Curling Etiquette &
Club Policies
Our club is committed to providing all members and guests with a comfortable and safe experience. To ensure everyone enjoys their time on the ice, we kindly ask that you familiarize yourself with and adhere to our club policies.
Practicing good etiquette, such as maintaining pace of play, respecting the ice and facilities, and being mindful of others, helps create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for all. We appreciate your cooperation in making our course a pleasant and welcoming place for everyone.
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Handshake before and after games: Players shake hands with each member of both teams before the game, wishing them "Good curling." After the game, they congratulate each other with a handshake, regardless of the outcome.
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Be on time: Arriving early ensures that the game starts on time, and teams can prepare without rushing.
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Respect for the ice: Players should avoid damaging the ice by not sliding their hands or knees on it, keeping the ice clean, and wearing clean footwear.
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Stand still during shots: When a player is delivering a stone, others should stand quietly on the side or behind the shooter and avoid distractions.
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Only skip speaks during strategy discussions: While players may communicate with their teammates, only the skip should give instructions during a shot. Players avoid unnecessary chatter during opponent shots.
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Compliment good shots, but don’t celebrate opponent's mistakes: It's considered good form to acknowledge an opponent's well-played shot, but players should refrain from celebrating misses or errors from the other team.
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Help keep the game moving: Sweepers should clear stones out of the house promptly and stay ready for their own team's next shot to keep the pace of the game moving smoothly.
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Don’t touch moving stones: Once a stone is in play, no player (or their broom) should touch it until it has come to a complete stop.
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Respect the scorekeeper: When scoring, teams should agree on the outcome before marking the score and avoid arguments over the count.
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Keep the rink tidy: At the end of the game, it’s customary to help put away equipment like rocks, scoreboards, and brooms.
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Good sportsmanship and the "Spirit of Curling" emphasize courtesy and respect for both teammates and opponents.