• To continue to develop the components of physical literacy: fundamental movement and motor skills
• To introduce fundamental ringette skills in a fun and safe environment that promotes self-confidence
• To increase awareness of ringette and create a welcoming environment for all participants
• To introduce structured, sport specific programming and modified game situations

• Community-based programming for all participants
•  There are no competitive programs and no structured teams for players in this stage
• Practice time provides repetitions through active “play”, modified games and a varied, structured environment.
• Instruction and technical feedback on skills is minimal, simple, and developmentally-appropriate
• Emphasis on social interaction.
• Active time is greater than non-active time.
• 1:5 adult/participant ratio or lower as required to provide quality supervision.

• The focus is on FUN, with lots of action and repetition
• Maximum participation: everyone involved and everyone wins (no bench warmers)
• All sessions are well-planned and well-structured. The focus is on progressive skill development and learning how to play ringette in a fun, success-oriented environment. 
• Begin to develop group dynamics – encourage teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, ethics
• Continue motor skill development – agility, balance, coordination, speed, time/space orientation, etc
• Include activities that develop speed; there is a sensitive period for speed development between the ages of 6-8 for females, and 7-9 for males
• Include activities to develop flexibility during warm-up and cool down
• Incorporate the development of basic motor and movement skills into warm up activities and games
• Introduce basic ring and skating skills, and continue the development of physical literacy skills 
• Equipment is modified, and the rink is divided so that several groups can be on the ice at once
• 1-2 weekly sessions of 60 minutes each. Programs run from October to March, and may be divided into two seasons of 6-12 weeks. There is no competitive period; modified games run throughout the year
• Programs are offered through local ringette associations

Game modifications

• Introduce basic game skills and simple rules of the sport
• Although there are no formal competitive events in this stage, some competitive-type activities can be introduced during  practices. Focus on theprocess of learning about competition, not on winning. Ringette festivals are a good way to develop sport skills in a fun environment.
• Vary play situations: 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2 etc., with and without goalkeeper
• Participants play all positions, including goalkeeper
• Coaches are on the ice; keep game-type activities fun and fair
• Rules are modified so they are appropriate to young, beginning players, for example:
  No score keeping
  Free pass is allowed
  Modified goalkeeper position
  Goalkeeper ring
  Only the goalkeeper may be inside the goal-crease
  No contact
  Players may pass over the blue lines
  Smaller ice surface
  

• Introduce participants to a range of activities, provide encouragement and show interest in active participation in sport and physical activity
• Encourage daily physical activity, and unstructured outdoor and indoor play
• Support the development of excellent basic skills as a pre-requisite to playing the game
• Ensure that a balance is maintained with school, other sport and non-sport activities
• Understand the need to transport participants to activities, to pay for these activities, and to purchase required equipment for the activities (e.g. skates, helmet)