The following is a list of documents containing minutes and reports from the Annual General Meeting.

 Curling Strategy & Tactics

 (By Graham Sinclair, Frank Van Ryckeghem, Edited by Merv McBride - 2023)

 Introduction

This guide is an informational piece for new or inexperienced skips in the game of curling, and maybe not a bad reminder for more experienced skips. It talks about basic skipping theory and reviews proven tactics in the game.

As you probably already know, curling is a relatively easy game to learn but difficult to master. Learning delivery and sweeping techniques is ground zero and essential to winning games. However, there is another aspect of the game which requires some attention.

The entire team should understand the strategies and tactics in “calling shots” that the skip is responsible for, but it is essential for the skip.

On the theory that none of us is born with an innate knowledge of curling (or life for that matter) and the fact that we have welcomed many new members into the club through the Learn to Curl programs over the last few years, this guide is intended to help you learn the successful strategies and tactics that have been proven over the years and generally accepted as sound.

The traditional method of learning the game is to join a team with a grizzled old skip and observe his or her wily ways until you feel confident enough to try skipping yourself. That may not work if the supply of experienced skips is low.

This primer is no substitute for years of experience but it may help with understanding the game if an experienced mentor is not readily available.

This primer is intended for a “club” level team, not for the elite curlers that you see on television. Theirs is a different world, which most of us will never participate in.

So, assuming that you have that rock-solid slide and silky, pure, release point under control you may want to take a few minutes to gain or refresh your understanding of why some shot calls are a good idea and why some are not.

About the Authors

The information gathered here is the work of two people some of you may know. Several years ago the then Curling Operations Director of the club, Tersh Doe, was looking to extend the teaching of the Learn to Curl program. He asked one of our most experienced and successful skips, Frank Van Ryckeghem, to put together a Basic Strategy guide for some of the newer skips in the club. Frank’s observations and comments are included here.

In November 2018, Graham Sinclair delivered a PowerPoint presentation on Advanced Strategies at a well-attended seminar at the club. Those who had the opportunity to attend learned a great deal about how the game could be played successfully. Graham has a wealth of experience at the elite level of curling. His insights are here for the adoptive skip to use.

This edition of ongoing education, Primer on Curling Strategy & Tactics, is a summary of Graham’s and Frank’s collected wisdom. Their advice has been collated and edited in a new, different format for the members of the Manotick Curling Centre. The goal is to help you pick up, or rekindle ideas and to help you be more successful while increasing your enjoyment.

As editor of this Primer on Curling Strategy & Tactics, I accept responsibility for any errors or misinterpretations in the text. Regrettably, neither Graham, Frank nor myself accept responsibility for the success or failure of your on-ice play.

Styles of Play - Strategic

You have choices in your approach to the game which can change throughout the match and depend on the situation you face. You may start with a Probing style but switch to either Defensive or Offensive styles if things do not go as planned – do they ever?

Aggressive or Offensive Style

• Includes lots of draws, come-around shots, freezes, centerline guards
• There are lots of complicated situations with many rocks in play
• Shot-making is imperative. Finesse shots will be required.
• This style will present opportunities to score multiple points or give up multiple.
• It may be a good strategy against weaker opponents
• For the team with the hammer, the corner guard can be an offensive weapon to build an end for a multiple score.
• Aggressive play is more frequently used if in catch-up mode, especially in later ends
• It is riskier, it can backfire! It is not for the weak of heart!

Conservative or Defensive Style

• In a defensive style, you may draw into the four-foot without the hammer; or draw to the wings of the house, with the hammer
• There are more takeouts and throwing into the rings with no cover
• Think open and simple game
• Often used if playing a more skilled team or if ahead on the scoreboard.
• This style is not recommended if you are behind by several points. In that case, any guard regardless of colour is your friend.
• This style is easier to execute and will likely result in lower-scoring games.
• Difficult ice conditions may dictate a defensive style.

Probing Style

• This is the middle ground between Aggressive and Defensive styles
• Flexibility is the idea here: be patient and adapt to the situation. Be prepared to accept some risk when opportunities present themselves.
• Probing style can be the best of both worlds but it does require that your team can throw all the shots. It involves waiting for the right opportunities.
• The probing style is more defensive without the hammer and more offensive with the hammer.

All of these strategies can be the right strategy depending on your team and your opposition’s skill level, the score, the end, where the hammer is, the ice condition and the number of rocks remaining. Lots to think about! A skip should never go to sleep in the house.

All strategy is subject to the execution of the shots. If your team, or you, can not make a shot reliably it may be best to consider a shot that you can make. Elite players put in a lot more practice hours than we do.

Putting it into Practice – Tactics

You have decided how you would like to play an end or a game. Now it’s time to throw some rocks and win the end. You are faced with many options. How to choose? – well let’s break it down a little.

