Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
In a strange connection during the heat wave last week, Curling Canada came out with their return-to-play guidelines.
The lengthy document, a 29 page dissertation which appears on the federation’s website, covers topics including game play, cleanliness of curling venues, food and beverage protocol, customer awareness, financial planning, insurance and national championships.
There are a number of notable alterations………………..For example;
a) just one sweeper during games
b) no sweeping the opposition’s stone behind the tee-line
and c) new markings on ice for non-throwing team members to be stationed.
Also traditional handshakes will be replaced by a friendly wave or broom tap
Plus, coin flips to decide last-stone advantage and the use of traditional manual scoreboards are also discouraged. Curling Canada recommends using online tools on mobile phones instead.
These guidelines were made in consultation with member associations, curling centre managers and medical professionals. They can be altered depending on the region in which a club or competition is being staged.
Curling has been around since the 16th century, and now some 500 years later many established traditions will be discarded for the sake of player health and safety.
I’m Fred Wallace