Reimbursement Policy for Bench Staff Training, Certification, and Criminal Background Checks

APRA will reimburse Team Staff of all U19 and younger teams for the cost of Criminal Background Checks, required training, and ongoing training to maintain qualifications (up to $200 per year). Team Staff must comply with all requirements outlined in this policy to be eligible for reimbursement >

1. All training and processing of Criminal Background Checks must be completed by the required deadlines.
2. If funding is available through Third Parties (see below - NCCP Coach Bursary Program), Team Staff must apply for this funding to reduce the association expense (otherwise, reimbursement from APRA will be reduced by this amount).
3. All requests for reimbursement should be consolidated and submitted as outlined below > To Apply for Reimbursement

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 all U12 and younger teams.

• APRA will reimburse 100% of the required coaching training expense for head coaches, assistant coaches and on-ice assistants of all U14-U19 teams, provided the coach has applied for available Third Party Funding*. 

NOTE: FUN3 and U12 Coaches who wish to take the 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 Third Party Funding and reimbursement, provided they also follow the steps outlined below for U14-U19 coaches.  

• Additionally, 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.

*IMPORTANT: Third Party Funding: To be eligible for reimbursement from APRA, coaches must FIRST confirm whether the course they intend to take is eligible for funding offered through the NCCP Coach Bursary Program. This includes required courses for U14 and older coaches, and optional courses for all coaches. Established by the Coaching Association of Ontario (CAO), the NCCP Coach Bursary Program provides funding directly to coaches for eligible NCCP Workshops (60% reimbursement), and NCCP Evaluations (90% reimbursement). 

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 confirmation of eligible funding though CAO, APRA will reimburse the coach for the outstanding balance.

Examples of required coaching training that is eligible for the NCCP Coach Bursary 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 include::

• Planning a Practice
• Developing Athletic Abilities
• Managing Conflict 

Examples of required coaching training that is not eligible for the NCCP Coach Bursary include:

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

MANAGERS and TRAINERS

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

*** 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.