gsoc01

To download a printable version of the CO-OP Tour Challenge draw schedule, please click here.

FORMAT

Both divisions are split into four pools of four teams. Each team will play four round-robin games: three against teams within their pool and one crossover game against a team from another pool. Teams from Pool A will face teams from Pool D, and teams from Pool B will face teams from Pool C.

Crossover games were pre-determined based on the world rankings as of Sept. 29. Teams ranked No. 1-4 will play their crossover game against teams ranked No. 9-12 in the opposite pool. Teams ranked No. 5-8 will play their crossover game against teams ranked No. 13-16 in the opposite pool.

Eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals. If necessary, one tiebreaker draw will be played.

Blank Ends: Teams are allowed only one blank end for the whole game. If a second blank occurs, the team will lose the hammer in the next end.

No Extra Ends: There will be no extra ends in this event. If a game is tied after eight ends, a draw-to-the-button shootout will determine the winning team for all games, including playoffs.

Points System: Win in 8 ends or fewer = 3 points; shootout win = 2 points; shootout loss = 1 point; Lose in 8 ends or fewer = 0 points.

Time/Timeouts: Each team will have 30 minutes of thinking time, plus two 90-second timeouts.

QUALIFICATION

Both men’s and women’s divisions will feature 16 teams.

The top 14 teams based on the World Curling team rankings as of Sept. 15 will be invited to participate. The Grand Slam of Curling reserves the right to implement possible sponsors’ exemptions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, in which two spots could be filled at their discretion.

If a team declines its invitation, the next team on the rankings will be invited until the field is complete.