Purpose
...to encourage young people to participate in the sport of curling and to provide an opportunity to attain proficiency in the skills of curling on an individual basis.
The program is a five (5) level series of tests, referred to as Novice, Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Advanced. Crests are awarded for successful completion of each level. A wallet-sized card is issued after completion of Novice and provides a record of future levels attained.
All skills in this program should be executed using the instructional methods of delivery and sweeping techniques designed by Curl Canada. Stress will be placed on a balanced flat foot slide delivery, as well as position of body, and broom or brush while sweeping.
Intended Users
This program is open to all junior aged curlers, under 19 years of age as of December 31st of the year prior to the curling season. Organizers of curling at clubs and schools may utilize the program as part of their junior development programs.
As a goal of the Shamrock Curling Club Skills Awards Program, the objective is to encourage participation in curling. The program also wants to be challenging to junior curlers. We should be positive when handling young curlers, but also be fair in evaluating skills.
Practice
Before skills are evaluated in a test situation, the examiner will allow practice of the skills being tested. All practice awarded will be fair and the same length of time for all curlers being tested. It is advised that practice time be allowed on the same sheet of ice as the actual testing will take place.
Fee Structure
For the first three levels, there is a $2.00 cost to the junior curler, to be incurred only once per level, regardless of passing or failing marks. Levels four and five fees are discussed in Grading System, below.
Grading System
Important Note: Before curlers progress to any level, it is a program prerequisite that they provide proof to the examiner of successful completion of the previous level. Novice Level is the only level where a prerequisite is not required (it is the program's entry level).
Novice & Junior Levels
There are two portions to these tests; an on-ice practical test and a written quiz. If a portion of the test is done inadequately, the portion will be marked as incomplete. The curler may try the incomplete portion at a later time, but does not have to take the portions of the test which have already been passed. No further fee is charged.
A pass mark is rewarded with the appropriate crest. At completion of the Novice Level, the crest will be accompanied by a wallet-sized card to provide a record of future levels attained.
Intermediate Level
There are two portions to this test; an on-ice practical test and a written quiz on the rules of curling. If either the practical or written quiz are failures, then the curler will be marked incomplete, allowing him or her to complete the failed portion at a later time with no further charge. A pass mark will be rewarded with the Intermediate Crest.
Senior & Advanced Levels
An actual percentage will be awarded to each candidate. If a failure is received the test fee will again be charged if the test is retaken at a later time. A pass mark will be rewarded with the appropriate crest.