File Photo

By Scott Roblin

Curling Changes

Medicine Hat Curling Club preparing for sweeping changes this fall

Jul 13, 2020 | 5:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Curling will look a little different in Medicine Hat this fall when the first rocks of the season are thrown.

Curling Canada has released its return to play guidelines for the upcoming season which features a number of unique changes to the sport as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Only one sweeper will be allowed to participate, while sweeping opponents’ rocks behind the tee-line has also been outlawed.

“Curling is one sport I think where we can physically distance,” said Medicine Hat Curling Club manager Vicki Sjolie. “They’re making it as safe as they can, they’ve done a lot of research on different things. The old handshakes is going to be the one thing that’s [missing].”

Specified areas for non-throwing team members will also be established.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

15h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Sjolie is not yet sure what membership numbers will look like this fall, as they are set to provide a survey to its membership in the coming weeks.

One area of concern is the club’s older senior league members, who are at a greater risk of harmful effects of the COVID-19 virus.

“Our senior league is probably our biggest population-wise of our members,” said Sjolie. “A lot of them, if they maybe had some health issues anyway, probably won’t be returning. And yet, I find some of the seniors that I have seen through the summer that are golfing or out doing their thing, they still say they want the activity and to live.”

While many of Medicine Hat’s sporting venues sit empty, the Medicine Hat Curling Club holds a unique advantage when it comes to spectators.

Thanks to panes of glass separating the fans from the competitors on both floors, a maximum of 100 spectators will be allowed to watch the action while practicing physical distancing.

“We’ll be able to do is so it’s safe and we can give everybody the opportunity to still have some of that socializing,” said Sjolie.

The Medicine Hat Curling Club’s board will be holding a meeting this week to discuss planning for the coming months, though Sjolie has been informed to not plan more than is necessary with still plenty of uncertainty around the sport.

A committee to make decisions during the pandemic will also be established by the curling enthusiasts, with the hopes of starting a fall season as seamlessly as possible.

“Our community in Medicine Hat is very supportive,” said Sjolie. “So, hopefully we can start up and have the new normal curling season.”

There is still no word yet on what the future of the annual Hat Charity Classic bonspiel will be this fall.