Pre & Post Sochi Olympics 2014 Development Plans Introduction Curling is generally acknowledged to be one of the fastest growing international winter sports. The WCF currently has 50 Member Associations (MAs) and continues to see interest from countries looking to develop their own curling programs and join the WCF. We can attribute some of the recent growth to the increased exposure we have received from both traditional and social media to our national, international and Olympic events, and the corresponding interest from fans and prospective curlers looking for an opportunity to try curling. History has shown that since 1998, a number of our MAs have success stories based on the results of their Olympic Curling athletes and the programs instituted subsequent to those Olympic results. Some of those success stories following the Olympics include Denmark (Women s Silver Medal, 1998), Norway (Men s Gold Medal, 2002), USA (Men s Bronze Medal, 2006), Canada (Men s Gold and Women s Silver Medals, 2010) and Sweden (Women s Gold Medals 2002, 2006 and 2010). The many hours of television and Internet coverage during the build-up to the 2014 Winter Olympics will showcase our sport and provide heightened awareness from now, through the 2013-2014 curling season, and beyond. Objective and Goal The WCF would like to see that growth continue and is providing this document for the information and use of our MAs as they prepare their own programs. As you read through this document, you will find that some of the sections will pertain strictly to the MA. You will also find information that will be beneficial down to the rink, club or league level and we encourage sharing this information with all of your members. The Program Through past experiences, projects currently under development, and in our search throughout the curling world, we have identified a number of programs (Annexes A L) and included links with this information. This list is intended to help you get started with your planning. Our Business of Curling Operations Manual will include a chapter of Best Practises and more ideas and programs included in that chapter. 1
Equipment for Camps and Clinics The WCF has partnered with BalancePlus, Goldline and Performance Brushes. These three major curling equipment suppliers will provide a specific amount of curling equipment packages for clinics and camps that will take place now and through the 2013/14 curling season. An information guide and application form is attached at Annex A and is also available online on the WCF website. WCF Technical Instruction Program Our CDO team has initiated a review and new design for a WCF Instructional Program. This program contains two courses: An Introduction to Instruction, and Advanced Instruction with an Introduction to Coaching component. The Introduction to Instruction template was implemented during the 1 st Adult Curling Week in Bratislava, Slovakia in October 2012. The Advanced Instruction and Introduction to Coaching module will be presented for the first time during the 2013 Fuessen Summer Courses. WCF Business of Curling Manual Under Development The WCF Business of Curling Program will be unveiled following the Adult Curling Camp in Prague, CZE in May 2013. This program will feature two phases and a Curling Operations Manual designed to meet the needs of MAs who are looking for resource information along with best practices that will help in the operation and growth of existing clubs and associations. The Timeline Phase 1 Phase 2 As was mentioned during the presentations at the 1 st Annual Curling Congress in Turnberry, Scotland in October, clubs and Associations should now be developing plans, scheduling camps and clinics for Beginners, Advanced Curlers, and Instructors through the remainder of the 2012/13 season. You should also be looking at your ice schedules for this season, and the 2013/14 season. If you haven t already done so, you should plan and schedule in times for new curlers to come and try the sport. You should also be planning a marketing strategy to let the local community know about your Association and programs. Running concurrently could be a membership analysis, where clubs and MAs will review what has been working, what isn t working and what changes need to be implemented moving forward. 2
