We complain about the RCCC and how it seems to be doing nothing for club curlers, or about it's elite programs etc etc,  but what I would like to know is if anyone here, or anyone we know of, is planning on standing for election.


I would be delighted if a member or members of this forum would stand for election.  However as a word of caution  to anyone thinking of it.  To the best of my knowledge expenses are not paid and a fair bit of free time commitment has to be given.  This almost means that a candidate has to be self employed, retired or have a very understanding employer.  I do know what it cost me in petrol alone for the 4 years I was on Council/ASC and it will be a bit more now - I also have a very understanding wife.

Being slightly negative I feel that the announcement could have been made a bit earlier.

Preach all you like, G83, we will all listen and hopefully some others will hear too. Speaking up is important, communicate, inform, teach, make noise, criticise, praise! Curlers do this well after games or in their cars on the way, why not do it here? Set the world to rights, it's our world!

But seriously too, where is the guidance from the governing bodies. Why should people have to spend hundreds of hours and pounds as volunteers on a board that appears to do very little for the common curler? I swear, if I could afford it I'd get in there and have a go at them, and when they throw me out I'll go back in and try again! Unfortunately it feels like I'd be allowed to enter the competition, but I won't be allowed to play. If the RCCC cannot inspire its members (all of them!) the members will lose motivation and the game will suffer. Volunteers for stats are needed -- I don't care about stats! I care about curling!

May I humbly suggest, come on RCCC, communicate. What are you doing, where are the facilities we need, how can we help. Give the curlers hope and they will be there! Give them this elite silence and they will not volunteer for anything, because it is hopeless for them.

No, I'm not angry, I'm halfway through a difficult report that will hopefully be of interest to curlers. That's all the hope I have left, and all I can afford to do.

For as long as I have been curling, which isn't half as long as most of you, the RCCC seems to have had a reputation that amounts to very little. Lack of communication, professionalism, cash, all that stuff, over and over again, every year the same. Following the last bit of candidates (or lack of), resignation, election (or lack of), all highlighted again by Bob in the Curler, has anything really changed? I would like to think so because they're on the web, on many people's minds, trying to make a difference through restructuring, refinancing, re-anything. But is there any real progress? Or are they simply employing (or using) more people to share in a slice of the same glory pie?

The thought has been bugging me for some time now. Can we really blame them for this situation, where they are perceived to be going nowhere fast? Should we not instead blame ourselves and make more of an effort to help, and support, and volunteer, in however small a way? Because it is OUR game and they simply represent US as best they can. If WE can demonstrate how much WE care for the game, will that not at least help to win more funding from sportscotland for more rinks for US that WE can use?

Sadly, being a little bit unemployed, I have very little spare money and can't travel either. So no board meetings and visits to other curling rinks for me, I have to stay at home. However, while at home I do what I can, such as the years of research, the SCIG website, the plans for the Circle, battling with you all about subjects here. Does that help? I can kid myself that it does and keep doing it, or I can grow up and see myself as a pain to most and walk away. Certainly the message has been blasted at me many a time: who the hell is he anyway? Nobody, just a curler with a mission, who cares.

Okay, so the RCCC doesn't look so good right now. I believe it can look a whole lot better simply by breaking away from the historical and political molds and doing something REAL for US, like building the Circle where people can use it, where we can all use it, and learn some new ways of going about things. They can demonstrate their commitment by attaching themselves to the complex with new offices, a new NCA, a museum, a new attitude of open communication at every level, regular webcasting, user-friendly competitions for all, and -- the best cherry on this cake -- excellent curling ice for all. I believe that can work, but does anyone else? I believe the RCCC needs US, WE can make a difference -- or is everyone so glued to their own areas to care about what really works also for everyone else in the game?

While I'm at it, where, I ask, are the minutes for the last meeting in February?

Sandy points out some important things here, clearly also from his own experience. I must second it, there are many good people giving many hours, days and years of their lives for US, and they are simply taken for granted.

For those who haven't studied it yet, have a good look at the RCCC constitution on their website. They are severely restricted in what they can or can't do, yet we expect them to do everything. They have no money unless we give it to them, or someone else does. They have no product to sell, but let's not argue about broadcast rights now. They have my support, and that of many, many curlers, but that alone will not change things.

So what will change things? Come on, let's hear it. Anyone who can express a comment on the quality of ice can surely come up with a comment on the future of the RCCC!

When I was finance convener of the RCCC there was no money wasted - in fact volunteers are free.!  I don't think the balance sheet is on the website although I think it should be - find a copy and read it - interesting reading.  Your club secretary will have had a copy.

Lets not become part of the silent grumbling majority.

Now that is well said indeed!

Have at least one person to act as a SPOKESPERSON for the RCCC

Why is this so difficult? If it's good enough for Tony Blair to want to speak to the IRA, or the present government to need to speak to the terrorists in Iraq, why can't the RCCC speak to its own members on a public Forum? To solve any problem, however small, requires communication, and that is precisely what this forum is for. Forget little newsletters and brief reports on their website, this forum is free, well read and open to all!

And if they have a reason why it takes four weeks to publish the minutes of their meetings, I'd like to know. Minutes of the last meeting has not yet appeared, and I must assume the next meeting is about to start.....

Going back on this thread and my own post of March 13, it is clear that the first area of improvement has been identified: Communication, via a spokesperson if need be, preferably here. I'm sure our excellent webmasters will be only too happy to create a separate section just for that.

How can anyone on the rccc be banned from commenting anywhere   let alone on this forum.. what is going to happen to them...  sacked? Does Rccc stand for russian communist curling collective... although no doubt if that organisation did exist it would have more perestroika than their ingleston based counterparts.
It sounds like a cop out from an individual or individuals with nothing constructive to say.     or are they just acting to the stereotype of being yes men!!