Rules and Regulations
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VICTORIA CURLING CLUB MEN’S RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following rules & regulations of the Victoria Curling Club were adopted by the Board of Directors
August 25th, 2009
Any rule not contained herein will be left to the discretion and interpretation of the Curling Club’s Executive Committee whose decision will be final.
LEAGUE NIGHTS AND DRAW TIMES
1. The club will be divided into three leagues, on three different nights.
MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUE
One night a week curling every Monday Night 5:45 p.m.
TUESDAY NIGHT LEAGUE
One night a week curling every Tuesday Night 7:20 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT LEAGUE
One night a week curling every Thursday Night 7:30 p.m.
1.1 All nights will be scheduled for a indeterminate number of games (19 at a minimum) depending on the curling calendar for that year, in a round robin, group format.
1.2 Ten teams will be considered a full league. A league may play with any even number of teams if not enough teams have entered to allow for a full league.
THE TEAM
2. A team will consist of a skip, third, second, and lead curler. Any player may play at any position to start the game. A fifth and sixth member may be added to the team.
2.1 A minimum of two (2) regular “registered” team members must be present for the team to be eligible to curl a scheduled game. A minimum of two (2) regular “registered” team members must be present for the team to be eligible for available spares. If at least two players are not available, the game will be treated as a default win to the opposition. The defaulting team having all intentions of playing will be awarded points for a loss.
2.1.1 In compliance with the club rules and regulations on the question of eligibility for the club championship and consolation event, skips will be notified of all eligibility rules and their consequences with the first game of the season. Eligible teams for post-season play (to the point Club Championship and Consolation Event) and their “registered” team personnel will be posted on the main draw board following the final game of round #1. The communication will be the responsibility of the membership chairman in consultation with the Club Managers on questions of fees paid for full membership. The membership chairman will liaise with the draw chairman in March at the end of the final round to confirm or deny any and all eligibility for both the Club Championship and Consolation Event. It will be the responsibility of the draw chairman to include alternate teams (read “next to qualify”) if a team is declared ineligible.
2.2 Teams requiring spares must do as follows:
1. Contact Associate Members
2. Contact Regular Club Members
3. Contact Curlers from Outside the Club (done as a last resort)
2.3 If more than one team requires a curler and there are associate or regular club members available, these players must be drawn by chance and assigned to the appropriate teams by the “MAN ON DUTY”. The “MAN ON DUTY” must also make an attempt to place an associate curler with a team that is short curlers if one is available.
2.4 Teams short 2 players will get first choice of available spares.
2.5 Spares must throw lead rocks. A second spare will throw in the second position.
2.6 During the PLAYOFFS, and CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYDOWN, and CONSOLATION EVENT, ONLY associate members, regular club members and male members of the Victoria Mixed and Junior Leagues are eligible to spare for the Men’s League. Players having competed previously in any event, Club Championship or Consolation Event are ineligible to spare for another team. Teams using a player in violation of this rule risk disqualification and subsequent ineligibility from the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP or CONSOLATION EVENT.
2.7 Any team that has four fully paid team members ($920.00) may add a fifth or sixth man to that team for no extra cost. This team member will be considered a “regular” team member, be registered with that team, may curl at any position, and will be eligible for any and all prizes during the year. Team members must be confirmed before the end of the 1st round of curling each season.
TEAM SEEDING AND DRAW FORMAT
3. The first round will be a full round robin where each team in the league plays each other team in the league once. The draw into this group will be random and done in such a way as to ensure that all teams have equal chance at each position in the draw.
3.1 The second round of league play will consist of two groups of five teams. The “A” group will contain the five teams having accumulated the most points from the full round robin seeded according to their point totals from the first round. The “B” group will contain the remaining five teams from the full round robin seeded according to their point totals from the first round. Each group will play a round robin. Crossover games between the groups will be needed to accommodate a full schedule of 10 teams.
3.2 The third round of league play will consist of two groups of five teams. The “A” and “B” group will be adjusted according to the accumulated point totals from the first two rounds for all the ten league teams. No team in a division will displace a team in the other division with an equal number of points. Each group will play a round robin. Crossover games between the groups will be needed to accommodate a full schedule of 10 teams.
