New to RHRA and Ringette? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q My child does not know how to skate. Can they still play?
A The RHRA has several programs available to assist kids at different skill levels. For those who are just learning to skate we have Learn to Skate. Here the emphasis will be on learning the basics; forwards, backwards stopping and standing up. As the children begin to get comfortable with skating, they will begin to play using ringette sticks and some basic ringette techniques will be introduced. If your child shows good progress, they can join the FUN1 program at any point of the season.
Q What equipment does my child need?
A For Learn to Skate, all that is needed is warm winter clothing and a helmet (with a mask preferably).
Full protective equipment is required at the FUN1 program and above.
First time players in FUN1 or FUN2 can take advantage of the Equipment Loan Program. Your child will be outfitted with all necessary equipment for a $25 rental fee. A refundable $300 deposit and the signing of a promissory contract is all that is required. At the end of the season, please return the equipment and your deposit cheque will be destroyed or returned.
Mandatory Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
Q What are the age divisions?
A The divisions generally span two years of age starting at the U10 level. The breakdown is as follows:
Q What are the different levels, schedules/travel and related fees?
A
The emphasis is on learning to skate. As the children begin to get comfortable with skating, they will begin to play using ringette sticks and some basic ringette techniques will be introduced. If your child shows good progress, they can join FUN1 Program at any point of the season. All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena on Sundays. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.
This program is designed for girls who have learned to skate and are now ready to learn the skills required to play the game along with the rules. No previous Ringette experience is required. Our volunteer coaches and senior level players will provide skating and skill instruction to further development the skills required to play the sport. Emphasis is on having fun. All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena on Sundays. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.
This program offers girls an opportunity to play Ringette in a local recreational program. Volunteer coaches will teach the girls basic skating and Ringette skills for 30 minutes and the girls will participate in interleague games for 60 minutes of ice time (90-minute sessions). All sessions are held at Tom Graham Arena, Sundays . Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.
U10 (FUN3)
The U10 House League is targeted towards players 8-11 years of age with previous experience playing full ice ringette. Current Fees can be found on the registration page. Schedule information can be found by clicking here.
REGIONAL (U10, U12, U14, U16, U19)
RHRA Regional teams play in the Ontario Central Region Ringette League (OCRRL). Travel is required to play all “away” games and average travel times are between 20-40 minutes. Richmond Hill Lightning teams typically play other associations from Newmarket, Markham, Barrie, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and may include Southern teams such as Mississauga, Etobicoke and Burlington. Current Fees can be found on the registration page which includes one shared-ice practice session per week plus one league game. Teams participate in 3-6 tournaments per season and those incremental team fees are collected by the Team Manager. Please Note: Practices are held on weekdays, please consult schedule. All regular season games are held on the weekends, Tournaments are held Friday - Sunday
PROVINCIAL A & AA (U12, U14, U16, U19)
RHRA Provincial A and AA teams play in the Great Lakes Ringette League (GLRL). Travel is required to play all "away" games and average travel times are between 20-60 minutes. Richmond Hill Lightning teams typically play other associations from Newmarket, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Mississauga, Burlington, Cambridge, and Waterloo. Current Fees can be found on the registration page for Provincial A play and for AA. A teams receive one shared-ice practice per week and one full-ice practice every other week. AA teams receive one shared-ice and one full-ice practice per week. Teams participate in 3-6 tournaments per season and those incremental team fees are collected by the Team Manager. Tryouts for A and AA level teams take place in May for the following season.
Please Note: Practices are held on weekdays, please consult schedule
All regular season games are held on the weekends, Tournaments are held Friday - Sunday
Q How safe is ringette?
A Ringette is a safe game with many rules geared toward safety. For instance:
Q What is the difference between ringette and hockey?
A There are many similarities. Ringette is played with five skaters and one goaltender on a sheet of ice and the objective is to put the ring into the opposing net. But ringette has its own unique characteristics which make it known as the "fastest game on ice". Here are some of the more important aspects of the game:
If you have any questions, please contact: admin@rhringette.com