Rules of Etiquette
Curling is a
sport where tradition, etiquette, and good sportsmanship are abundant.
These Rules of Etiquette are stated for new curlers to learn. It is
recognized that experienced curlers, while having practiced these courtesies
and good sportsmanship principles for many years, can always use a reminder.
1. Practice good sportsmanship,
kindly feelings, and honorable conduct
Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler would
prefer to lose rather than win unfairly. Each curler should be the first to
divulge their own breach of rules or traditions. This spirit should influence
the interpretation and application of the rules and participant conduct both on
and off the ice.
2. Be on time
Get to the club early enough to be ready to curl at the appointed time. Leads
flip the coin for hammer as soon as you get on the ice to ensure a timely
start.
3. Let your skip know if you need a sub
If you are unable to make a game as scheduled, it is your responsibility to
notify your skip as soon as possible so they can find a sub.
4. Keep the ice clean
The shoes you wear to curl should be only for curling. Sand and grit from
street shoes can ruin the ice surface. ALWAYS clean your shoes before entering
the curling area.
5. Start with a handshake
At the beginning of each game, greet the members of the opposing team with a handshake, tell them your name, and wish them “Good Curling!” Make sure everyone knows everyone else.
6. Keep the game moving
Ends should take no more than 15 minutes.
Leads should prepare to deliver while the seconds and vices rack the
stones. Do not delay the start of an end to place the stones in numerical
order. Have your equipment ready and get into the hack as soon as
your opponent has delivered their stone. Be prepared to sweep as soon as your
teammate releases the rock. Once the shot is complete, sweepers
should quickly move to the sidelines and return to
the hog line at the throwing end. When it is time for skips to deliver, leads
should position their stones in front of the hack. Delays detract from the
sport.
7. Ensure your opponents have the opportunity to play their best game
Avoid distracting movements when a curler is in the hack. When your team is not shooting, keep your distance and stand quietly at the sides of the throwing hog line. Never walk or run across the sheet while a curler is in the hack or still watching the stone they have just delivered. While a team is determining their shot, no one from the opposing team should stand in the house, and only the opposing skips and vices should stand behind the house. Once the player is ready to deliver, the skips and vices behind the house should hold their brooms sideways or behind their backs.
8. Compliment a good shot
One of the nicest curling traditions is that players and spectators compliment a good shot by either side while holding comment on a poor shot or a competitor’s misfortune.
9. Skips and vices manage the game
They are responsible for reminding their teammates of proper etiquette. If
there is a problem, let your skip know, and have them address it. Vice skips
determine the score, handle any measurements, and hang the points on the
scoreboard. Others should remain behind the hog line until the outcome is
determined. They may assist with clearing the house at that time.
10. Ice cleaning duties
When the game is finished the ice needs to be swept, and the scoreboard should
be reset.
11. Finish with a handshake
When the game has been completed, offer each player a hearty handshake and say, “Good Game,” regardless of the outcome. The winning curlers traditionally offer their counterparts some refreshment.
