VIRTUAL CLUBS – A Initiative for new Curlers

12/10/14 – You may remember the RCCC initiative, Try Curling, run in tandem with the Winter Olympics and supported by Lanarkshire Ice Rink. From the people attending these sessions we have now been able to establish two Virtual clubs in Lanarkshire, one at Hamilton and one at East Kilbride with a total of around thirty members, all of whom are keen to improve their curling skills and begin to become involved in learning and playing.

The virtual clubs will provide coaching and organise games where they can put into practice what they learn, but it does not give real game experience, nor are the new players really sure of what they should be doing when asked to skip, or play at third. We hope that a way to resolve this lack of experience would be to form a Novice League allowing the new curlers to play lead and second alongside slightly more experienced players taking the other roles i.e. players who currently in their club games only play lead or second and who would appreciate the chance to broaden their experience and skills by moving up to third and Skip.

These players will be playing with complete beginners and mistakes are going to be inevitable, but it will be a learning experience for everyone. It’s also an opportunity to begin to explain some of the finer points of the etiquette of the game, the strategies, the range of shots and the social aspect of the game.

The last point is probably the most important as these new curlers have to find a club to join since they can only remain within the virtual system for two seasons. This would be a great chance to tell them how, where and when your club operates, and possibly invite them to a game.

We are aiming at 12 teams, in two sections, therefore five games throughout the season, plus a final. For that, we need 24 curlers who want to expand their experience and play at third and skip and who will understand that the remainder of their team may not be that good…….to begin with!!

If this sounds like it’s something you would like to try, please either phone me on 07-725-162-960, or email me at jmprop@btinternet.com or complete the tear off section and drop it into the office the next time you are at Hamilton.

Thanks,

Jim Morrison,

Curling Development …………………………………………………………………………………………

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE UP A TEAM IN THE NOVICES LEAGUE

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