Return-to-Play Frequently Asked Questions
The Board of Directors and the Return-to-Play Committee are doing their best to make the 2020-2021 season as close to normal as we can, given the Stage 3 restrictions we’re currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
We know you have questions. You’ll find some of your answers below (or use can use this PDF version). If you don’t find the answer to your question, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please also refer to our 2020-2021 Curling Playbook for descriptions of all our guidelines and procedures.
Please keep in mind that this is new for all of us. We may need to make adjustments as we put this into practice, but we will keep you informed of changes as they happen.
How we’ll maintain physical distancing – on the ice
Q: How will we maintain two metres of distance when we are curling?
We’ve opted to set up only three sheets of curling ice this year instead of four. The middle sheet will go down the centre of the rink. Setting it up this way will allow more space between the players on each sheet.
We will only have one sweeper at a time. You’ll also find some new markings on the ice to help you figure out where to stand. Here’s a one-page instruction sheet to help you understand the flow of players on the ice during play.
Q: How will we get on and off the ice without colliding with the next draw?
We will be modifying the start and end times of the draws slightly (e.g. by 15 minutes) to keep the earlier draw participants from meeting the later draw participants. This will also allow for some time to clean and sanitize the rocks and other surfaces. To be fair, all draws will have the same amount of ice time and socializing time.
The timing may look something like this: The early draw may need to be off the ice by 8:15. This will allow 15 minutes to grab your coat and boots and move out of the club or up to the lounge. The curlers in the late draw may then enter the club at 8:30 and drop off their coat and boots and move into position to get on the ice for an 8:45 start time, and they must be off the ice by 10:30.
Q: Will we have to wear masks on the ice? - updated August 28th
We strongly recommend that you wear your face covering while curling. However, because it will be easier to maintain a two-metre physical distance from other people while on the curling rink, face coverings are optional while you are curling. TIP: To reduce fogging issues for those curlers who wear glasses, try using a piece of athletic or medical tape to cover the top of the mask and tape it to the cheek area.
Q: Will teams consist of four players or three players?
Teams on all draws will be comprised of four players as usual. The only exception would be in Social draws if an even number of people don’t sign up. If we need to form three-person teams in this case, we’ll keep the number to a minimum.
Q: With only one sweeper allowed, can we have the 'best' sweeper sweep all the rocks? Or are all positions guaranteed a chance to sweep two rocks per end? - new as of August 27
This would be up to your team. We're not planning to regulate this issue.
How we’ll sanitize – on the ice
Q: Can I still use the club brooms, grippers, sliders, stabilizers and sticks? - updated October 12
No. It would be too difficult to keep shared brooms and sliders clean and sanitized after each use, so we encourage each member to purchase their own equipment (check out our Pro Shop). Paul Fusari will have a limited collection of sliders and grippers available for use by new curlers that he will keep clean after use.
We’ll also be removing the brushes used to clean the brooms.
Q: How will the rocks be sanitized?
Each Drawmaster will ask someone in their draw to volunteer as part of their duty to sanitize the rock handles. Since each person throws only one set of rocks all game, no further sanitation will be needed during the game. This means, however, that moving other people’s rocks out of the house when the end is completed must be done using your broom.
Q: How will we keep score, and can we toss a coin for hammer? - updated October 12
Each Drawmaster will ask someone in their draw to volunteer as part of their duty to sanitize the scoreboard. And one vice-skip per game will be responsible for updating the scoreboard.
We recommend using an alternative method, such as Rock/Paper/Scissors, to determine who gets the hammer in the first end.
How we’ll maintain physical distancing – in the Club House
Q: Will the lounge and bar be available for socializing after our draw? - updated October 12
Yes. We have determined that, with four tables in the lounge and two in the dining room, four people can be adequately spaced apart so they sit at each table even if they're not in the same bubble. Bar service will be available on the first day of curling.
Q: Will we have to wear masks in the Club House?
Yes. In line with guidelines for Ontario and the Region of Waterloo, you must wear a face covering as you enter, leave or move around in the club. If you are seated and eating or drinking, you may remove your mask.
Q: Will locker rooms be available?
Yes. However, changing facilities are not available. We ask you to arrive for your draw in your curling attire.
