New Updated Sparing Policy

Editor: Paul Macnamara
Date: 2025-09-07

2.1 In a situation where a team requires one or more spares to play a game, spares should be of similar or equal skill, always keeping in mind that the purpose of curling etiquette and rules are to ensure the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.

 2.2 A team may have no more than 50% of spares playing in one game; otherwise, the game is recorded as a win in favour of the opposition. In such situations, it is strongly encouraged to play the game to maximize the number of games members get to play. There may be situations that require Board approval for exception to the rule.  Note, an alternate team member that is listed on the club website as an alternate is NOT considered to be a spare and may play any position when they participate for that team.

2.3 Spares should only play as a front-end player. Registered members of the team should play in their normal position or a higher position; they should never play in a lower position because of a spare.  As an example, if the team’s skip is missing then the spare is to throw either lead or second and a regular team member is to throw skip stones.  This does NOT imply that the spare cannot run the house after having thrown their stones.  This allows for the situation where a regular team member does not feel they are able to perform the duties of the skip in the house.  Similarly, if both the skip and third are missing the two spares must throw lead and second stones, but they can control the house as appropriate.

EXCEPTIONS:  Section 2.3 does NOT apply to the Monday / Tuesday or the Wednesday day leagues, the Social league or the U-7 league.  
For the Mixed Doubles league both Sections 2.2 and 2.3 are applicable in their spirit, if there are questions these should be directed to the Convenor PRIOR to any action being taken on the ice.

2.4 When arranging for a spare(s), the order of finding a spare should be as follows:

2.4.1 First, for leagues with teams with a bye week, approach the bye team skip or team member to ask if a team member is available. Teams with a registered 5th player, the 5th player should be first choice for a spare; 

2.4.2 Second, from the "Members Only" area of the website, visit "Find a Spare" and contact any member who indicated they are available to spare in the League. This includes members registered as a sparing member; and 

2.4.3 Lastly, Non-members may be used when it is not possible to arrange a spare from within the club or special circumstances exist. Prior approval of the Match Director and/or Convenor is required. Before playing in any game, the non-member must sign a waiver that relieves the NCC of all liability, pay the spare fee at the bar and log the sparing activity in the Spare Book. The Skip is responsible to ensure the non-member signs the waiver, pays the fee and logs the activity in the Spare Book.