Parent Guide (FAQ)
CMHA RINGETTE PARENT GUIDE
Information, Questions and Answers
WELCOME to Ringette. We are always looking for new players to join.
Below are some questions and answers that will help you understand what is involved with ringette. If you are interested in joining ringette, please contact the ringette registrar.
What is ringette?
Ringette is a sport played mostly by girls, on a regular ice rink with a ring and a ringette stick. The stick looks like a cut off hockey stick however, it is actually a stick especially made for ringette. The equipment required for players is similar to hockey except for the helmet face mask which has a cage designed to ensure the ringette stick does not go through it. Each game consists of only two periods. The rules are somewhat similar to hockey but the game encourages much more passing than hockey. The ring cannot be passed the length of the ice without being passed from one player to the next over each blue line. IT IS NOT HOCKEY!
What are the rules?
- www.ringette.ca - Ringette Canada/About Ringette/How Ringette is Played (good graphics)
- www.ringettealberta.com - Ringette Alberta/About Ringette/Overview of the Game
When is registration?
Registration is usually in June for the following September/October season start. It is done by mail and fees must accompany registration.
What time commitment is required?
There will be one practice ice time assigned to each team once per week .The first two or three weeks the times may vary but the practice will be set to a specific day, time and arena for the remainder of the season. The regular season usually begins around Thanksgiving and ends in February. Playoffs are usually done by the end of March.
Games can vary but usually are one, sometimes two games per weekend. Away games are in and around the Calgary area. They will be at different times and arenas over the weekend and may occasionally fall on a week night. We belong to Zone 2 which may include Airdrie, Strathmore, Indus, and Rockyford. Our home games are either at the Cochrane Original Arena, or the Totem Arena at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Complex.
Most teams will elect to participate in tournaments. The number of tournaments entered is totally up to the team (parents) and the coach. The location is also up to the team and the coach as some are close to town and some are far away. As a rough estimate, most teams will do two tournaments over the year and may involve weekends out of town. The tournaments are a great deal of fun and a wonderful way for the teams to compete and enjoy the sport of ringette.
As well as practice and game time, parents will be required to help out with the team in such roles as coaching, manager, timekeepers, 50/50, parent liaison, jersey parent and any other roles the team may feel they require. All parents are expected to participate in helping the team throughout the year.
What are the fees?
The fees vary depending on the age group.
Fees are for practice ice and home games. Also included in the fees are player and team photographs and game jersey loan. They do not include tournament fees or other events the team may choose to participate in (ie. power skating).
Please note: If you volunteer to work a casino for CMHA $100.00 will be deducted from your fees.
For those who qualify, subsidized funding for athletes is available through KidSport.
Are there any other fees during the year?
The fees for ringette cover the ice time for practices, league games and some exhibition games.
Any fees for tournaments or other extra ice time are over and above the fees for ringette. Tournaments will usually run each player about $25-$30 to enter. As well, any costs for travel, lodging and food for out of town tournaments will be at the players expense. Any other events the team wishes to participate in will not be covered by the ringette fees noted above.
What equipment is required?
The equipment required is as shown on the last page. The ringette stick is not just a cut off hockey stick but a stick especially made for ringette. You must have a proper stick in order to play. Also the helmet mask is unique to ringette and must be a ringette mask in order to play on the ice. A practice jersey is also required as ‘Rockies’ jerseys are for games only.
Where do I buy Ringette equipment?
The equipment can be purchased at:
- First Choice Sports “The Ringette Store”, #108A 3604 52nd Avenue N.W., Calgary (near Northland Village Mall)
- Here in town “Edge Sports” will be carrying some ringette gear such as sticks, face masks, girdles, and pants.
- Also the Cochrane Ringette Summer Camp holds an equipment swap during the week that the camp runs.
Do we have to attend all the practices and games?
Ringette is a team sport and relies on all the players to participate. Except for illness or other unusual circumstances, it is expected that players will attend all practices and games.
Do we have to host a tournament if we attend tournaments?
No, whether or not your team hosts a tournament is totally up to the team (parents) and coaches, with the approval of the Ringette Board.
Can I be a coach?
All parents are encouraged to enroll in the courses for coaches and managers. Coaches are required to have the Community Sport- Initiation Certificate (or equivalent) offered by Ringette Alberta. Registration costs for coaches clinics are reimbursed by CMHA. Managers may also complete a self-paced certificate program through ringette Canada.
There must be a certified female on the bench for every game.
What are the various levels for ringette age groups?
The names of the divisions and ages are as follows:
(All age groups are as of Dec. 31)
U7: 4,5,6 year olds; intended for new players to ringette that aren't ready to play games but rather need to develop skating and ringette skills. Typically kids that are 5 or younger are best candidates for this program.
U9: 7& 8 year olds and any younger players that have gained enough ringette experience to play with the older players.
U10: 9 year olds and any 8 year olds that have gained enough ringette experience to play with the older players.
U12: 10 & 11 years old
U14: 12 & 13 years old
U16: 14 & 15 years old
U19: 16 ,17 & 18 years old
Can my child start ringette as an older child even though she has never played?
All players are encouraged to join ringette. However, if you wish to join in the later years it is strongly recommended that the child be a strong skater. It may also be difficult to slot older girls on the teams due numbers already on the team. For further information and discussion please contact the director.
If I have other questions, who can I contact?
Please contact the Ringette Registrar or Ringette President. Contact information can be found on www.cochraneringette.com or on the CMHA website, www.cochraneminorhockey.com .
There are also ringette websites that may provide you with further information. They are:
www.ringettecalgary.com
www.ringettealberta.ca