Free Guard Zone (FGZ)

• An opposition rock can not be removed from play until the 6^th rock of an end is thrown
• That opposition stone can be moved to one side by throwing your rock to “tick” one side of it. This is a difficult shot but the reward is high if you succeed in establishing two corner guards instead of one center guard, assuming you have the hammer.
• You may promote the opposition stone into the house where it can be removed on your subsequent shots.
• An opposition stone in the FGZ can be run back into a stone in the house, as long as the FGZ stone does not leave play. A rock that is struck in the house is “fair game”.
• A stone of your own which is in the FGZ in a position not favourable to your strategy can be removed. This is often a good idea in the late ends when you are trying to protect a lead but the early stones act as guards (for both teams).
• The FGZ is used to score points. Corner guards provide cover to go around if you have the hammer while keeping the centre ice open. With the hammer, and if things haven’t gone as you would like, you will want the centre ice unobstructed to draw the four-foot with your last rock and save the end. Be very careful about going around a corner guard if you do not have the last rock. That is where your opposition wants you to play and clearly to their advantage.
• Without the hammer, try to establish FGZ rocks on the centre line. This reduces the size of the scoring area for the hammer team, making that last draw more difficult. It may also provide an opportunity to bury one on the four-foot where the hammer team can not get at it.
• The aggressive play is to go around an opposition centre guard instead of setting up a corner guard if you have the last rock. This will probably make things “messy” so be prepared, but it does put the pressure where you want it – on them!
• Where, exactly, those FGZ rocks are is important! A close centre guard is more useful at closing down the scoring area than a long guard. A corner guard outside the eight-foot is less likely to guard a scoring rock than one covering the eight-foot.

Play the End You Are In

• Generally speaking, ends 1 & 2 should be more defensive while you learn the ice and your opponent's capabilities. The mid-ends can be conservative or defensive – what did you learn? In 6 & 7 position yourself to win the game and finish it off in the 8^th.
• Defensive play is called for if you are up in score by 3 or more in mid-ends or positioning your team in later ends.
• More offence will be required if you are down by 3. It is important to score in the next end after giving up a big end. Even a score of one with the hammer can keep your team “in the game”.
• If the game is close a more probing approach while waiting for opportunity is the best course.

Who has the last rock?

• With the last rock, you should try to keep the centre of the ice open to allow yourself to score if your other tactics have not worked out. You can afford to take more risk and use corner guards or opposition rocks behind the tee (freezes), with the hammer.
• Without the last rock, you want to play in the centre of the ice to either steal a point or force the opposition to score only one point. Reducing the size of the scoring area increases the probability of forcing your opposition to one point.
• Occupying the control zone in front of the house and the top 12-foot with your rocks will increase your options when things get sticky. If the control zone is occupied by opposition rocks, they have options. Sometimes replacing an opposition guard with one of your own avoids the opposition's tap back.

Assessing Ability

• Realistically assessing the ability of your players will help you to play shots with more success. We can not all make the fabulous shots of elite curlers. Think in terms of which turn my player throws best or is this the right place for the broom for my player’s comfortable hit weight.
• Also, assess the other teams' strengths and weaknesses. Is there a turn they prefer or a quirk in the ice they don’t seem to recognize?

Ice Conditions

• The skip must be attentive to all rocks thrown by both teams to learn the characteristics of the ice. Pay attention to the line, weight, and release of the player. Call ice at the tee line – moving forward or back from the tee line changes the target. A big advantage of calling from the tee is that it acts as a ruler allowing you to measure how much it is curling and also make sit easy to remember how much ice you took on previous shots.
• Ice that is running straight favours freeze shots, runbacks, and tap-back shots. Swingy ice favours come around shots.
• Ice conditions can change during a game with later ends being slower and/or more swingy.

How many rocks are left?

• If the end is not shaping up in your favour, consider the “bailout shot” to limit the damage. The bailout shot is normally an up-weight shot to remove multiple guards and open up the center to give the team with the hammer an opportunity to score at least one point. This change in tactics mid-way through an end is sometimes the most prudent thing to do. Avoid the big end by the other team.
• Consider the setup shot. You do not always have to be shot rock. This is often a corner freeze or placing a rock in the control zone in front of the house to be used later.
• Always be thinking – Do I have the last rock? What’s the score?

A Word About Risk

• Often there is more than one option for a shot
• The best shot might not always be the “right” shot
• Think 3 shots ahead. If we make this shot, what will they do, and what will that leave us?
• Consider which shot has a more acceptable plan B
• Do a risk analysis. What if we are light, heavy, wide, or narrow? What could go wrong? What would be acceptable (Plan B)?
• You will need to consider the level of difficulty as well. Do we know the ice? Have we played the shot before? Are we confident we can make this shot?
• The score will often dictate the acceptable level of risk. Consider all the options, if the best 2 options achieve the objective – Pick the easiest one!

What Should I do with the First Rock of an End?

• Without the hammer

o   Down in score – throw a center guard

o   Up in score – draw the four foot

• With the hammer

o   Down in score – throw a corner guard

o   Up in score – hit an opposition rock or draw in the house to the wing

Let’s wrap this up

So there you have it…a basic approach to curling strategy and tactics. Of course, there is more than one way to make this work and you will find your way to be innovative. There is much more to discuss as the competition gets tougher and the tactics become more advanced but that is not the mandate for this primer. Using the strategies and tactics above should help in planning and executing a successful game. We hope that making use of some or all of these methods and maneuvers will improve your skipping skills and enjoyment of the game. Good Curling!

