Curling Rules, Etiquette & Code of Conduct

• Arrival Time: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled game time to change, stretch, and prepare. If you will be late or require a spare, inform your skip as early as possible.
• On the Ice: Aim to step onto the ice 5 minutes prior to game time. This gives you time for warm-up slides and to introduce yourself to your opponents with a handshake and a wish of "Good curling!"
• The Coin Toss: The Leads flip a coin to determine last-rock advantage (the hammer) or choice of stone colour. The winner of the toss usually chooses the hammer, leaving colour selection to the opposing team.
• Late Starts: A team must have at least 3 players on the ice at game time to start. If a team is 10 minutes late, they forfeit hammer and the first end is scored as 1 point for the team present. After 30 minutes, the game is forfeited.

A mere 10-second delay per delivery across 16 rocks adds up to nearly 11 minutes lost per game. Keeping a brisk pace ensures full 8-end games and lets the ice crew prep on schedule:

• Be Ready in the Hack: When the opposing team releases their rock, the next thrower should be cleaning their rock and setting up in the hack immediately.
• Clearing the House: While the Vices determine the score and the sweepers push rocks into the corners, the Lead throwing first in the next end should grab their stone and prepare to deliver right away.
• Quick Skips: Skips should decide their call quickly while the opposition rock is travelling down the sheet rather than waiting until it stops to begin planning.

• Stand Clear: When the other team is delivering, sweepers should stand quietly between the hog lines along the outer sidelines in single file. Never walk across the sheet or move behind the hack while an opponent is in their delivery.
• In the House: Only the Skips and Vices should be standing in or behind the rings. When an opponent is throwing, the non-delivering Skip should stand completely behind the back line with their broom off the ice so they do not distract the thrower.
• Burned Stones: If you accidentally touch a moving stone with your broom, shoe, or clothing, immediately call it on yourself. Honesty and self-officiating are the bedrock of curling.
• Measuring & Scoring: Only the two Vice-Skips should be in the house deciding the score or using the measuring stick. Sweepers and Skips should remain outside the rings until the count is agreed upon.

• Footwear: Never wear street shoes on the ice. Keep dedicated curling shoes or clean runners spotlessly clean, and always step on the sticky mat before entering the ice shed to prevent track dirt from causing stone "picks".
• Handling Stones: Curling rocks must never be lifted or dropped onto the ice. Use your broom or feet to push stones gently into position after an end.
• Protect the Ice Surface: Avoid resting your hands, knees, or body on the ice for prolonged periods after sliding. Body heat melts small impressions into the pebble, damaging stone paths.
• Welcoming New Members: Support new curlers and players learning the sport. Direct questions to club convenors and encourage good sportsmanship both on the ice and upstairs in the lounge afterwards.