AS & U10

Developmental Ringette Program (Active Start)

AS (Active Start) is a league in which the fundamentals and skill development are at the forefront of the leagues mandates. This program is the first step in a player’s ringette career with an emphasis on the FUNdamentals of the game stressing the importance of fun. The Active Start Program provides an opportunity for players to meet new friends while gaining a firsthand experience in the game of ringette.

U10 Step 1

The U10S1 Program has been designed to meet the developmental needs of new and returning 7 year olds + new 8 & 9 year old players

U10 Step 2 & 3

The U102 and U10S3 Program has been designed to meet the developmental needs in general, of returning 8 year old players + new and returning 9 year old players.

Child starts playing ringette at 5 yrs old

5 yr old 6 yr old 7 yr old 8 yr old 9 yr old 10 yr old
AS U10S1 U10S1 U10S1/S2 U10S2/S3 U12

Child starts playing ringette at 6 yrs old

6 yr old 7 yr old 8 yr old 9 yr old 10 yr old
AS U10S1 U10S1/S2 U10S2/S3 U12

Child starts playing ringette at 7 yrs old

7 yr old 8 yr old 9 yr old 10 yr old
U10S1 U10S1/S2 U10S2/S3 U12

Child starts playing ringette at 8 yrs old

8 yr old 9 yr old 10 yr old
U10S1 U10S2/S3 U12

*These age progression models are the first preference. They are a guideline only.

Focus at these ages is on skill development. If an athlete has not mastered the basic skills of the program, then consideration will be given to extra development time in the lower level.

Conversely, if an athlete is ready for further development and challenges, chronological age should not be a hindrance when comparing with physical and athletic development (they may play “up”).

The parent is the primary decision maker in which division an athlete should play. Consider the above noted chart, and variances from it should be with justifiable reason on an individual basis. Consultation with your child’s coach, or your association’s registrar, or player development representative are encouraged if in doubt.

For Active Start, U10 Step 1, U10 Step 2 and U10 Step 3 – in what age group should I register my player?

Answer:

The above chart is a guideline. There will always be a small number of athletes who may need to spend more time at a level where they can further develop skill, or at a level where they can be more challenged if they have mastered the general skills of that group. If you have questions, please contact your athlete’s coach, your association registrar, or Ringette Calgary.

Ideally a Ringette Calgary player will spend one year in the introductory U7 program, 2 years in U9, and 2 years in U10. Remember this is a guideline and there are a wide range of physical and psychological development in athletes during this developmental time. The goal is for kids to have fun, to participate and to have a fair and positive experience.

This means:

  • All 5 olds – Active Start
  • New 6 yr olds – Active Start
  • Returning 6 yr olds (with 1 yr experience) – U10 Step 1
  • New or returning 7 yr olds (regardless of experience) – U10 Step 1
  • New 8 yr olds (no or very little ringette or skating experience) – U10 Step 1
  • Returning 8 yr olds (with at least 1 yr experience) – U10 Step 2 or 3
  • New or returning 9 yr olds – U10 Step 2 or 3
  • New or returning 10 yr olds – U12
What are some resources to use as a coach?

Answer:

Are we taking all the competitiveness out of ringette? My child wants to score a goal – what’s wrong with that?

Answer:

Absolutely nothing is wrong with athletes feeling satisfied and positive about their sport experience. The point of LTAD and Canadian Sport 4 Life material is teaching us that we need to balance skill with desire, and teach competition at an appropriate age.