Curling Policies and Procedures

Curler’s Code of Ethics

• I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship.
• I will conduct myself in a honourable manner both on and off the ice.
• I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breech.
• I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates, or officials.
• I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.
• I will humbly accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game.

Recommended Dress Code

It can be cold on the ice when one is not working hard sweeping a rock. Therefore warm loose clothing is essential. One’s warm clothing needs to be fairly loose to accommodate the stretching required for the slide delivery. It is also essential that no footwear that is worn outside be worn on the ice. As a very small bit of dirt on the ice can affect the path of the thrown rock, it is important to have very clean footwear. Sneakers that are not worn outside and a slider are good for new curlers but eventually most curlers buy proper curling shoes.

Curling Equipment

The Curling Club supplies most of the essential equipment, like curling stones and brushes that one needs in order to curl.

First time curlers who do not have a slider can use tape on the bottom of their sliding foot (the left foot if you are right handed and the right foot if you are left handed).

Helpful Hints for First Time Curlers

• Please ensure that your footwear will provide you with adequate traction in order to prevent you from falling, as the ice can be slippery and dangerous.
• Clean your footwear on the boot machine before going out on the ice.
• Always be cautious when on the ice and step on the ice with your non-sliding foot first.
• Cool down your slider by sliding at the edge of the ice before sliding out of the hack. A warm slider will melt and flatten the pebble in the house, which affects the curl of a rock.
• Get proper curling instruction before attempting to curl.
• Shake the opposing teams hands before the start and after the end of a game.
• Last rock advantage is often determined by the toss of a coin. The losing team then can choose the colour of rocks they wish to throw.
• After delivering a stone do not put your hand or knee on the ice for an extended period of time. This will melt the ice, which will affect the curl of subsequent stones.
• Always keep your brush/broom clean. Brush the dirt off the broom over the garbage can before, during and after a game.
• When one team is delivering their stones, the opposing team members should stand still on the edge of the ice between the two hog lines.
• Be ready to play when it is your turn.
• Please do not bring food or drink out to the ice area.
• In some clubs, on alternating months, either the winners or losers will purchase a beverage for members of the other team.