Team Formation Overview

Why a Tiered Team Structure?

At GSRA, we are committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate playing environment for all athletes. In alignment with Ringette Ontario’s Team Formation Guidelines, we use a tiered team formation process for players U12 and older. This approach ensures that every athlete is placed on a team that best suits their current skill level, fostering both personal growth and competitive, enjoyable gameplay.

The goals of this system are to:

• Provide meaningful competition for all players;

• Support long-term athlete development;

• Promote skill development by grouping players of similar ability;

• Maximize participation and engagement across all levels.

How It Works

Each season, evaluations take place at the beginning of the year—typically in early September. Players at the U12, U14, U16, and U19 levels participate in these evaluation sessions to help determine the number and caliber of teams in each division.

Note: U14, U16, and U19 A/AA tryouts occur in the spring and are managed separately from this process.

For all other players (including U12 and U14/16/19 B and C level athletes), placement is based on:

• On-ice evaluations conducted by independent evaluators;

• Player rankings based on skills, gameplay, and team dynamics;

• Final team level determination by the Evaluation Committee, with input from appointed coaches.

Example:
If 40 players register at U12, evaluators may recommend forming one U12A team, two U12B teams, and one U12C team based on observed caliber.

Team Assignment & Competition

• Players are placed on a team that reflects their skill level to support equitable development and game play.

• Teams are structured to compete with others of a similar tier, locally or regionally, to ensure meaningful competition.

• Teams may play against:

  • Other GSRA teams at a similar level

  • Teams from other divisions if skill levels are aligned (e.g., a U12A team may play a U14B team)

  • Exhibition games against similarly leveled teams from other associations within the Northeast Region (NER) (e.g., West Ferris, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, etc.)

Our goal is for every team to have opportunities that provide balanced and competitive games.

Ongoing Evaluation & Team Development

Team formation is just the start. Coaches focus on continued development throughout the season, offering players the chance to grow and progress within the sport. Balanced and tiered play ensures that all athletes, regardless of experience, have the opportunity to enjoy and excel in ringette.