The Club Championship is divided into three divisions: A, B and C. Teams in Divisions A and B play on Tuesday nights (also known as the Doug Brown League), while teams in Division C play on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. It is not possible to register directly for Tuesday nights: teams must have qualified during the previous season and meet certain criteria (at least three returning players, or the same skip with one returning player). New teams, as well as those relegated, must (re)start in Division C. Registration for Division C of the Club Championship is available on Curling IO.
First part of the season: 10 weeks – 2 rounds From October 14 to December 16 (10 games)
Second part of the season: 13 weeks – 2 rounds and playoffs From January 13 to April 21, except January 27
RULES
1. Spares
1.1 Official Spare List: All spares must be registered in Curling IO. Teams must consult this list to choose a spare. Players not appearing on this list (for example, other league or club members) should only be used as an exception if no spare is available.
1.2 Spare Position: Spares listed on the official list may play any position. However, if the spare comes from a higher division (e.g., a player from A replacing in B or C), they must play front end. In addition, players who are not on the list (for example, league players or other club members exceptionally allowed to play) must play front end (lead or second).
1.3 Approval and Responsibilities: If the spare is not on the list, the choice of substitute must be approved by the Championship Organizer before the start of the game.
2. Tournament Format
2.1 Division Groups and Game Nights: Teams are divided into three groups: A, B and C. Groups A and B play on Tuesday nights, and Group C plays on Wednesday nights.
2.2 Round Robin and Standings: Each group plays an intra-group Round Robin to determine standings at the end of each round. Wins and losses determine the rankings.
2.3 Promotion and Invitation from Group C: After Christmas, the first-place team from Group C will be invited to join Group B. If the team declines, the league continues without change. At the end of the last round, before the start of the playoffs, the first-place team from Group C will again be invited to join Group B for the playoffs.
2.4 Promotion and Relegation A-B: At the end of each round, the bottom two teams from Group A move down to Group B, and the top two teams from Group B move up to Group A.
2.5 Relegation B-C after Playoffs: At the end of the playoffs, the bottom two teams from Group B will be relegated to Group C for the next season.
3. Length of Games
3.1 Duration and Number of Ends: All games are played over eight (8) ends, unless the time limit is reached. Each scheduled game must be played in full, unless a team concedes after the 4th end.
3.2 Game Timer: The timer must be set for 1 hour and 50 minutes at the start of each game. To play the 8th end, the last stone of the 7th end must be released before the end of the timer. In the case of a slow game, the last stone of the 6th end must be released before the timer expires to allow the 7th end to be played.
3.3 Time Management and Responsibilities: Teams are responsible for keeping track of time and ensuring ends begin on schedule. Please maintain a good pace to allow complete games without being cut short by the clock.
3.4 Ties: No game can end in a tie. If the score is tied after the final end (7th or 8th, depending on the timer), a draw to the button will determine the winner. Sweepers are allowed. The draw must be made toward the glass. The team that scored in the last end throws first. Any player on the team may throw the draw. Sweeping the opponent’s stone after it crosses the T-line is not permitted.
3.5 Concession and Early Finish: A team may concede at any time after the completion of the 4th end. The score at the time of concession will be considered final.
4. Last Rock Advantage
4.1 Determination during Round Robin: During the Round Robin, the hammer (last rock advantage) in the first end will be decided by a coin toss between team skips.
4.2 Determination during Playoffs: For playoff games (semi-finals and finals), the last rock advantage will be awarded to the team with the best ranking from the preliminary round (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4).
5. Team Ranking
5.1 Ranking Method: At the end of each round, teams are ranked according to the following criteria, in order: 1) Overall record – wins and losses. 2) Head-to-head results. 3) Point differential (points scored minus points conceded).
5.2 Ranking between Divisions A and B: At the end of each round, the top two teams from Group B move up to Group A, while the bottom two teams from Group A move down to Group B.
5.3 Ranking between Divisions B and C: At the end of the playoffs, the bottom two teams from Group B will be relegated to Group C for the next season. After Christmas and before the playoffs, the first-place team from Group C will be invited to join Group B according to the rules described in section 2.
6. Pre-Game Learning
6.1 Mandatory Presence Before the Game: Each week, all teams must arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the game to participate in the pre-game learning activity. Participation is mandatory, as it allows the league to benefit from a tax exemption. It is essential that all players are present to sign the attendance sheet before the start of the games.
6.2 Content and Session: Each week, a new curling-related topic will be covered (strategy, rules, sportsmanship, techniques, etc.). A discussion guide will be provided to direct the session and facilitate participation by all.
6.3 Presentation Responsibilities: The team listed first on sheet A is responsible for leading the lesson of the week. This team must present the topic briefly, encourage discussion, facilitate exchanges among the teams, and ensure the attendance sheet is signed.