It seems like curling in Quesnel will be able to get out of the hack.
The Quesnel Curling Centre is accepting registrations for league play and has released a return-to-play guide for the season.
The plan is current to Phase 3 of CurlBC’s guidelines.
The document opens with words from centre president Ralph Givens.
“During these unique and challenging times, it is important to remember that we can still accomplish a lot of good by working together, being kind and staying safe,” Givens writes. “We are all responsible for not only our own safety, but for the safety and well-being of those around us.”
The plan details major changes throughout the game of curling. Gone are the traditional handshake and scorekeeping. Instead, all interactions between the two teams need to be done in a pandemic-safe way.
READ MORE: Quesnel Curling Centre sweeping towards safe return to play this fall
Players are given strict instructions on where to stand, with painted markers on the ice to show sweepers’ proper positioning, and skips inside the house are not allowed to sweep.
Each sheet of ice will alternate which house they start the game targeting, and games will be a maximum of one hour and 40 minutes — after a buzzer sounds, teams will finish an end and be done.
If a player tests positive, close contacts of that curler will be asked to stay away from the centre for at least 14 days.
READ MORE: Curling considers new rules to speed up the sport
All this is in addition to the usual increased cleaning, distancing and mask use. Players will be asked to wear masks while walking through the centre.
Players will also receive a 50-per-cent refund if season is shut down before or during the Christmas break.
Registration for more than a dozen different leagues is active through the centre’s website at quesnelcurlingclub.com.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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