There is growing concern about whether the St. Stephen Curling Club can open this season because of the impacts of COVID-19.
Club members are holding a series of registration sessions this week to see if there is enough interest to make it financially viable.
“We need as much as a regular number back as we possibly can, so we’re hoping that we’ll get that many,” said Joanne Gorman, vice-president of the club.
“We don’t want to start up the club if we don’t have enough people to maintain through the year.”
Club officials say they will incur a financial loss if they remain closed, but they could lose even more if they open without member support.
Gorman said she has talked to several local curlers and there does seem to be interest among many of them.
“A lot of the input was yeah, they’ll definitely be back and they’ll follow the rules, but there are others that were, I would say more hardcore curlers, they’re not sure if they like the new rules or not so they’re thinking of taking the year off,” she said.
The problem, said Gorman, is that people who do not curl this year may not return in following years, leading to lower numbers in the future.
Several new rules have been put in place to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, such as limiting the number of players on the ice.
“We have determined that three on a team on the ice, that way they can maintain distance. One throwing, one sweeping and the skip,” said Gorman.
Gorman said they are also working to determine how people can safely socialize after a game seeing how curling is such a social sport.
“We’re trying to work out ways that we can make that happen upstairs with the bar and such,” she said.
The final registration session takes place at the St. Stephen Curling Club on George Street from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Those unable to attend can contact a board member for alternate registration options.
Registration fees will have to be paid upfront but Gorman said curlers will be reimbursed if they do decide to stay closed this season.
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