The 2013 2014 Season would see an implementation of the recommendations for change resulting from your membership analysis. It would also see a continuation of the planning and programs instituted the previous year. In addition, the WCF has re-instituted The Road to the Olympics Olympic Celebration Tours, where Olympians accompanied by a WCF Instructor(s) would travel to a MA and conduct a series of clinics over a weekend. Additional information regarding this program is attached as Annex C including the Application Form. Phase 3 The 2014-2015 Post Olympic season would see MAs and clubs evaluate the success of their programs to attract and retain new curlers with recommendations to be followed for the next quadrennial to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. The WCF Road to the Olympics Olympic Celebration Tour would continue and the WCF Curling Equipment Program would be re-evaluated. WCF organized Camps and Clinics, including the WCF Business of Curling Model, will be assessed and updated to ensure they will meet the needs of the membership over the next quadrennial. Post Sochi Even if your country did not receive a medal, or was not represented at the 2014 Olympics, you should expect to have people looking to your club or Association for an opportunity to try the sport. We encourage all Associations to look to the future and develop plans for national curling days. The WCF Competitions and Development staff will also be working on ideas and ways to help our MAs in this area, and will continue to provide you with information and updates as we get closer to the Winter Olympics. Programs & Projects Annex A - Curling Equipment Program and Guide. Annex B - Membership Analysis Questionnaire. Annex C - The Road to the Olympics Olympic Celebration Tour. Annex D - Give us a day and we ll give you a game for a lifetime! Annex E - Get Season Ready Your First Five Curling Lessons. 3
Annex F - Take a junior to the Rink How do I get my child involved in Curling? Annex G - Bring a Friend Curling. Annex H - Ladies Day A one-day clinic just for the ladies. Annex I - Learn to Curl - Instructional League -Young Adult League Rookies Rock. Annex J - Saturday Night Bring a date to the Club. Annex K - Websites and Social Media Annex L Corporate Challenges. Curling - WCF/CCA Mini CD - Under review for updating and re-introduction Links An introduction to Curling worldcurling.org/video-an-introduction-to-curling Programs and Services for Curling Clubs curling.ca Junior League in a Box - curlmanitoba.org/programs Curling s Cool Skill Awards Program Schools and University Curling royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org/development Capital One Rocks n Rings rocksandrings.com Street Curling streetcurling.com 4
2012-2013 2012-2013 Annex A CURLING EQUIPMENT PROGRAMME (CEP) APPLICATION FOR EQUIPMENT MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS MUST HAVE PRE-APPROVAL FROM THE WCF TO QUALIFY FOR THIS PROGRAMME. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITH ANY CAMP OR CLINIC AND EXPECT TO RECEIVE ANY EQUIPMENT IF ADVANCE APPROVAL HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED. Programme Details: The 2012-2013 CEP runs from 1 December 2012 until 30 April 2013. CEP Equipment packages are intended for distribution at MA supported camps and clinics. Applications will be accepted on a first come basis and all camps or clinics must be completed by 30 April 2013. Applicants, through their submission of this application, understand that they will not be charged for the cost of the curling equipment. Applicants also understand they will be required to pay for any shipping, VAT, Customs and other charges associated with the delivery of this equipment to their camp or clinic. The WCF reserves the right to limit the number of packages provided to each MA camp or clinic. Additional information regarding the Post Camp/Clinic reporting requirements is provided in the Application Guidelines. Association/Federation Applying: Individual making the Application: Position in Member Association: Contact Address: Contact Telephone: Contact E-mail: Date of Application: 5
Name(s) of Camp(s) or Clinic(s) Camp or Clinic Description (Novice, Advanced, Adult, Introduction to Instruction) Number of Participants expected for each camp or clinic Names of Instructors Approved by WCF Date Applications may be sent via Post, Fax or E-mail: Darrell Ell OR WCF Secretariat WCF Competitions and Development Officer 74 Tay Street 25 Simon Fraser Boulevard Perth, PH2 8NP, SCOTLAND Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K 4R1 Tel: +44 1738 451630 Mobile Tel: +1 403 380 8181 Skype: Darrelle55 Fax: +44 1738 451641 E-Mail: darrell.ell@worldcurling.org E-Mail: info@worldcurling.org 6
2012-2013 2012-2013 CURLING EQUIPMENT PROGRAMME (CEP) APPLICATION GUIDELINES The Curling Equipment Programme (CEP) was designed to assist Member Associations by providing them with a specified amount of curling equipment for distribution at one of their organized camps or clinics. We believe that supplying quality equipment for the new curler and providing Intermediate and Advanced equipment for those respective skill levels will help these curlers improve their game. Applications may be submitted by post, but the preferred method is via e-mail. Along with the application, any additional information supporting the request will help the WCF Staff during the approval process. Allow at least 2 weeks for approval of your application, and please do not proceed with any camp or clinic and expect to receive any equipment if advance approval has not been provided. Timeframe: The 2012 2013 CEP runs from 1December 2012 until 30 April 2013 CEP