OPEN LETTER TO USA CURLING COMMUNITY REGARDING MEMBERSHIP STATUS OF CLUBS WITHIN GNCC
Dear USA Curling Community,
On July 26th, 2022, the USA Curling Board of Directors voted unanimously to remove the Grand National Curling Club (GNCC) as a member region of USA Curling.
USA Curling’s member services team has been hard at work since then, responding to inquiries and providing information and clarification to help guide clubs.
We whole-heartedly understand the feelings of disappointment, frustration, and confusion circulating the matter. The reality of social media is that misinformation can spiral quickly, and we want to be as clear as possible to help every club within the GNCC move forward in the way that best suits its members.
As a small but dedicated staff and Board, we encourage you to reach out with any questions and will meet those conversations with empathy. While we can’t undo the past, we can move forward together. We’re listening. We’re working hard to create new pathways, grassroot opportunities, and foster an inclusive and robust community.
The GNCC has chosen the path that they feel is best for them, and USA Curling wishes them the best in doing so.
It’s our responsibility to provide as much clarification and information as possible about what that means for the curling clubs that are currently members of the GNCC.
On July 26th, 2022, USA Curling Board of Directors voted unanimously to remove the Grand National Curling Club (GNCC) as a member region. This vote was the result of GNCC leadership’s decision to not comply with USA Curling’s bylaws.
USA Curling’s Bylaws were written and agreed upon by all member regions, and state that regions must ensure a 95% membership compliance rate to remain in good standing.
Failure to uphold these bylaws would mean different regions be held to different standards for eligibility.
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 the bylaws.
The removal of GNCC does not mean the clubs in good standing within the GNCC region lose membership with USA Curling. In fact, clubs will remain members, even if no action is taken by club leadership, until the 2022 Members’ Assembly on October 21, 2022.
Clubs can continue USA Curling membership beyond October 21, 2022, by becoming an At-Large club. Clubs are strongly encouraged to indicate desire for At-Large status via virtual form (sent to club presidents on July 26, 2022) by September 15th, 2022, to ensure there is no lapse in membership.
At-large membership allows clubs the option to remain members of the GNCC, as well as be members of USA Curling – with no additional regional fee.
Clubs can also become members of the organization by joining a neighboring region or creating a new region.
Members of clubs in good standing of USA Curling at the time of registration for a USA Curling sanctioned event are eligible for registration.
USA Curling will ensure that member clubs impacted by the GNCC’s decision still have a pathway to USA Curling National Championships. For regional Championships, such as U-18s, Mixed, and Club Nationals, there will be a playdown for At-Large USA Curling member clubs (more information to follow).
We’re here to help and focus on continuing to lift our sport to new heights. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can provide any additional clarity.
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.