**Interpretation: To make the rounds of play on each night more consistent in both the 2nd and 3rd rounds any night with a compliment of >7 teams the draw will consist of an A and B Group. Variations to this rule at 7 teams or less will be left up to the discretion of the draw chairman based on the number of teams on the night in question on any particular year.
3.3 Variations of double or single crossovers will be added to either the second and/or third round of league play to make up the necessary dates and allow for a full season.
3.4 When scheduling (drawing) cross-over games a seeding format to determine which teams play against each other will be used. e.g. 1 vs 10, 2 vs 9, 3 vs 8, 4, vs 7, 5 vs 6
THE GAME
4. All games will not exceed eight (8) ends. All regular league games will be played to a bell of 1 Hour and 50 Minutes only on nights required due to a draw immediately following. (Interpretation: Monday’s due to the Junior Women following immediately after the 5:45 draw) All other nights of play, including the Club Championship, games will be played with no bell. When a bell is necessary pursuant to the above rule teams will finish the end they are playing and play one more end. The end is considered over when the last rock crosses the nearest sweeping (T) line.
4.1 In the event of ties, the game shall continue with an extra end until a winner is declared. Extra ends are played in the direction opposite to that played in the last regulation end, in other words not necessarily towards home.
4.2 There will be a person designated as “MAN ON DUTY” to start each draw as designated by the draw chairman on the draw sheet. This person will enforce all general club rules, arbitrate and interpret all rule violations, and ensure the main draw board has been completed by all skips following their games. All skips will be responsible to see that their game has been correctly recorded on the main draw board by drawing one line through the losing skips name. Those skips habitually not marking up their games will risk being marked for a loss. The Draw Committee needs everyone’s co-operation in keeping this draw board accurate and up to date in order to complete the next draw without error and on a timely basis.
4.3 Team members will not practice slide, or enter the Ice House area prior to the ice preparation being completed. Teams may not enter the ice arena until the bell has been rung.
4.4 All General Rules of Play as set forth by the Manitoba Curling Association for “Unofficiated Play” will be adopted for all regular season, playoffs, club championship and consolation event games.
POINTS AND TIE BREAKS
5. Points will awarded for wins and losses as follows:
A GROUP Win = 10 Points Loss = 5 Points Default = 0 Points
B GROUP Win = 9 Points Loss = 4 Points Default = 0 Points
Accumulated point totals will be used at intervals throughout the season to determine group placement as well as at the end of the season for statistics and final placement.
5.1 If both teams involved in a regularly scheduled game are not able to attend, they may make up the game at a mutually agreed time before the end of that round provided that they have let the Draw Chairman know in advance of their intentions. If the game is not made up before the end of the round, both teams will have a Loss entered for that match.
5.2 Ties in each round will be decided as follows:
2 Teams – Winner of the game between the teams in that round
3 Teams – Best record in the games involving only those teams
4 Teams – Best record in the games involving only those teams
If a tie break cannot be determined with this criteria, the teams will shoot to the
button to decide the winner of the round.
5.3 Defaults will be defined as a team who does not show up for a scheduled curling game without notifying the opposition. If reasonable efforts are made to reschedule an unplayed game, and the offending team cannot reschedule, a loss will be awarded, not a default.
5.4 In regards to “crossover” games between teams from different groups. In the case where a B Group team defeats an A Group team the B Group team will be awarded the higher point value. i.e. A Group points for a win (10 points instead of 9).
PLAYOFFS AND TROPHIES
6. Trophies and/or prizes will be awarded to the CLUB CHAMPIONS. Those teams who do not meet the requirements for the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP will have the option of competing in the CONSOLATION EVENT. Club Championship and Consolation eligibility is detailed in section 7.
6.1 Trophies and/or prizes will be awarded each night for GRAND AGGREGATE, A GROUP WINNER, and B GROUP WINNER.
6.2 GRAND AGGREGATE is the team with the most wins during scheduled play for the entire year.
6.3 A GROUP and B GROUP winners are determined by a four team playoff following the regular season.
6.4 TEN TEAM LEAGUE The top two teams from the full round robin will receive a spot in the A group 4 team playoff at the end the regular season. The sixth and seventh place teams will receive a spot in the B group 4 team playoff at the end the regular season. Winners of each successive round in A and B Group will get a spot in a 4 team playoff at the end the regular season to decide group winners for the year.
