The National Governing Body for curling in Scotland, the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, also known as Scottish Curling, published version 6 of the Return to Curling guidelines on the 11th of September and have also produced a short video
With some ice rinks due to start providing curling facilities at the end of the month, this set of guidelines, approved by sportscotland, are expected to be in place at the start of the new curling season
Each curler planning to return to the game needs to refer to this document alongside Scottish Government , NHS and local rink guidance, which will vary from place to place.
The overall priority must be to act responsibly, so we avoid spreading the virus
Physical distancing remains a key part of the Scottish Government’s route map and applies to playing curling as well as accessing ice rinks
Everyone attending an ice rink will need to log their details to comply with the Test and Protect system
Unless you have an exemption, face coverings must be worn, although they may be removed when on the ice for the game
Once on the ice your team and your opposition form a “Field of Play Bubble” and should distance and avoid interaction with other bubbles (ie on the adjacent sheets) This will assist with the Test and Protect System.
To maintain physical distancing, only ONE SWEEPER will be allowed at a time. Shouting should be reduced and hand signals used as far as possible.
Stones should be cleaned using a brush pad (no hands or gloves)
All players, coaches, parents/carers, volunteers, staff and other facility users are responsible for following guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus, protect health workers and save lives.
Ice rinks are responsible for the operations of their facilities and facility users MUST follow the local instructions. Many Glasgow curlers are moving to Greenacres Curling Rink this season. Whilst they are yet to update their website and social media, there has been email communication to members.
Richard Harding wrote: “Unfortunately, as a result of the Government’s announcement on Friday last week and the lack of clarity at this time in regard to numbers of curlers able to use our lounge and bar area we are not in a position to commit to making ice and therefore to start curling on Monday 21 September 2020.
We are also working hard to comply with fresh air and air handling measures which the Government has imposed on Ice Rinks in Scotland. Right now, we cannot comply with these measures but are hopeful of a
resolution to this issue in the next week. I will inform all members of the details of our fresh air and air handling plans shortly in the next edition which will be sent prior to opening.
We now plan a start date of Monday 28 September 2020…”
As stated in previous Greenacres Guidance, curlers have been asked to arrive no more than 15mins before the start of their session wearing curling clothes, as changing rooms will be closed. A marquee with seating areas will be positioned at the entrance for curlers to change shoes. Membership cards should be shown for Test and Protect, temperature checks will be taken for all members entering the Club and card payments should be made where possible.
This guidance will be updated in due course.