WHAT IS GYM RINGETTE?
Gym Ringette is a refinement of gym floor sports that have been played since at least the 1950s, and probably before that. In its most elemental form, “floor hockey” was originally played with broomsticks, a felt and leather ring, and few, if any rules. In some respects, particularly the equipment, current Special Olympics Floor Hockey is a direct descendant of that original sport.
Ringette was imagined, invented and introduced in Canada in 1963 by Sam Jacks. Originally created as an alternative ice sport for girls and women, Ringette introduced new rules and team-play concepts that transfer particularly effectively to the gymnasium floor:
- Gym Ringette is an excellent co-ed activity, that requires both finesse and strategy
- Gym Ringette builds fitness. Players must rely on agility, speed and endurance.
- Gym Ringette helps players develop core physical literacy skills - strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and muscular co-ordination.
- Gym Ringette develops co-operation with team-mates, socialization, and healthy competition
WHY OFFER LET’S PLAY GYM RINGETTE TO SCHOOLS?
You may feel that your Association volunteers are already stretched to their limit. You may believe that schools and educators are so overloaded with activities and things to do that they will not respond positively to your offer.
So why bother introducing Let’s Play Gym Ringette?
Because there are real and tangible benefits available to everyone involved:
- To the students
- To your Association
BENEFITS TO THE SCHOOL
Gym Ringette provides the school with a highly active, participatory, low cost, structured physical education activity.
BENEFITS FOR THE STUDENTS
A co-ed activity that all can enjoy, regardless of age, size, strength.
An activity that can be challenging and fun for every age and grade level
An activity that does not require a lot of set-up and take-down time,
Students can get the most possible activity from every gym class, lunch hour or after school session.
An activity that offers the less physically skilled participant the opportunity to participate and contribute..
An activity that builds both fitness and physical literacy skills.
An activity that teaches skills which translate directly into a number of other sports, including Ringette.
Lots and lots of FUN.
BENEFITS FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION
Offering your local schools the Let’s Play Gym Ringette program can be a key component of the growth strategy of your Association. Without doubt, the more young people you expose to Ringette, the more new players will want to join a team, and play our game.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Okay, our Association is ready to implement the Let’s Play Gym Ringette program.
Download the Let's Play Gym Ringette Guide for more details on:
- WHO WILL LEAD THIS PROGRAM?
- WHAT TRAINING DO OUR LEADERS NEED – AND WHAT IS AVAILABLE?
- HOW TO GET INTO YOUR SCHOOLS
- HOW DO WE RUN A LET’S PLAY GYM RINGETTE SESSION?
(WHAT TO DO WE ACTUALLY DO IN THE SCHOOL?)
Gym Ringette for Teachers
Ringette Canada has developed a Teacher's Guide for Gym Ringette. Download it today!