USA CURLING BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO REMOVE GNCC AS MEMBER REGION
In the most recent USA Curling Board of Directors meeting, held virtually on July 26th, 2022, the USA Curling Board of Directors voted unanimously to remove the Grand National Curling Club (GNCC) region as a member region from the United States Curling Association due to lack of compliance as defined in USA Curling’s bylaws.
USA Curling’s bylaws, created and voted on by all member regions, state that to remain a region in good standing, regions must ensure that 95% of regional members are members of the national organization.
USA Curling bylaws were amended following the pandemic to make exceptions for clubs that were not open and operating, however even with these exceptions, GNCC has confirmed its decision to not uphold USA Curling’s bylaws, resulting in the vote to remove the GNCC region from the national organization.
This decision will be ratified if it receives two thirds vote at USA Curling’s Members’ Assembly, tentatively scheduled for October 2022.
While ratification of the termination of GNCC’s regional membership status will be voted on at Members’ Assembly, member clubs have options to continue USA Curling membership and receive USA Curling member benefits including but not limited to access to championships, programming, grants, and more.
In the interim of Members’ Assembly and following the Board’s unanimous vote, USA Curling’s Member Services team is taking a proactive approach as the organization remains committed to working directly with every club to determine the best path forward.
Dues paid for the 2021-22 season are current and next season’s membership dues will not be required until the usual deadline of January 31, 2023. Additionally, the cost of dues and payment process will remain the same for the 2022-23 season.
Please note, more specific information regarding the pathways to maintain USA Curling membership is being sent sent directly to club presidents within the GNCC. If you are a president and have not received an email or have additional questions, please contact USA Curling Member Services.
Apply as at large
Clubs can complete a digital form to request At-Large Membership
These submissions are being monitored and voted on by USA Curling Board of Directors.
At-Large status would become effective upon Board vote.
Due to this regrettable and unusual situation, USA Curling will ensure that member clubs affected by the GNCC stance still have a pathway to USA Curling National Championships. For regional Championships, such as U-18s, Mixed, and Club Nationals, the GNCC regional playdowns will be replaced by a playdown for At-Large USA Curling member clubs (more information to follow).
If clubs wish to remain members of both GNCC and USA Curling, they can become an At-Large member club.
Join a neighboring region
To effectuate such a change, a Member Club must petition the USA Curling Board. The petition should detail the reason(s) for leaving their current region and joining the proposed region. The petition should be submitted to the USA Curling Secretary.
In practice, there should be letters of support for the change from the regional association involved. These letters of support help guide the board in its decision-making process.
The USA Curling Board would act at its next meeting, and the change would be effective immediately upon approval.
Create a new regional association
The new regional association will have to meet certain aspects of the Member Club application process.
Click here to view documentation regarding forming a new USA Curling Regional Association.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