Applications will be accepted on a first come basis and all camps or clinics must be completed by 30 April 2013. Equipment Packages: Equipment is shipped from Canada and manufacturers need as much lead-time as possible to ship the items via the most economical means. Applicants through their submission of this application understand that they will not be charged for the cost of the curling equipment. Applicants also understand they will be required to pay for any shipping, VAT, Customs and other charges associated with the delivery of this equipment to their camp or clinic. The WCF reserves the right to limit the number of packages provided to each MA camp or clinic. Each of the curling Equipment suppliers, BalancePlus, Goldline and Performance Brush are providing us with a number of the following packages: Beginners Package Advanced Package Instructors Package Fibreglas Brush Slip-on Slider Gripper Lite weight Brush Gripper Ultra-lite Brush Gripper 7
Camp or Clinic Requirements: Once your application has been approved, all future correspondence related to the camp or clinic, including marketing, posters and web listings must display the WCF, BalancePlus, Goldline and Performance Brush logos. Organizers are expected to use Social Media, Facebook, Twitter, and their Websites to provide updates on registration as well as the daily updates once the event starts. Follow Up Reporting: A copy of the Programme or Agenda for the camp or clinic is to be provided to CDO Darrell Ell along with a list of the participants no later than 30 days after completion of the camp or clinic. If there are no objections, the equipment suppliers have asked that a list of the participants along with their e-mail addresses and the brand of equipment they were supplied be provided for their follow-up purposes. This information should also be submitted to CDO Darrell Ell within the same timeframe. Your report should also include any comments regarding the success of the event, recommendations for improvements, and any other comments that may benefit other MA s as they look to host future events. If you have any questions on this programme please contact either the WCF Office (info@worldcurling.org) or WCF Competitions and Development Officer Darrell Ell (darrell.ell@worldcurling.org). 8
Annex B MEMBERSHIP ANALYSIS The following list of questions is provided to assist you in determining the current state of your rink, club or league. As each MA gets into their self-analysis they will likely have many more questions to ask. Our intent was to help you get started in the process. Each Member Association has different meanings for curling operations and in order to make it easier for all to follow and for the purposes of this analysis, the following definitions apply: Curling Rink a dedicated curling facility. Curling Club a group of teams that play together on a regular basis during the curling season. This group is organized within their membership and may play in either a curling rink or a hockey arena. Curling League a group of teams that play together on a regular basis during the curling season. This group is a curling rink organized group. Arena Curling a hockey arena where a curling club and/or a curling league play their games. Open House - a day, afternoon or evening set aside in your curling rink or arena where the public are invited (at no cost) to come and try curling. Usually organized with instructors, Board or club representatives and with an opportunity to record names of those who attended for future contact. Part 1 - For Member Associations. Membership What is your total membership? How do you attract new members? What do you do to retain your members? Are the following types of curling available within your MA? Seniors? Juniors? School? University? Men (only)? Women (only)? Mixed (two and two alternating)? Mixed Doubles? Open (any four players)? Competitive? 9
Other (Groups, Clubs, Organizations)? Wheelchair? Other curling for persons with disabilities? Is your membership growing or declining? How do you keep track of your membership? How do your recruit your Board Members? How do your recruit volunteers? Marketing and Social Media Do you continue to send newsletters or other information to members who are no longer active? When do you start your marketing or advertising for the upcoming season? What off-season activities does your rink, club, board do in order to keep curling at top of mind awareness? Who or what other activity is your competition? What is the best recruiting strategy you use in order to attract new members? Does your club have a website? How current is your website? When was the last time you reviewed and updated your membership information? Who is the first point of contact for someone looking for membership information? When was the last entry on your curling blog? When was the last tweet from your curling account? Do you have a sponsorship program? Is it successful? How are you doing? Does your board / management / leadership conduct an end of the year evaluation of their performance? How do you rate your success? 10