We will be renting full lockers and the upper half lockers so you can lock up your coats, boots, and valuables while you are curling and leave your brooms and shoes when you are not curling. Only a limited number of people will be allowed in the locker rooms at a time to help you maintain the appropriate social distancing.
We will also have coat hooks and boot trays for those without lockers.
Q: What is the flow through the club? - updated October 12
We have developed a flow so that members can maintain six feet of physical distance while waiting to go on the ice, and while lining up at the bar. See Appendix A of the EDCC 2020-2021 Curling Playbook for a detailed diagram.
Q: What is maximum number of people allowed in the club?
The Ministry of Health says we can have a maximum of 50 people in the building excluding staff. There may be times when we have 24 people curling and 24 people socializing in the lounge.
How we’ll sanitize – in the Club House
Q: How will the Club House be cleaned?
The Club will get a full cleaning every day. The bartenders will be wiping down the lounge and bar surfaces between draws. Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer will be readily available for you to use at any time.
We’ll also be removing any non-essential items to help keep cleaning requirements to a minimum.
Registration information
Q: Do I have to pay my whole registration fee up front?
We are offering a new option to pay 50% of your fees when you register and the rest in January. Paying in instalments with cheques is also still available.
Q: What happens if there’s a second wave that closes down curling part-way through the year?
The Refund Policy has been updated (See section 1, number 4) for the scenario where the Club is closed for an extended period of time.
Q: I usually register in person. Is that available this year?
No, we will not be hosting in-person registration nights this year. You can still mail or drop off your forms with Paul Fusari. Instructions are in the membership package. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need special assistance with registration.
Q: How does having three sheets of ice, instead of four, affect the draws?
Only eight teams will be eligible for each draw. We’ll fill the draws on a first come, first served basis from the returning teams and individuals for the eight team spots and 32 player spots available. If more teams and people are interested, we may consider an overflow ice time within the same league or perhaps as a separate draw. We will not be holding spots from last year's teams for the 2021/2022 season.
Limiting club access to members and employees
Q: Will we be allowing Rentals and Bonspiels?
No, Rentals and Bonspiels will be on hold until at least January 2021. We will revisit this decision during the fall.
Q: Can I ask someone to spare for me who is not a member this year?
No, we will not be allowing non-members to spare this year.
Return to Play - General questions
Q: When will the new season start? - updated September 25
League curling will being on Sunday, October 18th. From October 13-16, we will have practice ice available (that can be booked) so that you can see the new setup of the Club and get some practice in before leagues start.
Q: Will we have enough opportunities for volunteer duties since bonspiels may not be happening?
New volunteer opportunities have been created this year with the Phase I renovations and we anticipate many more will be available with the Phase II renovations happening next summer.
We’ll also need people at each draw to take attendance (for contact tracing purposes), wiping down rocks, and other cleaning/sanitizing duties to be determined. It’s possible that bonspiels may be allowed in the new year, so don’t despair.
Q: What are the rules if someone in a draw tests positive for Covid-19? Would we all have to self-isolate for two weeks? - new as of August 27
We are still working on a policy around this and are inquiring about how other businesses are handling this situation.
We will be taking attendance at every draw and maintaining on file for 30 days for contact tracing purposes.
What if I don't curl this year?
Q: How can I keep in touch with club news and activities if I’m not curling this year?
We’ll be keeping all 2019/2020 season members on the mailing list this year, so you’ll receive Newsletters and the emails from the President. You can unsubscribe at any time.
You won’t have access to the Member’s website, but the Public site will still be available. You may also follow us on Twitter and Facebook and join the Facebook Group we have recently set up.
Q: If a team chooses not to come back this year, will they lose their spot in the draws? - new as of August 27
Yes. We will not be holding spots from last year into the 2021/2022 season. If we get back to normal in 2021, there should be two extra spots in each draw because of our eight-team cap this year.
The guidelines we're following to determine how to return to curling play
Q: Where can I find the Return to Play Guidelines issued by CurlON and Curling Canada? - updated August 27
- The full CurlON document issued on July 6 is available here.
- We have summarized these guidelines in this document which we encourage you to read.
- CurlON also has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document here. This document is updated as new information becomes available.
- And here is CurlON's Covid-19 Re-opening Kit and Interpretations Manual that was issued on August 10.
Q: What other guidelines are you following?
We are also keeping abreast of the local Covid-19 information through the Region of Waterloo’s website.