Hello curlers!
We interrupt your summer with some important curling pre-season information – believe it or not, the start of the season is right around the corner!
REGISTRATION UPDATE
We are excited to announce that the league will once again have 42 teams and 6 divisions. Work is currently underway to finalize the composition of all teams and determine the first round divisions. Skips will receive an email from the Membership Coordinator by the first week of September seeking their validation of the composition of their teams (members and positions).
We also have a waiting list of people looking to join the league, and would encourage teams to consider adding a 5th player to help us find spots for new folks. If you’re interested in adding a 5th player to your team, please send an email to [email protected].
Finally, please note that full season registration fees must be paid by September 19. The registration fee for the season will be staying at $210/person, or $150 for 5th players, so for most of you who have already paid the $50 deposit, your remaining balance will be $160 (or $100 for 5th players). Payment can be made in person by card, cash, or cheque at the pre-season meet and greet on September 19 (see below), or by e-transfer to [email protected] if you cannot attend the event.
PRE-SEASON MEET AND GREET AND PIZZA PARTY ON SEPTEMBER 19
Save the date! The pre-season meet and greet will take place on Thursday, September 19 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Ottawa Curling Club. This annual event is an opportunity for you to reconnect with your team and league members, meet our new members, and strategize for the upcoming season! This year we are holding it at the Ottawa Curling Club to allow new members and spares to familiarize themselves with the club ahead of the season. We are also hoping the curling shop at the club will be open for those looking to buy new equipment (still TBD). But most importantly, pizza will be served and the bar will be open!
SEASON OPENING AND SCHEDULE
League games will start on Sunday, October 6. Members of the executive will be on hand on opening day to chat or answer any questions you might have. The season calendar, list of divisions, and the detailed schedule for Round 1 will be available in the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing an updated waiver for members to sign.
We are also hard at work planning for our first Saturday social event in October. Stay tuned for more details!
BEGINNER’S CLINIC
If you are new or relatively new to curling, it will be important for you to register for the pre-season Beginner’s Clinic taking place on Saturday, October 5 at the Ottawa Curling Club. The clinic will be led by experienced league members and include off-ice and on-ice instruction. There is a registration cost of $10. More information to follow, but for now, new curlers please save the date!
RRCL STRATEGIC PLAN
We are excited to announce that the executive has spent some time over the summer drafting a 3-year Strategic Plan for the league, and over the course of the next few weeks, we will be consulting members on the draft plan. The plan outlines where we envision the league going over the next 3+ years and provides details on proposed goals, objectives, and activities for the league to undertake. A separate email to members will follow with a copy of the draft plan and details on where and how to provide feedback.
OVER THE RAINBOW BONSPIEL
This year’s Over the Rainbow Bonspiel (OTRB) will take place January 23-26, 2025. The OTRB website with details of the bonspiel and registration information will launch on Friday, September 6. Registration for the bonspiel will open at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 5. Additional information and notices will follow in September by email and on social media, but keep these dates in mind.
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!
If you are not already following the league on social media, we invite you to do so to receive timely updates and connect with members. Our socials can be found here:
- League Facebook page
- Over the Rainbow Bonspiel Facebook page
- League Instagram account (rainbowrockersottawa)
- Over the Rainbow Bonspiel Instagram account (otr_bonspiel)
BUY/SELL EQUIPMENT
League members are responsible for having their own equipment to play (i.e., curling broom, curling shoes or slider, gripper, etc.). If you’re looking to find a new home for some of your old equipment, or are a new curler looking to buy used equipment, we invite you to take advantage of the RRCL “Buy/Sell” spreadsheet that can be accessed from the RRCL website.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and keep an eye out for more season information coming in September!
Your Rainbow Rockers Executive