Part 11 - For Curling Rinks, Clubs, Leagues. Membership What is the total membership of your curling rink, club or league? How do you attract new members? What do you do to retain your members? Who are your members? Age? Gender? Persons with disabilities? What is the average age of your membership? How many clubs or leagues play out of your rink or arena? Are there other curling rinks, clubs or leagues within your community? Are the following types of curling available in your rink, club or league? Seniors? Juniors? School? University? Men (only)? Women (only)? Mixed (two and two alternating)? Mixed Doubles? Open (any four players)? Competitive? Other (Groups, Clubs, Organizations)? Wheelchair? Other curling for persons with disabilities? Do you offer curling every day (daytime curling)? Do you offer curling every evening (evening curling)? How do curlers join your club as individuals or teams? Is your membership growing or declining? Do you conduct exit interviews for non-returning members? How do you keep track of your membership? How do your recruit your Board Members? How do your recruit volunteers? 11
What was your most successful membership-recruiting tool? What was your least successful membership-recruiting tool? Clinics, Instruction & Open Houses Do you host Open Houses? Do you host Learn to Curl Clinics? Do you obtain contact information from the clinic participants and include them in any e-mail or newsletter mail outs? What other type of Curling Clinics do you host? Do you have a list of Curling Instructors who are members or curl in your rink? Bonspiels and Corporate Bookings Does your club host bonspiels? Do you offer opportunities for corporate bookings or ice rentals for individuals or groups? How do you advertise these corporate or rental opportunities? If you accept corporate bookings, how successful is this program? Arena, Ice & Stones How old are the curling stones in your club? When was the last time your curling stones were reconditioned? Does your club have any sets of Junior Stones or lite rocks? If you curl in an arena are you satisfied with the ice conditions provided (i.e. does the Zamboni driver try to provide a smooth surface)? Have you ever had any discussions with the arena staff regarding your ice requirements? Do you have any options regarding ice time or do you only have access to what is not already rented? Have you considered booking your curling during a non-traditional curling season, i.e. spring/summer, or summer/fall? (You may have access to better ice times and ice rental rates may be less expensive). Could you obtain a better starting time if you were to pay a higher rental rate? Does your arena allow you to advertise your curling league on their notice boards? 12
Marketing and Social Media Do you continue to send newsletters or other information to members who are no longer active? When do you start your marketing or advertising for the upcoming season? What off-season activities does your rink, club, board do in order to keep curling at top of mind awareness? Who or what other activity is your competition? What is the best recruiting strategy you use in order to attract new members? What was your worst marketing strategy? Does your club have a website? How current is your website? How and where does someone find info about joining your club? When was the last time you reviewed and updated your membership information? Who is the first point of contact for someone looking for membership information? Is your first point of contact the most knowledgeable about your club and the membership options? When was the last entry on your curling blog? When was the last tweet from your curling account? Do you have a sponsorship program? Is it successful? How are you doing? Do you conduct how am I doing surveys amongst your membership? Does your board / management / leadership conduct an end of the year evaluation of their performance? How do you rate your success? Why is your club successful? Why is your club not successful? Do you provide membership incentives to encourage your members to bring in new members and guests? 13
Is your club considered private or public? Do you have initiation fees? If there was one idea that you have that you believe other rinks, clubs or leagues could benefit from, what would that be? What is public perception of your curling rink, club or league? THE BEST TIME TO START CURLING WAS YESTERDAY THE NEXT BEST TIME TO START CURLING IS TODAY! 14