6.5 EIGHT TEAM LEAGUE The top team from the full round robin will receive a spot in the A group 4 team playoff at the end the regular season. The fifth place team will receive a spot in the B group 4 team playoff at the end the regular season. Winners of each successive round in A and B Group will get a spot in a 4 team playoff at the end the regular season to decide group winners for the year.
6.6 If a team qualifies for B Group and A Group that team must play in the A Group championship only. When a team moves up to compete in the A Group championship the B Group spot will be left vacant.
6.7 If a team wins 2 spots that team will get a bye into the final. If a team wins 3 spots the remaining team must win twice to win that group. If 4 teams qualify they will be seeded in the reverse order that they won their respective groups. The first seed will appear at the top of the draw. The second seed will appear at the bottom of the draw in the other half. The third and fourth seeds will be placed in opposite halves of the draw according to a coin flip.
6.8 Trophies will be awarded at the Annual Men’s Windup to the winners of each group and each designated night of curling.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYDOWN & CONSOLATION
- 7. The CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at the end of every year following the final round, and will involve an 8 team, modified double knockout playdown. Teams will qualify for the playdown as follows:
GRAND AGGREGATE OF EACH NIGHT = 3 TEAMS
A GROUP WINNER OF EACH NIGHT = 3 TEAMS
WILD CARDS ENTRIES FROM A PLAYOFF = 2 TEAMS
A single knockout wildcard playoff will be scheduled immediately following the final round to determine the final 2 (or 2 +1 in each case of no A Group Runner Up being declared on any of the 3 nights in question – see rule 7.1) to complete an 8 team Club Championship. Any team regardless of their record, who has not already qualified, may enter this playdown for the final wildcard spots into the Club Championship.
7.1 If the Grand Aggregate and A Group winner are the same team, the A Group runner-up will qualify. If there is no A Group runner-up an additional wild card will be added. If a qualifying team declines their spot into the Club Championship the next eligible wild card team shall be awarded that spot. (awarded based on the results of the aforementioned playoff)
7.2 Teams may only qualify once from each night of curling they are registered in. Any and all ties for any qualifying position will be subject to a one game playoff scheduled by the Draw Committee. Playoffs for any night can be scheduled on any day of the week in order to expedite the playoffs and begin the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP as soon as possible. (e.g. Monday teams may be involved in a playoff scheduled on a Thursday).
7.3 If a team registered on two different nights qualifies for the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP on both nights, then that team will be awarded two spots into the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP. (Seeding for the draw will not be altered in any way and when and if that team is scheduled to play against itself, accordingly that team will advance). As well, if any one player qualifies twice on two separate teams that person will be allowed to compete on both teams until eliminated. However, under no circumstances will the draw be altered, or games rescheduled, to accommodate this person if he is scheduled to curl at the same time on both teams.
7.4 Eligibility rules stated herein are subject to change each curling year depending on the numbers of teams on each night. The Draw Committee will endeavor to give sufficient notice prior to the final round of all rules and regulations, as well as eligibility requirements, pertaining to the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP.
7.5 In conjunction with and concurrent to the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP all teams not entered in the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP are eligible to enter teams in the CONSOLATION EVENT. Teams entered in the CONSOLATION EVENT may be made up with any regular or associate players not participating in the CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS. Teams do not necessarily have to be composed of the regular season team members, players are encouraged to put together new teams for the consolation if they so desire.
7.6 Any team may win a GRAND AGGREGATE, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, and be a GROUP WINNER for the year.
7.7 Where not specifically mentioned in these rules, the rules governing the MANITOBA CURLING ASSOCIATION and/or the CANADIAN CURLING ASSOCIATION will apply.
7.8 Where a dispute arises as to the interpretation of any rule contained herein the decision of the Draw Chairman in consultation with the Draw Committee and Club Executive shall be foremost and final.
