SUSIE CZARNETZKI JOINS USA CURLING AS NATIONAL CHIEF UMPIRE
USA Curling is thrilled to formally welcome Level 4 Official, Susie Czarnetzki, to staff as National Chief Umpire.
Czarnetzki, the Minnesota-based curling official is no stranger to the sport. In fact, Czarnetzki’s experience at the highest-level events has earned her the reputation as one of the most qualified officials in the world.
“We could not be more excited to officially welcome Susie on board,” said USA Curling CEO Jeff Plush. “The impact Susie makes on the culture of every event and meeting she’s a part of, combined with her expectations and vision for the officiating program will benefit the entire organization.”
In this role, Susie Czarnetzki will oversee the officiating in place at every USA Curling sanctioned event, as well as develop an officiating pipeline in the United States.
With accolades spanning from Chief Umpire at the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials for mixed doubles, men’s, and women’s curling, to multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, Susie Czarnetzki’s love for her craft doesn’t stop at the conclusion of competition.
“Officiating is an important part to the development of the sport as a whole because we need to develop all parts of the sport to reach our full potential: competition, athletes, instruction, coaching, ice making, officiating, equipment, publicity, diversity and so much more,” said Czarnetzki.
While Czarnetzki reaches the highest achievements in officiating, she is equally committed to empowering and guiding others to do the same.
Czarnetzki (front, center) joined by officiating team at 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling in Eveleth, Minn. Photo by Bob Weder.
“I enjoy helping new or current officials advance their skillset and knowledge. It's a wonderful feeling when someone I am mentoring develops confidence and handles a sticky situation on the ice with ease,” said Czarnetzki. “It’s incredibly rewarding when someone gets through a crisis by themselves and lives to talk about it and even laugh a little at the situation later.”
Despite being the enforcer of rules on the biggest stages, Czarnetzki’s ability to lead with positivity and humor makes a difference.
“At the 2022 Olympics, a player-who-will-not-be-named, slammed their broom and the Chief Umpire came on the radio, directing me to give said person a verbal warning,” reflected Czarnetzki. “I walked up next to the player and quietly said, ‘Hey, it's not the broom's fault.’ There was a bit of a chuckle, a quick apology, and they understood they had been warned.”
Officials, typically dressed in black to minimize their visibility while in the field of play, actually play a significant role in the logistics of an event.
“We conduct measures, track data for tie-breaking, determine playoffs and assist in rule interpretation so that the players can focus on the games in front of them,” said Czarnetzki. “We provide calm leadership in facilitating events for the players, who are always first in our minds.”
In fact, well-trained officials can even ensure that events remain on schedule so players can focus on what they came to do: compete.
“Prior to curling officials, there were almost 3,300 documented violations in the 1980 Brier. With the addition of officials in 1981, the number was down to under 600 and that is a significant impact,” said Czarnetzki. “Similar to doping control, we want to have clean games that are played on a level field, literally and figuratively. With well-trained, knowledgeable, and confident officials, the players can perform in their games and leave the details to us.”
In addition to Czarnetzki’s talent in the officiating role, her vision for officiating programming and development will make her invaluable in the role as USA Curling National Chief Umpire.
“We will always need more officials,” said Czarnetzki about the current state of the officiating pipeline in the United States. “It has come a long way, but it’s important to note that the officiating program is inclusive of anyone who would like to learn more about the rules of curling or the processes and procedures of officials.”
To ensure that everyone feels welcome and to expand the interest in officiating, Susie Czarnetzki and USA Curling Staff have been collaborating to develop new programming and procedures.
“The previous in-person course was pretty dry and that was the number one complaint from participants,” said Czarnetzki, whose teaching style is everything but. “The more knowledge one has, the better for the sport.”
USA Curling thanks the countless donors and volunteers who have elevated the officiating program to what it is today and looks forward to driving it forward under Czarnetzki’s leadership.
Information regarding the new officiating courses and their schedule will be shared upon the completion of updated course materials.
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.