The following leagues are available at the Manotick Curling Centre:

Manotick Curling Center

Guest and Sparing Policy

 Updated March 26, 2026

 Members can sign up as a spare during the registration process.  A link is provided on the final pageof the process or under members home (once logged in) entitled “my sparing availability” which once selected redirects the member to a site where preferences for positions and leagues to spare in can be completed.  Teams requiring a spare should contact those on the spare lists for that league, which will include those with sparing memberships or those members on byes that week in order to fill a need as early as possible to ensure a spare can be confirmed. 

1. Guest Policy

Any person who is not a member of the Manotick Curling Club must sign a Waiver before playing in any of our leagues. Waivers can be found in the blue file folder marked “informed consent", located in the tower on the table next to the display case. The form should be handed in to the bar or to the league convenor. Completed and collected waivers should be forwarded to the Membership Director (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).   It only needs to be submitted once per season.

If the guest is younger than 26 years, they must also complete the Rowan’s Law waiver and submit those as per above. Guests under 18 years old must also obtain and submit parental or guardian consent. Rowan’s Law waivers and Consent waivers can also be found at the same physical location as the “informed consent” waivers as mentioned above.

2. Spare Policy

1. Fixed Leagues Spare
   1.  A spare is defined as anyone who replaces a regular player in the fixed leagues. There is no fee for sparing if the spare is a member of the Manotick Curling Club. Otherwise a spare must sign the consent form and pay the non-member fee.  The fee for a guest is $25 per game and paid at the bar.  A guest is limited to sparing 4x times maximum over the course of a season.  Alternatively, the guest can contact the Membership director to obtain a “sparing membership”, which allows sparing in all leagues for the full season.  Members registered for learn to curl are permitted to spare during the 8 week term of the program.
2. Show and Play League Spare
   1.  Anyone who participates in a show-and-play league is a guest if they are not a registered member of that league. The 2 show-and-play leagues are the Tuesday and Thursday morning leagues. It should be emphasized that the term "guest" applies to Manotick members as well as non-members. The guest fee is $25 per game and paid at the bar (or to the league convenor).  As described above all applicable waivers for non-members must be signed in advance and submitted to the convenor.

3. General Rules
   • There can be a maximum of 2 spares per team. There must be 2 current team members playing otherwise the team defaults.
   • Members can spare as much as they want if they are a paid member but can only spare a
     maximum of 3 times for any given team each session (1st session Oct-Jan 15th, 2nd session
     Jan 16th- end of season). After this point they may be considered a 5’th or alternate. See
     3e. for rules on 5’th alternate members.
   • Spares can play any position (lead, second, vice or skip). Spares must play the position they are replacing or lower. For example if you are replacing a second you can play second or lead. An exclusion to this would be teams with an alternate or 5th, see 3e. Convenors may have specific rules for their leagues with respect to the pool of spares to draw from.
   • Teams wishing to register a permanent 5th “alternate” member, must contact the Membership Director directly to coordinate.
   • Rules/Fees for nominating a 5’th alternate member are as follows:
     1.  If already a member of the club then the 5th will be requiredto register as a 5th for that team in that league only.  You may NOT be a 5th with unlimited sparing privileges for multiple teams across multiple leagues.  
     2.  If a guest or new member to the club applies to be a5th,they will be requiredto pay the full sparing membership fee.
4. Disputes

All disputes regarding the application of these policies should be communicated to the league convenor and the membership director of the board for review and appropriate resolutions.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
(To be executed by participants over the age of majority)

(to be executed by participants over the Age of Majority)

WARNING!   Please read carefully. By signing this document, you will waive certain legal rights – including the right to sue

(Downloadable PDF)

 1. This is a binding legal agreement. Clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As a participant in the sport of curling and theactivities, programs, classes, services provided and events sponsored or organized by Curling Canada, Ontario Curling Association(CurlON), Ottawa Valley Curling Association (OVCA), or the Manotick Curling Centre (MCC), including but not limited to: games,tournaments, practices, training, personal training, dry land training, use of strength training and fitness conditioning equipment, machines and facilities, nutritional and dietary programs, orientational or instructional sessions or lessons, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning programs (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to the following terms outlined in this agreement:

Disclaimer
2. Curling Canada, Ontario Curling Association (CurlON), Ottawa Valley Curling Association (OVCA), and the Manotick Curling Centre(MCC), and their respective Directors, Officers, committee members, members, employees, coaches, volunteers, officials, participants, agents, sponsors, owners/operators of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and representatives (collectively the “Organization”) are not responsible for any injury, personal injury, damage, property damage, expense, loss of income or loss of any kind suffered by a Participant during, or as a result of, the Activities, caused in any manner whatsoever including, but not limited to, the negligence of the Organization.

Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
3. I understand and acknowledge that:

a. The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life. The sport of curling is played on a sheet of ice, which is slippery, hard, and dangerous;
b. A pertinent risk to participating in the sport of curling is the risk of suffering serious head injury should I fall, trip, or stumble onto the ground or ice. It is highly recommended that I wear a helmet at all times when participating in the sport of curling;
c. The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety and it is not infallible. The Organization may be unaware of my fitness or abilities, may misjudge weather or environmental conditions, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction;
d. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and COVID-19 is extremely contagious. The Organization has put in place reasonable preventative measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Organization cannot guarantee that I will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the Activities could increase my risk of contracting COVID-19.

