Ringette4U (R4U)

Run by Ringette Manitoba, Ringette4U (R4U) is an Instructor led package of lessons that are designed to tailor the ringette experience to each individual young player from ages 3-8.

The R4U program’s goal is to focus on developing player’s skills to help them build confidence in themselves and their squad.  Each stage in this program is broken down into a set of individual skills, focusing on the basics and then adding team skills to them as they progress through the stages.  Ringette4U makes sure that every player can learn at their own pace without compromising the “team-like” environment that draws so many to our sport.

Why R4U?

It is because of the importance of development in children aged 3 - 8 that we have decided to pursue a 2-stage development program.  This program focuses more on developmental ability and physical literacy than chronological age, offering a unique opportunity for players to progress at a pace that is right for them, not just right for their age group.

Ringette4U strives to have players participating more and staying active for as much of those 60 minutes as possible.  That could be by practicing drills, playing different sized games, or interacting with an instructor to learn different skills and the rules of the game.

At the beginning of the year, each child is assessed by Ringette Manitoba trained instructors to ensure they are entering into the right stage.  There are two stages, red and blue, these stages vary on skating, passing, shooting and general knowledge of the game.  All the lessons are designed to encourage participants to try new skills while having fun and playing appropriate games for their development.

Red Stage

This stage is for players who are primarily new ringette players that have never skated or who are just beginning to skate.  The focus of this stage is on learning skating skills while being introduced to ring skills and the game of ringette. In this stage players take skill specific lessons and play 1/4 ice games every ice time after the assessments.

Blue Stage

This stage is for players who have all of the skills required to pass RED. Players are in the stage of learning the game at a higher level but still looking to gain new skill sets. In this stage players will play a 50 minute game on ¾ of the ice along with a half time. During the first half, players will play 4×4 plus a goalie. The second half will be played 5×5 plus a goalie. sheet take skill specific lessons and play split ice games every ice time after the assessments. Games are played on 1/2 with 4 players on each side. A goalie is introduced at this stage as well as some of the rules. Players rotate and make line changes every 3 minutes.