Ice Technician

Ice Technician Certification Pathway

Curling Canada and its Member Associations are committed to creating educational programs for individuals serving its member curling centres in the role of Ice Technician. Whether assisting with the daily maintenance or installing ice for major competitions in arenas – Curling Canada has a training program for each of the roles these important individuals play in the sport of curling. We want all participants to have the very best environment and playing conditions wherever they choose to play.

For each workshop, participants will require access to a computer, note-taking materials, as well as clothing, and footwear suitable for on-ice work.

Learn more at: Curling Canada Ice Technician Training Pathway

** Certificates of Completion are issued by Curling Canada.

For Assistant or Head Ice Tech course registration, hosting and evaluations, contact: Atina Ford Johnston – [email protected]

Assistant Ice Technician (equivalent to old level 1)

The Assistant Ice Technician course is a one-day workshop suitable for volunteers, and assistants working under the guidance of a certified Head Ice Technician. At the completion of the workshop, students are given TRAINED Assistant Ice Technician status.

Pre-requisite: None

Participants of the Assistant Ice Technician Program can expect to learn about:

Adhering to Safety Guidelines
Cleaning/Housekeeping
Scraping
Pebbling
Nipping
Temperature Monitoring
Opening and Closing Procedures
Draw Change Procedures
Basic Troubleshooting

Head Ice Technician (replacing old level 2)

This program is intended for individuals who are new to the industry who are looking for a career in ice making and need to learn the skills of installing, maintaining and removing ice in a dedicated curling facility for league and bonspiel play. These individuals may need to supervise Assistant Ice Technicians as well. At the completion of this course, students are to receive “Head Ice Technician – Trained” status.

The length of the program varies:

if a full install is required, this course may require 3-4 days while students help hands-on with the ice installation
if the ice is already installed, the course requires 2.5 days while students go through a theoretical discussion about installation

Prerequisite (one of the following):

“Trained” Assistant Ice Technician Program
World Curling Federation – Introduction to Ice Maintenance (Online)
12 Months working at a Curling facility under the supervision of a Certified Head Ice Technician.
Former Level 1 Ice Technician Course
Former Facility Operator Assistant Course (Ontario)

Participants can expect to learn about:

What makes “good ice”
Curling Centre Safety
Refrigeration plant operation and safety
Water quality
Floors
Installation and removal
Pebbling & Scraping
Paint/logo techniques
Stone maintenance
Managing environmental conditions
Daily Maintenance

To receive “Head Ice Technician – Certified” status, ice technicians are to follow the next three steps:

Step 1: Complete Safe Sport Education
Ice Technicians, like all adults in the sport system, have a responsibility to protect vulnerable participants from maltreatment (abuse and harassment). Ice Technicians should have a strong understanding of the issues surrounding Safe Sport so that they can act in the event of witnessing athlete maltreatment, they can assist their club with putting best practices in place to prevent maltreatment and they personally educate themselves so that they never put themselves in a position of being accused of maltreatment (i.e. Rule of Two). Curling Canada endorses the use of the Coaches Association of Canada’s Safe Sport Education Module. The online module is free, available in English and French, it is aligned with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Athletes, it is available to athletes, officials, administrators, parents, coaches, etc.

Access the training here: (https://safesport.coach.ca/).

Step 2: Complete the Online Curling Ice Technician Quiz

The Head Ice Technician Quiz must be completed within 45 days of the completion of the attended workshop. Participants will be permitted three attempts to attain a passing grade of 80%. If a participant does not attain a passing grade in three attempts they will be assessed an additional fee to attempt the test again.

Should participants have issues accessing the E-learning system – please contact: [email protected]

Step 3: In-person or Video Evaluation

When you feel ready to have your skills as an Ice Technician evaluated for certification, please contact us to arrange an evaluation. Evaluations may be conducted in person (where travel permits) or by video evaluation.

Interested in hosting an Ice Tech course at your facility? We’d love to partner with you!

This is a fantastic opportunity to support the curling community in Alberta, while getting your own staff trained within your own facility! Plus, as a thank you for hosting, your facility will receive one free spot in the course (pending registration numbers reach the required minimum)!

Reach out to us with these details:

- Your facility name and location
- Preferred course and potential dates (Assistant Curling Ice Technician, Head Ice Technician)
- Any questions you might have!

Let’s work together to keep our curling community strong, our staff skilled, and our facilities thriving. Hope to hear from you soon!

Have questions or need assistance with your ice? We have people that can help you here at Curling Alberta!

For course registration, hosting and evaluations, contact: Atina Ford Johnston – [email protected]

Ice Technician Webinar Series

Pebbling & Clipping – Nov 12th