Reimbursement Policy for Bench Staff Training and Certification

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

APRA will reimburse all registered volunteers that support U19 and younger programs for the cost of Criminal Background Checks. (mandatory requirement)

FUN1, FUN2, FUN3/U10, U12 COACHES and ON-ICE ASSISTANTS

APRA will reimburse 100% of the required coaching training expense for head coaches, assistant coaches and on-ice assistants of these teams.

NOTE: U12 Coaches only who intend to take the optional and more advanced Competition Introduction Training (i.e. rather than CSI - Community Sport Initiation) must first contact the APRA Coaching Coordinator for approval. Once approved, the coach will be eligible for funding and reimbursement provided they follow the steps outlined below for U14-U19 coaches. 

U14 - U19 COACHES and ON-ICE ASSISTANTS

For head coaches, assistant coaches and on-ice assistants of these teams, APRA will reimburse for the full cost of of all required coaching training as outlined by Ringette Ontario.

For any optional coaching training provided by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), APRA will reimburse individual coaches up to a maximum of $200 per year. 

NOTE: To be eligible for reimbursement from APRA, U14-U19 coaches must FIRST apply for any available funding offered through the NCCP Coach Bursary Program. Established by the Coaching Association of Ontario (CAO), the NCCP Coach Bursary Program provides funding directly to coaches for eligible NCCP Workshops (75% reimbursement from CAO), and NCCP Evaluations (90% reimbursement from CAO). 

1. Coaches can apply for any bursary once they have enrolled in an eligible course. 
2. Bursaries are available for courses offered In-person, Online or in homestudy formats.
3. Once the coach has received eligible funding though CAO, APRA will reimburse the coach for the outstanding balance.

Examples of required coaching training at these levels that is eligible for the NCCP Coach Bursary and full reimbursement of the remaining balance by APRA include:

• Competition Introduction Workshop  
• Make Ethical Decisions Workshop
• Competition Introduction Evaluation (Certification)

Examples of optional coaching training that is eligible for the NCCP Coach Bursary, and, APRA reimbursement of the remaining balance up to a maximum of $200/yr include:

• Planning a Practice
• Developing Athletic Abilities
• Managing Conflict 

Examples of additional required coaching training at these levels that is not eligible for NCCP Coach Bursary, but will be fully reimbursed by the APRA, include:

• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders 
• Coach Initiation in Sport (required of all new coaches)

APRA will reimburse one Manager and one Trainer per team, for the cost of any required training as specified by Ringette Ontario:

• Manager - Manager Certification Course
• Trainers - Standard First Aid Certified Training, Making Head Way (free online course), Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

*** TO APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT ***

1. Volunteers are to pay for Criminal Background Checks and all applicable coaching course fees up front and submit valid receipts. 
2. Volunteers must submit proof of course completion, and, CAO funding application or acknowledgement of any NCCP Coach Bursary (if applicable).
3. Indicate your team level and role when submitting the required documents.
4. To receive reimbursement, include your address (you will be reimbursed by cheque, via mail). 
5. Email all required documents and information to the APRA Treasurer.
6. Submit one single request for reimbursement for ALL eligible expenses in a given year, prior to February 1st.
7. To be eligible for reimbursement from APRA, coaches must be fully qualified in their roles for the playing season.
8. Please allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement. 

APRA will review this policy on an annual basis.