Assistant Ice Technician
The Curling Centre Ice Technician stream starts with training to become an Assistant Ice Technician. This role is earned through a one-day in-person workshop and is suitable for volunteers and other assistants who work under the guidance of a Curling Ice Technician. An Assistant Ice Technician is trained in the basic duties of maintaining curling ice which include scraping, pebbling, nipping, temperature monitoring, opening/closing/draw change procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
Assistant Ice Technicians (and other ice makers who gain experience in the craft via other methods) can train to become Curling Ice Technicians by completing a program focusing on theoretical or practical ice installations. The programs can be completed in person or through a hybrid online and in-person approach.
Head Ice Techician
A Head Ice Technician (HIT) is proficient in installing, maintaining and removing ice in a dedicated curling centre for league and bonspiel play. As part of their role, these individuals may need to supervise Assistant Ice Technicians. At the completion of this two-day course the Head Ice Technician will be a “Trained Head Ice Technician.” Head Ice Technicians will be trained in job functions required for a dedicated curling centre. Training will include:
- What makes “good ice”
- Plant Room Safety & Basics of Refrigeration Floors
- Installation and removal
- Pebbling
- Scraping patterns and theory
- Honing a blade and changing blades
- Paint/logo techniques
- Water quality
- Stone types & maintenance
- Managing environmental conditions
- Daily and weekly maintenance
- Professionalism and customer service (e.g. With Staff, Management, Public, Ice Technicians)
Ice technicians can become “Certified” Curling Ice Technicians by completing an online examination, Safe Sport training, and a successful in-person or video evaluation.
Competition Ice Technician
The new Ice Technician Program also provides a clear path to ice techs with aspirations of making and managing ice at major national and international championships. After completing the Curling Ice Technician requirements, ice technicians must complete a five-day in-person training course to become a Competition Ice Technician.
