CURLING ETIQUETTE

Curlers are expected to be on time for their game, and to ensure that they find a spare in the event that they cannot be there. Arrive at least 15 minutes before game time. If you can’t find a spare, let the skip know  (in plenty of time) – perhaps he/she can help out. If something comes up at the last minute and you can’t be there, phone the Club or your skip 

Start the game on time, even if it means beginning with three players

If a team cannot be there, and has to default, they are required to call the other team.

Shake hands with your opponents before and after each game.  Wish them “good curling” at the start of the game.

Opposing players (generally the thirds) will toss a coin at the start of the game to determine last stone advantage.

     
      
     
When your opponents are preparing for delivery, stand to the side of the sheet, single file and between the hog lines. Move only after the stone has been released.

If you are standing on the sidelines, and you see that the other team is throwing their next rock on your side, close to the edge of the sheet, give them some room by moving to the sidelines on the other side (but before the rock is delivered!)

If you have personally touched (fouled or burned) a moving rock, you should be the first one to so declare. 

If you have personally moved a stationary rock, say so immediately so that it may be replaced (put into original position) to the satisfaction of the opposing skip.

If you are throwing next you may stand on the backboard, but remain quiet and out of sight of the opposition thrower

One sweeper behind the tee line.  Arrange with your team mate who will continue to sweep once the rock is behind the tee line. The team delivering the rock has 1st privilege of sweeping its own rock, but must not obstruct or prevent their opponent from sweeping.

Only skips and thirds may congregate behind the tee line. They do not move or hold their brooms on the ice while the opposition is preparing to deliver a stone. If your team leads off on any particular end, the lead should gather his or her rock and get in the hack, clean the stone, and begin the pre-shot routine. The second and third should put the rocks away in a single line along the edge of the sheet. It is not necessary to put the rocks in order and doing so wastes time.

Never cross in front of a player who is in the hack and about to deliver a stone.

When you have finished sweeping your team’s rock and  are walking back down the sheet, keep to the edge, and walk in single-file. Remember that the other team will be throwing their rock and the sight lines down the sheet should be clear. You should avoid stepping onto or walking up and down the sheet of ice next to the one you are playing on if it is in use.

Sweepers should stay with the rock all the way to the house, sweeping or not.  Be prepared to catch rocks before they enter another sheet.

When exiting after a game, look both ways before you cross a sheet.  If someone is in the hack (close or far end) wait until they throw and then cross the sheet.

Curling etiquette dictates that you cheer on successes, and use discretion when someone misses a shot, either on your own team or on the opposing one. Compliment players on both teams for a good shot. Do not show your frustration at an opponent’s “lucky” shot or a teammate’s poor shot. No swearing, trash-talking, or broom-slamming!

Be ready to go when it’s your turn to deliver a stone. A few lost seconds each time will add up!

At the conclusion of an end, all players remain outside the rings until the opposing thirds have agreed on the score.

It is the third’s responsibility to put up the score for their own team immediately on completion of an end. 

You may see curlers “setting up” rocks for the other team after they have thrown theirs. This was something that was done as a courtesy years ago, but it is no longer encouraged. Rather than speeding up the game, it often slows it down, as they may pick the wrong rock. As well, it can be dangerous, if the curler is not expecting the rock to be there, and accidentally trips on it.

If you do want to help speed up the game, a front end team member setting up a rock in front of the hack for their OWN teammates is a great idea. It will cut a few seconds off delivery time, as the player delivering doesn’t have to get the rock.

If your team leads off on any particular end, the lead should gather his or her rock and get in the hack, clean the stone, and begin the pre-shot routine. The second and third should put the rocks away along the edge of the sheet. It is not necessary to put the rocks in order and doing so wastes time.

Ensure curling equipment is clean to prevent debris from falling on the ice surface. Change your slip-on grippers annually, as they start to deteriorate and can shed debris. Don’t wear jewelry that is likely to fall off and impede the rock. Do not wear your curling shoes anywhere else! Use the boot cleaners before entering the ice house.

Clean your brush regularly during the game.  It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the sheet of ice clean.

Do not leave your fingers, palm of your hand, or your knee on the ice, as this results in “flat” spots in the ice.

If you see hairs (less prevalent now that most brushes use pads) or dirt on the ice please pick them up and deposit them off the ice or to the side or end of the sheet. This will  help minimize “picks”.

Keep your equipment out of the way to the back of the backboards so that nobody trips over it.

Every curling game ends with a hearty handshake of friendship and goodwill to both team mates and opponents.

After a game both teams sit together for a social time.  Typically winners offer their opponents a drink and the non winning team will reciprocate with a drink offer.