Are you be interested in officiating at curling events? It’s a great way to be involved in the game and can lead to rewarding experiences! These are volunteer positions and training courses are offered throughout the province for Level 1 and Level 2 officials/umpires.
As the Head of Officials, Cheryl Minns has over 30 years of officiating. Cheryl has volunteered for NACA, Curling Alberta, Curling Canada, and World Curling, in many capacities from game timer to chief umpire. To assist Cheryl, we have also appointed three Officials Coordinators (listed below) who are spread geographically within our boundaries.
Please feel free to contact any member of the officiating leadership team if you have any questions in regards to rules and officiating.
- Cheryl Minns (Head Official, [email protected])
- Andy Lessard (Lethbridge, [email protected])
- Sherry Cormier (Edmonton, [email protected])
- Christina Wards (Dawson Creek, [email protected])
Curling Canada recognizes the need to develop and implement a National Curling Officials Certification Program. The objective is to establish standard guidelines for the training and development of curling umpires who will be capable of officiating at regional, provincial/territorial or national championships.
Curling Canada has recently updated their website and has a tremendous amount of information and videos in regards to all levels of officiating. Even if you are a certified umpire, you may find a lot of value in reviewing this website for more information regarding measuring LSDs and various. Go to https://www.curling.ca/officials-and-umpires/ for more information.
Curling Canada Umpire Structure
VERIFIED TIME CLOCK OPERATOR/GAME OBSERVER (Previously LEVEL 1):
Requirements
To become a Verified Time Clock Operator, the learner will need to:
- Complete the Verified Time Clock Operator free e-learning course on learn.curling.ca. Create a profile to register and access the training through this REGISTRATION LINK .
- Curling Alberta now uses the CurlTime program at all timed events. Click HERE to review the Instruction Manual.
- Connect with your Member Association to complete Practical Training
- Click HERE for the Observer Training Manual
- Successfully time six games under the direction of a certified Chief Umpire Level 3 or higher and submit proof of completion on learn.curling.ca . The practical component form can be found HERE.
This program will operate as a pilot for the 2025-2026 season (until April 30, 2026), after which changes will be integrated and translation will occur.
GAME UMPIRE (Previously LEVEL 2) (NEW ONLINE COURSE)
- Verified Time Clock Operator
- Game Umpire Training: $50.00 Register Here
- Current Umpires can take refresher training for $25.00. Register Here
- In-Person Review – more information coming soon.
- Act as a Game Umpire at a minimum of six games (ideally over two events)
- Act as a Timeclock Supervisor at a minimum two games
- Game Umpire Evaluation
- “Certified” Game Umpire
LEVEL 3: Curling Alberta Chief Umpire
- Requirements: Certified level 2 Game Umpire
- Receive their certification by successfully acting as a Deputy Chief Umpire and later as a Chief Umpire at a minimum of two provincial event(s) and receiving a positive evaluation of their performance by a Certified Level 3 Umpire. The recommendation for the Level 3 certification comes from a recommendation by Curling Alberta and is then submitted to Curling Canada.
LEVEL 4: National Game Umpire, Deputy Chief Umpire, & Chief Umpire CERTIFICATION
- Requirements: Certified Level 3 Umpire
- Recommended to Curling Canada by Curling Alberta Head of Officials
- Serve as a Game Umpire at two Curling Canada arena events and receive a positive evaluation from the Chief Umpire(s)
LEVEL 5: National Chief Umpire
- Requirements: Certified Level 4 National Umpire
- Serve as a Chief Umpire at two Curling Canada arena events and receive a positive evaluation from the Director, Championship Services for Curling Canada
Please check here for a list of dates and locations of Game Umpire Courses in the Curling Alberta region.
It is very important that you submit your registration forms to Curling Alberta to ensure your inclusion in the certification program. Curling Alberta will share your information with Curling Canada and you will receive confirmation of your certification from Curling Canada usually by the end of the current season or beginning of the following season.
If you are interested in becoming involved as an umpire, timer or volunteer at a Curling Alberta sanctioned event please email [email protected]. The list of sanctioned events can be found here.