Curling Etiquette and Basic Rules 

 

Basic Rules

 

• Greet each member of the opposing team with a handshake, a self-introduction and a wish for good curling. 

• A player from one team tosses a coin, while the other team makes the call (mostly this task is done by the Thirds/Vice Skips). Whichever team wins the toss has the option of throwing the last rock, or choosing rock colour. The team that wins the toss will usually opt for the advantage of last rock, in which case the other team chooses the colour they want.

• Behind the tee line, only one member of each team can sweep at one time. If you decide not to sweep your own rock, make way for the other team.  

• As soon as the delivered rock comes to rest, leads and seconds leave the house and return to the side of the sheet between the hog lines. Only the skips and vice-skips should be in the house. 

• Sweepers should be between the hog lines when rocks are delivered by the opposition. 

• Similarly, when you have finished sweeping your team's rock and you're walking back down the sheet, keep to the edge. Remember that the other team will be throwing their rock and that the sightlines down the sheet should be unblocked. Always walk down the sidelines in a single file. Stop walking while your opponent is throwing. Once they have released the rock you may start walking again. 

• When a team is preparing to deliver, the opposing skip stands still and holds his/her broom off of the ice to avoid disturbing the concentration of the player in the hack. 

• Do not disturb a curler in the hack. If you are waiting to play, stand quietly well behind the curler and out of reach of the broom. If you are an opposing sweeper, stand still at the side of the sheet beyond the hog line. 

• The third of the scoring team is responsible for marking the score after each end.

• Be aware of the games on the sheets beside you. Don’t walk behind their sheets while someone is delivering a stone. Don’t walk on their sheet while they are throwing the stones.

• Sweepers should position themselves on or around the tee line, near to the hack, to start sweeping a rock. If your teammate releases a slow moving rock, waiting for it to come to you at the hog line or beyond defeats the purpose of sweeping. Sweepers should start moving with the thrower and be level with the rock ready to sweep as soon as it is released if needed.

• Strategy and decision making is the responsibility of the Skip. When it comes time for Skips to throw, they should discuss strategy with their Third/Vice Skip. These decisions should not be drawn out. Taking too much time is unfair on the opposition. Seconds and Leads can get involved in some strategy discussions, but consistently being involved slows the game down.

• Front end players (lead or second) can place the skip’s rock in front of the hack to help speed up the game. 

• All players should be aware of what's going on in a game. Be ready to throw your rock when it's your turn. this not only allows more ends to be played in the allotted time but it also keeps people from getting cold.

• Clean your rock before delivering it to remove any debris that may be trapped underneath.

• Both teams shake hands after a game. 

• If you can’t attend a game get a spare in advance and notify the skip. 

 

Ice Etiquette

• Be a good sport. Compliment a good shot by either side. Never comment negatively on a teammates’ or opponent’s poor shot or bad luck. Control your own frustration because we all are out here to just have some FUN!

• Set an example; be courteous and be aware of team abilities. Be a Nice Person.

• Winning & competition are not paramount to some of our team members. They curl for other reasons such as social and exercise. Tailor your expectations to the ability of your team members and other teams on the ice. Be considerate of those of lesser talents.

• Be on the ice, ready to go for your curl time!

• Clean your shoes before entering the ice shed and make sure shoes are curling shoes or indoor shoes.

• Frequently clean your broom during play to prevent debris from falling on the ice. Clean brooms over garbage cans so dirt etc. does not fall onto the floor. 

• Don’t put hands on the ice or kneel on ice. After shooting, if you tend to drag your knee or put your hands on the ice, please get up quickly as the heat from your body could melt the ice and leave a dent.

• Help keep your team aware of curling etiquette and rules.

• Be aware of safety. Recommend grippers be new and worn at all times after a delivery. Help sweepers prevent falls by suggesting that when they are sweeping their feet and body face towards the house they are delivering towards.

• To receive points for a win or tie, your game results have to be posted on the score sheet.

 

 

Curling Lingo (See visuals below)

 

Sheet: Ice surface on which the game is played.

End: like inning in baseball - your playing either 6 or 8 ends/game

Hog Line: The line you let go of your rock before/the rock must cross to be considered in play

Hammer: Last rock at the end 

Hack: The foothold in the ice that you push off from

House: inside the circles at the end of each sheet.

Guard: A stone placement that protects stones in house 

Tee Line: the line in the middle of the house. 

Button: The very center of the target rings/house.

 

Registration Answer: Curling Rocks 

 

Curling has its rules governing play, but equally as important is the way you conduct yourself while curling. This is outlined in the Curlers’ Code of Ethics that is part of the rulebook:

I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship.

I will conduct myself in an honorable manner both on and off the ice.

I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.

I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates or officials.

I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.

I will humbly accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game. 

For more information on curling, please check out the Curling Canada website at: https://www.curling.ca/about-curling/getting-started-in-curling/rules-of-curling-for-general-play/