OFFICAL DEVELOPMENT
Curling Ontario values the contributions of officials at every level — from club play to international events hosted in the province. Officials play a vital role in the fair, safe and efficient delivery of 50+ provincial competitions and their qualifying events each season. Their work supports athletes, volunteers and host communities, and helps maintain the integrity and spirit of the sport for everyone.
Curling Canada Framework for Officials
Curling Canada has updated the previous level system with clear role-based descriptions that define officials’ responsibilities and progression:
- Time Clock Operator / Observer Official (formerly Level 1)
- Member Association Game Umpire (formerly Level 2)
- Level 3 Umpire — Member Association Chief Umpire
- Level 4 Umpire — National Game Umpire / Deputy Chief Umpire / Chief Umpire
- Level 5 Umpire — National Chief Umpire
See descriptions of each level below.
AVAILABLE UMPIRE TRAINING PROGRAMS
Explore the three ice technician programs below for full details on course content, delivery format, prerequisites, and registration. Click or toggle a program tab to expand and view more information.
Requirements
To become a Verified Time Clock Operator, the learner will need to:
- Complete the Verified Time Clock Operator e-learning course on learn.curling.ca: Create a profile to register and access the training through this REGISTRATION LINK
- Connect with your Member Association (Curling Ontario) to complete Practical Training
- Successfully time six games and submit proof of completion on learn.curling.ca
This program will operate as a pilot for the 2025-2026 season (until April 30, 2026), after which changes will be integrated and translation will occur.
Curling Canada Member Association GAME UMPIRE
REQUIREMENTS
PREREQUISITE
- Verified Timeclock Operator
ONLINE TRAINING +
- Rules Module
- Game Umpire Training ($50.00 Register Here) ; (Current Umpires can take Refresher training for $25.00 – Register Here)
PRACTICAL +
- In-Person Review
- Act as a GU x minimum of six games ideally over two events
- Act as a Timeclock Supervisor x minimum 2 Games
EVALUATION =
- Game Umpire Evaluation
STATUS
“Certified” Game Umpire
LEVEL 3 UMPIRE – Curling Canada Member Association CHIEF UMPIRE
REQUIREMENTS
- Game Umpire Certification
- Serve as Deputy Chief Umpire at a minimum of one Curling Canada Member Association Championship
- Serve as Chief Umpire at a minimum of one Curling Canada Member Association Championship
- Receive positive evaluations from the Curling Canada Member Association Championship Committee Chair or Association and a recommendation from a recognized Curling Canada Member Association Chief Umpire
LEVEL 4 UMPIRE – NATIONAL GAME UMPIRE, DEPUTY CHIEF UMPIRE & CHIEF UMPIRE
REQUIREMENTS
- Level 3 Certification
- Recommended to Curling Canada by a Curling Canada Member Association
- Serve as Game Umpire at minimum of two Curling Canada arena-based championships and receive positive evaluations from the Chief Umpires
LEVEL 5 UMPIRE – NATIONAL CHIEF UMPIRE
REQUIREMENTS
- Level 4 Certification
- Serve as Chief Umpire at a minimum of two Curling Canada arena-based championships and receive positive evaluations from the Director, Championship Services.