This page is intended to provide information for players who are new to Adult Ringette within Eastern Region including

• Players who have recently become adults
• Adult players returning after a hiatus
• Adult first-time players

Organization of Adult Ringette

There are currently two age divisions for Adult Ringette: 18+ and 35+.  Players in 18+ must be at least 18 years of age (as of December 31 of the playing year) and players in 35+ must be at least 35.  There is no upper age limit for either division. The 35+ division is not currently in use in our area as many of our 35+ eligible players have opted to join 18+ teams instead due to the wider range of available levels/options.

Most 18+ teams in the Ottawa area play in GAARA (Gloucester and Area Adult Ringette Association) for regular league play.  In addition to operating a leage, GAARA is also the ORA Assocation that registers and oversees most of the 18+ teams in the Ottawa area.  A few of the teams are hosted by or associated with other ERRA associations.
 

Finding a Team

Unlike U19 and younger teams, most 18+ teams in Eastern Region are formed indpenedently.  GAARA does excercise oversight including seeding for league play and carding of players however selection of players is left to each individual team.  There are also no geographic restrictions.  Players are free to join any team of an appropriate level that is willing to accomodate them.  Sources of information for players looking for a team include

• Have your name added to the GAARA New Recruits Page (see instructions)
• GAARA Teams Looking for Players Page
• Local associations that also field a few 18+ teams
• Players attending University may wish to consider University Ringette
• Word of mouth

A sufficiently large group of players (perhaps moving up from U19) that is able to secure sufficient and suitable ice can also consider forming a new team.  Please see the GAARA web site and bylaws for details.
 

What to Expect

Teams playing in the GAARA league generally play one game a week although there will be occasions where games are closer togther or further apart.  The focus and activity level of 18+ teams varies considerably from team to team.  Most 18+ teams practice much less frequenly than younger teams or do not practice at all.  Some teams attend one or more tournaments, others participate only in league play.  

 

First Time Players

New-to-Ringette adult players normally start in the 18+ Dev division. Please see "Finding a Team" above to locate opportunities.  GAARA also publishes a list with contacts for each team.  Potential players may also wish to attend an Adult "Come Try Ringette" event.  Please check the GAARA web site and other local Ringette web sites.  In recent years, an Adult "Come Try Ringette" event has been held at the GAARA Silver Spoon Tournament in March.