Curl BC is moving into a new phase of its return-to-play plan.
The Phase 3 (progressively loosen) version of the guidelines, released on Tuesday, allow for four-person curling, but with a twist — only one sweeper per shot and physically distanced play.
Modified rules have allowed Curl BC to successfully advocate for curling to be moved from Group B into Group A in the viaSport guidelines – the guidelines every Provincial Sport Organization must adhere to in order to return to play.
While it is too early in the season to stage regional and provincial events, being in Group A will give Curl BC the option to pursue these events at a later time.
Curl BC and Curling Canada have produced ice layouts that allow for physical distancing – complete with in-ice markers so that people know where to stand.
Visit the Documents and Forms for Covid-19 Page to see a diagram of the ice layout and rules for modified play.
Curl BC is recommending clubs avoid hosting bonspiels within the first month of opening.
Once clubs have opened safely and it is clear procedures are working well, Curl BC will recommend the slow introduction of regional events.
“Our top priority has always been to ensure that clubs can open their doors,” Curl BC CEO Scott Braley said in a press release. “Alongside our sport partners, curling club managers, ice makers and volunteers, Curl BC staff have been working for many months on plans to smooth the way for reopening. Now, with the announcement that sport has moved into Phase 3, and with modified play, we are going to see all that hard work pay off.
“We would like to thank viaSport for listening to our plans and having faith in our recommendations.”
