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Page C6 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, December 9, 1992

New rule dra

By LINDA MOORE
ow that curling has
attained full medal
status in the
Olympics, the major
discussion al curling clubs in
Canada is whelher or not to
change the rules.

In Canada, minor rule revisions
have occurred over the past few
years, mostly involving equip-
ment modifications. ,

However, at the world
championships and in the
Olympic Winter Games, curling
uses the ‘free guard zone’ rule,

This rule prevents lead players
on both teams from removing op-
ponents guard(stones in front of
the house) from play.

It still means that the stones can
be, bumped, split or moved in a

variety of ways, but not hit out of

play.

The objective of keeping more
rocks around? To make curling
more exciting by eliminating the
‘takeout’ style games and increas-
ing the possibility of comebacks.

The concern? The rule does
alter the game in a fairly dramatic

fashion.
But this has been discussed be-
fore, so whal’s new? This year,
the Ontario men’s curling
championship will use a slightly

modified free guard zone rule in

their event.

I's a bold move because it will
mean the Onlaric winner will
face different rules at the provin-
cial and national level and, if they

“win, even the international level:

However, many top players in
Ontario pushed for the change as
they feel the rule is the way of the
future and want the Canadian
Curling association to decide in
favour of the rule at their mecting
next June,

So why not make the change?
One problem with the current rule
is that it takes away a great deal
of the advantage of having last
rock; the opposition controls the
end by placing the first stone ei-
ther in the house, or in front, and
thus dictates the slyle of play --
takeout or draw.

The opposition is also ihe first
onc, with the fifth stone of the
end, permitted to play a takeout

on front stones.

Also many of those concemed
with the rule think the club curler,
nol competitive curlers, will be
most affected.

Leads on teams that play in
recreational leagues are often the
least experienced player on the

‘team and the [ree guard. zone rule
can increase the complexity of
lead’s shots.

“> One solution thathas been men-
lioned is having different rules
for competitive curlers and club
players. Others say that would be
too confusing.

Although some curlers don’t
object to the concept, they do say
the final version of the rule has
yet to be determined.

Bonspicls across the country
use a variety of versions of the
rule -- there is litle consistency at
this point. :

The best idea is for curlers to
try the rule and let their provin-
cial curling association. know
what they think.

~ Want to try it? Here are some
notes on the free guard zone rule:

* Leads cannot remove op-

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ponents guards from play. This
means the stone in question can
be moved, bul cannol be pushed
over the backline or touch the
side boards.

* The penalty -- the original
guard is replaced and the op-
ponents rock is removed from
play.

* Rocks in the house, even
“biters” can be removed at any
time. coos

* The mile only applies to the
lead player. Seconds can remove
any slone at any time.

* You can remove your own
guard stone if you wish.

* On leads’ stones only, you
can measure to sec if it is a guard
or in the house and therefore can
be taken out,

Be sure ta pass on your opinion

- of the rule!

Dr. Dean Burtch

at Park Avenue Dental Clinic
Has moved to the downstairs office

PARK AVE. DENTAL CLINIC

4619 Park Avenue NEW PHONE # 638-0679

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA]

at the Woolworth Cafeteria
- December 12and19
Only $2.00 per ticket ©

* Children Under.
12 Years Only Please
* Must be accompanied

Treats will be given out by Santa |

) by an adult

|x Seating For
Ticket Holders
Only

‘

ix Tickets Must Be

| Purchased In Advance

| At The Woolworth
Cafeteria

Wroohwordh

4647 Lakelae Ave., Terrace « .

cat]

Power Systems

The Ladies Auxiliary Of The
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13
. cordially invite
MEMBERS & GUESTS

to attend a

NeW YEARS EVE
DINNER AND DAI

Thursday, December 31

at the Royal Canadian Legion in Terrace

4

FREE RIDES
HOME

: 7:00 p.m.
-8:00 p.m.

Doors Open
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Tickets $20.00 each - Available At The Legion

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