Return to Curling Guidelines Scottish Curling guidance on the resumption of

curling activity after COVID-19 lockdown

Version 5 Published 21 August 2020

Next review point anticipated around Thursday 10 September

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Foreword

Scottish Curling fully supports the national effort to protect public health by controlling the spread

of COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of our members and the wider community is at the

forefront of our planning and decision making. This guidance has been developed in line with other

sports in Scotland and internationally, recognising that sport can play a role in the physical and

mental health of people of all ages and abilities.

Input to this document has been received from many of our stakeholders and we are grateful for

their support. Scottish Curling is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish

Government, sportscotland, Scottish Ice Rink Association (SIRA), Ice Rink Managers Association

(IRMA), all ice rink operators, other partners and our clubs and members.

Each ice rink is unique, with its own challenges to overcome to be ready for a safe and welcoming

reopening. The operators of each facility should conduct detailed operational plans including risk

assessments to determine the right time to reopen.

Each curler should refer to this document along with Scottish Government and local rink guidance

to inform their decision on when they feel it is appropriate to return to curling.

Information on the Scottish Government’s approach to managing COVID-19 is available here. Other

sources of relevant information are in the table below.

Title Published By Access

Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis

– Phase 3 Update Scottish Government Link

Latest coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from

NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government NHS Scotland Link

Coronavirus in Scotland Scottish Government Link

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and

resources

sportscotland Link

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Scottish Ice Rinks Association (SIRA)

Link

COVID-19 Information and Updates

Scottish Curling Link

Test and Protect Scottish Government Link

Phase 3: Return to Sport and Physical Activity sportscotland Link

Operational Guidance: Indoor Ice Rinks sportscotland Link COVID Officer sportscotland Link

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Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

1. Background ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Personal Responsibility of Curlers ................................................................................................................ 5

3. Ice Rink Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................... 6

4. COVID Officer................................................................................................................................................... 7

5. Return to Curling Phases................................................................................................................................. 8

5.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 0 – 3 – 23rd March – 30 August .................................. 8

5.3 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 3 – August 31 .................................................................. 9

5.4 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 4........................................................................................ 11

6. Summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

7. Version Control ............................................................................................................................................... 13

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Introduction

This document is intended to be clear, unambiguous and easy to follow guidance for Scottish Curling

members and stakeholders. The Scottish Government has adopted a phased approach to moving out

of lockdown and we will continue to adapt this document as the guidance evolves. This document

will be updated if and when new Scottish Government advice is issued, and the latest revision can be

found on our website here.

1. Background

Internationally, the response to COVID-19 varies depending on local factors. Even within Scotland

there is variation across the country, so there may not be a standard approach that applies to all

clubs and ice rinks and local restrictions may, at times, be applied. Scottish Curling has developed the

Return to Curling Guidelines to help ice rink operators, clubs and members in planning, but in the

event of inconsistencies between Scottish Government advice and this document, the Scottish

Government advice shall take priority. Current Scottish Government advice can be found here.

Most ice rinks would typically reopen for curling in September but those that offer other ice sports

often remain open over the summer. Based on their own facility, an ice rink may delay resuming

curling until after the reopening dates provided by the Scottish Government to ensure their facility is

best placed to have a successful reopening. There should be no curling until indoor sports in an ice

rink setting are deemed safe to resume by the Scottish Government. The information given on the

20 August 2020 First Minister’s briefing was that Ice Rinks will be allowed to open on the 31 August

2020. Ice rinks should be prepared to revert to previous restrictions if instructed by the Scottish

Government.

Physical distancing is still a key part of the Scottish Government’s route map. In a typical game of

curling with a maximum of eight participants per sheet, each curler has up to 27m2 of space.

However, this guidance considers that players are frequently active in close proximity to team

members, particularly during sweeping.

The overall priority must be to act responsibly, so we avoid spreading the virus.

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2. Personal Responsibility of Curlers

We urge our members to follow the most up to date advice provided by

the NHS and Scottish Government. The latest NHS Guidance can be found

here.

