Curling Etiquette
Don't be late!
- When you are scheduled to play, be ready to step on the ice on time. When you are late you are holding up seven other curlers!
- If for some unavoidable reason you will be late, or cannot play, let your skip know as soon as possible and arrange your own spare.
Help keep the ice clean!
- Please clean your shoes and slider before stepping on the ice.
Do not disturb a curler in the hack
- Once a game has begun, please ensure that you do no disturb a curler in the hack.
- Do not cross the ice when a player is in the hack.
- Keep your distance.
- Be silent.
Be ready to shoot
- Be ready to take your position in the hack as soon at your opponent has delivered his stone.
- You should be ready to shoot as soon as the opposition clears the ice.
- This speeds up the game and keeps all players on their toes.
- Delays detract from the game, and may result in shortened games.
Release the stone before the hog line
- The handle should be clearly released before the hog line.
Sweepers stay between the hog lines
- When you are a sweeper and it is not your team's turn to throw, your position is on the side lines between the hog lines.
- Only the skips and vices are allowed behind the tee line.
Do not get in the way of the opposing team
- Stay out of the way of the opposing sweepers.
- Stay to the side of the ice when you are not playing.
- Sweepers should walk back along the sides of the ice leaving the ice for the opposition to use.
- Do not cross the ice when a player is in the hack.
Keep alert
- Pay attention to every shot being played; your opponents' and your team mates'.
- Stop rocks before they leave your sheet.
Be ready to sweep
- After your team mate releases a rock be ready to sweep.
- Don't be in the position of having to run to catch up with the rock.
Don't stop a burnt rock
- If you touch a rock ("burn it"), do not stop it.
- Allow the rock to continue to its rest.
- Notify your skip that the rock was burnt.
Notify the skips if you have touched a stone
- If you have personally moved a stationary stone, say so immediately so that it may be replaced (put into original position) to the satisfaction of the opposing Skip.
One sweeper behind the tee line
- Only one sweeper per team is allowed behind the tee line.
- Arrange with your sweeping partner before hand who will continue to sweep once the rock is behind the tee line.
Stand still while in the house
- A skip or third standing the house should keep perfectly still and avoid doing anything which would disturb the concentration of the opposing player in the hack.
Be a good sport
- Never pass an adverse remark about a poor shot or smile at an opponent's misfortune.
- In fact, compliment them, as well as your own, on shots well made!
Scoring and measuring by the thirds only
- The thirds (vices) must agree on the score at the end of each end.
- When a measurement is necessary, only the two vices shall be in the house.
- No rocks are to be moved until the vices say so.
Handshake and a drink
- At the end of a game, whether you win or lose, give each of your opponents a hearty handshake, thank them for the game, and arrange to meet them in the lounge for a drink.
- If you have won, offer to buy the first round of drinks for the opposing person at your position.