Levels of Play in Canada
There are several levels of play in Ringette, categorized by age. Divisions were recently renamed as U* divisions under the new Long Term Development Plan (LTDP) rolled out nationally by Ringette Canada for the 2009-10 ringette season:
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- U6-8 under 6 or 8 years- this age division has been recently created by only a few associations. It is designed to introduce younger children (primarily girls) to the sport and begin to develop skills at an early age. Typically, these young players play modified games (shorter time, no penalities, on half of the ice etc.)
- U7 under 7 years (previously called 'Bunny' division)
- U10 primarily 8 & 9 years (previously called the 'Novice' division)
- U12 10 & 11-year-old players (previously referred to as 'Petite' division)
- U14 12 & 13-year-old players (previously referred to as 'Tween' division)
- U16 14 & 15-year-old players (previously referred to as 'Junior' division)
- 18+ 18 years and older players (previously referred to as 'Open' or adult division)
NRL Known as the National Ringette league, for elite players aged 18+
In 2010 the league put back in place previous age groups.
Boys are permitted to play at any age level but are restricted to competing at the "B" level or lower in many places. It isn't uncommon to see boys participating in U9 or U6 divisions. Due to the pure speed of the sport, skating is emphasized at these levels; boys will typically develop skating and basic stick-handling before switching over to hockey around U10. Levels of competition, based on skill, range from recreational to competitive, and include: Rec, C, B, BB, A, and AA and AAA, with AA being the highest level at which league competition occurs. AAA ringette is typically specific to particular regions who feel another category is necessary to clarify their league or tournament play. For example: AAA teams out of Quebec have played AA teams out of Alberta at various tournaments, including the National Championships. In Alberta, the highest level considered is AA, although they are deemed equal to the AAA teams from areas such as Quebec. For those who like the hockey parallel, playing AA ringette is the same as playing AAA hockey. The National Ringette League was introduced in 2004-2005 season and includes open-aged players at AA/AAA level.
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