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Programs
What is Ringette?
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History of Ringette
Ringette is a Canadian game that was first introduced in 1963 in North Bay,
Ontario. For ten years, play centred in Ontario and Quebec. However, the sport quickly
spread across Canada and is now played in all ten provinces and the Northwest
Territories. In fact, the sport has become one of Canada's favourite activities
for females, with over 50,000 participants across Canada - a remarkable growth
rate for such a young sport.
In March 1975, the very first Provincial Championships in Ontario were held
in Etobicoke, then known as Eringate Ringette. Ontario only had four
regions at that time - Central/East, North East, Niagara, and West. Tournament
Structure was a "Double Knockout". Teams from Eastern and
Central Ontario had to compete against each other for the right to attend.
There are currently more than 9,000 certified Ringette coaches are registered in the National
Coaching Certification Program, and 2,866 registered referees trained under
Ringette Canada's National Officiating Program. In addition, there are thousands
of volunteers who administer clubs, leagues, and tournaments across Canada.
This explosive growth is continuing internationally with the formation of
associations in the U.S.A., Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and France. In addition,
Ringette Canada has been instrumental in demonstrating the game in the
Netherlands, Switzerland, West Germany and Japan. Ringette is turning out to be
one of Canada's fastest growing exports!
Ringette Canada has been following a well planned strategy for development
and is now responding to an increasing interest from boys who want to try the
game. It is expected that this trend will continue in the future, and when
combined with the increasing enrolment of girls and women, Ringette will become
a very popular sport in Canada and internationally.
Much more on the history Ringette is available at:
- Ringette Canada
- detailed history throughout the years.
- Ontario Ringette -
an interesting perspective written by Agnes Jacks, describing the beginnings
of ringette and why Sam Jacks invented ringette.
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