Athlete Development Programs
Athlete Development and the LTCD
As the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) for curling in Ontario, the Ontario Curling Council (OCC) is responsible for the implementation of programming for athletes, coaches and officials. The OCC, and its member associations, the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA) and the Ontario Curling Association (CurlON), work together to deliver a wide spectrum of programs, services and competitions to athletes at all ages and stages of the Long Term Curler Development Model (LTCD).
Long-Term Curler Development Model
The Long Term Curler Development Model (LTCD), a development pathway for both the recreational and competitive curlers, prescribes age/stage appropriate activities at all levels of the model. It is impossible for one service provider to deliver all programs and services within the model. The framework relies heavily on local clubs to provide development opportunities and places for curlers to play recreationally, and a daily training environment for competitive curlers.
CurlON, NOCA and the OCC are responsible for provision of meaningful, age/stage appropriate competitions, and programs to support the development of athletes so that any curler with aspirations of podium performances will receive the correct interventions at the right time of their development.
Curling’s LTCD – is a framework, produced by Curling Canada, to ensure nation-wide standardization in the development of curling athletes and recreational players. In Ontario, the Ontario Curling Council is committed to ensuring that we are leaders in the implementation of LTCD programming as recommended by Curling Canada, and to ensure that every curler, no matter what age, stage, or ability, has a positive experience within the sport.
Athlete Development Strategic Priorities
Participation
More curlers, curling more often:
- Activating member recruitment pathway TRY | LEARN | PLAY with our member facilities;
- Attracting younger curlers – encouraging youth participation;
- Creating diverse and inclusive environments (marginalized and racialized communities, ParaSport athletes, women);
- Competitions and events – a wide range of competition/events for all skills levels, ages, gender and abilities.
Performance
- Athlete pathway – provide athletes with a clear development pathway and programs to support advancement.