4. I am participating voluntarily in the Activities. In consideration of my participation, I hereby acknowledge that I am aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with or related to the Activities. The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:

a. Health: executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques, physical exertion, overexertion, stretching, dehydration,fatigue, cardiovascular workouts, rapid movements and stops, lack of fitness or conditioning, traumatic injury, bacterial infections, rashes, and the transmission of communicable diseases, including viruses of all kinds, COVID-19, bacteria, parasites or other organisms or any mutation thereof.
b. Premises: defective, dangerous or unsafe condition of the facilities; falls; collisions with objects, walls, equipment or persons;dangerous, unsafe, or irregular conditions on floors, ice, or other surfaces, extreme weather conditions; travel to and from premises.
c. Use of Equipment: mechanical failure of the equipment; negligent design or manufacture of the equipment; the provision of orthe failure by the Organization to provide any warnings, directions, instructions or guidance as to the use of the equipment;failure to use or operate the equipment within my own ability.
d. Contact: contact with brooms, brushes or curling stones, other equipment, vehicles, or other persons, and may lead to serious bodily injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or other brain injury, or serious spinal injury.
e. Advice: negligent advice regarding the Activities
f. Ability: Failing to act safely or within my own ability or within designated areas
g. Sport: the game of curling and its inherent risks, including but not limited to, running, sliding or slipping on the ice surface,delivering the curling stone, skipping or sweeping, stepping onto the ice surface from the walkway or onto the walkway from the ice surface, or stepping over dividers that divide one sheet of ice from the next.
h. Cyber: privacy breaches, hacking, technology malfunction or damage.
i. Conduct: My conduct and conduct of other persons including any physical altercation between participants.
j. Travel: Travel to and from the Activities.
k. Negligence: My negligence and negligence of other persons, including NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE ORGANIZATION, may increase the risk of damage, loss, personal injury or death. I understand that the Organization may fail to safeguard or protect me from the risks, dangers and hazards of curling programs, some of which are referred toabove.

Terms
5. In consideration of the Organization allowing me to participate in the Activities, I agree:

a. That when I practice or train in my own space, I am responsible for my surroundings and the location and equipment that I
select;
b. That my mental and physical condition is appropriate to participate in the Activities and I assume all risks related to my mentaland physical condition;
c. To comply with the rules and regulations for participation in the Activities;
d. To comply with the rules of the facility or equipment;
e. That if I observe an unusual significant hazard or risk, I will remove myself from participation and bring my observations to a representative of the Organization immediately;
f. The risks associated with the Activities are increased when I am impaired and I will not participate if impaired in any way;
g. That it is my sole responsibility to assess whether any Activities are too difficult for me. By commencing an Activity, I
acknowledge and accept the suitability and conditions of the Activity;
h. That I am responsible for my choice of safety or protective equipment and the secure fitting of that equipment.
i. COVID-19: that COVID-19 is contagious in nature and I may be exposed to, or infected by, COVID-19 and such exposure may
result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.

Release of Liability and Disclaimer
6. In consideration of the Organization allowing me to participate, I agree:

a. That the sole responsibility for my safety remains with me;
b. To ASSUME all risks arising out of, associated with or related to my participation;
c. That I am not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or its agents, whether in a brochure or
advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to participate in the Activities;
d. To WAIVE any and all claims that I may have now or in the future against the Organization;
e. To freely ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME all such risks and possibility of personal injury, death, property damage, expense and
related loss, including loss of income, resulting from my participation in the Activities;
f. To FOREVER RELEASE and INDEMNIFY the Organization from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands,actions, damages (including direct, indirect, special and/or consequential), losses, actions, judgments, and costs (including legal fees) (collectively, the “Claims”) which I have or may have in the future, that might arise out of, result from, or relate to my participation in the Activities, even though such Claims may have been caused by any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to, the negligence, gross negligence, negligent rescue, omissions, carelessness, breach of contract and/or breach of any statutory duty of care of the Organization;
g. To FOREVER RELEASE AND INDEMNIFY the Organization from any action related to my becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 as a result of, or from, any action, omission or negligence of myself or others, including but not limited to the Organization;
h. That the Organization is not responsible or liable for any damage to my vehicle, property, or equipment that may occur as a result of the Activities;
i. That negligence includes failure on the part of the Organization to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect me from the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the Activities; 
j. This release, waiver and indemnity is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Ontario
and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

Jurisdiction
7. I agree that in the event that I file a lawsuit against the Organization, I will do so solely in the Province of Ontario and further agree that the substantive law of the Province of Ontario will apply without regard to conflict of law rules.

Acknowledgement
8. I acknowledge that I have read and understand this agreement, that I have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this agreement is to be binding upon myself, my heirs, spouse, children, parents, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators and legal or personal representatives. I further acknowledge by signing this agreement I have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against the Organization on the basis of any claims from which I have released herein.

