EQUIPMENT FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
With a new cycle of rule changes, there have been questions asked about updates to equipment rules. We have answered several below, and will continue to add more as they are received over time.
SHOULDER PADS
1. Why was this rule added?
This decision is based on player safety and was a result of Ringette being identified as one of the top three contact sports with a high rate of concussions.
2. Can you wear a ringette padded shirt instead of shoulder pads?
Adults can wear a ringette padded shirt, but athletes registered in U19 and below cannot replace shoulder pads with padded shirts.
3. Why are shoulder pads required but not mouth guards?
Shoulder pads are the first step we are taking with regard to equipment safety updates. We are waiting on additional research regarding mouthguards for consideration for the 2027 rule change process.
4. How will officials check that you are wearing legal shoulder pads?
An official should never have to check that you are wearing a hard-shelled shoulder pad. The responsibility to wear mandatory equipment sits with the athlete, their parent/guardian, and the coaches.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Armour up! How Shoulder Pads can Protect Ringette Players
Shoulder pads offer crucial protection to the athlete’s shoulder joint, collarbone, and surrounding areas by absorbing and redistributing the impact of a collision, fall, or check. They also include protection for the chest, back, ribs, and biceps - all areas vulnerable to injury while playing Ringette.
Today’s shoulder pads are designed to strike a balance between safety and mobility, which allows the athlete to retain their full range of motion but not diminish protection.
Some of our recommended brands are:
- Bauer, which touts a low-profile shoulder cap and HD foam sternum
- CCM, whose dedicated women’s line has an anatomical fit that ensures shoulder pads won’t shift or move during the game, offering maximum protection
- Tack, whose JDP-injected shoulder caps with exposed foam covers and Anatomical Shield Design ensure comprehensive coverage on the ice
- Winnwell, whose covered cap has PU foam for maximum comfort
- Sherwood, who designed their women’s shoulder pads for female anatomy to combine durability, comfort, and safety
GLOVES
1. Why are lacrosse gloves now not allowed in ringette?
This is not a new rule. This rule has been in the Official Rules and Case Book for a long time. The update to the rule regards the anatomical area described, however the intention has always been to protect the wrist arteries and veins, as well as protecting the hands.
2. If my glove is damaged during play, what do I do?
If your glove is damaged, similar to if your neck guard comes off during play, you stop what you’re doing and skate off the ice to the players bench until it is fixed.
3. If the rule says gloves can’t be modified, how can you re-palm it?
Glove re-palming for durability, using approved materials such as leather, clarino or tackified leather, patching of finger gussets, thumb repairs, and cuff stitching is possible if it maintains the integrity of the original glove.
4. What gloves are allowed?
Gloves manufactured for ice sports that are made with cut resistant materials are acceptable. All gloves made for ice hockey, as well as PURE and Winnwell’s Athena have been tested for safety and are approved.
5. Are there statistics on why hockey/ringette specific gloves need to be used and how many injuries have been incurred from lacrosse gloves?
Lacrosse gloves with an open wrist are not legal for Ringette. If an injury were to occur to an athlete wearing illegal equipment they would not be covered by Ringette Canada's insurance policy. One injury is too many.