Overview
The U18 Bantam program is open to all curlers from ages 13 to 17 years as of June 30.
The program consists of structured curling practices that teach the games and the rules associated with it. The focus is on developing skills in a fun and friendly environment. The youth program also helps to develop self-esteem, friendship, and team spirit.
Times
Sessions are Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Convenors
Ronna Sheldrick & Erin Carter
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Details
There is one coach per 8 member group.
This league encourages parent participation both on and off the ice.
There is an option to register in the Ottawa Youth Curling League (OYCL registration fee is extra) which offers mixed recreational leagues which play on Saturdays and Sundays.
All coaches and volunteers are required to get an annual Vulnerable Sector Check. If you want to get involved by becoming a coach or a volunteer for the Youth program, please contact the Youth Program Convenor.
New Policy – Concussion prevention and awareness
The RCC has decided to adopt the concussion prevention and awareness guidelines for youth curling posted by Curling Canada. Curling Canada has posted the following guidelines for youth curling at Curling Canada Events:
To reduce harm to youth curlers, the following guidelines will apply to: all youth/general curling events operated directly by the Russell Curling Club; to all youth curling events outside of the Russell Curling Club in which youth RCC members participate, and to all youth curling in the RCC leagues:
- Participants aged 11 and under (on the date of registration) MUST wear approved Head Protection.
- Participants aged 12 and over (on the date of registration) are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to wear approved Head Protection, especially if the curler is new to the sport and/or does not yet demonstrate skill proficiency on ice.
APPROVED HEAD PROTECTION INCLUDES:
Highly recommended *:
- CSA approved helmets for use on ice and/or snow (ex. hockey helmets, snowboarding helmets, full curling helmets)
- CSA approved helmets for skateboarding and/or equestrian activities.
Acceptable (but not preferred) *:
- Curling headgear (toques or ballcaps) with built in impact plate (tested to CSA standards) with chinstrap
- Bicycle helmets
*With all headgear – chinstraps must be fastened properly when on ice
Not Acceptable:
- Halos/Headbands
Curlers will not be permitted on the ice if they are not wearing at minimum “acceptable” headgear.
All participants (and/their guardians) will:
- sign an Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk;
- acknowledge that they have reviewed Concussion Awareness education materials within the last 12 months;
- adhere to the organization’s Concussion Code of Conduct, including Removal from Play and Return to Play Protocols.
The Russell Curling Club will continually evaluate these guidelines through Curling Canada based on product availability, reported injuries and industry recommendations. These guidelines are subject to change.
Source: Curling Canada | Concussion Prevention and Awareness
Please note that, we understand that helmets have not been shown to prevent concussions in any sport (even if the helmet costs thousands of dollars and fits perfectly). However, as helmets can reduce the risk of skull fractures and scalp lacerations, the RCC has chosen to follow these guidelines to safeguard our youth members against those types of injuries, even if we recognize that helmet can’t eliminate the risk of concussions entirely.
