Curling Courtesies

Curling is quite like golf in the sense that there are more courtesies to the game than actual rules. Most curling matches are played without referees, only when play progresses into professional levels do you typically see referees overseeing a game. The players themselves monitor and confess to their infractions of the rules.

1. Players should arrive at least 15 minutes before game time to get equipment ready. Be prepared to go on the ice at the scheduled time. Lateness may be penalized.

2. Let your skip know as soon as possible if you can’t play in a scheduled game. You should try to obtain a sub for yourself and advise your skip who it is.

3. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the ice playing area at any time.

4. Curling footwear must not be worn anywhere but on the ice and inside the rink. Do not use any equipment that might damage the ice. All footwear should be checked and cleaned regularly.

5. Traditionally, before play begins, players introduce themselves to the opposition, shake hands, and wish them ‘good curling’.

6. When it is your turn to play, position yourself in the hack immediately, clean your stone, and watch your skip for instructions.

7. Never distract a player who is delivering, or preparing to deliver a stone by talking or moving.

8. Sweepers should get into position promptly. Never run across the ice in front of a player who is about to deliver a stone.

9. Do not block the line of vision of the player who is delivering a stone – stand well back.

10. Sweepers, when not sweeping, should not enter the house (rings) unless instructed to do so by their skip.

11. Sweepers should get back over the hog line quickly once sweeping has been completed. Do not stand around in the house.

12. A running stone, if touched by a broom, foot, or anything else becomes a ‘burned stone’. A burned stone is usually removed from play (see rules). You are on your honor to say when you have burned a stone.

13. Compliment a player on a good shot. Never embarrass another player by making remarks, clapping, or cheering for an unsuccessful shot.

14. At the conclusion of each end of play, all players, except the Thirds, must remain outside the house until the score is counted. Only Thirds are to be in the house while a stone is being measured.

15. After the score for the end is determined by the Thirds, the stones should be carefully removed. A carelessly deflected stone on a player’s heels could result in serious injury. Be careful. Never run and leap over the stones.

16. Lead players should be prepared to start the next end quickly. As the stones are being stacked at the conclusion of each end of play, the Lead for the team that has just scored in the end should be setting up his/her stone readying for the skip’s instructions.

17. Any player who inadvertently breaks a rule, and is aware of it, is the first to divulge the error.

18. At the conclusion of the game, shake hands cordially with the opposition and your own team members.