CHILDRENS RINGETTE PROGRAM

UFUN1 & UFUN2: INTRODUCTION TO RINGETTE

St Marys Ringette Association: Introduction to Ringette

The St Marys Ringette Association UFUN1 and UFUN2 Program, previously called the Bunny program, is the first step in a player's ringette career with an emphasis on developing skating ability, introducing ringette skills and having fun. The Program provides an opportunity for players to meet new friends while gaining experience in the game of ringette.

Our program, follows the Children’s Ringette guidelines designed by Ringette Canada. This program is open to all children. Here is what you can expect:

• Ringette experience tailored to the age, size and skill level of participants
• Participants will be grouped with a focus on developmental stage and may move from FUN1 to FUN2 throughout the season
• Focus will be on fundamental movement skills (skating forwards and backwards, stopping and starting, turning and pivoting) and object control (ring control, sending and receiving a pass and shooting)
• UFUN2 may also include adapted game play on half ice as players learn to lengthen their stride and demonstrate an understanding of the rules of ringette and scrimmages with other associations

Although we will accept children who are as young as 3 years of age at the start of the season, all children MUST:

• have a parent/guardian (with a helmet) on the ice with them at all times to help them follow instructions and participate in the activities.
• be toilet trained; and
•  be capable of, or able to work towards, participating for the entire 50 minute session. 

Players in the UFUN1 and UFUN2 programs can expect to be on the ice twice a week in the upcoming 2021-2022 season. Assessments will be completed to advance players from FUN1 to FUN2. You can find copies of the assessment tools HERE.

Mandatory Player Equipment

Most equipment is interchangeable between ringette and hockey. There are 2 key differences: the face mask and stick.

• Helmet: CSA Approved. One of your most important purchases: only a CSA approved helmet is allowed and it must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chinstrap must always be fastened.
• Facial protector (face mask): CSA Approved Type 5 or Type 6 with triangular grid
• Elbow pads (the same type as used in Hockey): Must be properly fitted so that they do not slide. When fastened securely, there should be no gap between the pad and either the biceps extension of the shoulder pad or the cuff of the glove.
• Gloves (the same type as used in Hockey): Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.
• Ice pants: Ringette pants with ringette girdle or hockey pants with hockey socks
• Pelvic protection: girdle or “Jill Strap”/Jock if wearing hockey pants
• Shin guards: Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely: shin guards are best fitted while the player is sitting. Shin guards should be secured with proper shin guard straps.
• Skates (the same type as used in Hockey): The other most important purchase: skates that will fit the player today. Ensure that there is adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper the player’s ability to skate.
• Shoulder pads/chest protector: Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. Measure the player’s chest just below the armpits and match the player’s chest measurement to the shoulder pad size in inches.
• BNQ Neck Guard: regular or with collar
• Sweater: players should have one for practices
• Ringette stick: Needs to fit just under arm when wearing skates

Small Area Games: (updated June 2021)
In 2018, Ringette Canada communicated to all Ringette Associations that over the course of the coming seasons, a number of positive changes would be introduced starting with the phasing in of small-area games (cross-ice and half-ice Rngette) as the standard of play.   This format is similar to what has already been initiated and introduced by other youth sports  similar age groups, and for the same reasons, which include the following: 

• Each player being able to spend more time with the ring, leading to improved ring control, passing and shooting skills.
• More opportunities to apply practiced skills.
• More opportunities to accelerate/decelerate and change directions reinforcing fundamental skating skills.
• Smaller nets provide an appropriate challenge for skaters and goalies.