World Curling Launches Global Facilities Certification Program

World Curling has launched a new initiative in partnership with Sustainable Venue Solutions and World Academy of Sport designed to establish a network of certified venues around the world.

The Global Facilities Certification Program implements a process that will allow existing facilities to enhance operational standards and ensure that they meet defined benchmarks. The program also acts as a formal set of standards for investors, governments and sport authorities who are looking for requirements to build new ice centers or host international events.

“We couldn’t have gotten to this point without our successful partnership with Sustainable Venue Solutions and the World Academy of Sport,” said David Sik, World Curling board director. “Facilities are a fundamental aspect of our sport and this certification allows us to grow and develop that network while setting important standards for their operation.”

Each of the five certification levels corresponds to a facility’s infrastructure, capacity and strategic goals.

• Recognized Facility: The entry tier of the certification process, designed for local and community-based facilities that are used to introduce newcomers to the sport and foster engagement with the sport.
• Training Center: Recognized national facilities that demonstrate a commitment to improving infrastructure, operational competency, staff training and community engagement.
• Training Center Gold: Awarded to facilities that go beyond standard training center criteria.
• Excellence Center: Reserved for world-class facilities capable of hosting international competitions.
• Excellence Center Gold: Awarded to world-class facilities that set the benchmark for infrastructure and operations globally.