How the Game is Played

Ringette is a team sport with a different strategy. The rules promote team play so that a single player cannot carry the ring from end to end and 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).

The Game begins with the Visiting team being awarded a Free Pass in the Centre Ice Free Pass Circle. Free Passes are also Ringette's way of restarting games after penalties, violations, goals or any other stoppage in the game.

Depending on where the play stopped after a violation or penalty, the free pass is awarded to the appropriate team in the circle closest to where the action ceased. One player takes possession on the whistle and has five seconds to either shoot or pass the ring to a teammate.

The ring must be passed completely out of the circle, and the player cannot skate out of the circle with the ring or cross their own half of the circle. No other players are allowed in the Free Pass Circle during the five second count.

Ringette promotes a no-contact policy when it comes to the physical aspect of its game. Penalties are given 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 another player.

The details and further explanation of these rules can be found in Ringette Canada's Official Rule Book, available through your local or provincial association.