The Children’s Ringette initiative represents a concerted effort to adjust ringette practices and competitions to meet the needs of children while promoting a fun, safe and healthy environment which supports the development of physical literacy and the long-term development of all players.
Children's Ringette
Children’s Ringette is a program that provides age and stage appropriate physical activity experiences for ringette players under the age of ten.
Highlights of the Children’s Ringette program:
- Ringette experience that is tailored to the age, size, and skill level of participants
- Participants are grouped by developmental stages rather than chronological ages and can move up when they are ready
- Emphasis on fun and fundamental skill development
- Increased opportunities for participation and engagement
- Adapted gameplay including small-area games and small nets
The Children’s Ringette Divisions
There are three progressive age categories in Children’s Ringette - FUN1, FUN2, and FUN3 (U10).
- FUN1 is for children who are new to ringette or skating, learning basic game structure, and still developing basic skills, this group plays cross-ice.
- FUN2 is for children who are learning to lengthen their stride, ready to learn more rules of ringette, and have developed some basic skills, this group plays Mini Ringette.
- FUN3 (U10) is for children who demonstrate that they have acquired the physical, cognitive, and social readiness for more challenging play, this group plays full-sized ringette.
Both FUNdamentals 1 & 2 divisions use small-sized nets and play adapted games of 3 on 3 and 4 on 4 respectively. Smaller spaces ensure more touches, interactions, shots on net, and passes. Teams are split into smaller squads to ensure the majority of players are participating at a time. With these adaptations in the FUNdamentals divisions, children can experience maximum participation, practice learned skills, and move through divisions based on skill and readiness.
Overview of Program
- A Letter to Parents, Guardians, and Families - A brief overview of the changes that are being implemented by Ringette Ontario in the coming seasons.
- A Letter to Associations - A brief overview of the changes being implemented by Ringette Ontario in the coming seasons.
- Children’s Ringette Presentation - This PowerPoint presentation highlights the key reasons for change and what those changes will look like moving forward.
- FUN1/FUN2 Coach Requirements
Resources for Implementation
Children’s Ringette FAQ
