Curl PEI has developed the following contingency plans, brought about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which outline a number of possible scenarios and provide direction on how Curl PEI may declare representatives for national championships held in 2021.
Curl PEI Contingency Plans for 2021 Championships
Although the realities of COVID-19 certainly have the potential to impact any sporting competition, Curl PEI is committed to running all events on our schedule, but only if it is safe and practical to do so. Optimistically, we will endeavour to complete our competitive season and are assuming that PEI’s current “Circuit Breaker” works to control the situation at hand and bring COVID-19 to a manageable level on the Island. The status of the national competitions does not necessarily impact the Curl PEI competitions, as we hope to still name our Provincial Champions. However, as in the past, we do expect those entering provincial competitions that lead to national competitions not yet cancelled to be committed to attending the national competition should their team win.
All competitions will adhere to the PEI Public Health Guidances and Curl PEI’s Operational Plan. Events may be cancelled at any time, as the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, staff, and volunteers is a top priority in these unprecedented times.
Scenario 1: No Provincials, No Nationals
If it happens that neither provincial nor national competitions can be held in the 2020/21 season the intent is to return to the regular calendar of events in 2021/22, assuming it is safe to do so.
Scenario 2: Provincials off, but Nationals on
If it happens that provincial competitions cannot be held in the 2020/21 season, but the national competition can be held, Curl PEI will ask the 2020 Curl PEI Championship team to represent PEI at their respective 2021 national competition. If that team is not available, with at least 50% of the original roster, Curl PEI will attempt to select a provincial representative, either an existing team that is able and willing to follow any national protocols that are in place, or by choosing individuals who are able and willing to follow the protocols.
Scenario 3: Provincials on, but Nationals off
If it happens that provincial competitions can be held in the 2020/21 season but the national competition cannot be held, Curl PEI will invite the 2020 Curl PEI Championship teams whose national competition was cancelled, into their respective 2020/21 provincial competition, waive the entry fee and seed the team #1 in the event, where applicable. The 2020 Curling Club Championship teams will be offered direct entry into the provincial competition and will not be required to play through their club process this year. Their respective club may also submit an entry.
Scenario 4: Both Provincials and Nationals on
If it happens that provincial competitions and national competitions can be held in the 2020/21 season, Curl PEI will invite the 2020 Curl PEI Championship teams whose national competition was cancelled, into their respective 2020/21 provincial competition, waive the entry fee, and seed the team #1, where applicable. The 2020 Curling Club Championship teams will be offered direct entry into their provincial competition and will not be required to play through their club process this year (their respective club may also submit an entry). Under this scenario, the 2021 Curl PEI Championship team will represent PEI at their respective 2021 national competition, as per the Curl PEI Rules of Play.
For further information, contact:
Amy Duncan
Executive Director, Curl PEI
902-368-4208 or [email protected]