Annex C THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS OLYMPIC CELEBRATION TOUR The Road to the Olympics for all curling athletes begins at their home club. The World Curling Federation, through their Competitions and Development staff, is pleased to announce a series of instructional tours with Curling Olympians intended to attract interest and promote curling within the Member Associations and at the home club of their future Olympians. These tours will be conducted throughout the next season (2013/14). Our Olympic athlete (ideally a medalist, depending on availability) and at least one qualified WCF Instructor (recommended by the WCF Development Staff) will visit the Member Association on a weekend to conduct a series of three introductory clinics. These introductory clinics, along with a meet and greet and closing funspiel, will allow new curlers the chance to meet our curling celebrities and be introduced to the game. These three clinics would be scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening would be set aside for a meet and greet with all of the weekend participants and the guest Olympian. Clinic participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the athlete off the ice. The program will continue on Sunday afternoon with a refresher course, a special hotshot competition and closing with a fun bonspiel. The World Curling Federation will be responsible for all the expenses of the Olympian and the WCF Instructor(s), and would provide a souvenir pin or crest to all clinic participants along with a special hotshot competition prize. The hosting nation will be responsible for the costs associated with the use of the curling facilities, the Saturday evening get-together, and any bonspiel prizes. Applicants may consider applying for DAP funding. They are also expected to arrange as much media coverage and advertising as possible, to help promote the sport within their nation. Due to the availability of the Olympians, there may be a limit to the number of these visits. Member Associations wishing to be involved with the Olympic Celebration Tour should apply through the WCF Secretariat no later than August 31, 2013 for the 2013-14 season. Member Association: Contact Person: Telephone / E-mail: Clinic Location: Preferred Dates: 1 ST Choice 2 ND Choice 15
Annex D GET CURLING READY GIVE US A DAY AND WE LL GIVE YOU GAME FOR A LIFETIME If you have ever thought about delivering a curling stone or taking a slide down the ice for the first time or returning after an absence, you can make curling your sport for a lifetime. The Get Curling Ready Program is designed to teach you in five short lessons everything you ll need to know to step onto the ice and go out and play with confidence. Lesson 1 Introduction - Equipment, Rules and Etiquette Lesson 2 The Delivery Lesson 3 Sweeping Lesson 4 Strategy Lesson 5 The Game - putting it all together. Trained Curling Instructors will make sure you have fun each and every slide along the way and will facilitate your Get Curling Ready program. 16
GET CURLING READY GIVE US A DAY AND WE LL GIVE YOU GAME FOR A LIFETIME The Get Curling Ready Program is designed to teach you in five short lessons everything you ll need to know to step onto the ice and go out and play with confidence. Lesson 1 Introduction - Equipment, Rules and Etiquette. An on-ice introduction to the playing area. Lesson 2 The Delivery. From stance to the slide and release of the stone. Lesson 3 Sweeping. Why, How and When. Lesson 4 Strategy. What it is and how to play it! Lesson 5 The Game - putting it all together. Play a two end game with your coach or instructor on the ice observing. 17
Annex E GET SEASON READY Your First Five Curling Lessons This program can be spread out over a series of weeknights, a weekend or a series of weekends and could be incorporated into an Instructional League. Lesson One Introduction to the Game Off Ice Lecture: What is curling? The Ice & Playing Area. Equipment. The Game. Delivery. On Ice: Orientation to Ice. Pebble. Stones. Scoring. Rink Lines. 18
GET SEASON READY Lesson Two Delivery A Hip Elevation and Slide (Without a Stone) Off Ice Lecture and Demonstration: Stance. Hip Elevation. Forward Slide. On Ice: Execution by athletes. Stance. Hip Elevation. Slide. KEY FACTOR: BALANCE 19
GET SEASON READY Lesson Three Delivery B Stance, Timing of Sliding Foot and Slide Off Ice Lecture and Demonstration: Stance. Timing of Sliding Foot. On Ice: Execution by athletes. Slide without stone. Slide with stone. KEY FACTOR: TIMING 20
GET SEASON READY Lesson Four Delivery C Grips, Turns, Release and Line of Delivery Off Ice Lecture and Demonstration: Grip. Clockwise Rotation. Counter Clockwise Rotation. Release. Line of Delivery. On Ice: Execution by athletes. Clockwise Rotation. Counter Clockwise Rotation. Line of Delivery. Release. KEY FACTOR: RELEASE 21
GET SEASON READY Lesson Five Sweeping Off Ice Lecture and Demonstration: Sweeping Theory. On Ice Demonstration and Executions: Grip. Sweeping motion. Footwork. Sweeping on the opposite side. 22
