U10
Childrens Ringette
Beginning in the 2019-20 season, all games for players under the age of 8 years old (Step 1 & 2) should be played on an area that does not exceed half the ice surface. Players will learn the fundamentals of the sport on a smaller surface that reflects their size (cross-ice or half-ice). Active Start are playing cross-ice games, while U10 Step 1 and Step 2 is playing half-ice games.
This change will allows each player more ring time and opportunities to hone ring control, passing and shooting skills, as well as fundamental skating skills, before layering on more complex elements of the game. Players are able to develop at their own pace in a safe environment where the focus is on fun and maximum participation.
GAME PLAY AND FORMAT
How long is a game supposed to be?
Game times are flexible within the one-hour ice slot. i.e. your ice time may be an hour, but actual game time may vary slightly. (typically at Step 1 & 2 the games have a 3 min warm-up, 26 minute periods & 1 minute half time)
How long are shifts?
There is a buzzer every 90 seconds to indicate a shift change. The game clock does not stop (run time).
What are the ice markings we’re supposed to use?
For cross-ice:
- creases
- “starting dotâ€
For half-ice:
- creases
- “starting dotâ€
- the free play line from full ice games; this is used to mimic the blue line and players must pass to a teammate over this line.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE CROSS-ICE AND HALF-ICE GAME
Key Aspects of Cross-ice and Half-ice games:
- Two games will be happening on one ice surface, four teams playing. OR one game and one practice at the same time.
- Coaches are to set up the ice, and add any necessary markings, enforce general game rules.
- RAB recommends coaches be on the ice all year.
- The game is 3v3, plus goalies
- Run time with 90 second buzzer
- 5 min set-up/warm up time
- Black Gold League: 27 minute periods, 1 minute half time (for hour ice slots)
- For other leagues or if you are unsure, contact your assignor
- Game sheet is for recording players and coaches (rosters), but no goals/penalties to be recorded
- Half-ice games have a “blue line†to pass over (ringette line/free play line)
- No officials
Penalties/Infractions
- Treat penalties as infractions; blow down the play, teach the player what they did wrong
- No one goes to the penalty box, nothing is recorded on game sheet
- Resume play by free pass from the “starting dot†or a goalie ring for the team that didn’t commit the penalty/infraction.
Crease violations, stick violations
- Either blow down immediately, or 5-second count
- Teach player what they did wrong, resume from “starting dot†or goalie ring.
Buzzer
- While the players are rushing off, the coach retrieves the ring. There are NO ring races to restart play. The Official/Coach lets athletes get oriented for a fair start and gives the ring to the last team with possession, or to the team that was last scored upon. Using this free pass will get the players ready for when they will be doing this without buzzers in later years.