Scottish Government advice currently includes:

• regular hand washing

• appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette

• being acutely aware of the symptoms of the virus

• engaging with the Test and Protect system

• isolating if you (or someone you have been in contact

with) have the virus

We encourage curlers to walk, cycle, wheel or use private cars without car

sharing to get to the ice rink. Curlers should avoid using crowded public

transport where possible, particularly at peak times. As per the Scottish

Government’s Test and Protect system, curlers may be required to log

their contact details electronically with their club and/or the ice rink when

attending a session to facilitate the tracing of individuals who may have been

exposed to COVID-19. This information will be used for this purpose only.

If wearing gloves for warmth, these should only be worn for curling activity,

not used before the start of each session and should be disinfected/washed

after each session. Players should remove all personal equipment, including

brushes and delivery aids, from the building after each session and clean

with disinfectant.

All curlers should refer to guidance which is specific to their local rink as

this may vary due to individual facility provision and local authority

restrictions.

The Scottish Government is continuing to update their rules and guidance

on where it is necessary to wear a face covering. At present this includes all enclosed public spaces

such as shops and public transport and we anticipate that this will apply to ice rinks. We await

further instruction from the Scottish Government and sportscotland and will update our guidance

accordingly.

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3. Ice Rink Responsibilities

Facilities will adopt measures to assist in following the Return to Curling Guidelines. The list below

is not exhaustive but contains suggested measures that ice rinks may follow. Curlers should be

aware the below items may be implemented, but they should consult local ice rink advice for specific

details that apply to the ice rink they are attending.

• Carry out risk assessments for all areas of the facility and implement control measures as

required. The ice rink should share these with Club COVID Officers on request.

• Adopt measures that assist with following Scottish Government guidelines on physical

distancing which may include restricting the number of people able to access the facility,

floor markings and planning the flow of people entering and leaving the building

• Liaise with their local authority for any specific conditions that may apply, or for

advice/support they may offer

• Follow any procedures related to the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect approach

such as the recording of individual’s attendance . The latest guidance can be found here.

• Ensure policies, procedures and training material are updated for staff and volunteers,

including first aid provision

• Provide suitable equipment for their workforce (including appropriate personal protective

equipment (PPE) as necessary)

• Review and update operating procedures to allow touch-free access where possible and

ensure busy areas of the building are cleaned more regularly

• Operate an online payment system or use contactless where possible

• Provide hand sanitisers at key points and ensure hand-wash sinks have disposable hand

towels

• Disinfect any provided curling equipment, including brushes and stone handles, between each

session

• Publicly display a statement on cleaning and disinfecting procedures and remind customers of

their responsibilities

• Conduct formal training for all workforce members on new procedures and protocols

• Communicate with members regularly, with key updates such as reopening date (when

known) and new procedures that players/visitors may be required to follow on their return

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4. COVID Officer

In line with Scottish Governing Body (SGB) and sportscotland guidance, clubs are required to have a

named COVID Officer. The purpose of this role is to oversee public health and safety measures

across the club, ensuring that the club is operating in a safe manner and adheres to Scottish

Government and relevant SGB guidelines. This really important role could be a new volunteer role

or added to a current role within the club such as the club secretary.

Due to the nature of curling with many clubs curling out of one facility the Club COVID Officer

would liaise closely with the facility to ensure the club is aware of and satisf ied with risk assessments

and mitigations the facility has in place.

Purpose of the COVID officer role is -

• To be the main point of contact for your club on all things related to Coronavirus (COVID-

19)

• Oversee public health and safety measures across the club

• Ensure documented risk assessments and all appropriate mitigations are put in place before

any activity is undertaken.

• Ensure an accurate record of all attendees in line with Scottish Government Test & Protect

Full responsibilities and links to the online training for COVID Officers can be found here.

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5. Return to Curling Phases

5.1 Overview

Below is our Return to Curling Guidance.

Indoor sports facilities reopening is listed as part of Phase 3, however, the government has adopted

a staged approach to moving phase. Indoor sports cannot resume before 31 August.. Now this date

has been established, each ice rink will determine the date from which they will reopen, based on

their individual restrictions and business case.

Indications are that it is likely that physical distancing will be required in some way until there is a

cure or vaccine in adequate distribution.

5.2 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 0 – 3 – 23rd March – 30 August

As per the Scottish Government route map, indoor sport was not permitted in this period so ice

rinks remained closed.

Phase 0 – lockdown, follow the guidance to Stay at Home.

