Curling Etiquette

Curling has always been known for the prevalence of good sportsmanship and the friendly courteous rivalry that exists on the ice.  The courtesies suggested are practised by curlers who understand the true spirit and tradition of the "roaring game".

Every curling game begins with a hearty handshake of friendship and goodwill to both team mates and opponents.

Be on time.  Seven other people will be depending on you.

Clean your shoes before stepping on to the ice.  Clean your brush regularly during the game.  It is everyone's responsibility to keep the sheet of ice clean.  However, you may not remove any foreign object from beneath a moving stone or from one that has come to rest.

Be ready to throw your stone immediately after your opponent's stone has been delivered.  Make sure that you cleaned your stone first.

In no way should you disturb a player in the hack or during delivery or until the stone comes to a stop. You should stand still on the sideline and between the hog lines when your opponent is delivering a stone.

Stay out of the way of opposing sweepers.

Sweepers should be on the sidelines, alert and ready to sweep immediately, if called upon.  They should stay with the stone all the way to the house, sweeping or not.

When in the house, skips and thirds should keep their brooms behind them and stand still while opponents are throwing.

No one should deliberately delay the game.

If you have personally touched (fouled or burned) a moving stone, you should be the first one to so declare.

If you have personally moved a stationary stone, say so immediately so that it may be replaced (put into the original position) to the satisfaction of the opposing skip.

Congratulate opposing players, as well as members of your own rink, when they have made a good shot.  Never, by word or deed, be guilty of any action that would embarrass a player who has missed a shot.

Every curling game ends with a hearty handshake of friendship and goodwill to both team mates and opponents.