Defining Roles and Responsibilities within Canadian Curling
The goal of this document is to define the roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders in the curling ecosystem in Canada. This document outlines the specific duties and obligations of Curling Canada (the National Sport Organization or NSO), Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs or MAs), and Affiliated Facilities and Clubs (Local Sport Organizations, LSOs). The goal is to ensure a coordinated, effective, and transparent approach to the development and promotion of curling in Canada, while identifying the areas of independence and interdependencies of the system
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Role of NSO
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Curling Canada is a National Sport Organization (NSO) and the leading expert and growth engine for curling excellence in Canada. Curling Canada’s function is to develop and promote the sport of curling in Canada, using its resources in all areas from recreational through to competitive sport. Curling Canada collaborates and leads the development of these resources on a national level that support capacity building and a healthy sport system, while relying largely on Member Associations to deliver resources to affiliated clubs and curlers from coast to coast to coast.
Creating, modifying and helping deliver programs aimed to enhance club management and capacity building
Establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including PTSOs and other NSOs
Promoting the sport of curling across Canada through various media and communication channels
Building partnerships with corporate sponsors, media, and community organizations
- Building relationships with government and non-governmental partners
- Maintaining an effective relationship with World Curling
- Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for curling in Canada
- Develop a high-performing governance structure supported by skilled officers
- Developing curling professionals and organizational leaders
- Developing and implementing national policies and programs that support the growth and development of curling in Canada
- Creating and implementing national standards, programs and pathways aimed at coaches, officials and ice-technicians
- Responsible management and oversight of the association’s funds to ensure transparency, sustainability, and the effective use of resources.
- Gathering data, conducting research and curating information to support informed decision making at all levels
- Preserving, recognizing and celebrating the history of curling in Canada
- Ensuring adherence to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect across all programs
- Building policies and education to support Sport Integrity initiatives
Organizing and promoting national championships, competitions and events for various ages and stages
- Determining eligibility and qualification standards for all National competition
- Supporting World Curling sanctioned competitions held in Canada
Ensuring nationally sanctioned competitions meet minimum safety standards and guidelines
Managing the qualification, performance and coordination of high-performance national teams
- Including identified podium pathway teams and athletes
Develop and manage athletes, coaches, and officials to represent Canada at international competitions
- Including qualification methods and standards
Collaborating with PTSOs to implement age-appropriate and pathway-oriented programs for athletes in accordance with the long-term curler development model created by Curling Canada.
Role of PTSO
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Working in collaboration with of Curling Canada, PTSOs are responsible for thed evelopment, delivery and promotion of curling within their respective provinces or territories. PTSOs work closely with their members to ensure that program development addresses identified needs.
Transparent, accountable, and mission-driven leadership that aligns with the organization’s values, legal obligations, and strategic goals.
Clear roles and responsibilities across boards, staff, and volunteers, with proper separation of governance and operational duties where achievable.
Responsible management and oversight of the association’s funds to ensure transparency, sustainability, and the effective use of resources.
Inclusive, diverse, and equitable governance structures that engage stakeholders and reflect the sport community.
Strong policy framework and risk management practices to ensure integrity, safety, and long-term sustainability.
- Implementing NSO and PTSO created programs at the provincial or territorial level.
Providing coaching, officiating, ice technician and athlete development opportunities.
Supporting grassroots initiatives and creating local opportunities for player development.
Provide member curling clubs / facilities with resources to assist in growing the sport of curling in their respective communities.
Ensure members have access to appropriate development pathways, including both recreational and competitive play as well as adaptive programming.
- Coordinate provincial or territorial championships and sanctioned events.
Provide a calendar of provincial and territorial playdowns and competition guidelines related to each event.
- Provide access to resources to assist member clubs in achieving financial stability.
Facilitate opportunities for local engagement, including workshops, training sessions, and webinars on topics that support capacity building and creating an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Regularly communicate key initiatives, events, and information to their members.
- Communicate opportunities for grants, funding and infrastructure development.
- Sharing of best practices.
Collect member and participant data to best inform strategies to grow, retain, and develop participation across all areas of the game.
Role of Affiliated Member Club or Facility
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Local Sport Organizations (LSOs – including clubs, associations, and leagues) are the foundational units for player and coach development and community engagement.
Ensuring effective and efficient management of the curling club/association/league, including but not limited to diversity, equity and inclusion; financial administration; sport integrity compliance; volunteer coordination; and compliance with PTSO and NSO policies.
Offering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, ensuring that all activities meet expectations and minimum standards set out by their respective PTSO and NSO.
- Determine annual leagues, fees, bonspiels, rentals, etc.
- Ensure bylaws are current and reviewed in regular intervals.
- Maintain facility and equipment in good working order.
- Provide opportunities for new participants.
Communicate regularly with members regarding club operations, special events, etc.
Research grant opportunities for items such as capital improvements, accessibility, and program expansion/enhancement.
Deliver curling development opportunities that align with the development pathways established by respective PTSOs and NSO.
- Host bonspiels and other events that support the club and sport community.
Explore opportunities to host provincial/territorial and national championships, competitions and events if LSO meets hosting requirements established by PTSO and NSO.
- Host “Try Curling” events to expose newcomers to the sport.
Encouraging athlete participation in provincial/territorial and national competitions.
Promote a positive, welcoming club culture where all participants feel valued, respected, and protected.
- Work with community partners to provide opportunities for curling exposure.
Engage with local businesses regarding sponsorship and/or advertising opportunities.
- Partner with local businesses on fundraising events that benefit both organizations.
- Explore provision of non-curling activities to maximize utilization of facilities.
- Share best practices.
Implement harassment, abuse, and discrimination policies developed by the PTSO and/or NSO.
Provide access to training for coaches, volunteers, board members and athletes on safe sport practices and respectful conduct.
Roles in collaboration
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The collaboration between NSO, PTSOs, and LSOs is vital to the growth and success of curling in Canada. Every level of the sport system plays an integral part in building a safe, healthy, vibrant sport system.
NSO sets the framework through policy and program development while PTSOs adopt, adapt, and implement them to ensure they meet their unique needs.
PTSOs support Affiliated Facilities and Member Clubs by providing resources, training opportunities, and guidance to ensure that they can effectively deliver curling programming and contribute to the growth of curling in communities.
NSO supports LSOs through the provision of national programs, events and resources that ensure clubs remain connected to the broader curling ecosystem.
Each stakeholder in the curling ecosystem is accountable for fulfilling its roles and responsibilities.
Conclusion
This Roles and Responsibilities framework is a living document that is subject to periodic review and updates as the needs of curling in Canada evolve. The cooperation and alignment of NSO, PTSOs, and LSOs are essential to creating a cohesive and effective curling system across Canada.
If you would like an accessible version of these PDFs, please email accessibility@curling.ca.