About the Sport
Curling has a long and rich history. While its origins are lost in the mists of time, Scottish curlers were playing the game by the beginning of the 16th century on frozen ponds and lochs.
Their earliest equipment included stones formed by nature, each one unique. These stones often curved, or “curled”, as they slid down the ice, and the players used besoms or brooms to clear snow and debris from the path of the stones.
Today, curling is a game of strategy, finesse, and strength contested by teams generally comprised of four players. The principle of curling is simple – get your stone closer to the centre of the target circles, called the “house”, than your opponent. Players of all skill levels can participate and compete even at older ages than most sports allow.
Respect, honour, and tradition are core elements of the game. Curlers are close-knit and you can rely on a warm welcome in curling clubs throughout the world. Camaraderie among players is inherent in the sport and tradition calls for both teams to sit together after a game discussing what was and what might have been.
Come join us.
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 on the ice 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. Each player should be ready to deliver their rock when the skip puts their broom down.
After delivering your stone, move to the side of the sheet between the hog lines, unless you are the skip.
Be prepared to sweep as soon as your teammate releases the rock.
Consider time-saving actions, for example, place your skip’s rock in front of the hack to help speed up the game.
Keep the game moving; delays detract from the sport.
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.
Remember: Leads and seconds are not permitted in the house (the 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.
