TO PLAYERS WHO SIGNED PLAYERS AGREEMENT:
Last week, a new pad was introduced at the Stu Sells that
had directional fabric, to prove a point that directional fabrics take
away from the spirit of the game. The “Blackhead” brushes by our competitor were
not only able to manipulate rocks far beyond reasonable expectations of a
rock’s natural path, but they also damaged the ice to such an extent as to make
it almost impossible to give opposing players the ability to make shots. These
“Blackhead” brushes were NEVER intended to be sold.
Players using “Blackhead” brushes were asked to not use
these brushes by the players at that event. Their response was that if they had
to remove them from the game, then Hardline teams had to stop using the icePad fabric. Hardline teams, after receiving significant
pressure from all the other players, agreed that the “Blackhead” brush has no
place in the game, and agreed to these demands, for the good of the game.
Since then, a player-driven agreement was sent for teams to
sign, restricting directional fabric for use in games from the WCT and Grand
Slams. Top teams signed the agreement, including Hardline teams. The player agreement clearly states no single
manufacturer or supplier is being targeted.
So then why was an ultimatum given to ONLY our Hardline teams not to
play with the icePad cover as recently as this weekend? Somehow, the icePad has also been targeted
for having directional fabric. The fabric on the icePad is NOT a directional
fabric. Hardline does not know how many times we can repeat the same thing. THE
ICEPAD DOES NOT HAVE DIRECTIONAL FABRIC!
We believe you signed this player agreement and were misled
into believing the icePad cover falls into the category of restricted fabrics,
a self imposed “rule” by players. The
fabric on the icePad fabric has been used for the last 3 years at ALL levels of
play. It is not “new” fabric.
This player agreement is a knee-jerk reaction to restrict
directional fabric and we agree that directional fabric should be outlawed as
we stated previously. But the underlying
intention is a blatant attempt by one of our competitors to discredit us due to
an erosion in their market share. Some
players have refused to sign the agreement for the simple reason of not knowing
what they are signing. What is directional fabric? Other teams have refused to sign the agreement
understanding the baseless nature of an attack towards Hardline. Other players, namely Hardline teams, signed
the agreement so as to not be open to criticism by their peers. This is pure
bullying by certain non-Hardline players towards Hardline players. Either stop
using the icePad or "be looked down upon".
There are too many questions to be answered before a proper decision
can be made. There has been no due
process. The Hardline icePad has been
essentially found guilty without due process.
Why is that?
The Hardline icePad cover has been played at all levels of
play, from recreational to elite level, the last 3 years. Never once has there
been a complaint. The “Blackhead” brush was used at one WCT event. After the
first day, the number of complaints was staggering. All players were against
this brush. How can one compare one established product which has never had a
complaint in 4 years to another brush that was introduced and HAD COMPLAINTS
FROM THE MOMENT IT WAS USED?
TO THE PLAYERS: We believe you have been misled into
believing the icePad fabric belongs on the same restricted list as the “Blackhead’
brush. We ask you to remove this restriction on the icePad, and start asking
questions to those responsible, and know all the facts. The integrity of due
process, and your own integrity, should not be compromised.
At Hardline, our integrity, and our reputation, as well as
every Hardline athlete, from Pro, to 1st year curler, will not be compromised
by the few who have a secret agenda. The truth about corporate bullying will
come out shortly. Anybody who has ever seen, bought, played against an icePad
knows the players assertions about directional fabric on the icePad are
baseless and without merit. It is up to you to know that you have every right
to leave your name on the list, as long as you are informed about what you
signed. Integrity of the game, as well as your own integrity, are both at
stake. We ask you to do the right thing – remove any restriction on the
icePad.
