Is it a Club or a Center?

This is the Ice Cube Curling Center in Sochi, Russia and this is the place that will house the 2014 Olympic Curling event. Wow, it looks awesome! The BRCC does not look like this but then again, the BRCC costs a fraction of what this giant building costs to build and run. However, I draw your attention to the title of this building, "curling Center". There was an article in the January issue of the Curling News where they addressed the issue of Curling Clubs changing the name to "Curling Centers."

The argument is that referring to the entity as a "club" creates an air of exclusivity and may, in fact, discourage people from joining because they may not be hoity, toity enough. There may be some merit to this. For as long as I can remember, curling clubs have been called just that. I got my curling start at the Carol Curling Club in Labrador City. But I joined when I was 12 and I'm not sure if I viewed the Curling Club as a place where only the "well - to - do" would (or could) seek membership. Had I been an adult, would I have been reluctant to hang out there with all those perceived affluent types? it turns out that this was complete hogwash, some of my best teenage memories revolve around the Carol Curling club. nonetheless, the perception exists and I believe that it may be so that people are discouraged from seeking membership at the "club". The question remains, would more people join the Curling Center? And, is it not our responsibility as curlers and lovers of the Roaring Game (as well as members of our local club) to try to grow the game as best we can. A strong membership is the key to any curling club's success and perhaps this is a way to entice more people to come to the club (or should I say center) and try it out.

We could put up a sign in front of the BRCC calling it the Blind River Curling Center. This might minimize the perceived image of the club catering to the affluent only. And, if we increase our membership, isn't it worth it?

Many might argue that such a perception is nonexistent these days and "curling club" is fine. There is only one way to find out.

Personally, I like the idea of "Curling Center" and I am certainly interested in expanding our membership base. If the cost of a sign is a way to market our game (organization) to the public, perhaps it is a good first step. Just curling food for thought.......

Meanwhile, no word yet on Johnny Mo's replacement. Apparently they asked Dave Nedohin, but with wife Heather already in the Olympic trials, Dave opted out and said he had to stand aside and help with family life. I'll say this, Dave Nedohin is a stand up guy. I have always thought that of him, since meeting him in Halifax in 2003. Other names are getting bounced around out there like Brendan Botcher although personally  I think that is unlikely. Also the name Richard Hart is out there but once again, I can't see it. The talent pool is pretty deep in Alberta so I'm sure Kmart will look for the best of the best.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic