Ontario Winter Games Qualifier Mixed Doubles January 26 - 29, 2018

Competition Guidelines

�1

WELCOME:

Thank you for choosing to participate in the Ontario Curling Council’s Ontario Winter Games Mixed Doubles Provincial Qualifier.

The Ontario Curling Council (OCC) is the recognized Provincial Sport Organization for amateur curling by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Our members are Curl ON (Ontario Curling Association) and the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA). The OCC is responsible for delivery of all Province-wide programs and competitions when events do not lead to a Curling Canada National Championship with representation from both Curl ON and NOCA. The Ontario Curling Council is responsible for the Ontario Winter Games, ParaSport Winter Games and Canada Winter Games Events / Qualification Events.

One winner of from each of the six Provincial Qualifier locations will move on to compete in Ontario’s Premier Multi-Sport Games, the Ontario Winter Games, March 1-4, 2018 in Orillia.

�2

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

About the Ontario Winter Games: The Ontario Games Program started in 1970 in Etobicoke as a showcase for amateur sport. It has now become Ontario's largest multi-sport event, including both team and individual sports. Provincial level athletes from ages 12 to 20 qualify through a regional selection process conducted by the Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs). The Games take place every two years and are awarded through a bidding process. They are supported by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport in collaboration with host communities. For many young athletes, the Ontario Winter Games is the high point of their sporting career, while for others the Games are a stepping stone for the Canada Games, Pan Am Games or even the Olympics.

Games Ontario: The Orillia 2018 Ontario Winter Games is supported by the Ontario Government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers or supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, the Ontario ParaSport Games, the 2017 North American Indigenous Games and the 2017 Invictus Games. Supporting Ontario sporting events is part of Game ON - The Ontario Government's Sport Plan, which is encouraging as many people as possible to play organized sports, helping Ontario's high-performance athletes pursue excellence and promoting increased tourism and economic development.

Games at a Glance: • 3,200 participants • 25 sports • 20 facilities • 4 days • $6 million in estimated economic activity • 600+ volunteers needed

�3

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

Ontario Curling Council Contacts: Manager, Programs and Operations: Jennifer Ferris - jennifer@ontcurl.com 289-527-0352

Project Co-ordinator: Byron Scott - bscott@ontcurl.com 519-222-8747

Ontario Winter Games Mixed Doubles Qualifier Locations:

�4

# Location Date Address

1 North Grenville Curling Club Jan 26-28, 2018 200 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville ON K0G 1J0

2 Lindsay Curling Club Jan 26-28, 2018 18 Peel Street, Lindsay ON K9V 3L8

3 Port Elgin Curling Club Jan 26-28, 2018 818 Gustavus Street, Port Elgin ON N0H 2C3

4 St. Mary’s Curling Club Jan 26-28, 2018 425 Water Street, St. Mary’s ON N4X 1A6

5 Atikokan Curling Club Jan 25-28, 2018 100 Little Falls Road, Atikokan ON P0T 1C0

6 North Bay Granite Curling Club Jan 25-28, 2018 2624 Trout Lake Road, North Bay ON P1B 9N6

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

Spirit of Learning:

Mixed Doubles is the newest curling discipline to be added to the Ontario Winter Games and building awareness, participation and competition familiarity is paramount to its long term success. Keeping with the spirit of curling, the OCC has examined the complete rules package and chosen to relax the pace of play rules within reasonable limits to allow participants to fully explore and learn the discipline of Mixed Doubles.

General: 1. Age Eligibility

Athletes must be 20 or under as of June 30, 2017 (born on or after July 1, 1996).  

2. Qualification Process for Ontario Winter Games:

The OCC will host six OPEN qualifiers.  Teams may enter any ONE of the six qualifiers, entry fees payable to the OCC will apply.  One winning team from each of the six qualifiers will advance to the Ontario Winter Games.

Athletes may compete in only ONE discipline at the Ontario Winter Games. Therefore, Athletes who win the Men’s and Women’s single gender provincial qualifier events are INELIGIBLE to play in the Mixed Doubles event. We do not want athletes who have already qualified for the OWGs potentially eliminating another eligible athlete from the competition.

3. Composition of Teams:  Each athlete must be a member of an affiliated club and have paid dues to an OCC Member Association (Curl ON or NOCA).  Team members DO NOT have to be a member of the same club.   Teams will need to declare their two players going into the qualifiers and the same two players will advance to the OWGs should they be successful.  If a team is unable to field team, they will forfeit any games until the time which they can field a team. In the event of a catastrophic injury or extenuating circumstance where a player is unable to play in the Ontario Winter Games, the OCC may permit substitution. These circumstances will be managed on a case by case basis.

�5

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

4. Coaching Qualifications:

Ontario Winter Games Qualifiers:

• Coaches must have a Criminal Record Check on file with OCC/NOCA or Curl ON AND

• Coaches must be Certified Competition Coach; OR • Coaches may request a one-time, one OCC Event only exemption*

*Exemption requests must be filed before the registration closing date (January 15, 2018) by emailing Jennifer Ferris at jennifer@ontcurl.com.   Exemptions may only be used for qualifiers.  If a team being coached by an exempted coach qualifies for the Ontario Winter Games, the coach will need to pursue certification OR find a certified Competition Coach to accompany the team to the Ontario Winter Games.

Ontario Winter Games:

• Coaches must have a Criminal Record Check on file with OCC/NOCA or Curl ON AND

• Coaches must be Certified Competition Coach

5. The Competition shall be played under the Curling Canada Rules of Curling for Officiated Play and follow Curling Canada Rules for Mixed Doubles.

6. The Chief Umpire shall act as the Event Coordinator and representative of the Ontario Curling Council in each Qualifier Location. The Chief Umpire is responsible for rule enforcement and interpretation in all areas covered by the CC Rules of Curling for Officiated Play, Ontario Curling Council policy or precedent. His/Her decision will be final, except in matters involving disciplinary action, in which case the OCC’s Discipline Policy will be followed. In an emergency situation, the Chief Umpire may have to act immediately in areas outside of rules, policy or precedent. In these situations, the Chief Umpire is the final authority. In the event of a dispute regarding a decision made by the Chief Umpire, all disputes shall be

immediately addressed by contacting OCC Manager, Programs and Operations, Jennifer Ferris or OCC Project Coordinator, Byron Scott.

�6

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

7. Code of Conduct: a) The Team (athletes), Coaches and Parents are subject to the Ontario

Curling Council’s Code of Conduct Policies for Coaches, Athletes and Parents.

b) The Team Coach will be held directly responsible for the Off-Ice Conduct of His / Her team.

c) The consumption or use of alcoholic beverages, banned drugs and anabolic drugs by any player or coach at any time during the competition is strictly prohibited. All competitions are considered to have started twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the first level of play or the scheduled pre-event practice. The competition is considered completed, one (1) hour after the final game is complete. This rule shall be administered on a no tolerance basis. Penalty: In the event of a violation of this rule, the offender will be suspended immediately for the balance of the competition and, depending on the circumstances of the violation, may face further suspension or disciplinary action as the OCC’s Discipline Policy.

d) Curling is based on a code of ethics, good sportsmanship and personal integrity. Display of emotion, broom banging, etc., which results in damage to any area or part of the playing surface, players’ dressing rooms or any other area of the curling club or hotel will result in suspension for one game. Subsequent infractions will result in suspension for the remainder of the championship. You are expected to follow this tradition and the rules of the game throughout the competition.

�7

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

8. Team Meeting: At least one member of the team and coach shall attend the mandatory meeting with the Chief Umpire and 45 minutes before the first draw of the event. At this time any questions your team may have on the draw, officiating or rule interpretations will be discussed. Teams that have a first round bye must attend the team meeting 45 minutes before the start of their assigned game.

The penalty for missing the team meeting is forfeiture of last stone advantage for all games in the qualifying round of the competition.

9. Late Team Arrivals: All members of a team participating in the event shall arrive at the club at the time scheduled by the OCC. If a team does not arrive at the site in time to play its first game in any OCC competition, or any subsequent game(s), the team involved will forfeit the game(s) and be awarded a loss (L). Illness, accident or extenuating circumstance will not be considered unless a sufficient number of teams are involved, thus making it impossible for the competition to commence or continue (this decision will be made by the OCC Manager of Programs and Operations). If the team arrives too late to participate in the draw to the button they will deliver the first stone of the first end and will receive a distance of 186cm.

10. Dress Standards:

You are required to have matching on-ice apparel for the ONTARIO WINTER GAMES (Qualifiers Excluded) and it is to be worn when you are on the ice (this includes practices, games and all ceremonies). Your jacket may be removed after the pre-game ceremony and is to be placed neatly at the home end area.

Although you walk on carpeted areas, please ensure that your footwear is clean at all times.

A team competing in an OCC competition will be allowed to wear any number of sponsors’ crests with no restriction on size. Any cresting or logo

�8

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

which is deemed to be in bad taste or demeaning will, at the discretion of the Chief Umpire or Event Coordinator, be removed or censored.

Violation of any aspect of the dress code will result in the offending player being suspended until the violation has been corrected – Curling Canada Rules of Curling for Officiated Play (Miscellaneous Rules).

11. Competition Format: The Ontario Winter Games Provincial Qualifiers will be modified double knockout formats. The A and B events will qualify teams to a playoff. The Ontario Curling Council reserves the right to modify the draw format based on the number of teams registered per site.

The playoffs shall be single knockout.

A team that is losing may concede the game at any time.

a) Rock Colour Determination / Practice Order: Teams will conduct a coin toss 30 minutes before game time or earlier, to determine choice of colour or choice of practice. If a team is not present in time for the coin toss they will by default lose the coin toss and the non-offending team will have choice. If the non-offending team chooses rock colour they will practice first. The offending team will have the opportunity to throw their Last Stone Draw if they can do so prior to the scheduled draw period of one (1) minute after their six (6) minute pre-game practice.

b) Pre Game practice: Each team will be allowed a six (6) minute warm-up before each game on the same sheet of ice on which they are about to play and ONLY with the stones they will be using in the game. First practice is scheduled 20 minutes before game time, Second practice is scheduled 10 minutes before game time.

�9

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

c) Last Stone Draw: After each team’s practice is declared complete and the coach has left the ice surface, one player from each team shall deliver one (1) stone within the one (1) minute period to the home end with sweeping that will be measured and removed. The stone must be touching the rings to be measured. One (1) player from the opposing team has the right to observe the measurement. The team that has the least measurement from the centre pin will have decision on the placement of the positioned stones. In the event that the two (2) measurements are equal or both teams have a non-measure, a different player from both teams will repeat the draw to the button until a clear determination is made.

Any player may throw the LSD.

The team that has the first practice will deliver their Last Stone Draw by using a Clockwise Rotation.

The team that has the second practice will deliver their Last Stone Draw by using a Counter Clockwise Rotation.

�10

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

Please note that at the Ontario Winter Games time clocks for Wheelchair, Mixed Doubles and Single Gender curling disciplines will be in play. Thinking time for Mixed Doubles will be set at 24 minutes per team.

12. Competition General Outline:

a) Game length: Games will be 8 ends

b) Mid Game Break: 5 minute nutrition break after the 4th end, only prepared snacks in sealed containers are permitted

c) Timeouts: Coaches are entitled to two (2) - one minute time outs, the one minute starts from the moment the coach reaches the team behind the sheet

d) Extra Ends: Extra ends are to be played towards the glass. Teams receive one additional time out for the extra end. Teams are to complete fully the extra end.

e) Pace of Play: At the qualifier stage, the expectation is that an 8 end game can be completed in two hours or less. This will be a guideline for teams who qualify for the Ontario Winter Games, where thinking time of 24 minutes per team WILL BE ENFORCED. At the Provincial Qualifiers, officials will NOT enforce pace of play rules, but will monitor pace of play and encourage teams to be attentive to time in an effort to develop teams for the next competition level.

f) Placement of the“A” Stone: After the pre-game practice the official will be responsible for placement of the “A” Stone based on ice conditions. The official will place a marker (Pylon) on the side of the sheet at both ends of the sheet to act as a guide for teams when setting the “A” stone at the start of each end.

�11

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

Curling Canada Rules for Mixed Doubles

(1) A team is composed of two players, one male, and one female. Alternate players are not allowed. A team must forfeit any game(s) in which it fails to have both athletes playing for the entire game.

(2) The scoring shall be the same as in a regular game of curling. The “positioned” stones that are placed before the beginning of each end are eligible to be counted in the scoring.

(3) Each team shall deliver five (5) stones per end. The player delivering the team’s first stone of the end must also deliver the team’s last stone of that end. The other team member shall deliver the team’s second, third and fourth stones for that end. The player delivering the first stone can change from end to end.

(4) Modified Free Guard Zone: no stone in play, including the “positioned” stones and those in the house, can be moved to an out-of-play position prior to the delivery of the fourth stone of an end (the fourth delivered stone is the first stone that can remove any stone from play). If there is a violation and without exception, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stone(s) shall be replaced to their original position by the non-offending team.

(5) Before the start of every end, one team shall place their team’s “positioned” stone at the playing end of the sheet in one of two positions, designated A and B. The opponent’s “positioned” stone shall then be placed in whichever position (A or B) remains vacant. The location of these positions shall be as follows:

(a) Position A: Placement so that the stone is bisected by the centre line and is either immediately in front of or immediately behind one of three (3) points in the ice. Teams will mutually agree on the location. The points are placed on the centre line:

(i) At the mid-point between the hog line and the outermost edge of the top of the house 2.286 m. (7 feet 6 inches), or

(ii) 0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point (i) closer to the house, or �12

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

(iii) 0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point (i) closer to the hog line.

(b) Position B: The Position B stone is placed so that the stone is bisected by the centre line and is in the back of the 4-foot circle. The back edge of the stone is aligned with the back edge of the 4-foot circle.

(c) Figure No. 1: CENTRE GUARD

�13

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

(6) Power Play Option: Once per game, each team, when they have the decision on the placement of the “positioned” stones, can use the “Power Play” option to position the stones.

(a) The in-house stone, which belongs to the team with last stone in that end, is placed with the back edge of the stone abutting the front edge the tee line, with half the stone in the 8- foot and half in the 12-foot circle.

(b) The guard stone is positioned to the side of the sheet, so it would be bisected by a direct line between the middle of the in-house stone to the middle of the hack where the hack intersects with the centre line. The distance of this corner guard from the house will be the same distance that was determined for the centre guards and is either immediately in front of or immediately behind one of three (3) points in the ice. The team with the stone positioned in the house (stone B), shall position the guard (Stone A).

(i) At the mid-point between the hog line and the outermost edge of the top of the house 2.286 m. (7 feet 6 inches); then 1.07 m. (3 feet inches) to the left or right of the centre line and the same side as the in-house stone, or

(ii) 0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point (i) closer to the house; then 1.09 m. (3 feet 7 inches) to the left or right of the centre line and the same side as the in-house stone, or

(iii) 0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point (i) closer to the hog line; then 1.04 m. (3 feet 5 inches) to the left or right of the centre line and the same side as the in-house stone, or

(iv) The corner guard can be placed on either side of the ‘spot’ (closer to the house or closer to the hog line) determined prior to the game.

(c) The “Power Play” option cannot be used in extra ends.

�14

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

(d) Figure No. 2: POWER PLAY OPTION

(7) The team having the decision on the placement of the “positioned” stones shall be:

(a) Teams with the lowest LSD after pre-game practice.

�15

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

(b) Following the first end, the team that did not score shall have the decision on the placement.

(c) If neither team scores in an end, the team that delivered the first stone in that end shall have the decision on placement in the next end.

