Who Are We?
The Alberta Racquetball Association's VISION is to make racquetball accessible to all Albertans and to be a national leader in programming, athlete development and good governance.
Our MISSION is to facilitate the participation and enjoyment of racquetball through the delivery of programs, access to resources, the development of coaches & officials and support to clubs & affiliates.
We strive to build a strong future and legacy for racquetball by supporting competitive athletes and fostering life-long participants. We endeavor to increase involvement and accessibility at all levels through promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Our Values
In contributing to a strong and vibrant Albertan sport system, the Alberta Racquetball Association is committed to being an accountable and effective organization by promoting and living the following values in our work and through our actions:
Sportsmanship: We promote an attitude of sportsmanship, whereby the goal is not simply to win, but to have fun and give one's best effort in the pursuit of victory.
Respect: We foster an environment of respect, striving for equal opportunities and maintaining policies that are free from discrimination or bias.
Community: We support the development of the racquetball community at large by encouraging mentorship and facilitating program involvement.
Leadership: We develop athlete leaders, who lead by example, inspire others to excel and contribute to meaningful change where they live, work and play.
Safe Sport in Alberta
The Alberta Racquetball Association has adopted The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) as the foundational document on which a respectful sport culture is based, to deliver quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming and safe sport experiences in Alberta.
And while the UCCMS defines maltreatment and prohibited conduct; the province has introduced the Integrated Third-Party Mechanism for the independent reporting, intake, assessment, investigation, resolution, sanctioning, and appeal pathways to enforce AB UCC violations.
CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL
To help identify concussion in children, adolescents and adults © Concussion in Sport Group 2017 © Concussion in Sport Group 2017
The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5) is to be used for the identification of suspected concussion. It is not designed to diagnose concussion.
STEP 1: RED FLAGS — CALL AN AMBULANCE
If there is concern after an injury including whether ANY of the following signs are observed or complaints are reported then the player should be safely and immediately removed from play/game/activity. If no licensed healthcare professional is available, call an ambulance for urgent medical assessment:
• Neck pain or tenderness
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling/ burning in arms or legs
• Severe or increasing headache
• Seizure or convulsion
• Loss of consciousness
• Deteriorating conscious state
• Vomiting
• Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
Supported by
Remember: • In all cases, the basic principles of first aid (danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation)
should be followed.
• Assessment for a spinal cord injury is critical.
• Do not attempt to move the player (other than required for airway support) unless trained to so do.
• Do not remove a helmet or any other equipment unless trained to do so safely.
If there are no Red Flags, identification of possible concussion should proceed to the following steps:
STEP 2: OBSERVABLE SIGNS
Visual clues that suggest possible concussion include:
• Lying motionless on the playing surface
• Slow to get up after a direct or indirect hit to the head
• Disorientation or confusion, or an inability to respond appropriately to questions
• Blank or vacant look
• Balance, gait difficulties, motor incoordination, stumbling, slow laboured movements
• Facial injury after head trauma
STEP 3: SYMPTOMS
• Headache
• “Pressure in head”
• Balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Fatigue or low energy
• “Don’t feel right”
• More emotional
• More Irritable
• Sadness
• Nervous or anxious
• Neck Pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Feeling slowed down
• Feeling like “in a fog“
STEP 4: MEMORY ASSESSMENT
(IN ATHLETES OLDER THAN 12 YEARS)
Failure to answer any of these questions (modified appropriately for each sport) correctly may
suggest a concussion:
• “What venue are we at today?”
• “Which half is it now?”
• “Who scored last in this game?”
• “What team did you play last week/game?”
• “Did your team win the last game?”
Athletes with suspected concussion should:
• Not be left alone initially (at least for the first 1-2 hours).
• Not drink alcohol.
• Not use recreational/ prescription drugs.
• Not be sent home by themselves. They need to be with a responsible adult.
• Not drive a motor vehicle until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional.
The CRT5 may be freely copied in its current form for distribution to individuals, teams, groups
and organisations. Any revision and any reproduction in a digital form requires approval by the Concussion in Sport Group. It should not be altered in any way, rebranded or sold for commercial gain.
ANY ATHLETE WITH A SUSPECTED CONCUSSION SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PRACTICE OR PLAY AND SHOULD NOT RETURN TO ACTIVITY UNTIL ASSESSED MEDICALLY, EVEN IF THE SYMPTOMS RESOLVE
Through our funders - the Tourism & Sport Ministry of the Alberta Government and the Alberta Liquor & Gaming Commission the Alberta Racquetball Association serves the needs of racquetball players throughout the Province.
Volunteers
Each year, individuals from across the Province contribute their time and talent to support every aspect of our operation and in a variety of capacities. From organizing tournaments to running leagues, coaching, officiating and taking shifts at our bi-annual Casino nights, or participating on the board of directors, our volunteers are the strength of our organization.
And we THANK YOU!
Board of Directors
Mitch Brayley - President
Calgary, AB
mitchbrayley@albertaracquetball.ca
Devin Halko - Treasurer
Edmonton, AB
Corey McEwen - Marketing/Promotion Director
Sherwood Park, AB
Reg Atkins - Membership Director
Calgary, AB
Glen Yaretz - Program Director
Calgary, AB
Bob George - Casino/Grant Director
Lethbridge, AB
STAFF
Barb Stein, Executive Director
ed@albertaracquetball.ca
Jen Buller, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator
mpcoordinator@albertaracquetball.ca