GENERAL INFORMATION
8. Teams will accumulate points during the year according to the group that they are in during each round, and these points will determine team groupings for subsequent rounds. Draws for the next round will then be calculated, and skips informed by telephone of their next game. The final responsibility for securing this information and informing his team lies with the skip.
8.1 Draws will be printed and made available to all curlers at the beginning of the round. Important information about upcoming dates, deadlines, and various club functions will be listed on the bottom of all draws. Please keep informed about all Club News.
8.3 The Draw Committee will only re-arrange games for those teams involved in events affiliated with the MANITOBA CURLING ASSOCIATION. All scheduled games must be completed by the end of the round. Teams may attempt to reschedule games on their own provided they find their own ice time, it is conducive to both teams, is completed before the end of the round, and has been approved by the Draw Chairman. The team originally needing the game rescheduled will forfeit games not completed by the end of the round. All decisions made by the Draw Chairman shall be final.
8.4 The Victoria Curling Club reserves the right to cancel any games due to inclement weather, holidays, or ice plant malfunction. Every effort will be made to make up lost games where possible. As well there will be layoffs from time to time, as ice is required to accommodate dates for the MANITOBA CURLING ASSOCIATION.
FEE STRUCTURE, CLUB DUES & PRIVILEGES
9. One night a week Men’s curling at the Victoria Curling Club is $920.00 per team or $230.00 per individual Curlers can curl an additional night for an additional $140.00 for a total of $370.00 for two nights a week. Teams with four (4) fully paid members can add as many as 2 additional team members for no additional cost (Maximum 6 players per team). To be eligible for the “CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP” and “CONSOLATION EVENT”, all memberships must be purchased prior to the end of the first round of curling and all team rosters must be finalized and publicized on the main draw board. All memberships will expire with the Annual Meeting and Sign-up in September of each year.
ALL CLUB DUES LISTED ABOVE WILL INCLUDE THE 5% G.S.T.
9.1 Memberships SHOULD be fully paid by the commencement of the first game of the first round of curling. Any member with an outstanding balance due to the club past December 1st of any curling year, will no longer be considered a “member in GOOD STANDING”. They may therefore no longer be eligible for club privileges, and may not curl until said fees are paid in full unless arrangements with club management have been made. Club dues may be paid in installments when approved by club management.
9.2 Associate Members will pay $50 to curl on any night unlimited, and will be entitled to all club privileges. Associates will pay this fee regardless of when during the year he signs up, and will not be entitled to prizes during the year, club championship round, or consolation event.
9.3 Members who wish to only affiliate with the Victoria Curling Club for practice and competition purposes and not curl regularly on any night will pay $400.00 per 4 member team or $100.00 per individual. This will entitle curler to all club privileges and use of ice for practice based on availability.
JUNIOR AGE CURLERS
10. Any curler joining the Victoria Curling Club Men’s League that is of junior age as of July 1st of that curling year, and a fully paid, registered member of the Victoria Junior Program, will pay only $100.00 to curl on any night. Junior Age curlers however DO NOT qualify for any competition leading up to a Provincial Championship in accordance with rules set forward by the Manitoba Curling Association. The exact age of a Junior curler will be defined by the MCA.
MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING RULES OF CONDUCT
11.1 Members who conduct themselves in any manner deemed unacceptable to the Curling Club’s Executive Committee will lose all club privileges for a specified period of time, or have their membership canceled if said behavior becomes excessive and/or continuous.
11.2 In accordance with City of Winnipeg Smoking By-Law No. 88/2003 the entire facility defined as the Victoria Curling Club, 948 William Avenue, is a NON-SMOKING building.
11.3 Intoxication, unruly behavior, or foul language will not be tolerated in our facilities and staff have been instructed to discontinue service at their discretion. This rule also applies to the children of members who may or may not be properly supervised while you are curling. We respectively request that all children be instructed that this is not a playground and to act accordingly. WE WISH FOR ALL CURLERS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE TO ENJOY “YOUR” FACILITY IN A RELAXED FAMILY ENVIRONMENT.
Amended April 19th, 2009, Sections 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 7, 7.1 as approved rule changes Saturday March 21st, 2009