Ringette is an exciting team sport filled with unique strategies. Our sport is played predominantly by females, but open to all. Our rules promote team play so that a single player cannot carry the ring from end to end to score a goal. Teams are usually made up of 11 to 17 players; with six skaters on the ice at the same time (a goalie, two defense, a center and two forwards).
Our game begins with the visiting team being awarded a free pass in the Free Pass Circle at center ice. Free Passes are also Ringette’s way of restarting games after penalties, violations, goals or any other stoppage in the game. One player takes possession on the whistle and has five seconds to either shoot or pass the ring to a teammate.
Three players from each team, plus the defending goalie are allowed in the end zones at the same time. This keeps the play open, puts an importance on sharp offensive moves, and requires defending players to work together to prevent scoring opportunities.
Ringette promotes a no contact policy when it comes to the physical aspect of the game. Penalties are assessed when a player, intentional or not, makes excessive body contact with another player, checks a player too high on the stick, trips, hits or interferes with another player.
Blue Lines
A player cannot carry the ring over a blue line in either direction. The ring must be passed over the blue line to another teammate. That teammate is permitted to skate ahead of the ring carrier and already be across the blue line before the ring crosses it.
Goal Crease
If the ring lands in or on the crease, the only player who can touch the ring is the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper usually picks up the ring and throws it to a teammate. The goalie has five seconds to pass it out of her crease.
Equipment
Rink Markings
