26 March 2025

World Curling Launches Global Facilities Certification Programme

World Curling are delighted to announce the launch the Global Facilities Certification Programme. This programme is a new initiative in partnership with Sustainable Venue Solutions and World Academy of Sport that is designed to establish a network of certified curling venues around the world.

As a core aspect of the World Curling Strategic Forward Plan, developing a network of facilities was one of the Big Ideas defined to ensure the sustainable future of our sport. This programme is the first stage of that development and will define the standardised level of facility required for the various levels of engagement in the curling community.

World Curling Board Director and Technical Commission Chair, David Sik said, “We are excited to launch the Global Facilities Certification Programme. We couldn’t have gotten to this point without our successful partnership with Sustainable Venue Solutions and the World Academy of Sport.

“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.

“Becoming a Recognised Facility is the first step on a much larger journey. This certification brings the community of facility owners closer together and will provide them with vital support to ensure the stable foundation for our sport for years to come.”

The Global Facilities Certification Programme implements a structured process that will allow existing facilities to enhance their operational standards and ensure that they meet clearly defined benchmarks.

This certification programme also acts as a formal set of standards for investors, governments and sport authorities who are looking for official guidance on requirements to build new ice centres or host international curling events.

Each certification level corresponds to a facility’s infrastructure, capacity and strategic goals.

The certification levels available for facilities are as follows:

Recognised Facility

The Recognised Facility is the entry tier of the certification process. It is designed for local and community-based facilities that are used to introduce newcomers to the sport and foster the initial engagement with the sport.

This certification level focuses on promoting accessibility and inclusivity and ensuring the facilities provide a safe, welcoming and supportive atmosphere for participants.

Training Centre

The Training Centre certification level is designed to recognise national curling facilities that demonstrate a commitment to improving infrastructure, operational competency, staff training and community engagement.

To achieve this certification a facility requires more comprehensive infrastructure and operational standards, sports programming and ambitions sustainability goals.

Training Centres are versatile facilities that are capable of hosting local and national events. These facilities are important in fostering athlete development and the growth of the sport.

Training Centre Gold

The Training Centre Gold certification is the highest recognition within the training centre category. This certification is awarded to facilities that go beyond the standard training centre criteria by demonstrating excellence in several areas.

Excellence Centre

This is the top-tier of certifications reserved for world-class facilities capable of hosting international curling competitions.

Excellence Centres must meet the highest standards in sustainability, infrastructure and operational excellence and include international-standard ice quality and spectator facilities.

Excellence Centre Gold

The Excellence Centre Gold certification is the pinnacle of the Global Facilities Certification Programme.

This certification is awarded to world-class facilities that set the benchmark for curling infrastructure and operations globally.

Facility’s that are interesting in learning more about the certifications and their requirements, can find additional information here.

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