In Phase 1, there should be no curling. However, ice rinks may begin to put plans in place for the

resumption of play. The Scottish Government route map states ‘Workplaces resuming in later

phases can undertake preparatory work on physical distancing and hygiene measures’.

In Phase 2 there should be no curling. However, ice rink staff may be able to return to work as the

Scottish Government route map states: ‘Non-essential indoor non-office-based workplaces resume

once relevant guidance agreed’. This may allow staff to prepare the facility and put in place any

changes required for physical distancing and hygiene measures.

We are currently moving through the staged approach to Phase 3 of the Scottish

Government route map; please refer to the Scottish Government’s staged approach

document, which you can view via this link. The next review point is Thursday 10

September. .

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5.3 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 3 – August 31

The Scottish Government has approved indoor sport, ice rinks and other indoor

facilities reopening, with physical distancing and increased hygiene measures from 31

August. Each ice rink will be able to determine the date from which they will reopen.

From August 31, the following guidance should be applied. In the event of inconsistencies

between The Scottish Government advice on indoor sports and indoor spaces and the below

guidance, the Scottish Government advice shall take priority.

In the ice rink:

• All players, coaches, spectators and staff should follow the Scottish Government guidance on

the use of face coverings when in indoor sports facilities. Currently this advice states that

‘Sports facility operators should ensure participants and visitors wear face coverings, if

indoors, before and after activity or when in non-playing areas of the facility e.g. reception,

locker rooms and storage areas. This is a mandatory requirement’.

• The customer flow or journey should be managed by rinks from entry to exit to avoid pinch

points

• Each rink to consider introducing staggered start times if appropriate to assist with

customer flow

• Each ice rink will determine off-ice physical distancing and hygiene measures appropriate to

their facility

• Changing rooms and social areas may have altered usage – members are encouraged to

arrive changed and ready to curl, as much as possible. Rinks to provide clear guidance on

where curlers can change their footwear and leave any clothing

• Food and beverage may be offered based on Scottish Government guidance on bars, cafés

and restaurants

• No spectating should take place other than where a parent/guardian requires to supervise a

child or vulnerable adult. In all cases physical distancing should always be followed.

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On Ice:

• Government guidance indicates that face coverings may be removed while on the ice. However,

facilities may opt to adopt stricter guidance. Individuals are welcome to wear a face covering

while curling should they choose to do so.

• If curlers do not own their own brush, cue or delivery aid, one will need to be allocated to each

curler per session and sanitised between uses

• Physical distancing guidance from the Scottish Government must be followed at all times

• Ice rinks may opt to limit the number of players per sheet based on the facility, the ease of ice

access and the possibility of overcrowding

• Maximum one sweeper at a time. Of the two players who would usually sweep, one should

stand to the side of the sheet while the other sweeps from the hog line at the throwing end. All

other players should maintain a distance of 2 metres from the sweeper. There should be no

sweeping of an opposition stone behind the tee line and the opposition skip should be behind

the hack when their opponent’s stone is in motion

• No shaking of hands at beginning or end of games. Good sportsmanship should still be

acknowledged verbally

• Communication between players is important in our sport, hand signals should be the default

method, to reduce shouting where possible during games

• Local competitions can begin but organisers may require variations to the rules to ensure the

respect of physical distancing, e.g. reduced number of sweepers

• Curlers with a disability and disability clubs should consider the following additional points with

further guidance contained in the Scottish Disability Sport Guidance:

https://sportscotland.org.uk/media/5827/principles-for-participants-with-disabilities-returning-to-

physical-activity-and-sport-phase-2-and-beyond.pdf

o Household members or carers of wheelchair curlers can attend and provide buddying

where required. As per Scottish Government advice where a participant with a disability

requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this

can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by

a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should

consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment. For instance,

providing appropriate PPE, limiting the number of participants an individual provides

functional support to, limiting the duration spent in close proximity, or a combination of

actions.

o Consideration needs to be given for physical distancing on the ice with wheelchair

curlers potentially positioned along the side of the rink as it may not be possible to have

all players behind the house 2 metres apart. If this is not possible, or preferable, reducing

the numbers in each team is an alternative option.

o Additional sanitisation for stone handles if on-ice helpers are required to move stones.

o Vision Impaired curlers who require someone in front of them for guidance on direction

of stones will need to follow physical distancing measures unless they are a household

member or carer.

