At the current time and based on the recommendations of Curling Canada here is what curling might look like in 2020. Once we have a clearer picture of our membership numbers and the COVID status at the time, we will release more details on exactly what curling in St Marys might look like for this upcoming season.
- Curlers should come ready to curl with everything except their shoes on. Change rooms will have limited capacity.
- Possible staggered start times to allow for better social distancing in common areas. For example sheets A & C may start at 6:00pm with B & D starting at 6:30pm.
- Possible reduction to 7 ends to alleviate times pressures.
- Possible requirement of masks or face shields during play.
- Instead of a hand shake, give a friendly wave or tap brooms to start the game.
- Do not use coins to decide the last stone advantage in the first end. The league convenors may assign them every game or, use an online tool on your phone: https://justflipacoin.com/
- Players stay on the same side of the sheet. For example, if you are playing on sheet 2, always walk or position yourself on the sideline to sheet 1. This will keep players 10 feet apart.
- One sweeper only on all delivered stones. No relaying (second sweeper taking over halfway down the sheet). The person in charge of the house is not allowed to sweep under any circumstance.
- The skip of the non-delivering must remain in the hack area until all stones come to rest. They are not allowed to sweep the opposition stone behind the tee-line. Lessening of physical distancing restrictions would/could allow this guideline to be removed.
- The skip or vice skip (not both) of non-delivering team must stand at the hack until the other team is finished playing and has relinquished control of the house.
- The skip or vice skip (both teams) may not sweep any stones (both colours) set in motion by the delivering team.
Curling has always had a strong social element to it. Unfortunately, this is where we will likely see the biggest changes. Here are some of the recommendations we are considering.
- Lounge/bar may be limited to 16 people at a time and there may also be a time limit on your stay in the lounge.
- There will be no group food or snacks allowed.
- No spectators or guests in the lounge. Curlers only.
- No bonspiels for 2020/2021
- No rental of our lounge space for 2020
- No auxiliary events such as Friday Night Shindigs
Click here to see Curling Canadas full guidelines for a return to play.