Curling Etiquette
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.
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
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 or her stone. Keep the game moving; delays detract from the sport.
Be prepared to sweep
Be prepared to sweep as soon as your teammate releases the rock.
Move to the side after delivering
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 the 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
Place your skip’s rock in front of the hack to help speed up the game.
Keep pace with other games
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.
