(STEVENS POINT, Wis.) -- Due to the impact COVID-19 has had on this upcoming season, USA Curling has worked with the AAC to modify the process in which teams will qualify for the 2021 Men’s & Women’s National Curling Championships.

The following 2021 National Championship qualifiers apply to both the men’s and women’s fields:

• 2020 National Champion (1)

• 2020 National Runner-Up (1)

• Top three ranked teams in the WCF World Team Ranking System at the start of the season (September 1, 2020) that have not qualified by way of the 2020 National Championships (3)

• Top three finishing teams from the challenge round in January (3)

For a team to be eligible for qualification based on their finish at the 2020 National Championships, the team must still have three of four or four of five athletes from the 2020 National Championships registered for the upcoming season.

The challenge round will be held with COVID-19 procedures in place. It is expected that teams attending the challenge round be on location in advance and adhere to all health guidelines. Based on USA Curling’s consultations with USOPC medical staff, a more detailed explanation of these expectations will be provided a minimum of 30 days prior to the event.

Should the 2021 Men’s and Women’s National Curling Championships be cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 National Champions will represent the United States at the 2021 World Curling Championships.

If you have inquiries regarding the qualification procedures for the 2021 Men’s and Women’s National Curling Championships, please contact Phill Drobnick (phill.drobnick@usacurling.org) or Jessica Schultz (jessica.schultz@usacurling.org).