Curling Alberta is ecstatic to announce some major changes to the Ice Technician Certification Program!
Curling Canada and its Member Associations are committed to creating educational programs for individuals serving its member curling centres in the role of Ice Technician. Whether assisting with the daily maintenance or installing ice for major competitions in arenas – Curling Canada has a training program for each of the roles these important individuals play in the sport of curling. We want all participants to have the very best environment and playing conditions wherever they choose to play.
For each workshop, participants will require access to a computer, note-taking materials, as well as clothing, and footwear suitable for on-ice work.
Certificates of Completion are issued by Curling Canada.
Assistant Curling Ice Technician (equivalent to old level 1)
The Assistant Curling Ice Technician course is a one-day workshop suitable for volunteers, and assistants working under the guidance of a certified Curling Ice Technician. At the completion of the workshop, students are given TRAINED Assistant Curling Ice Technician status.
Pre-requisite: None
Participants of the Assistant Curling Ice Technician Program can expect to learn about:
- Adhering to Safety Guidelines
- Cleaning/Housekeeping
- Scraping
- Pebbling
- Nipping
- Temperature Monitoring
- Opening and Closing Procedures
- Draw Change Procedures
- Basic Troubleshooting
Curling Ice Technician (replacing old level 2)
This program is intended for individuals who are new to the industry who are looking for a career in ice making and need to learn the skills of installing, maintaining and removing ice in a dedicated curling facility for league and bonspiel play. These individuals may need to supervise Assistant Curling Ice Technicians as well. At the completion of this course, students are to receive “Curling Ice Technician – Trained” status.
The length of the program varies:
- if a full install is required, this course may require 3-4 days while students help hands-on with the ice installation
- if the ice is already installed, the course requires 2.5 days while students go through a theoretical discussion about installation
Prerequisite (one of the following):
- “Trained” Assistant Curling Ice Technician Program
- World Curling Federation – Introduction to Ice Maintenance (Online)
- 12 Months working at a Curling facility under the supervision of a Certified Curling Ice Technician.
- Former Level 1 Ice Technician Course
- Former Facility Operator Assistant Course (Ontario)
Participants can expect to learn about:
- What makes “good ice”
- Curling Centre Safety
- Refrigeration plant operation and safety
- Water quality
- Floors
- Installation and removal
- Pebbling & Scraping
- Paint/logo techniques
- Stone maintenance
- Managing environmental conditions
- Daily Maintenance
To receive “Curling Ice Technician – Certified” status, ice technicians are to follow the next three steps:
Step 1: Complete Safe Sport Education
Ice Technicians, like all adults in the sport system, have a responsibility to protect vulnerable participants from maltreatment (abuse and harassment). Ice Technicians should have a strong understanding of the issues surrounding Safe Sport so that they can act in the event of witnessing athlete maltreatment, they can assist their club with putting best practices in place to prevent maltreatment and they personally educate themselves so that they never put themselves in a position of being accused of maltreatment (i.e. Rule of Two). Curling Canada endorses the use of the Coaches Association of Canada’s Safe Sport Education Module. The online module is free, available in English and French, it is aligned with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Athletes, it is available to athletes, officials, administrators, parents, coaches, etc.
Access the training here: (https://safesport.coach.ca/).
Step 2: Complete the Online Curling Ice Technician Quiz
The Curling Ice Technician Quiz must be completed within 45 days of the completion of the attended workshop. Participants will be permitted three attempts to attain a passing grade of 80%. If a participant does not attain a passing grade in three attempts they will be assessed an additional fee to attempt the test again.
Should participants have issues accessing the E-learning system – please contact icetech@curling.ca.
Step 3: In-person or Video Evaluation
When you feel ready to have your skills as an Ice Technician evaluated for certification, please contact Jason Ginter at jason.ginter@curlingalberta.ca to arrange an evaluation. Evaluations may be conducted in person (where travel permits) or by video evaluation.
Have questions or need assistance with your ice? We have people that can help you here at Curling Alberta!
Please contact Jason Ginter – jason.ginter@curlingalberta.ca
