Alternates & Spares

At the GCC, we distinguish between "Alternates" and "Spares".

An Alternate is a member of the club who is on a team's official roster, as kept by the GCC office. a Spare is a GCC member with no affiliation to the team for which they are sparing; they're just filling in.

The distinction is significant because Alternates can play any position on a team; while Spares can only pay front end (lead or second).

Alternates

Teams may have up to 6 curlers on their rosters (Doubles: four). Alternates are also know as "Fifth" or "Sixth" players. The economics of curling at the GCC are that we need 4x league fees for a team (2x league fees for Doubles); but each member of the roster must pay the GCC membership fee and the Curling Alberta fee, including thr Alternates. We then leave it to teams to equalize internally. The GCC office doesn't get involved in splitting fees. We call curlers designated ion the Skip-to-Lead positions as the "Primary" curlers; and the other one or two as the "Alternates". Many teams find that a five or 6-person squad is ideal to cover scheduled and unscheduled absences.

Team representatives should, before anyone signs up online, report their rosters to the GCC office, noting who are Primary and Alternate curlers.

If a team wants to add an Alternate, they can get them on their roster one of two ways:

1. Because they're already playing in a league and have paid their fees. If this is the case, there's nothing further to be done by the member. The team simply advises the office. OR
2. By having that person go online to register and pay (skipping that portion dealing with leagues) as a an Alternate (5th or 6th Curler) and pay the GCC membership fee and the Curling Alberta fee.

Spares

All spares must be members of the GCC. Which means that you can't bring in a "rogue" curler from another club to fill in for your team. Everyone on the ice must be a member of the club. All members of the GCC are automoatically eligible to spare. For those members who are particularly interested in being contacted for spare opportunities, they can register themsleves on the Spare List. That is done by the member themself, making certain selections on their own profiles. 

If you're not on a team (as a Primary or Alternate curler) and want to spare, you can purchase a $175 Associate Membership. Once a member of the club, you can put your name on the Spare List to let league teams know you're available. You can also book practice ice at no extra charge.