TL;DR
- 48 teams → 8 pools of 6.
- Two format options: 3 round robins, no playoffs (21 weeks, champ by total points) or 2 round robins + 5-week playoffs (19 weeks; initial seeding matters more).
- Points from higher pools are worth more only for end-of-season standings/playoff seeding; win/loss drives pool movement.
- Action: Update your LeagueBuddy profile (skill, experience, competitiveness, social interest, headshot) and complete the Player Checklist.
How We Got Here
For many years we had two Saturday draw times (12 sheets). Securing a third draw expanded capacity to 18 sheets, enabling growth — but capacity is still finite.
- Last season: 42 teams → 7 pools of 6; 36 teams played weekly; 6 teams had a bye each week; over a round, everyone sat once.
- This season: 48 teams → 8 pools of 6; 12 teams will have a bye each week.
Season Format Options
With 48 teams, a pool round robin takes 7 weeks. We have two realistic paths:
Option A — 3 Round Robins, No Playoffs
- 21 weeks total (3 × 7 weeks).
- Final standings by grand aggregate points across all rounds.
- More movement opportunities between pools throughout the season.
Option B — 2 Round Robins + 5-Week Playoffs
- 19 weeks total (2 × 7 weeks + 5 weeks playoffs).
- Playoff seeding determined by points after two rounds.
- Initial seeding matters more (only one mid-season movement).
Why Seeding & How Points Work
Each pool has its own point values (higher pool → higher points). These points either feed the grand aggregate (no-playoffs scenario) or determine playoff seeding.
- Wins/losses move teams between pools after a round; point values do not.
- Points apply only to end-of-season standings/playoff seeding.
- This prevents mismatched playoff draws and keeps competition balanced.
Where Do You Think Your Team Fits?
We’ll have 8 pools. Your request isn’t a guarantee, but it helps us seed the first round fairly.
High pools: Experienced/competitive teams that usually win more than they lose.
Middle pools: Mixed experience/results.
Lower pools: Newer teams still learning the game.
Update Your LeagueBuddy Profile
Every player should complete these five items:
1) Skill Level
- 4–5: You typically make more shots than you miss.
- 3: You make about as many shots as you miss.
- 1–2: You’re new to curling or rarely make the shot called by your skip.
2) Experience
Not just years — consider total games, comfort in multiple positions, and overall exposure.
3) Competitiveness
Helps teams gauge if your approach matches theirs — some prioritize fun; others prefer a more competitive edge.
4) Social Event Interest
We take our fun seriously. Socials usually run during the 3:20–5:20 slot, which might overlap your games. If we know your team’s interest, we can often schedule to help you attend.
5) About Me & Headshot
Keep your “About Me” current and upload a recent headshot so people can put a face to a name.
New Players & Player Development
- Clinic: The Apollo clinic on Sun, Sept 14 is nearly full. There’s also a clinic on Sat, Oct 4 via Discover Curling.
- 9-week Discover Curling program: Highly recommended for new curlers — your game will improve dramatically.
Season Kick-off Social
Sunday, Sept 14, 3:00–5:00 pm (after the clinic). Come check out the club improvements and meet the new curlers.
Player Checklist (Required)
Every player must complete the following. It’s quick and ensures a smooth start.
1) Fill out the Player Checklist
Covers format preference, team pool self-placement, waivers, profile updates, volunteers, and more.
Open Player Checklist2) Complete the NHCC Waiver
You already completed the Apollo waiver on registration. You must also complete the North Hill Curling Club waiver (enter “Apollo” under League Name).
Fill NHCC Waiver3) LeagueBuddy To-Dos
- Ensure all team members are registered and appear in the Contact List. Team size can be up to 7.
- Profile: Update skill, experience, competitiveness; preferred position; About Me; social interest; upload a headshot.
- Name & DOB: Confirm these are correct (DOB reported to Curling Alberta & Curling Canada).
- Nametag order deadline: Sun, Sept 21 (ordering on Sept 22).
- Volunteer: Indicate if you can help (e.g., occasional Instagram photos) and review other roles.