We all already agree that curling is the best sport in the universe, of course. But there are some things about it which you learn over time, and this page can give you a hand in developing your awareness of the ideals and the unwritten rules.
Curling is known widely as one of the only games with no referee (at least, at the recreational level). It’s a sport that runs on the honour system. We greet each other, we compliment each other, and we stay out of each others’ way.
Handshakes
Greet each opposing team members with a handshake, fist bump, elbow bump, friendly wave, or whatever works best for you. After the game, whatever the result, we do it again before heading for the lounge.
Preparation
Be respectful of everyone’s time by being ready to play. Ready to start at your draw time, ready to throw when it’s your shot, and off the ice promptly when the game has concluded (or the bell has concluded it for you).
See more details on speeding up game play below.
Respect
Even when the opposing team makes a shot that makes your plans more difficult, good shots deserve compliments. A sporting spirit toward all curlers is part of what makes the game and our league so much fun.
Similarly, a missed shot deserves empathy, because there but for the grace of that little speck of lint go we all.
Finally, respect for our shared home at the Royal Canadian Curling Club – this building is old enough to be our great-grandparent, so treat it right. Be kind to everything from the rocks – no kicking the handles! – to the carpets – keep your potato chip crumbs in the bowl or in your face please!
Socializing
A neat trick in curling is that if your game goes poorly, you’re probably rewarded with a drink purchased by your opponent! It’s customary for the winning team to purchase drinks for the second-place team, and most often for the second-place team to get the next round in return! The best curling stories come out in the lounge after the game, so stick around for the chat when you can!
Speed of Play
Curling Ontario has assembled this helpful set of tips on ensuring your game proceeds smoothly:
- Shake hands with your opponents before the game and with them “good curling”.
- Never distract your opponent when he/she is in the hack preparing to deliver his/her rock. This includes being out of position, crossing the ice surface while he/she is in the hack, getting in the way of the sweepers, or causing a distraction of any kind.
- POSITION OF PLAYERS:
- Delivering team
- Skip: in the house holding the broom
- Sweepers: on the sidelines, inside the hog line, ready to sweep
- Thrower: in the hack, preparing to deliver
- Non-Delivering team
- Skip: behind the house in a stationary position with his/her broom off the ice
- Sweepers: in single file, at the sidelines, and between the two hoglines
- Opposition thrower: on the backboard and to the side of the ice, standing quietly
- Delivering team
- When moving rocks at the finish of an end, be sure to push them carefully so as to avoid other people’s feet.
- Remember to arrive in time, if you are late you are holding up seven other people.
- Be ready to throw when it’s your turn, so you don’t hold up the game
- Applaud good shots, whether by your team or the opposition. Never clap or applaud bad shots!
- Ensure your footwear is clean before stepping on the ice.
- Be ready to start sweeping as soon as your teammate releases the rock.
- At the end of the game, win or lose, be ready to shake hands with your opposition and thank them for the game.
If you observe all these courtesies then you and all the curlers you play with will derive greater enjoyment out of the game.