CurlSask releases return-to-play plan

CurlSask is hoping to draw to the button when it comes to its return-to-play plan.

The organization released its plan on Thursday, pointing out if there’s a discrepancy with the plan and provincial legislation, the legislation and health orders will overrule the plan.

Curling is going to look different in Saskatchewan, with only one sweeper per team now with the other standing off the sheet behind the thrower. Teams will walk on only one side of the sheet and all 16 rocks will be placed on the same side.

CurlSask said the Saskatchewan Health Authority views each sheet of ice as its own surface. CurlSask said there will be a 10-person limit to each sheet of ice. Each sheet will also alternate starting ends, with odd-numbered sheets starting at the home end and even-numbered sheets at the away end.

Curling clubs will need to ensure they can properly sanitize and disinfect areas like bathrooms, locker rooms, ice sheds and employee/volunteer work stations. Organizers must also keep records of attendance for a minimum of one month.

It is recommended that curling clubs stagger start times for games. That could mean that, instead of starting at 6 p.m., 50 per cent of games would start at 5:30 p.m. and the other 50 per cent would begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mask use should also be discussed by each club.

Tournaments and interprovincial competitions are not permitted at this time.

Lounges have to ensure patrons inside can socially distance and there is a maximum of six patrons per table.

You can find the complete return to play plan here.