New to ringette or to the Guelph Ringette Association (GRA)?
Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Q - What is Ringette?
A - For an overview of the sport of Ringette and the rules please click here.
Q - What equipment is required to play ringette?
A - The equipment is almost exactly the same as hockey. The only major differences are that instead of playing with a hockey stick you use a ringette stick (which is similar to a cut off hockey stick). The other is you must use a face mask specifically designed for ringette. Ringette sticks and face masks are available for sale at Play it Again Sports, Hometown Sports, The Ringette Store. Click here for a checklist of required equipment.
Q - My child is not a strong skater. Perhaps he/she is not ready to play ringette?
A - The number one rule in ringette is to have fun. Players of all skating levels are encouraged to join the sport of ringette, especially at Fun 1 and 2 levels. These development levels are designed to teach young children skating instruction as well as learning the game of ringette.
Q - I am not sure if my child will like playing Ringette?
A - We offer our FREE Come Try Ringette program in early September to allow those that are interested an opportunity to try the sport before registering. For these free skates you only require skates, a helmet and gloves. Ringette sticks are provided if you do not have one. The 'Come Try Ringette' dates are posted on our home page.
Q - Is this a sport only for girls?
A - No. This sport is open for boys and girls to play.
Q - How do I sign up my child to play?
A - Our registration page will provide the details (i.e. costs, level, etc) as well as take you through our secure on-line registration process. We will also have a registration table set up at our free Come-Try-Ringette skates.
Q - My child is too old to start to play?
A - You are never too old to start playing ringette. It is a game for all ages. In addition to our youth program, we also offer 'Open' play for individuals age 19 and older and sometimes we have an adult shinny that is offered at two levels, experienced players and new adults to ringette - including parents (many who have never played before) and adults who played in their formative years.
Q - How long is the ringette season?
A - Rep tryouts and evaluations usually take place in May / June, warmup skates in September, with the season running from October to the end of March.
Q - Is there a lot of traveling?
A - At the provincial/rep level the traveling can be quite extensive. However, at the regional (house league) level we compete in the Western Region Ringette League which includes teams from Waterloo, Kitchener, Elora Fergus, and the surrounding area. Some teams may be further away, however the schedulers do their best with the available ice, and try to balance games so that each team should only have to travel to distant cities once per season. The season usually consists of a 50/50 split of home and away games. Each team usually has a minimum of one tournament outside of Guelph, but this is decided amongst the team members and parents. All GRA teams are also invited to play in the Annual GRA Tournament.
Q - What is the time commitment?
A - This is based on the level your child plays. Our regional (house league) teams normally would have one or two practices and/or one or two games per week depending on the ice schedule, tournament activity in Guelph, and other league schedules. In addition, powerskating sessions are also offered throughout the year.
Q - When are practices and games?
A- There is not necessarily a regular time slot for practices or home games and the schedule heavily depends on ice available to our organization. Away games will be played according to available ice time of neighboring associations, but is generally on weekends and the occasional weeknight. Also tournaments take place on weekends (including Friday) of which most teams compete in a minimum of two per season.
Q - Can I get involved within the sport with my child?
A - Most definitely. The Guelph Ringette Association is always looking for coaches and team managers, as well as volunteers for executive positions/committees and for our tournament organizing committee.
Q - How much will this cost over the Year?
A - There is basic registration fee for all players that vary depending on the player’s age. In most cases, the cost for participating in tournaments is extra. This extra cost is for travel and accommodation if participating in out-of-town events, and varies from one team to the next. Generally for house-league tournaments, the cost is usually less than $200 for the season.
For any questions you may have that have not been answered here please contact us here.
Hope to see you at the rink!!