About our Youth Program
The Little Rockers Program
·
Saturday at 9 AM
and 10 AM
·
Ages 6 – 9 years
·
Normally, 18 ice
times are provided to this program with the first ice time used as a curling
clinic for all the curlers
·
Instruction time
– about 20 minutes of every curling date before starting the game. Instruction
concerns the delivery and sweeping.
·
Game time – about
40 minutes which normally provides two ends of curling
·
Wins and losses
are not recorded as we stress the
element of fun and to learn the basics of the game of curling at this
level
·
Teams are set up
on a co-ed basis for the most part
·
Children will
rotate through each position to allow for all to enjoy and participate in every
curling position
·
Rock Size –
regular size rocks
·
Instruction –
normally two instructors will be present and assist on each sheet of ice. Any
instructors that help on ice are asked to take the Curling Level 1 Technical
Clinic so that instruction is consistent
·
Extra Helpers –
come in form of “coaches” in our “Coach for a day” program. A parent of each
team assists on ice in helping coordinate the kids so the instructors can
provide appropriate instruction
·
The program is split
into two units
First
Year Little Rockers
·
First Year
consists of any children that have never curled. They will only play the half
sheet of ice. The intent is to concentrate on the mechanics of the delivery
without worrying about throwing the rock a great distance
Second
Year Little Rockers
·
Second Year
consists of any children that have curled one year at the Little Rockers level.
They will curl on a ¾ length sheet of ice
·
The two units
will “graduate” toward the end of the year with the First Year group throwing
the ¾ length sheet of ice and the Second Year group moving to full sheet. The
idea of a stepping stone approach of moving to the full sheet of ice.
·
Each year
features at least 2 “Fun Days” throughout the year. Fun Days allow kids to
participate in events that challenge them through the use of curling drills.
·
The season is
wrapped up with a banquet for the curlers and parents and siblings of the
curlers
The Bantam Recreation Program
·
Saturday mornings
with draws of
·
Ages 10-13 years
of age
·
Normally, 18 ice
times are allotted to this league
·
At least one
instructor will be present on each sheet of ice to assist both teams in the
mechanics and strategy of the game. Any person instructing on ice is asked to
take the Curling Level 1 Technical Clinic to ensure consistent instruction
within the program
·
20 minutes of instruction
is provided to curlers before each game
·
Each game
consists of 4-6 ends based on the speed of play
·
At the sound of
the bell curlers finish up the end they are playing and the game ends at that
point
·
Teams will
alternate between the two draw times with the intent of having all teams have
an equal share of the draw times
·
Teams are
arranged based on gender for the most part
·
Teams are made up
by the Youth Curling volunteers. Each team will normally have thirds and skips
with the most curling experience and the leads and seconds with little or no
curling experience. The idea is to attempt to make all teams as even as
possible.
·
Wins, losses, and
ties are recorded and teams are sorted into squares during season play
·
Grand Aggregate
and square winners are awarded at the end of the year
·
An Awards Banquet
wraps up the year
The Bantam/Junior Competitive Program
·
Saturdays from
·
Ages from 10 – 16
years of age
·
Normally, 18 ice
times are allotted to this league
·
Is targeted
toward teams eager to move to the competitive level of the game and those
reaching the age of 14 that are continuing their curling career
·
Team entries are
accepted
·
Co-ed teams or
teams of same gender are possible
·
Single entries
will be placed with other single entries to form a team
·
Team entries held
to 12 teams only with a spare list established to fill in when needed
·
Wins, losses, and
ties are recorded and teams are sorted into squares during season play
·
We encourage a
team coach to be listed for the idea of providing a 4-end break to discuss
strategy
·
Grand Aggregate
and square winners are awarded at the end of the year
·
An Awards Banquet
wraps up the year
The Junior Program
·
Sunday afternoons
from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
·
Ages from 14 – 20
years of age
·
Normally, 20 ice
times are allotted for this league
·
An advanced level
to the Saturday afternoon program where skill level is high and challenges the
curler
·
Team entries are
limited to 12 teams only
·
Team make up may
be co-ed or same gender
·
Entry into the
league is predominantly team entry but is open to any curlers that do not have
a team and will be assigned to a team
·
Wins, losses, and
ties are recorded and teams are sorted into squares during season play
·
We encourage a
team coach to be listed for the idea of providing a 4-end break to discuss
strategy
·
Each year
features a “Skins Game” competition to give every team a shot at some cash
·
Grand Aggregate
and square winners are awarded at the end of the year
·
An Awards Banquet
wraps up the year