Annex F TAKE A JUNIOR TO THE RINK This program was developed to encourage families and juniors to take up the game of curling. It has been designed to show prospective adult and junior curlers how easy it is to join a club and program. The WCF will list on their website the dates and clubs that are participating in this program which will take place during the upcoming curling season. Ideally each member association would establish a national curling day/week, where all curling clubs in the country would open their doors to welcome new and prospective curlers. MA/Curling Club requirements: Welcome committee. Provide curling ice and stones for the participants. Provide knowledgeable instructors. Provide snacks and/or refreshments at the end of the day to help make the curling experience enjoyable and memorable. Provide knowledgeable club members who can visit with the participants at the end of the day to explain the benefits of joining the club and the process to join. If they do not register on that date ensure you have gathered their information for future membership registration. Provide a handout for those who attended to take home so that they may review and retain for future registration purposes and or pass along to a friend. How can I get my child involved in Curling? The best way to get your child started in curling is for them to join a local curling club that has a good coaching program. In addition to a good training and coaching program, there are a variety of ways to introduce your child to this great game called Curling : Accompany friends or relatives to a curling club. Attend local curling events, bonspiels, and tournaments. Watch curling on TV. Collect information from local curling clubs about their junior programs. Volunteer with your child to help out at the curling club during an event. Summer curling camps are becoming more popular as a summer vacation activity and you are encouraged to enrol your child in one of these camps. 23
How do I know which curling club to join? Or, What to look for in a curling club? The following are tips on questions to ask when you are considering enrolling your child in a curling program: Is the curling club affiliated with a National Curling Association, and do they have qualified coaches and instructors? Does the club provide recreational and competitive playing opportunities? Does the club have junior equipment available to use or purchase? What equipment must my child have or purchase to start the program? To continue in the program? Does the club offer a season long program? How many coaching and instruction programs are available weekly, monthly? Ask for information, referrals or testimonials from current and former users of the program. Visit the facility and speak with the management and coaching staff at the club. Are the fees affordable? Has their junior program been successful? Are there recognized or notable talented junior club members involved in the program? Does the child need to be accompanied by an adult, or does an adult need to be in attendance or on the premises while the child is attending the coaching and instructions sessions? Are there any clubhouse restrictions out of bounds areas for minors? Are there specific locker room areas and/or food and beverage areas? Watching my child s progress what to look for? As a parent or guardian, you should spend some time at the club during the coaching and instruction sessions. The most successful clubs are the clubs that have well-structured programs. While in attendance, keep an eye out for: Is this an organized, controlled and safe environment for young curlers? Are there several dedicated coaching and instruction stations? Observe the student to instructor ratio. Recommended: ages 4 to 7 1:4 (Coach: pupil), ages 8 & older 1:6 ratio. What facilities are available for the junior member? What are the work ethic, skill level and interest of junior curlers currently enrolled at the club? Which clubs have had the most success with their junior curler-programs? Check with your national association for the most successful clubs and for a list of clubs in your area. 24
Annex G BRING- A- FRIEND CURLING Introduction A good way to have more youth and adults explore the benefits of Curling is to host a Bring-a-Friend Event. A Bring-a-Friend Event is exactly what the name alludes to a special event in which Curling youth and/or adult members invite one or more friends. For Curling, it s an opportunity to show off how cool Curling can be. For your friends, it is an opportunity to try Curling. For the club, league or association, it provides an opportunity to increase the number of youth or adult members and also connect with the parents as potential members. Growth Participating in any sporting activity will make a difference in the lives of children and young adults. Curling is a sport that can be played by all ages and starting them today provides them with a Sport for a lifetime. Curling encourages healthy active living, physical activity and your choice of recreational or competitive environments. Through Bring-a-Friend Events, Curling Clubs and Associations will introduce more youth and adults to a healthier way of life, and provide them with opportunities for sport and recreation for the rest of their life. Organizing a Bring-a-Friend Event It s not difficult, but does require a plan. This guide will help clubs and associations to organize and conduct an effective Bring-a-Friend Event. Set a date. Recruit Instructors and Volunteers. Delegate tasks to each respective group. Provide support and guidance as they prepare for the big day. Prepare for Growth! A successful Bring-a-Friend Event will involve motivational elements or an incentive plan. Adding an incentive element provides immediate and formal recognition to your members for their part in helping to grow the sport and membership. Incentives may be tied to a group, i.e. one league or group bringing in the most friends, or an individual doing the same. 25