Printed Name of Participant                                Signature of Participant                                            Date of Birth (dd/mm/yr)

INFORMED CONSENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
(To be executed by participants under the age of majority)

WARNING!   Please read carefully. By signing this document, you will waive certain legal rights – including the right to sue

(Downloadable PDF)

 Participant’s Name: __________________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________

1. This is a binding legal agreement. Clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As a participant in the sport of curling and the activities, programs, classes, services provided and events sponsored or organized by Curling Canada, Ontario Curling AssociationCurlON), Ottawa Valley Curling Association (OVCA), or the Manotick Curling Centre (MCC), including but not limited to: games,tournaments, practices, training, personal training, dry land training, use of strength training and fitness conditioning equipment,machines and facilities, nutritional and dietary programs, orientational or instructional sessions or lessons, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning programs (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned being the Participant and Participant’s Parent/Guardian(collectively the “Participant and Parent/Guardian”) acknowledges and agrees to the following terms outlined in this agreement:

2. I am the Parent/Guardian of the Participant and have full legal responsibility for the decisions of the Participant.

Disclaimer
3. Curling Canada, Ontario Curling Association (CurlON), Ottawa Valley Curling Association (OVCA), and the Manotick Curling Centre (MCC), and their respective Directors, Officers, committee members, members, employees, coaches, volunteers, officials,participants, agents, sponsors, owners/operators of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and representatives (collectively the “Organization”) are not responsible for any injury, personal injury, damage, property damage, expense, loss of income or loss of any kind suffered by a Participant during, or as a result of, the Activities, caused in any manner whatsoever including, but not limited to, the negligence of the Organization.

Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
4. The Participant and Parent/Guardian understand and acknowledge that:a. The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life. The sport of curling is played on a sheet of ice, which is slippery, hard, and dangerous;
b. A pertinent risk to participating in the sport of curling is the risk of suffering serious head injury should the Participant fall, trip,or stumble onto the ground or ice. It is highly recommended that the Participant wear a helmet at all times when participating in the sport of curling. Participants must comply with the Organization’s Helmet Policy;
c. The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety and it is not infallible. The Organization may be unaware of the Participant’s fitness or abilities, may misjudge weather or environmental conditions, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction;
d. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and COVID-19 is extremely contagious. The Organization has put in place reasonable preventative measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Organization cannot guarantee that the Participant will not become infected with COVID-19.Further, participating in the Activities could increase the Participant’s risk of contracting COVID-19.

5. The Participant is participating voluntarily in the Activities. In consideration of that participation, the Participant and Parent/Guardian hereby acknowledge that they are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards and may be exposed to such risks, dangers and hazards.The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:
a. Health: executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques, physical exertion, overexertion, stretching, dehydration,fatigue, cardiovascular workouts, rapid movements and stops, lack of fitness or conditioning, traumatic injury, bacterial infections, rashes, and the transmission of communicable diseases, including viruses of all kinds, COVID-19, bacteria, parasites or other organisms or any mutation thereof.
b. Premises: defective, dangerous or unsafe condition of the facilities; falls; collisions with objects, walls, equipment or persons; dangerous, unsafe, or irregular conditions on floors, ice, or other surfaces, extreme weather conditions; travel to and from premises
c. Use of Equipment: mechanical failure of the equipment; negligent design or manufacture of the equipment; the provision of or the failure by the Organization to provide any warnings, directions, instructions or guidance as to the use of the equipment;failure to use or operate the equipment within my own ability
d. Contact: contact with brooms, brushes or curling stones, other equipment, vehicles, or other persons, and may lead to serious bodily injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or other brain injury, or serious spinal injury.
e. Advice: negligent advice regarding the Activities
f. Ability: Failing to act safely or within my own ability or within designated areas
g. Sport: the game of curling and its inherent risks, including but not limited to, running, sliding or slipping on the ice surface, delivering the curling stone, skipping or sweeping, stepping onto the ice surface from the walkway or onto the walkway from the ice surface, or stepping over dividers that divide one sheet of ice from the next
h. Cyber: privacy breaches, hacking, technology malfunction or damage
i. Conduct: My conduct and conduct of other persons including any physical altercation between participants
j. Travel: Travel to and from the Activities

Terms
6. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate in the Activities, the Participant and Parent/Guardian agree:
a. That when the Participant practices or trains in their own space, the Participant and Parent/Guardian are responsible for the Participant’s surroundings and the location and equipment that is selected for the Participant;
b. That the Participant’s mental and physical condition is appropriate to participate in the Activities and the Participant and Parent/Guardian assume all risks related to the Participant’s mental and physical condition;
c. To comply with the rules and regulations for participation in the Activities;
d. To comply with the rules of the facility or equipment;
e. That if the Participant observes an unusual significant hazard or risk, the Participant will remove themselves from participation and bring their observations to a representative of the Organization immediately;
f. The risks associated with the Activities are increased when the Participant is impaired, and the Participant will not participate if impaired in any way;
g. That it is their sole responsibility to assess whether any Activities are too difficult for the Participant. By the Participant commencing an Activity, they acknowledge and accept the suitability and conditions of the Activity;
h. That COVID-19 is contagious in nature and the Participant may be exposed to, or infected by, COVID-19 and such exposure may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, or death; and
i. That they are responsible for the choice of the Participant’s safety or protective equipment and the secure fitting of that equipment.

7. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate, the Participant and Parent/Guardian agree:
a. That the Participant and Parent/Guardian are not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or their agents, whether in brochure or advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to participate in the Activities;
b. That the Organization is not responsible or liable for any damage to the Participant’s vehicle, property, or equipment that may occur as a result of the Activities; and
c. That this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Ontario and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

Jurisdiction
8. The Participant and Parent/Guardian agree that in the event that they file a lawsuit against the Organization, they agree to do so solely in the Province of Ontario and they further agree that the substantive law of the Province of Ontario will apply without regard to conflict of law rules.

Acknowledgement
9. The Participant and Parent/Guardian acknowledge that they have read this agreement and understand it, that they have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this Agreement is to be binding upon themselves, their heirs, their spouses, parents, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators and legal or personal representatives.

____________________________                    ______________________________                      ___________________

Name of Parent/Gaurdian                                   Signature of Parent/Gaurdian                                   Date

Guidelines for Club Support for Competitive Curlers

Introduction

This document provides guidelines on MCC support for teams that represent the Manotick Curling Centre in competition. The goal is to ensure that teams are treated consistently over time within the financial resources of the club and to give teams a relatively firm idea of what they can reasonably expect.

Types of Support

Three kinds of support are available:

• Financial
• Club Pins
• Manotick Curling Centre identification such as badges for jackets or bags

Eligibility

To be eligible for support:

• A team must be participating in an event sanctioned by the Ontario Curling Association or Curling Canada at the Provincial, National or International level;
• A team must have registered for the competition under the MCC name;
• At least 50% of the team must be members of the MCC; and,
• Any banner awarded must come to the MCC for perpetual display.

If a team includes non-MCC members, the levels of support will be reduced on a pro-rated basis (e.g. a 4-person team that has one non-MCC member, would receive 75% of the full support level).

Levels of Support

The nominal levels of support are established below. For the 2022/23 season the maximum level of support will be $125 per eligible member.

Financial

• For full teams (4 players or more): $500 per team per eligible event
• For doubles teams (2 players): $250 per team per eligible event
• For single player events: $125 per team per eligible event

Club Pins

• For full teams (4 players or more): 50 pins per team per eligible event
• For doubles teams (2 players): 25 pins per team per eligible event
• For single player events: 10 pins per eligible event

Identification

Identification crests or badges will be provided on a case by case appropriate to the uniform or equipment being used by a team. Teams should identify the type of identification they would like in their request to the Board.

Process

Teams should apply in writing to the Board as soon as possible after they become eligible for support. The request should identify the team members, qualifying competition and level and nature of support being requested.

July 2022

Karol Bilyj Memorial Senior Bonspiel 

March 16 – March 20 2026

A senior open bonspiel with registration preference to visiting teams.

Capacity: 24 teams

Registration Opens: October 01, 2025

Special Events 2026-2027

Opening Spiel - Oct 23-24

Our first event of the season! Open to Manotick members with games on Friday night and Saturday. Includes prizes & lunch. This event is ideal for new and recreational curlers.

Capacity: 48

Individual Online Registration

Turkey Spiel - Nov 26-28

Our Turkey Spiel features the famous turkey shoot-out which gives members a chance to win a turkey. Curling with supper on Saturday night followed by live entertainment and dancing. Registration open to Manotick members.

Capacity: 72

Online Registration 

Manotick Curling Center

Payment and Registration Fee Refund Policy

*Updated June, 2024

The refund policy of the Manotick Curling Center is intended to address requests for a refund of registration fees only.  Capital fund fees (as specified at registration, locker fees and other administrative fees) are not refundable. Refund requests from members in good standing, as of the close of registration for the current season, should be submitted to the Vice-President as soon as the member becomes aware that he or she will not be able to participate in curling activities over an extended period during the curling season.

Principles:

Unforeseen injuries or illness are a fact of life which affect people’s ability to curl. The Manotick Curling Center does not want to profit from the health issues of members. However, the club can only operate if membership dues are reliably available to pay for the ongoing costs of the curling centre.

These refund guidelines apply for league fees. Learn to Curl has its own refund policies.

Refund Committee:

The decision making body for refunds will be the Refund Committee made up of the following board members: Vice-President, Membership and Curling Operations.  This committee will respond to refund requests. This committee will normally use the Guidelines below but are free to depart from them when exceptional circumstances warrant. Their findings may be appealed to the Board of Directors.

Requests for a refund should be sent to the Vice-President.

Responsibility for Payment:

Individuals are responsible for paying their own fees. For youth members fees can be paid by other members (parents) of the family.  We will not accept payments that combine the fees of individuals not all in the same family.

Amount of Refund:

The amount of the refund will cover registration fees only. The amount will be proportional to the 6 month period from October to April normally beginning with the date a request is received until the player can return to play.  

