Our Junior Program is open for ages of 7-18. Our primary objective is to have fun and develop a life long passion for curling. Everyone is welcome and all curling equipment will be provided. As curling is a game of etiquette, we encourage and promote good sportsmanship both on and off the ice.
Get Started with our Junior Learn to Curl Series
Leagues:
GCC offers two default Leagues for Junior Curlers based on their curling skill level.Beginner/Intermediate Junior League
- Fridays from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.- New and learning junior curlers of all ages are welcome in this league.
- Each week starts with skills drills and is followed by a game of typically 4-6 ends.
- Parents are required to volunteer on the ice throughout the season to help keep the kids focused and safe.
- Socialization after the games is highly encouraged, bring your own food and hang out with your teammates and opponents after the game.
- Registration is limited to a maximum of 40 curlers.
- Registration priority is given to Junior curlers from the previous year and then determined based on registration date. We will notify everyone prior to the start of the season if registration is full and will place you on a waitlist.
Advanced Junior League
- Wednesday's from 4:30-6:30pm- Focus is on continued development of curling skills and strategy
- Prior league experience is required to join this league, contact Junior Program if you have questions about eligibility to participate in the league
- League will be using full weight rocks
Juniors are welcome to participate in other leagues within the club, however, depending on their age and skill level, they may be required to play with a supervising adult. See https://curlingseattle.org/leagues.
League Registration
Each child needs their own account with a unique email. That email should be monitored by the responsible adult. If your child already has an account, log in to that account and follow the registration link. If you’ve never logged in or don’t know the password, start at password request. If your child has never had an account, start the account creation process. Refer any questions or comments to Registration Support.
In accordance with SafeSport guidelines, junior account emails should be monitored by an adult. Many email providers, including Gmail, Hotmail, and Outlook, provide the convenience of using the form parent+child@outlook.com - which sends mail to parent@outlook.com and sorts it into a folder.
Payment options for online registration are PayPal (includes credit cards), or a check delivered to the club in person or by mail. Junior curlers still need to complete a hardcopy waiver and concussion protocol form and drop that off at the club prior to the first night of the curling season. Please download the waiver.
2023-2024 Fees
Membership:
- Juniors U18 (under 18) $105League Fees:
Friday Beginner/Intermediate Junior League: $100Wednesday Advanced Junior League: $100
Any other additional league fee is $320
Competitive Junior Curling
Each year, junior curlers that would like to play competitively have the opportunity to form teams and compete in two different National events where they will compete against Junior teams from across the country. There are two divisions: Junior Women and Junior Men.
Junior National Championships U21
This event is open to Junior curlers 21 years of age and younger. Of the two national championships, U21 is by far, the most competitive. Teams complete by participating and winning a qualifying Junior Bonspiel to advance to the Junior Nationals event. The winner will then go on to represent the USA at the World Junior Championship. More details can be found at USA Curling.
U18 National Championship
This event is open for Junior curlers 18 years of age and younger. In order to participate, teams must first playdown and secure a spot from their curling region. The playdowns for the Pacific Northwest Region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) will be held at Evergreen Curling Club on December 16-18, 2022. The winning team for both Junior Women and Junior Men will then advance to the U18 National Championships.
Policies & Forms
Youth Helmet Policy
All participants 13 years of age & younger must bring and wear a helmet while on the ice. We will not be making exceptions and the club will not be providing helmets. Properly fitting bicycle, skateboard, ski, snowboard, and hockey helmets are examples of typically acceptable options. There are others which can also work, and the Junior Coordinator will have the discretion to approve or reject adequacy of head protection.
Waivers
All curlers are required to sign both a waiver and concussion protocol before going on the ice. Waivers will be provided at the club, or you can save time by downloading the forms, completing and then bringing it with you. Curlers under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before going on the ice. If a parent isn't coming to the event, you can simply send the completed forms with your child. All attendees must have a parent/guardian/responsible adult in the building during the event.Please download the waiver and concussion protocol
SafeSport
All junior curling instructors have been SafeSport certified. More information on GCC policy..
Equipment & Clothing
Basic equipment (brooms, grippers and sliders) will be provided. Participants need to bring a helmet and wear clean, flat soled shoes. (Tennis shoes or sneakers work well. Running shoes that are wide work less well.). Helmets can be any style (hockey, ski, bike etc..), but are required for all participants 13 & under. Wear loose fitting pants like sweatpants or yoga pants - not jeans - and a sweatshirt. Dress in layers - it can be chilly on the ice, but you'll heat up quickly once you start playing and sweeping. Gloves, not mitts, are also good to keep your hands warm.
For more information about junior curling, please email:
Katie Santiago, Junior Leagues Coordinator, juniors@curlingseattle.org