Planning a Bring-a-Friend Event The Countdown Four Meetings before the Event Committee members announce the Bring-a-Friend Event and ask club members to think about which friends they would like to invite. Management announces the incentive program. Club Members are to bring their list of invitees along with contact information, either mail, or e-mail addresses. Estimate the number of volunteers you will need to provide instruction and hosting of your guests. Three Meetings before the Event Have enough invitations ready for distribution based on addresses received. Confirm volunteer support. Two Meetings before the Event Ensure tasks are assigned and confirm who will do what. Create a list of supplies, snacks, refreshments etc. required. Double check you will have enough volunteers. One Week before the Event Encourage your membership to remind their friends about the upcoming event. Prepare take home packages. These packages would include membership information, season calendars, etc. Include a coupon for a return visit to the club, which will help to ensure continued interest in the sport. Ensure you have enough volunteers and instructors and all are tasked to help out. Assign volunteers to man an information table for any guests who are looking for additional information and also to collect and update contact information. Bring-a-Friend Event Have volunteers arrive early to set-up for the event. Prepare a display area with curling information, video games, videotaped curling games. Prepare refreshments / snacks. Set up Greeters at the door to welcome members and their guests. Have nametags available for everyone. Have a List of Attending Friends for recording contact information of those attending. Follow your Bring-a-Friend program agenda. 26
Follow-Up Following up with those who attended the event is a good way to show that your club or Association is interested in having your guests join the club. It is also an effective way to deal with any barriers or objections to joining. Follow-up should be done within three days of the event. If the leadership of the club and the members are all excited about the Bring-a-Friend Event it will spill over to the guests. 27
Annex H LADIES CURLING DAY Time Group 1 (New Curler < 2 Years) Group 2 (> 2 years < 5 years) Group 3 (>5 years) 9:30 Coffee & Registration Coffee & Registration Coffee & Registration 10:00 Welcome & Introductions Welcome & Introductions Welcome & Introductions 10:30 Warm-up - Delivery Warm-up - Delivery Warm-up - Delivery 11:00 COFFEE COFFEE Video Tape 11:15 Delivery - Video Tape Video Tape Sweeping 12:00 1:30 LUNCH Sweeping Sweeping LUNCH LUNCH 2:00 Strategy Strategy Strategy 2:30 The Great Shootout The Great Shootout The Great Shootout 3:00 Game Game Game 4:30 Wrap up Wrap up Wrap up Entry Fee: Includes: Program: $ & Euro per person. Coffee, Lunch, Classroom and on-ice instruction and 4 End curling game. Delivery, Sweeping and Strategy. 28
Annex I INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE - ROOKIES ROCK This is an introductory instructional program. It is ideal for people with little or no curling experience. Learn the basics in technique, rules, strategy and etiquette. Then try out your newly acquired skills in game situations. Week 1 - Subject Contents Remarks Welcome Welcome all curlers - explain about club - brooms & sliders Group Welcome Teams to Ice Opponents on respective sheets Instructors introduce themselves to students Students to explain their ability levels. On Ice orientation Slider familiarization Sweeping familiarization Explain - game - score - lines / circles - etiquette Up and down the sheet, broom on the center line If sliders too fast, add duct tape Up and down the sheet, sweeping on center line The ability of the curlers will determine the extent of the orientation The ability of the curlers will determine the extent of the orientation Explain reason for sweeping Delivery Lesson 1 Hack position, Hip elevation, Slide Key - Balance Short End Game Deliver from Hog Line to nearest House Simple Strategy Week 2 Review Delivery Lesson 1 Delivery Lesson 2 Delivery lesson 3 Hack Position, Hip Elevation, Slide Forward press - Slide with stone Grips and turns 29