Guidelines:

A. The club will refund members in the following situations:

1. League cancellation – should a league be cancelled before the curling season begins, the member’s preference of a full refund, or enrollment in another available league during the same season, will be honored.
2. Club shuts after the season begins – the board will endeavor to refund a portion of the member’s fees based on cost savings and the overall financial position of the club.
3. Season ending injury – defined as an injury that would remove the member from further play for the balance of the season and the playoffs.
4. Relocation outside of the area due to work.
5. Health concerns or illness of the member or his/her immediate family for an extended period of time – at least 2 months - during the season.
6. “Snowbirds” - after January 1 of the curling season 40% of the registration fee – this applies to morning & Saturday Night Leagues only. 
7. Other reasons deemed valid by the Refund Committee.

B. The Club does not refund fees paid for registration in the following cases:

1. Expulsion from the club.
2. Voluntary withdrawal of the member unrelated to any of the situations in section A above.
3. Requests related to previous curling seasons.
4. One becomes “too busy” for curling or decides that they “don’t like it”.
5. Other reasons deemed invalid by the Board of Directors.

Refund requests must be in writing directed to the Vice President, and should be submitted as early in the season as possible. The request should clearly state the reason for the request with sufficient detail to assess against the criteria above. The time period should also be clearly delineated.  All requests will be reviewed and approved by the Refund Committee before any funds are released. The decision of the Refund Committee can be appealed to the Board of Directors.

Late Payment Fees:

Late fees ($25) will be applicable to those who have not paid in full as of Sunday September 15^th   

MCC Board of Directors - Dec 2025

MANOTICK CURLING CENTER

PRIVACY POLICY

(Introduced 2004 in accordance with PIPEDA, amended 2007, amended 2009)

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada) or PIPEDA requires organizations to comply with new privacy legislation. Your privacy is important to the Manotick Curling Center. We are committed to meeting the privacy standards applicable to every member, customer or contractor. You deserve to be treated fairly and with respect in all your interactions with MCC and this includes protecting the privacy, accuracy and security of the personal information you have provided.

The purpose of this policy is to tell you what personal information we collect about you, how we use it, whether we disclose it to anyone else, how you can request certain personal information not be released and how you can request access to your personal information. Our intent is to balance the efficient and diligent operation of our club against your reasonable expectations of privacy.

The Privacy Information Officer for the MCC will be the Secretary of the Board of Directors. All questions or concerns about the Privacy Policy should be directed to this person in writing. This policy will be posted in the Club and be on the Web site.

Purpose of Collection and Use of Information: We require your personal information to establish and provide the highest quality administration and delivery of the club’s programs that we can. We only collect personal information from and about you that we consider necessary for achieving this purpose and to permit us to appropriately conduct the business of the Curling Center. Your information will also be used to enable us to contact you whenever necessary to ensure your awareness of club activities, policies or services provided. We may use personal information about you, in a non-personally identifiable manner, to improve our promotional efforts, analyze memberships, improve our services, and to customize our Web site’s content, layout and services. These uses are to enable us to improve the operation of the Center and to better meet your needs.

Members' name, phone number, address and e-mail address are required for general business use and communication by mail.  As such they are published in the annual Membership Directory, which is accessible via a password from the web site.  Each league coordinator required this information and may publish the same information for use by members within their respective league.  Furthermore, we may retain the names of all club members in each year for historical purposes.  MCC posts the names and in some cases photographs of members inside the curling club and from time to time may also post these on the web site and in external publications.

Youth Members: Parents’ names, emergency contacts, age and relative medical information are required in addition to basic member information described above. All of this information is required for the safety and well-being of the youth members. It will be retained by the Chair of the Youth Curling Committee and may be provided to any coach accompanying junior members to outside events. The date of birth may be required for events related to the Ottawa Valley Curling Association, the Ontario Curling Association and/or the Canadian Curling Association.

Private Party Customers & Rental Leagues: The individual(s) responsible for organizing the event or league must provide their name, address, phone number and e-mail address to the Facilities Director. We do not collect personal information of individual members of rental leagues except and unless they are participating in club events open to both members and rental leagues, in which case the information will be collected and used only to permit the individual to participate in the specific event and will not be used for any other purpose.

Contractors are required to provide their name, address, phone number, e-mail address (and at times business references) to the Facilities Director in order to conduct general business and to meet any legal obligations. Files may be maintained indefinitely.

On-Line Privacy Concerns: Organizers of events and leagues, and Board or committee members may have their personal information on the MCC Web site in addition to the password-protected on-line members’ directory. League schedules, if posted, will refer to team number only, to limit information to the general public.

Disclosure of Personal Information: MCC will not share your personal information with third parties except for such local, provincial and national curling associations of which MCC is a member. We may also disclose your personal information where we are required or permitted to do so by law. If you choose to disclose your personal information to other parties, you are subject to the privacy policies of such third parties.

Access, Review, Change and Destruction of Your Personal Informationcan be done by submitting a written request to do so to our Privacy Information Officer. We ask that you promptly advise us of any changes to your information. If requested by you, we will destroy as soon as reasonably possible any and all personal information that we have in our files about you, except for information required to enable us to collect any unpaid account and/or as may be required by law.

