Rules

Some of the Rules...

  • Ringette is played on any standard rink.
  • 5 skaters and a goalie.
  • The object is to score goals in the net of your opponent.
  • A straight stick of wood, fibreglas or aluminum is used to pass, control and shoot an 8" hollow ring between teammates.
  • Play is started by a free pass similar to the start of a soccer game.
  • The player "taking the free pass" has five seconds to pass the ring to a teammate...and the game is on!
  • Any stoppage in play will result in a free pass to re-start the game, usually in the nearest free pass circle.
  • Some defensive free passes are replaced by a "goaltender ring".
  • Rules restrict any one player from carrying the ring the full length of the ice (no ring hogs).
  • The ring must be passed over each blue line to another player, which means more players can be involved in setting up the goals.
  • Free play lines (see Diagram) define restricted areas in the deep offensive and defensive zones.
  • Teams are allowed no more than 3 skaters at a time in these areas, so over-crowding is minimal.

Penalties

  • There is no intentional contact allowed in Ringette, with all rules geared towards safety.
  • The most common are body contact, tripping and interference.
  • Most penalties are 2 minutes but a 4 minute major is assessed for actions that are deemed intentional or particularly rough.
  • Go To the Links section on the Homepage for Ref's handsignal diagrams and meanings

Age Divisions

  • Bunnies 7 yrs. & under
  • Novice 9 yrs. & under
  • Petite 11 yrs. & under
  • Tween 13 yrs. & under
  • Junior 15 yrs. & under
  • Belle 18 yrs. & under
  • Open 19 yrs. & over

Equipment

  • Mandatory Equipment
    • CSA approved Helmet & Face mask
    • BNQ Approved Neck Protector
    • Elbow Pads
    • Protective Gloves
    • Hip/Tailbone/Genital Protection
    • Shin Guards
    • Hockey/Ringette Skates (no picks)
    • Uniform Jersey
    • Track Pants or "Cooper alls"
    • Ringette Stick
  • Goalie Equipment (Extras or Different)
    • Goal Pads
    • Chest Protector
    • Goal Stick
  • Optional Equipment
    • Skaters: Shoulder Pads, Mouth Guard
    • Goalies: Goal Skates, Blocker, Trapper, Arm Pads, Goalie Mask, Plastic Throat Protector (must still have a BNQ Throat Protector on)

The Rink

Teams have 1 goalie, 1 center, 2 forwards, and 2 defense on the ice while full strength. Any Team A Free Pass would be taken from the shaded half of the Free Pass Circle, unless it is a Goalkeeper Ring.