| Ringette FAQ |
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What is Ringette? Ringette is a truly Canadian game that was first introduced in 1963 in North Bay, Ontario. Developed originally for girls, ringette is a fast-paced team sport on ice in which players use a straight stick to pass, carry, and shoot a rubber ring to score goals. Ringette is played in all ten provinces and the Northwest Territories, and it has become one of Canada's favorite winter activities, with over 60,000 participants across Canada - a remarkable growth rate for such a young sport. Isn't ringette just like hockey for girls? Although ringette and hockey are quite similar, there are also important differences between these two popular sports. Ringette is a team sport played on ice. There are two teams, each of which is permitted six players (2 forwards, 2 defence, a centre and a goalie) on the ice at the same time. A straight stick is used to pass, carry and shoot the round rubber ring and attempt to score goals. The main rink markings are the two blue lines (hockey blue lines) and two extended red lines. The same type of net is used as in hockey, but there is a bigger crease. A player must pass the ring to a teammate across each blue line and may not touch it until it has been touched by another player. There may be only three skaters from each team in the defensive zone at any one time. The goaltender may not touch the ring beyond her/his own blue line and can only pick up the ring in her/his hand when it is in the crease. How old do you have to be to play ringette? Boys and girls can join ringette beginning at 5 years of age. There is no upper age limit, as ringette is a sport that you can enjoy well into your golden years. Where can I play? Right now in New Brunswick, organized ringette is played in the following areas.
If you live in any of these areas and are interested in joining a team, please contact the local Association President. How can I start ringette in my area? Please contact Ringette NB. |