The return to play guidelines that will shape the upcoming 2020-21 curling season are now available, it was announced Monday by Curling Canada.
The documents, designed by Curling Canada and in consultation with Member Associations, curling centre managers and medical professionals, are designed to guide the Canadian curling community through the upcoming season as it relates to COVID-19 in Canada. The guidelines cover topics such as gameplay, building cleanliness, food & beverage, customer awareness, financial planning, insurance and national championships.
“Curling will look a bit different this upcoming season, but we’re pleased to announce there’s still a way to play while also ensuring that the safety of curlers remains a top priority,” said Danny Lamoureux, Curling Canada’s director of curling club development and championship services.
The most notable changes to play this season involve the use of one sweeper during games, no sweeping an opposition’s stone behind the tee-line and new markings on ice for the non-throwing team to be stationed.
The health and well-being of curlers, fans and high-performance athletes is Curling Canada’s top commitment and the guidelines can be customized in each jurisdiction in order to cooperate with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government health authorities that must be followed.
The “Return to Play Guidelines: A Resource for Boards of Directors, Volunteers and Managers of Canadian Curling Rinks” document can now be found on Curling Canada’s website at: https://www.curling.ca/about-curling/business-of-curling/covid-19-club-stimulation-program/
Provincial curling associations and local curling facilities will be following these guidelines and adapting them to their local circumstances and provincial requirements in order to ensure a safe return to play for the sport of curling.
Click to download the Guidelines for viewing and printing in PDF format
Curling Canada will also be releasing a document on “Marketing to customers for return to play” on the same web page at a later date.