This information page is addressed to the parents of all players but especially to the parents of first time players. CVRA offers excellent programs for children new to the sport, and we continually strive to make them even better.  One of the many benefits of our sport is that Ringette players learn valuable life skills in the social aspects of a team sport, and in joining Comox Valley Ringette, your child will become a member of a team and have the opportunity to make new friends!  The following information is provided to help orient you to our programs. Our Phone Number, email address and links are provided below to assist you in learning what the Comox Valley Ringette Association is all about and what it has to offer.​

1.How much does it cost?
This changes a little each year as our ice times change, as we get more opportunities to play games and as the sport grows on the island. There are three main costs: your yearly fees that cover regular ice times, tournament costs and incidentals such as social events, team hoodies etc. To see this year's fees please visit our registration page.

2. What does my registration fee pay for?
The registration fees pay for regular ice time for games and practices, referees, insurance, team jerseys (as needed), training for coaches, managers and referees, fees to Regional and Provincial Ringette Associations, one tournament per year, two social functions per year and other administrative costs such as web site, printing, & advertising.

3. How many times per week do you practice & play?
The association has one practice ice time per week per team.  Each ice time is one hour long. We also have games every other Sunday for our u10 and up teams. Please see our calendar for this year's schedule. Association practices and games start in September and run to mid March. Games and tournaments are organised throughout the year in addition to the regular weekly ice times.

 4. What division will my child/I be in?

Standard ringette divisisions are below:
U9 (FUNdamentals) - 7 years old and younger
U10 (Novice) - 8 & 9 year olds
U12 (Petite) - 10 & 11year olds
U14 (Tween) - 12 & 13 year olds
U16 (Junior) - 14 & 15 year olds
U19 (Belle) - 16,17 & 18 year olds
+18 (Open) - 18 and older
Masters - over 30 years old

Our association has to adjust our divisions each year based on the number of kids registered but we generally have a U9 team made up of players age 5-9, a u12 team made up of players from 10-12, a U16 team of players 12 -16 years old and a masters team with players 17 and up (Masters teams can take 2 players under 30 to tournaments).

• FUNdamentals is purely a learn to skate program until Christmas. It is geared mainly for children with little or no skating skills at all. While there are kids as young as 4 in the program, the vast majority are 5, and 6 year olds. There are some 4 year olds that will turn 5 and some 6 year olds that will turn 7 before the season is over. After Christmas they start to add a few ring handling skills to the mix and by the end of the season they will play some games (cross ice games).
• The U10 novice team is for beginners  and has many players who have never played or skated before. They are mostly 7 and 8 year olds with a few 6 year olds that parents felt that the FUNdamentals program might be challenging enough for them and coaches agree they are ready to advance. Our coaches are very honest and straightforward about the skating skill level of the kids and earnestly try to place them on the team they think will do them the most good. 
• U12 is mostly 9 - 11 year olds and exceptionally good 7 and 8 year olds.
• u14 is made up of 12-16 year olds and some exceptional 11 year olds.
• Masters is a mix of abilities and experiences and lots of fun. 

​5. What kind of equipment will I need?
Standard protective hockey equipment - ringette approved face masks are mandatory - it has smaller triangular shaped openings. We have a stockpile of gear for players that need items. We understand that the cost of gear can be prohibitive when playing an ice sport and we are committed to helping you get on the ice. Please contact our equipment manager for more details.  Click here for a complete list of equipment and purchasing recommendations.

6. Does my child need to know how to skate?
NO! Our coaches are prepared to teach ALL players all the skills of ringette and skating to the best of the child's ability. And, the same goes for our Masters team. It is a great way to learn how to skate as an adult.

Among the many benefits of our sport is that Ringette players become very good skaters. With no offsides and no intentional rough body contact, players develop their skating skills early either as team members in one of our entry level teams, or in our Learn to Skate Program for younger children, appropriately called FUNdamentals. 

7. Why join ringette?
It's a fun way to learn how to skate and improve skills with lots of exercise. There is great camaraderie for players and parents within our association. This is a wonderful alternative to hockey if you are looking for a fun, team sport without the body contact, 6am ice times and pressure. Our teams are open to boys and girls. We have a fantastic community here in the valley based on skill development and encouragement.

8. How can I help?
We need volunteers and committed parents to sustain this Ringette Association. As such we require player parents to commit to helping or donating to the team. A $40 volunteer cheque is collected from each player upon registration; this cheque is post dated to the end of the season. Upon completion of 4 volunteer hours, cheques are returned to parents. Here are some examples of volunteer opportunities:

• COACHING
• TEAM MANAGERS
• PROMOTION
• VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
• FUNDRAISING
• BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• PLAYER RECRUITMENT
• PARENT COMMITTEE
• SPECIAL EVENTS

9. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Anyone on our board of directors. We would love to chat with you. Our email is: [email protected]