The Basics of Ringette

The game of Ringette itself is played on most standard rinks. Teams include six players  permitted on the ice at one time, consisting of one centre, two forwards, two defenders and a goaltender.

The objective of the game is to score on the opposing team. Skates must be worn and all players, with the exception of the goalie, use a straight stick to pass and maneuver a blue rubber pneumatic ring on the ice and into the net. “Ring hogging” is prevented by rules that restrict any one player from carrying the ring the full length of the ice. The ring must be passed over the blue line to another player, which makes ringette a team oriented sport.

Similar to hockey, a team plays short handed (down one or two players), when a player gets a penalty and must sit for a defined interval in the penalty box. Regardless of the number of players in the penalty box, at least three skaters must be present on the ice at all times.

One of the sport’s most recognizable and defining features is the fact that it does not involve the use of intentional body contact as a strategic component.

The Ringette philosophy is to provide “a mass participation team sport which encourages the physical, mental, social and moral development of individual participants within the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, personal excellence, and enjoyment.”

Despite its primary popularity among female participants, the sport is officially mixed.