Ringette

Ringette is a team sport played on an ice surface. Players wear skates, but straight sticks and rubber rings mark a departure from the equipment used by hockey players, although hockey and ringette share the same objective: to score into the opponent's net.

Introduced by Sam Jacks in North Bay, Ontario, in 1963, ringette has become increasingly popular: Sweden, Finland, France, and the United States have joined with Canada in The International Ringette Federation (IRF). The game was originally developed for girls as an alternative to ice hockey, but ringette has quickly evolved into a two-gender sport with a distinct set of rules, the emphasis on passing.

The game consists of two periods, 15-20 minutes each, depending on the level of play. In international play, two 20 minute periods are used. Players must pass the ring over each blue line to another player. They may not carry it over the line. If the ring travels over both blue lines, the attacking team may not touch the ring until the opposing team has made contact with the ring. Unlike hockey, there are no icing calls, but if an attacking player inadvertently touches the ring (after a two line pass) then play is stopped while the defending team receives the ring.

Ringette is generally played on the same ice surface as hockey, six skaters on the ice while a team is at full strength. Like hockey, penalties are part of the game, with players serving penalties in the penalty box, and like hockey only goalies are allowed in the crease.

Speed is very much part of the game, as one would expect with athletes on skates. Players are fiercely competitive, but the sport has not lost sight of its original goal to provide all participants with the chance to take part in a team ice sport.

The Kimberley Civic Centre will host the ringette competitions, 136 players, 24 coaches, and 7 officials taking part. With Silver and Gold at the 2000 and 2002 World Championships, Canada has given her young boys and girls (ages 12-13) some motivation to develop their skills to the highest level.

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