The Board of Directors passed the following policy in April 2024, to be implemented beginning in the 2024-2025 ringette season.
Purpose
To ensure clear expectations for the volunteer bond requirements for all players within the association. Many hands make light work, and so the SARA DIBS Volunteer Bond Program was introduced in 2016 to encourage volunteerism from the entire membership, to help combat volunteer burnout.
Requirements
- Each registered player from U10S1 to U19AA is required to fulfill two DIBS credits.
- Shifts must be fulfilled between August 15th and April 15th for the season registered.
- Shifts may become available during the 3 vs 3 spring season and will follow slightly different requirements due to AGM timing and association membership. This will be communicated via email as needed.
- $100 per unfulfilled DIBS shift will be charged to the player’s account after April 15th. This fee must be paid prior to the AGM to be considered a member in good standing. The player will not be able to register for the following season until the fee has been paid.
Credits
- One DIBS credit will be received for shift up to 1.5 hours. Two DIBS credits will be received for shifts over 1.5 hours.
- Credits will ONLY be given upon sign in for your shift via QR code.
- If you do not scan in for your shift you will not be credited, no exceptions.
- Credits are non-transferrable to other families.
No Show Policy
- If no sign in via QR code is registered it will be assumed that you no-showed for your shift.
- All no-shows, and last-minute cancellations, will be charged a $25 fee for each shift.
- Last-minute cancellations are any cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to the shift start time. We understand emergencies sometimes happen and those will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Notifications of cancellation must be received via email by the DIBS coordinator.
Exemptions and Team Credits
The following roles are DIBS exempt:
Head coaches, team managers, Turkey Ring committee members, board members in all roles including but not limited to: division coordinators, referee allocator, apparel manager, treasurer, etc...
The following roles will receive one DIBS credit:
Assistant coaches, junior coaches (must be on the team hard card) and team treasurers. Turkey Ring Tournament shifts are not DIBS eligible. Minor officials and other team level volunteers (jersey parents, etc...) are not DIBS eligible.
Communications
- Shift availability will be communicated via email stating when sign-ups will be posted.
- Sign-up links will be posted on the DIBS page of the St. Albert Ringette Association website.
- A reminder to scan in via QR code will be included in the SIgnUp Genius description, and will be readily available on site, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you know the procedure.
I've looked online, and I don't see any volunteer roles to claim. What then?
DIBS opportunities are added to the website throughout the season. It is your responsibility to keep on top of checking the website regularly. From SARA Board positions (which each year, at least one position goes unfilled), to coaching and manager positions, to evaluations, to various opportunities throughout the season (hosting events, development sessions, Come Try Ringette, etc.), to finally, the equipment return at the end of the season, there is no excuse for not finding an opportunity to volunteer. Every season, posted DIBS shifts go unclaimed.
Who tracks my volunteer hours?
Our DIBS Coordinator tracks volunteer hours and players with outstanding DIBS requirements.
What happens if I want to volunteer for more than the DIBS requirement?
While we appreciate your volunteerism, the purpose of the DIBS Program is to prevent volunteer burnout. We will never say no to someone wanting to put in extra volunteer hours, but do ask that you consider the other members that have bonds to fulfill. That being said, as we see each year, we appreciate when someone steps in to fill the void when there are posted DIBS that remain unfilled coming upon the date they are required.
Who do I talk to about volunteer opportunities?
You can reach out to the President and/or Vice President at any time!
president@stalbertringette.com or vicepresident@stalbertringette.com
Can I work off my bond for the next year? Can I transfer my DIBS to another family?