When spectators watch the first stones slide across the ice at an international curling tournament, everything often appears smooth and effortless. Teams arrive, games begin on time, results appear online, and the entire event seems to run naturally from one match to the next.
But behind this seamless experience lies months of preparation and the work of a dedicated team of volunteers and organisers.
Hosting a junior international curling tournament such as the EJCT Baden requires far more than simply creating a website and inviting teams. It involves careful planning, coordination, communication, and a strong team spirit among the organisers.
From selecting the participating teams to managing the tournament schedule, streaming matches, and promoting the event, many people contribute their time and expertise to make sure the tournament runs successfully.
It Starts Long Before the First Stone
The organisation of the EJCT Baden begins many months before the tournament takes place.
While the public may first notice the event through the official website or social media announcements, the preparation process usually starts well before that. The organising committee meets regularly to define the structure of the tournament and coordinate all necessary tasks.
During these planning phases, the team discusses a wide range of topics, including:
- Tournament rules and format
- Communication with teams
- Marketing and promotion
- Sponsorship and partnerships
- Media coverage and live streaming
- Logistics and scheduling
Typically, four to five organising meetings take place in the months leading up to the tournament. During these meetings, every detail is discussed and carefully planned so that once the tournament begins, everything runs smoothly.
Teamwork within the organising committee plays a central role in this process.
Building a Competitive Field of Teams
One of the most important tasks in organising an international junior curling tournament is selecting the participating teams.
At the EJCT Baden, this responsibility lies primarily with Anina Loritz and Nina Marbacher. Their work begins well before the tournament itself. In fact it starts early in March before the last season has ended.
They coordinate the application process, communicate with teams from different countries, and evaluate registrations to ensure the tournament features a strong and competitive field.
Creating the right mix of teams requires careful consideration. The organisers aim to bring together talented junior teams from multiple nations while maintaining a high competitive level throughout the event.
This process involves reviewing team results from previous seasons, including performances at national championships, international tournaments, and world-level competitions.
At the same time, Anina and Nina manage ongoing communication with the teams, answering questions, providing tournament information, and ensuring that each team is well prepared for their trip to Baden. This often increases, when the tournament stat is getting closed.
Their work ensures that the tournament features exciting matchups and an international atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the European Junior Curling Tour.
Creating Visibility Through Social Media
In today’s sports environment, communication and visibility are essential. Fans, players, and supporters expect to follow tournaments not only at the venue but also online.
At the EJCT Baden Organisation Team, this responsibility is carried by Sofia Suter, who manages the tournament’s social media presence with great passion and dedication.
Through regular updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes content, Sofia helps build excitement around the event long before the first game begins.
Social media posts introduce the tournament, highlight important milestones such as registration deadlines, and share information about participating teams.
During the event itself, social media becomes a central communication channel where fans can follow results, see photos and highlights, and stay connected with the atmosphere at the rink.
Sofia’s work helps bring the tournament to a wider audience and strengthens the connection between the event and the curling community.
Streaming and Sponsorship
Modern sporting events often reach audiences far beyond the arena itself. Live streaming allows friends, family members, and curling fans from around the world to follow games in real time.
At the EJCT Baden, Charly Suter takes care of the streaming setup as well as the relationships with sponsors.
Live streaming requires technical preparation and coordination to ensure that games are broadcast smoothly. Cameras, internet connections, and broadcasting platforms must all function reliably throughout the tournament.
For many teams travelling from different countries, live streaming provides an important way for supporters back home to follow their matches.
At the same time, sponsorship plays a crucial role in making the tournament possible. Support from partners helps cover costs such as infrastructure, equipment, and organisational expenses.
Charly works closely with sponsors to build partnerships that support the event while also providing visibility for the companies involved.
Coordinating the Organisation
Every successful event needs someone who keeps the different parts of the organisation connected.
At the EJCT Baden, this role is taken on by Michael Devaux, who carries the main organisational responsibility for the tournament. Furthermore he is in the lead for the whole Junior Programm run at the CC Baden-Regio.
Michael coordinates the collaboration between the curling club, the game officials, and the organising committee. His role ensures that communication flows smoothly between all groups involved in the event.
This coordination is essential for maintaining a clear overview of the many moving parts involved in organising a tournament.
Michael works with great passion and dedication to ensure that the event reflects the values of the curling community and provides a memorable experience for both athletes and spectators.
The Role of the Game Officials
While much of the preparation happens in advance, the tournament itself requires careful management once the games begin.
This responsibility lies with the game officials and tournament directors on site.
They oversee the daily schedule, ensure that games start on time, and manage the flow of the competition. This includes updating results, maintaining the tournament standings, and handling any questions that arise during the event.
Because curling games can be closely contested, officials must also be prepared to assist teams if rule clarifications or measurements are required.
Their presence ensures that the competition runs fairly and efficiently while allowing players to focus fully on their performance.
Without the dedication of these officials, managing an international tournament with multiple teams and games would not be possible.
Planning Every Detail
Organising a curling tournament involves many small details that spectators may never notice but that are essential for a successful event.
The organising committee must plan everything from the tournament schedule and ice preparation to team information packages and venue logistics.
They coordinate with volunteers, manage communication channels, and ensure that facilities are ready for athletes and spectators.
During the planning meetings, topics such as rules, promotion, marketing, and operational procedures are discussed carefully.
By addressing these elements early in the planning process, the organisers reduce the risk of unexpected issues during the tournament itself.
This attention to detail helps create a smooth and professional experience for everyone involved.
A True Team Effort
One of the most important ingredients in organising the EJCT Baden is teamwork.
Just as curling teams rely on cooperation between players, the organising committee works together to bring the tournament to life.
Each member contributes specific expertise and responsibilities, but success depends on how well these roles connect and support one another.
Regular communication, shared commitment, and mutual respect help ensure that every aspect of the tournament is handled effectively.
This collaborative approach reflects the same values that define the sport of curling itself.
Passion Behind the Event
What makes the EJCT Baden particularly special is the passion of the people behind it.
Many of the organisers invest their time and energy on a voluntary basis because they believe in supporting junior curling and creating opportunities for young athletes.
Their dedication allows talented teams from different countries to compete, gain experience, and enjoy the international curling community.
For the athletes arriving in Baden, the tournament represents days of exciting competition. For the organisers, it represents months of preparation and teamwork.
From Planning to Action
When the first game begins and the stones slide across the ice, all the planning finally comes together.
Players focus on their strategy, spectators enjoy the action, and the tournament unfolds as intended.
The smooth experience that participants and visitors see during the event is the result of the careful preparation carried out behind the scenes.
More Than Just an Event
Organising a junior international curling tournament is about more than managing games and schedules.
It is about creating an environment where young athletes can compete at a high level, experience international sport, and develop their skills.
Thanks to the dedication of the organising team—including Anina Loritz, Nina Marbacher, Sofia Suter, Charly Suter, Michael Devaux, and many others—the EJCT Baden continues to grow as an exciting and well-organised event on the junior curling calendar.
And while the players may take centre stage on the ice, the success of the tournament is truly the result of the passionate teamwork happening behind the scenes.
