Ringette Programs (FUNdamentals to U19)

Overview

The Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association (GCRA) offers programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels, from first-time participants through to competitive players.

Programs are offered during the regular season, typically from September through March, and are designed to support athlete development, skill progression, teamwork, and a lifelong love of ringette.

Players register based on their birth year and desired level of participation. Current birth year divisions are published annually on the Registration Information page.

FUNdamentals Program

The FUNdamentals program introduces young athletes to the sport of ringette through a fun, safe, and supportive environment focused on skill development, participation, and confidence building.

FUN1 (Ages 4-6)

Designed for new and young participants who are developing basic skating skills, balance, coordination, and confidence on the ice.

FUN2 (Ages 6-8)

Athletes continue developing skating, ring control, passing, and game-play fundamentals through structured practices and modified game play.

FUN3 (Ages 7-9)

Athletes further develop ringette-specific skills, game awareness, and teamwork while preparing for transition into U12 programming.

The FUNdamentals program emphasizes participation, skill development, fair play, and a positive first experience in sport.

Regional Ringette (U12-U19)

Regional ringette provides athletes with a balanced and development-focused team environment where players continue to build their skills and compete within the National Capital Region Ringette League (NCRRL).

Divisions include:

• U12
• U14
• U16
• U19

Regional teams focus on athlete development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game while providing opportunities for league play, tournaments, and championship events.

U12 Program

The U12 division serves as an important transition between FUNdamentals programming and the older age divisions.

Athletes continue to develop technical skills, game understanding, teamwork, and confidence while participating in a structured team environment.

In accordance with Ringette Ontario's U12 Team Formation Guidelines, team formation is intended to support athlete development, provide meaningful participation opportunities, and create balanced and appropriate playing experiences for all athletes.

U14-U19 Program

Athletes continue to build their ringette skills and game knowledge through regular practices, league play, tournaments, and development opportunities.

Where multiple teams are required within a division, evaluations and balancing sessions may be conducted to support fair and balanced team formation.

Competitive Ringette (U14-U19)

Competitive ringette is intended for athletes seeking a higher level of commitment, competition, and player development.

Competitive teams generally participate in:

• Additional practices and development sessions
• Competitive league play
• Regional and provincial championship pathways
• Tournaments and showcase events
• Enhanced athlete development opportunities

Competitive divisions may include:

• U14A / U14AA
• U16A / U16AA
• U19A 

Team offerings may vary from season to season based on registration numbers, player interest, and Ringette Ontario requirements.

Evaluations & Team Formation

GCRA is committed to fair, transparent, and development-focused team formation processes.

FUNdamentals

Athletes are assigned to groups based on age, experience, registration numbers, and program needs.

U12 Regional

Evaluations may be conducted to support balanced team formation and athlete development in accordance with Ringette Ontario's U12 Team Formation Guidelines.

U14-U19 Regional

Where required, evaluations and balancing sessions are held in September to assist with the formation of fair and balanced teams.

U14-U19 Competitive

Competitive team selection is conducted through a formal tryout process.

• U14, U16, and U19 Competitive tryouts are typically held in the spring for the following season.

Development Opportunities

Throughout the season, GCRA may offer additional development opportunities, including:

• Power Skating
• Goalie Development
• Skills Clinics
• Holiday and Seasonal Development Sessions
• Coach-led Team Development Activities

Programming varies from year to year based on participant interest, ice availability, and volunteer resources.

Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You?

Whether your athlete is trying ringette for the first time or looking for a more competitive experience, GCRA offers a pathway for every stage of development.

For assistance selecting the appropriate program, please contact the Registrar,  FUNdamentals Director,  Regional Director, or Competitive Director

A development pathway designed to help athletes learn, grow, compete, and enjoy the fastest game on ice.