's success depends on volunteers.

If you are interested in serving on the Executive Council, assisting with operational activities, joining a committee, or learning more about available opportunities, please contact: GCRA Secretary gcra.secretary22@gmail.com

We welcome new volunteers and encourage members to become involved in helping shape the future of ringette in Gloucester-Cumberland.

Governance Bylaws: Adopted by the Membership of the Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association at the Annual General Meeting held June 15, 2026.