ROCKING THE HOUSE, June 4th

ROCKING THE HOUSE – Club Development News & Community Initiatives

Hello Club Managers & Board Members,

This week, we’re focusing on learning opportunities that can make a real impact at your club—especially around managing rising utility costs, streamlining operations with Curling IO and non-profit pricing for Microsoft Tools.

We’re also marking an important milestone as our new Safe Sport changes are now officially in effect, strengthening a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in curling across Alberta.

???? FEATURED: REGISTER NOW – CLUB DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES

???? Utility Cost Savings for Curling Clubs

In response to ongoing challenges with rising utility costs, we’ve partnered with the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) to deliver a 4-part Lunch & Learn series (12:00–1:00 PM).

✅ Don’t miss the next 3 sessions:

June 4 – Utilities for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
???? Click this link to register!

June 12 – Solar & Alternative Energy Options
???? Click this link to register!

June 18 – Tools & Tips for Curling Clubs
???? Click this link to register!

???? These sessions will help your club:

Better understand utility systems and billing
Identify practical cost-saving opportunities
Explore alternative energy options like solar
Access free tools, resources, and support

???? NEW CLUB DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR: The Power of Curling IO

We’re excited to offer a session on Curling IO, the leading platform for club registration and league management.

Join Dave, President of Curling IO, to learn how your club can:

Simplify registrations
Manage leagues more efficiently
Improve the overall member experience

???? Click this link to register!

???? IMPORTANT: Safe Sport Changes (Effective May 25, 2026)

Curling Alberta is now part of the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM)—an independent system for reporting serious concerns.

✅ What Clubs Need to Do:

Use the new Adult & Youth waivers (replace old versions) – see attached documents
Ensure waiver acceptance during registration
Complete the Affiliated Member Acknowledgement Form

???? All the details can be found in the May 25 communication to clubs and here: Safe Sport | Curling Alberta

???? Save on Microsoft Tools: Non-Profit Pricing for Curling Clubs

Did you know Microsoft offers significant discounts—and even free plans—for not-for-profit organizations? Curling clubs are eligible, and the application process is quick and straightforward (about 10 minutes).

How to apply:

Visit: Microsoft Nonprofits – Grants & Credits Eligibility
Create a username and password
Complete a short eligibility form (you’ll need your Corporate Access Number)
Upload documentation confirming your not-for-profit status

Once submitted, your application is typically reviewed within 7 days.

If approved, your club can access:

✅ Microsoft 365 Business Basic — Free (up to 300 users)
✅ Microsoft 365 Business Standard — ~$3/user/month
✅ Microsoft 365 Business Premium — ~$5.50/user/month

These plans include essential tools like email, cloud storage, file sharing, and collaboration apps—helping your club operate more efficiently at a fraction of the cost.

???? EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

???? Register for all Ice Technician & Coaching Courses here: Course Schedule | Curling Alberta

Assistant Ice Technician (AIT) Course
???? Red Deer Curling Centre
???? July 8, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: June 24 **only 7 spots remaining

Club Coach Course

???? Red Deer Curling Centre
???? July 11 & 12, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: June 28

Competition Coach Course
???? Red Deer Curling Centre
???? July 12, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: June 28

Competition Coach Course
???? Leduc Curling Club
???? August 12, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: August 1

Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course
???? Saville Centre, Edmonton
???? August 15–16, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: July 23

Club Coach Course

???? Cochrane Curling Club
???? September 19 & 20, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: September 1

Competition Coach Course
???? Grande Prairie Curling Club
???? September 26, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: September 12

Assistant Ice Tech (AIT) & Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course
???? Fairview Curling Club
???? October 16-18, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: October 1

Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course
???? Vauxhall Curling Club
???? October 31 & November 1
⏳ Registration deadline: October 15

???? HOST CLUBS NEEDED (2026–27 SEASON)

Interested in hosting an event next season?
???? Contact Vicki Baird: [email protected]

???? WORK IN CURLING & ICE TECHNICIAN DEVELOPMENT

We’re launching a new provincial Ice Technician structure to better support clubs across Alberta—and we need your help sharing these opportunities within your networks.

???? Current Openings: News | Curling Alberta

✅ Head Ice Technician (apply by June 3)

???? Regional Ice Technicians (apply by June 15)

???? View more postings here: Classifieds | Curling Alberta

???? Professional Development Opportunity

Curling Canada is hosting an Ice Technician Facilitator & Evaluator Training:
???? Chilliwack, BC | ???? August 6–9, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: June 29

**See attached PDF Brochure with all the details

Ideal for those interested in delivering AIT & HIT courses
Not offered regularly (next opportunity not expected for ~4 years)
Curling Alberta’s selected Head & Regional Ice Techs will be supported to attend
Participants not in those roles should plan to cover their own registration, travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

???? Interested in attending? If you are interested in attending, please reach out to let us know by June 15th—understanding the level of interest in Alberta will help inform future planning and potential support opportunities.

???? Learn more & register here:
https://canada.curling.io/en/products/10433-2026-ice-technician-facilitator-evaluator-training

???? Please share these opportunities with your club’s ice technician network to help us grow capacity and support across the province.

???? FUNDING & SUPPORT

Looking for funding opportunities for your club?

???? Explore programs: Member Club News | Curling Alberta

???? Reach out to Atina or Cori for support with applications.

???? SURVEYS – YOUR INPUT MATTERS

???? Help shape future programs and supports

✅ National Survey
✅ Season-in-Review Club Survey

???? Responses will be reviewed over the next month, with follow-up support provided to clubs as needed.

???? SAVE THE DATES

Women in Curling Summit
???? Red Deer | October 3, 2026
➡️ Registration opens early June