Withholding Consent: Members may request, in writing or by e-mail that their personal information not be published or disclosed beyond the minimum which would be required to enable the member to participate fully in the club. This includes, for example, the right to opt out of having any part of your information published in the Membership Directory, or for having your name and photo published for awards achieved.

Protecting Your Privacy: The personal information that is retained by us is kept in a secure environment, and we use reasonable procedural and technical safeguards to protect this information against loss, theft and unauthorized access or disclosure. While we employ many different security techniques to protect such data from unauthorized access by users inside and outside the club, we cannot insure perfect security, particularly in relation to the Web site.

Children’s Photos: Throughout the Curling year, coaches and parents may take photos and video of youth participating in Curling activities. These photos are typically kept in group photo albums and displayed on our web site. Some are also submitted to local newspapers and to Manotick Curling Club Communications where they are often used in Club publications. Unless otherwise stated, the club may use images of yourself and/or your child/ward as indicated herein.

Amendments to This Policy: We may amend this Privacy Policy at any time and any such amendments must be approved by the Board of Directors of MCC. All amended terms shall automatically be effective upon receipt by the member of such changes or on the date of posting to the Web site.

CONSOLIDATED GENERAL BY-LAW of the MCC

The Manotick Curling Center was incorporated in 1965, and was converted to not-for-profit status in 1978.  Its general operation is governed by a comprehensive Operating By-Law. In 2004 the Center created a Privacy Policy as required by PIPEDA.

A 10 member volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for day-to-day operations at the Manotick Curling Center.

The Manotick Curling Center depends to a great extent on the involvement of its members in volunteer activities.  The volunteer program is run through a network of committees responsible for every aspect of running the Center, with committees either chaired by or reporting to a member of the Board of Directors. 

Minutes of the board meetings are posted in the Members Home area of this website and a copy kept at the club. Note that minutes sometimes refer to documents which are not included on this website but which are held in a binder at the club.

If you have any questions about the club, whether it be about registration, ice rental or league play, please contact the appropriate person from this list.

The following documents are provided as part of the Ontario Curling Association to assist visiting Teams/Coaches as well as MCC members access to our various documents.

Manotick Curling Center - Emergency Action Plan (MS Word)

Manotick Curling Center - Emergency Action Plan (PDF)

Manotick Curling Center - Building Floor Plan (PDF)

Canadian Curling Association Rules

Curling Associations - National / Provincial / Local

Other Curling Sites / Curling News

The following lists information on Ottawa and area Clubs.

Rent our Ice or our Lounge and Come Play in Our House!

The Manotick Curling Center is suitable for a number of uses. Throughout the curling season, organizations and corporations rent the ice and lounge for private events. On occasion, an organization will rent the lounge for a dinner, a dance or other special evening. The lounge can seat 100 comfortably for dinner.  

During the summer months, the building is regularly used for community activities. Large private parties and receptions are frequently held at the Manotick Curling Center, and numbers as high as 250 can be conveniently accommodated. The building is suitable for flea markets, art shows, antique auctions, and just about anything else that requires a large, clean, accessible facility.

The Curling Center is available for rentals throughout the curling season, and during the summer months. From mid-September to mid-April, available rental time is VERY LIMITED, so interested parties are advised to check the monthly schedule prior to making inquiries.

The instructions, costs and the conditions around renting the club's facilities are detailed in the MCC Rental Contract.

Rental Contract - PDF

Informed Consent Agreement - PDF

For further information or to make your booking contact:

Marina Dubeau

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Manotick Curling Center was established as a three sheet facility in 1964, and has enjoyed steady success in the years since. People in Manotick and surrounding communities see the Curling Center as an established focus of community activity. Not only is it an obvious outlet for winter recreational needs, but it is also a place where wedding parties, family celebrations, and charitable events are held on a regular basis.

On average we have about 500 Adult members that take part in curling and social activities at the Manotick Curling Center. In addition, the Center is home to a thriving curling program for children and youth, with over 100 enjoying the sport during the current season. New members, both adults and children, are always welcome. The Board of Directors is of the view that the leagues are never full - there is always room for more participants, more energy, and more curling.

Manotick curlers are proud of their casual, non-competitive curling activities, and enjoy an attractive social calendar at the Center too. But more competitive curling is also available, meaning that there is something for everyone at the Manotick Curling Center.

Representatives of the Manotick Curling Center enjoy competitive success outside Manotick, too, regularly bringing home trophies and prizes in men's, women's, mixed, Little Rocks, junior and bantam competitive spiels. Members of the Curling Center are very supportive of these efforts, especially where children are concerned, and encourage their number to participate widely and often.

The Manotick Curling Center is home to some well-known events for non-members, including the Karol Bilyj Memorial Island Spiel (in February), and the Women's Invitational (in late February or early March).

Members of the Manotick Curling Center are proud of their club, devoting many volunteer hours to ensuring the success of the various Curling Center programs. The club president , other members of the Board of Directors, and the rest of the membership hope that you will browse the contents of the Curling Center web site, consider the Manotick Curling Center as a warm, welcoming place for new members, and contact us for additional information.