Delivery Drills Delivering both turns, different weights, release point Teams play 4 End Game Week 3 Review Delivery Lessons 1, 2 and 3 Delivery fault correction Delivery Drills Sweeping Communication Delivering both turns, different weights, release point Concurrent with Delivery Drills Four End Game Week 4 Review Delivery Lessons Delivery Fault Analysis Review Sweeping 6 End game Learn to Curl Leagues are ideal for new curlers. It allows them to join as singles, couples, etc., gives them an opportunity to learn the game on the ice, gets them into game situations in a relaxed environment, has a lower commitment level, and is the perfect stepping stone to getting them into regular leagues. There are a number of options available and one successful example is a 10-Week program (one session before Christmas and one after), which offers 4 weeks of lessons and 6 weeks of games. The instructors stay on the ice to help out and fill in to make even teams if needed. Since the teams are made up at the start of every game it allows new curlers to miss a week without letting anyone down and increases the opportunities to meet new people. A Young Adult League entirely made up of curlers from ages 23 through to 30. Most of these teams would be beginners and having their own league allows them to compete against teams of an equal skill level while learning the game. The league is capable of creating a great camaraderie among the players as they are of similar age and are learning the sport together. 30
Annex J BRING A DATE CURLING When: What: Where: Cost: Post Game: Saturday Night Includes a short clinic, Mixed Doubles Orientation, Dinner followed by a short fun game Your Club $ & Euro Wine & Cheese, Social 31
Annex K WEBSITES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING It is very important that website information is current and updated frequently. If you only change the information on a website once or twice a year people only look at it once or twice a year. If you change it daily or once or twice a week people will make regular stops on your site. The more they check out your website the more likely they are to catch any new programs, events, or news you would like them to know. This also opens up website advertising opportunities. Does your club have a Facebook page? Use your club Facebook page to communicate with any members that may not check the website. You can create an event page every time something important is coming to the club and it is a good way to create FREE awareness to curlers and even non-curlers. Twitter and YouTube are two other great sources of free or inexpensive messaging that reaches a market that a traditional campaign may miss. New curlers often discover their clubs through a web search, so it is very important that your club s search profile is maximized to achieve the best results. Social Media Tips. Curling staff, (paid and volunteer) usually has very little free time, so keep that in mind when considering which of the social media networks to use. Pick one network, probably the one you are personally the most familiar with, and rock that one before expanding to other networks. It is much better to use one network well than to participate in four poorly. Marketing via Social Media Before starting to use these social web tools, outline who your target audience is, what type of content to post (and with what frequency), and what networks are best used to target them. Numbers and measurements go along with social media, and it is important you track and measure to determine the success of your marketing campaign. The number of fans, followers and hits are all measures of success, but they do not tell the full picture. How do you measure how good your content is? Take the number of people who have seen your content (hits) and put that number below the number of the user or viewer actions (retweets, shares, comments or likes). That will give you a basic measure of engagement, and the more engaging you are online, the more your following will grow. 32
Annex L CORPORATE CHALLENGE This is usually a volunteer-driven, Olympic-style event for members of a city s business community. During the early fall, employees, managers and volunteers from companies within the business district participate in a variety of fun-filled athletic and non-athletic events. This good-natured competition promotes the interaction of co-workers, builds morale, instils company pride, provides physical and mental conditioning for employees and enhances employer/employee relations. Depending on the number of activities and participants, the Corporate Challenge may run as long as a two-week period. While this type of Corporate Challenge may be more difficult to organize where curling is played in an arena, it has possibilities to integrate smaller groups or businesses into existing clubs or leagues. They could have a mini season and declare their own champion. One of the best ways to Corporate Curling going is to get your membership involved. Your members are a great resource to help you promote this activity. They can take this information back to their co-workers, employees or employers and encourage their involvement. 33