FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

New to RHRA and Ringette? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q My child does not know how to skate. Can they still play?

A The RHRA has several programs available to assist kids at different skill levels. For those who are just learning to skate we have Learn to Skate. Here the emphasis will be on learning the basics; forwards, backwards stopping and standing up.  As the children begin to get comfortable with skating, they will begin to play using ringette sticks and some basic ringette techniques will be introduced. If your child shows good progress, they can join the FUN1 program at any point of the season.

Q What equipment does my child need?

A For Learn to Skate, all that is needed is warm winter clothing and a helmet (with a mask preferably).

Full protective equipment is required at the FUN1 program and above.

First time players in FUN1 or FUN2 can take advantage of the Equipment Loan Program. Your child will be outfitted with all necessary equipment for a $25 rental fee. A refundable $300 deposit and the signing of a promissory contract is all that is required. At the end of the season, please return the equipment and your deposit cheque will be destroyed or returned.

Mandatory Equipment:

• Helmet CSA Approved and a facial protector (i.e. face mask) - CSA Approved Type 5 or Type 6.
• Shoulder pads. Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. Measure the player's chest just below the armpits and match the player's chest measurement to the shoulder pad size in inches.
• Gloves (the same type as used in Hockey). Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.
• Elbow pads (the same type as used in Hockey). Check for proper fit.
• Ringette girdle and pants (these are different than used in hockey). Check for proper fit and hip and pelvic protection.
• Shin guards Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely: shin guards are best fitted while the player is sitting. To fit properly, measure from the centre of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot and match the player's shin measurement to the size of the shin guard. Shin guards should be secured with proper shin guard straps.
• Skates that will fit the player today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Ensure that there is adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper the player's ability to skate. No figure skates please. Hockey skates for Ringette.
• BNQ Approved Neck Guard regular or with collar.
• Jerseys are provided by the RHRA for games and for House League players; other players should have at least one for practices.
• Ringette stick (not a cut hockey stick). The stick may be made of wood, composite, or aluminum, and/or any other material approved by Ringette Canada. Maximum length of the stick is from the ice up to the height of the underarm. The measurement is to be taken while the arm is extended at 90° to the body while the player is standing on skates.

Optional Equipment:

• Mouth guard, single or double.

Q What are the age divisions?

A The divisions generally span two years of age starting at the U10 level. The breakdown is as follows:

• U10: 9 years & under
• U12: 11 years & under
• U14: 13 years & under
• U16: 15 years & under
• U19: 18 years & under
• 18+: 19 years & over

Q What are the different levels, schedules/travel and related fees?

A 

LEARN TO SKATE

The emphasis is on learning to skate. As the children begin to get comfortable with skating, they will begin to play using ringette sticks and some basic ringette techniques will be introduced. If your child shows good progress, they can join FUN1 Program at any point of the season. All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena on Sundays. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.

FUN1

This program is designed for girls who have learned to skate and are now ready to learn the skills required to play the game along with the rules. No previous Ringette experience is required. Our volunteer coaches and senior level players will provide skating and skill instruction to further development the skills required to play the sport. Emphasis is on having fun. All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena on Sundays. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.

FUN2

This program offers girls an opportunity to play Ringette in a local recreational program. Volunteer coaches will teach the girls basic skating and Ringette skills for 30 minutes and the girls will participate in interleague games for 60 minutes of ice time (90-minute sessions). All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena, Sundays . Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.

U10 (FUN3)

The U10 House League is targeted towards players 8-11 years of age with previous experience playing full ice ringette. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.

REGIONAL (U10, U12, U14, U16, U19)

RHRA Regional teams play in the Ontario Central Region Ringette League (OCRRL). Travel is required to play all “away” games and average travel times are between 20-40 minutes. Richmond Hill Lightning teams typically play other associations from Newmarket, Markham, Barrie, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and may include Southern teams such as Mississauga, Etobicoke and Burlington. Current Fees can be found on the registration page which includes one shared-ice practice session per week plus one league game. Teams participate in 3-6 tournaments per season and those incremental team fees are collected by the Team Manager. Please Note: Practices are held on weekdays, please consult schedule. All regular season games are held on the weekends, Tournaments are held Friday - Sunday

PROVINCIAL A & AA (U12, U14, U16, U19)

RHRA Provincial A and AA teams play in the Great Lakes Ringette League (GLRL). Travel is required to play all "away" games and average travel times are between 20-60 minutes. Richmond Hill Lightning teams typically play other associations from Newmarket, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Mississauga, Burlington, Cambridge, and Waterloo. Current Fees can be found on the registration page for Provincial A play and for AA. A teams receive one shared-ice practice per week and one full-ice practice every other week. AA teams receive one shared-ice and one full-ice practice per week. Teams participate in 3-6 tournaments per season and those incremental team fees are collected by the Team Manager. Tryouts for A and AA level teams take place in May for the following season.

Please Note: Practices are held on weekdays, please consult schedule

All regular season games are held on the weekends, Tournaments are held Friday - Sunday

Q How safe is ringette?

A Ringette is a safe game with many rules geared toward safety. For instance:

• Players wear full protective equipment as detailed in Q2.
• No intentional contact is allowed in the game.
• Sticks are not allowed to be raised above the player’s shoulder ever (not even after a goal is scored).
• Ringette masks are designed with a triangular grid pattern to prevent any ringette stick from penetrating it.
• The ring is much softer that a hockey puck and is flexible.
• No skater or their stick is allowed to enter the goal crease at any time.

Q What is the difference between ringette and hockey?

A  There are many similarities. Ringette is played with five skaters and one goaltender on a sheet of ice and the objective is to put the ring into the opposing net. But ringette has its own unique characteristics which make it known as the "fastest game on ice". Here are some of the more important aspects of the game:

• A straight stick is used to pass, shoot, and control an eight-inch rubber ring.
• Play is started by a "Free Pass", similar to the start of a soccer game. The player with the ring has five seconds to pass or shoot the ring out of their half of the free pass circle. Any stoppage of play will result in a Free Pass to begin play again. Most defensive Free Passes are replaced by a Goaltender Ring. In this instance, the goaltender has five seconds to place the ring in play, usually by throwing the ring to a teammate.
• The ring must be passed over each blue line be it out of the defensive zone or going into the offensive zone. This results in very quick transitions and in more players being involved with the play and in setting up goals. The closest concept to an off-side is a direct pass across two blue lines. This is not permitted and will result in a free pass for the other team. The centre red line has no relevance in the game and can be ignored.
• "Free Play" lines that run across the top of the defensive/offensive circles define a restricted zone in the defensive/offensive areas. No more than three skaters from each team can enter the zone. The defensive players, usually the two defensemen and the centre, create a zone type defence, called the "triangle". The offensive players try to penetrate the triangle in order to get a good close shot on goal.
• If the ring lands in or on the goal crease the only player who can touch it is the goalie. No skaters, including their sticks, are allowed to enter the crease area at any time.
• 30 second shot clocks are introduced at the U12 level. The team with possession of the ring have 30 seconds to get a shot on goal. The shot clock is reset after a shot on goal or following a change in ring possession.

If you have any questions, please contact: admin@rhringette.com