Delta Ringette Association

Learn The Game

The Game

Ringette is a thrilling ice sport that shares some similarities with ice hockey but boasts its own set of rules and characteristics that make it a distinct and exciting game. With its fast-paced action and emphasis on teamwork and skill, ringette has gained popularity in many countries.

The Basics

The objective of the game is to use a ringette stick to hit a ring into the opposing team’s goal. The team with the most goals at the end wins!

Each team has six players on the ice: two defence, two forwards, a centre, and a goalie.

Ringette has four integral rules related to the lines on the ice rink that are critical for game play:

  1. The Free Play Line or the “Ringette Line”
    • Marks one of the restricted zones
    • Three players and a goalie from each team area allowed to play within the restricted zones
  2. Goal Crease
    • Only the goalie is allowed to enter the crease
  3. Blue Lines
    • Players must pass the ring to each other over each blue line
    • If a player passes the ring over both blue lines, their team cannot play the ring
  4. Free Pass Circle
    • A free pass (the ringette equivalent of a face off) is used to start play.
    • The passer is the only player allowed free pass circle and can freely move anywhere within their half of the circle
    • The passer must move the ring outside of the free pass circle within 5 seconds
    • Other players are only allowed to touch the ring once it has left the free pass circle.

How is ringette different than hockey?

At first glance, you might think that ringette looks just like hockey. But there are many key differences that set ringette apart from hockey or any other ice sport, for that matter.

30-second shot clock: The short shot clock leads to a fast-paced game that requires constant motion.

Everyone wins: The fast pace and constant passing of ringette discourages ring hogs and fosters teamwork.

No-contact policy: There is no intentional body contact, making it much safer than hockey.

Straight stick: Sticks are straight with a specialized tip.

Hollow ring: Rather than a puck, ringette uses a 6-inch rubber ring.

No face-offs: Any stoppage results in a free pass to restart the game.

No offsides: Players can’t carry the ring over a blue line. They must pass the ring over a blue line to a teammate.

More protection: Ringette cages (masks) are made with tight triangular or horizontal bars to prevent the stick from penetrating.