Girls’ hockey in Rhode Island needs transparency and accountability. The current process for co-ops and resources is unclear. Across the state, the same gaps keep showing up: unclear communication, opaque co-op decisions, limited financial transparency, and no reliable point of contact. For too long, families, athletes, and coaches involved in Rhode Island girls’ high school hockey have been left without clear answers about how our programs are formed, funded, and governed.

Across the state, stakeholders report the same frustrating pattern:

• No clear chain of command. When families raise concerns about co-op structures, parity, or equity, they are told to ask the coach. Coaches say to ask athletic directors. Athletic directors ask the RIIL. The RIIL does not respond directly to parents or players. Clear ownership and a direct communication channel are missing.
• Unclear decision-making about co-ops. Teams are built or changed with little to no explanation. Parents want to know how co-ops are approved, why some schools are added or excluded, and why parity and geography are not prioritized, especially given winter driving safety.
• Lack of financial transparency. Families can’t get straight answers about budgets, fundraising, or how ice time, coaching salaries, and resources are allocated between boys’ and girls’ programs
• No reliable point of contact. The system lacks a designated point of contact. Parents and players report no clear channel for addressing co-op issues. Host schools may make unilateral decisions, limiting stakeholder input.

Several years ago, a parent-led petition successfully pressured the RIIL to revise its co-op rules — proving that when our community speaks up, change is possible. Today, we need that same collective action again.

We, the undersigned, call on the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) to:

1. Hold a public forum (virtual or in person) with parents, players, and coaches to answer questions about co-op structures, finances, scheduling, and equity in girls’ hockey.
2. Publish a clear chain of communication and accountability so families know where to bring concerns and can expect timely, documented responses.
3. Provide transparent financial reporting that shows budgets, fundraising use, and how ice time, coaching, and resources are allocated between girls’ and boys’ programs.
4. Adopt and publish co-op criteria that prioritize competitive parity, community input, and geography, with attention to winter travel safety.
5. Revisit and enforce co-op alignment rules to ensure parity, fairness, and competitive balance across the league.

This is not about creating conflict. It’s about ensuring that every girl who laces up her skates in Rhode Island is given a fair, transparent, and equitable experience in high school hockey.

Sign this petition to help build a league that reflects the values of our schools and towns. Join us in asking the RIIL hold an open meeting and provide clear answers for the athletes and families they serve.