(d) The team whose “positioned” stone is placed in Position A in both Figure No. 1 & No. 2 shall deliver the first stone in that end.

(8) While the team is in the process of delivery, the non-delivering player must be positioned either inside the hog line, with at least one foot, and on the ice surface at the playing end of the sheet, or in a position to sweep at the delivery end of the team’s sheet.

(a) After delivery, either or both players may sweep their delivered stone and any stones set in motion that belong to their team anywhere in front of the tee line at the playing end.

(b) If a player delivers a stone out of proper rotation, the delivered stone is removed from play and any displaced stones are returned to their original positions by the non- offending team. Should the infraction not be discovered until after the delivery of a subsequent stone, play continues as if the infraction had not occurred.

�16

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

13. Sweeping / Brush Heads:

All brush heads must comply with the Curling Canada “Sweeping Moratorium on Brush Head Technology” effective September 12, 2016. In summary:

(1) Only World Curling Federation (WCF) approved brush heads will be allowed for use at Ontario Winter Games Championships.

(2) In all events, the obligation for compliance is on the individual players (and/or coach) to source a compliant brush head for play. Players and coaches will be responsible for ensuring any sweeping brush brought to the playing field is compliant with the moratorium.

(3) Hair brooms and corn brooms are banned for use as sweeping devices. During this moratorium, however they will be allowed to serve as sliding brooms.

(4) Any player using a sweeping device in competitions noted in (1) that is NOT APPROVED by the WCF will be suspended from the remainder of the competition and the game in question will be forfeited.

(5) Each player must declare his or her approved sweeping device at the start of the game. Only that player can use that device for sweeping during the game. Penalty: If a player sweeps with another person’s sweeping device, the stone shall be removed from play. (see Rules of Curling for Officiated Play – Rule 10 which states “stone is removed from play immediately and all other stones returned to original position prior to offence”) (6) A player may not change their brush head during a game, unless special permission is granted by the official in charge or Chief Umpire at formally officiated events. NOTE to OFFICIALS & UMPIRES – Special permission is to be granted only if the head in question is damaged beyond use by an action other than intentional destruction

�17

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter GamesCompetition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

by competitor/team, or the brush head is causing damage to the ice surface through no intentional action of the competitor/team.

(7) The target broom must be the declared sweeping brush of either player. Using a separate or different broom as the target broom is NOT allowed and is considered a breach of rule 5 with the same penalty.

(8) The moratorium covers any pre-competition practice, pre-game practice, and the draw for last stone advantage. PENALTY: If an unauthorized sweeping device is used, the offending team will relinquish last stone advantage in the next scheduled game.

(9) The sweeping techniques from Curling Canada’s General Play Rule 11 (8) (a), (b), (c) and Officiated Rule 12 (8)(a),(b),(c) will continue to be enforced.

(10) Random inspections of equipment by an umpire may be carried out during any event and/or during a game. Opposing players may request an inspection of a brush head prior to or during a game.

(11) Authority:

(a) The Chief Umpire is authorized to administer the Moratorium and may assign other umpires to perform various duties, as required. (b) The Official in Charge is authorized to administer the Moratorium.

(c) The Chief Umpire is authorized to make decisions regarding this Moratorium not specifically covered in this rule protocol. The Official in Charge is asked to contact the Official on call for clarification and guidance regarding any rulings.

(d) All decisions of the Chief Umpire or Official in Charge and Official on Call are final.

�18

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games

14. Playoffs:

The OWG qualifier playoffs are a single knockout format with the final winner advancing to the Ontario Winter Games in Orillia.

Immediately after the playoff teams are determined, a coin flip to determine choice of colour or second practice is conducted.

A full six (6) minute practice for both teams will commence 20 minutes before the playoff game with each team throwing a last shot draw to determine hammer.

Once the Winner of the playoffs is determined a team photo will be taken for social media and promotion of the event. Teams must align themselves in the photo from left to right (female, male, coach)..

�19

Competition Guidelines - Ontario Winter Games