Curling 101

Dating back to Scotland in the early 16th century, curling has grown in popularity in recent times with its inclusion and publicity in the winter Olympic Games. Multiple styles of curling exist, with both a 4-person team and 2-person team (doubles) version now included in the Olympics and World Events.

The sport involves a 42 to 44 pound granite stone (curling rock) being slid (delivered) down a curling sheet towards a circular scoring zone (house). Team members sweep the ice surface in front of the curling rock to help the rock travel further in its direction of travel.

Teams score by placing their curling rocks within the scoring circle (house) and closer to the center than the nearest rock of their opponents. Only one team scores each end (comparable to an inning in baseball) and a single point is scored for each rock the closest team has nearer to the center than the closest rock from the opposing team. No additional points are issued based on the circles within the scoring area (house).

Curling is a very inclusive and flexible sport that can be enjoyed at any age! The unique combination of precision, skill, and physically adaptable activity involved in the sport of curling provides a uniquely fun and challenging experience that can be enjoyed at almost any age and capability.

A 2 Minute Guide to Curling

Curling Etiquette

Start with a handshake. At the beginning of the game, greet the members of the opposing team with a handshake, tell them your name, and wish them “Good Curling”.

Finish with a handshake. When the game is over, offer each of the players a hearty handshake and move off the ice. The winning curlers traditionally offer their counterparts some refreshments.

Keep the ice clean. Change your shoes. Sand, grit and dirt are the ice’s worst enemy. The shoes you wear should only be used for curling. Keep them clean.

Compliment good shots, no matter which team makes them. Respect your opponent.

Be ready. Take your position in the hack as soon as your opponent has delivered his/her stone. Keep the game moving; delays detract from the sport.

Be prepared to sweep as soon as your teammate releases the rock.

After delivering your stone, move to the side of the sheet between the “hog “ lines, unless you are the skip. Leads and seconds are not permitted in “house” or “rings”, except when sweeping or to remove the stones after the count has been determined by the vices.

Be courteous. Don’t distract your opponent in the hack. Sweepers should stay on the sidelines between the hog lines when not sweeping.

Place your skip’s rock in front of the hack to help speed up the game.

All games on the ice should run approximately the same time. Therefore, if your game is an end or two behind all other games you should pick up the pace. Each player should be ready to deliver their rock when their skip puts down the broom.