FUNdamentals

FUNdamentals - FUN1, FUN2 and FUN3

The FUNdamentals program focuses on developing skating ability, introducing ringette skills and having fun.

There are three progressive age categories in FUNdamentals - FUN1, FUN2, and FUN3. Many players start with some basic skating skills, but that is not a requirement at this age. Ringette is a great way to learn to skate while having fun!

FUN1 is for children, usually ages 4-6, who are new to ringette or skating, learning basic game structure, and still developing basic skills. This group rotates through different stations and the ice is broken into three sections, and is explained here. FUN1 has one ice time per week and is usually on Saturday mornings.

FUN2 is for children, usually ages 6-8, who are learning to lengthen their stride, ready to learn more rules of ringette, and have developed some basic skills. This group plays “Mini Ringette” against other association teams. “Mini Ringette” is half-ice games that are divided at center ice. More details are found here. FUN2 has two ice times per week, generally one practice during the week and a game during the weekend.

FUN3 is for children, usually 8-9, who demonstrate that they have acquired the physical, cognitive, and social readiness for more challenging play. This group plays full-ice ringette. FUN3 has two ice times per week, generally one practice during the week and a game during the weekend.

For more information, review Ringette Ontario's Children's Ringette

FUN3 Staging

New to the FUN3 program for the 2024/25 season, a pilot is being run in the NCRRL introducing the concept of Staged Development. The primary goals of the Staged approach is to foster more ring touches for all players and teamwork between players allowing for active gameplay to occur in practice and games.

We have provided a detailed FAQ that outlines the FUN3 stages (1 and 2) available and how it will work at West Ottawa available here.

Ice Times and Location

FUN1 ice times will be at CRC (Cardel Recreation Complex), Rink A at either 8am or 9am. The time will alternate each week. The Goulbourn Skating Club (GSC) runs the 8am ice time and will focus on skating, while WORA runs the 9am ice time and focuses on the introduction of ringette skills.

The season begins in early October. A few times throughout the season, our FUN1 players may have the opportunity to play a game with another Ottawa-area FUN1 Team, which may be at a different time and location. These games are purely for fun and are often a highlight of the season.

FUN2 and FUN3 will have an average of one practice and one game each week. Practices and home games are all in the west end (most often in Stittsville, Richmond, Kanata or Carp arenas).

Equipment

FUNdamental players require a full set of ringette equipment, which includes:

CSA approved helmet with ringette mask (triangle-shaped holes to protect against the square ended stick)
neck guard
shoulder pads
elbow pads
gloves
shin pads
skates
ringette pants and girdle OR hockey pants, jill and socks
ringette stick

*Children are provided with a team jersey to wear for the season, but a practice jersey is required for FUN2 and FUN3 level.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, through the Ontario Sport & Recreation Communities Fund, provided a grant to West Ottawa Ringette to enable more young girls to try the sport of Ringette. As a result of this funding, West Ottawa Ringette has the equipment to loan to 26 new FUN1 players on a first-come, first-served basis. The kit includes everything you need except helmet, skates, jill and neck guard.

To place your name on our request list please email: registrar@westottawaringette.com

If you have any questions, please reach out to registrar@westottawaringette.com