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o Further guidance to follow on the use of face coverings for curling with deaf or hard of

hearing players who rely on lip-reading and/or British Sign Language (BSL) e.g.

transparent masks are being developed

o Additional consideration required on the access and sanitising of disabled toilets as in

some circumstances curlers with a disability may need access more frequently

• Coaching and junior club sessions may commence with physical distancing measures in place

relevant for the age group and with a maximum of nine people per sheet including coaches (This

number may vary locally)

o Children aged 11 years and younger are not required to physically distance from each

other at any time, as set out in Scottish Government guidance.

o For those over 12 years of age taking part in indoor sporting or leisure activity normal

physical distancing rules should be followed.

• Umpires can perform their duties while being mindful of physical distancing, and with special

consideration given to:

o Cleaning measuring equipment before and after use

o LSD measures to be used by one umpire with the other recording results

o Teams to sign scoring sheets with their own pens

o Wearing of gloves to change scores

o Umpires to supervise while curlers tape their own brushes for championship play

o Alternative arrangements for change of line-up process to remove touch points e.g.

electronic or drop off point.

5.4 Scottish Government Route Map Phase 4

Fewer restrictions will be in place as we continue to follow Scottish Government advice

on physical distancing and increased hygiene. There is a further relaxation of

restrictions on live events in this phase.

In the event of inconsistencies between the Scottish Government advice on indoor sports and

indoor spaces and the below guidance, the Scottish Government advice shall take priority.

In the ice rink:

• As in Phase 3 with the small changes noted below:

o Follow latest Scottish Government guidance on the wearing of face coverings in indoor

sports facilities. In addition to Scottish Government guidance ice rinks may put in place

stricter measures.

o Changing rooms and social area restrictions may be reviewed.

o Viewing restrictions may be reviewed in line with available space

On ice:

• As in Phase 3 with the small changes noted below:

o Full utilisation of the rink in facilities not already operating at this capacity

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5.5. Resumption of Performance Sport

sportscotland have issued guidance to allow performance athletes to return to training prior to full

return to sport for members of the public. The sportscotland guidance states ‘Prior to resumption

of performance activity robust risk assessments and checks must be undertaken to ensure that all

procedures can be fully and effectively implemented.’ Scottish Curling in association with British

Curling will see the first group of athletes return to training at the National Curling Academy on 3

August with stringent safety measures, restricted numbers and additional medical checks in place.

The full sportscotland guidance on performance sport can be found here.

6. Summary

All players, coaches, parents/carers, volunteers, staff and other facility users are responsible for

following this guidance. By so doing we will collectively help to reduce the spread of the virus,

protect health workers and save lives.

The ice rink staff are responsible for the operations of their facilities and facility users must follow

the local instructions.

Guidance beyond Phase Four will follow, in tandem with Scottish Government advice as we look at

the journey of returning to normal play. Our priority at this time is a safe initial return to the ice.

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7. Version Control

Status Date Author Approved Action

Draft for stakeholder review

28/05/2020 Scottish Curling Development

& Comp Staff

CEO Draft Guidelines prepared with input from ice rinks and Scottish Curling staff. Circulated for feedback and comment from Scottish ice rinks, IRMA (UK).

Internal review

following rink feedback

2/06/2020 Scottish Curling

Development & Comp Staff

CEO Amends made and agreed following feedback from ice rinks.

Public

version 1

11/06/2020 SC Staff CEO Includes feedback from sportscotland

Public

Version 2

18/06/2020 SC Staff CEO Follows Scottish Government announcement on start of

Phase 2. No change to detail for curling.

Public version 3

14/07/2020 SC Staff HoD Changes to staggering of Phase 3, No date yet given for indoor sports facilities opening.

Public version 4

31/07/2020 SC Staff CEO Changes to wording of face covering advice. Additional information given regarding return to performance training. Changes in potential opening and other dates.

Public version 5

21/08/2020 SC Staff CEO Addition of COVID Officer and changes to face coverings and opening dates

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Ochil House, Springkerse Business Park

Stirling

FK7 7XE

TELEPHONE: 0131 333 3003

EMAIL: office@scottishcurling.org

WWW.SCOTTISHCURLING.ORG

@ScottishCurlingOfficial @scottishcurling @Scottish_curling