Curling Canada updates age-eligibility for school-aged events starting in 2026-27

Curling Canada is providing an update to youth curling age eligibility and coaching standards that will take effect in the 2026-27 season.

The following minor changes extend all age eligibility for school-aged curlers, consistent with the school-age calendar of Dec. 31. The previous age cut-off was six months earlier, in alignment with World Curling.

2027 Under-15 RockFest Regional Events

• Curlers under 15 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2026, are eligible.
• Date of birth: Jan. 1, 2012 or later.

2027 Canadian Under-18 Championships

• Curlers under 18 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2026, are eligible.
• Date of birth: Jan. 1, 2009 or later.

Note: The 2027 event will be hosted in April and will remain in that slot in future years

On-ice NCCP Coaching certification standards:

• Minimum standard: Competition coaching “Trained” (Competition coach “Trained” = Competition Coach Workshop + Make Ethical Decisions Workshop +/- evaluation)
• Minimum age: 21
• Completion of Curling Canada’s mandatory education requirements: Safe Sport, Match Manipulation and Concussion Training.

2027 Canada Winter Games

The following age eligibilities are approved by the Canada Games Council for the 2027 Canada Winter Games.

Under-18 Four-person Male/Female teams

• Curlers under 18 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2026, are eligible.
• Date of birth: Jan. 1, 2009 or later.
• Aligns with the school-age eligibility calendar.

Note: Small jurisdiction option available for Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island to permit up to four (4) players under 19 years of age (born Jan. 1, 2008 or later.)

Under-21 Mixed Doubles teams

• Curlers under 21 years of age as of June 30, 2026, are eligible.
• Date of birth: July 1, 2005 or later.
• Aligns with World Junior Mixed Doubles Championship age eligibility.

Note: Small jurisdiction option available for Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island to permit up to two (2) players (one per gender) under 22 years of age (born July 1, 2004 or later).

On-ice NCCP Coaching certification standards:

• Certified competition development coach OR certified competition (Competition Introduction) coach with the following two Competition Development Courses: “Manage a Program” & “Health & Wellness.”
• Minimum age: 21
• Completion of Curling Canada’s mandatory education requirements: Safe Sport, Match Manipulation and Concussion Training.