Curling Etiquette and Positioning Hints:
Here
are some basic points of playing the game that beginners may already be aware
of, and some finer points they may not know:
· Introduce
yourself and shake hands with your opponents before the game & wish
everyone ‘good curling’.
·
Be quiet when opponents are delivering their rock
·
Do not put rocks out for your opponents
· A player from one team tosses a coin, while the other team makes the call (mostly this task is done by the Thirds/Vice Skips). Whichever team wins the toss has the option of throwing the last rock, or choosing rock colour. The team that wins the toss will usually opt for the advantage of last rock, in which case the other team chooses the colour they want.
· Only
the skip & vice of the delivering team should be in the house
· Sweepers
should be between the hog lines when rocks are delivered
In other words - When it's team A's turn to throw, players from team B should not be in the area between the backboard and the hog line where team A is throwing. This area is considered to be the territory of team A, and players on team B should wait at the side of the sheet between the two hog lines or behind the backboard. As soon as the rock has been delivered, players from team B can then move into the area to prepare for their team's throw - and the rule applies the other way round.
· When your team mate is throwing their rock, sweepers should keep far enough back with their brooms into their bodies, so that they don't block the sightlines, or impede the movement, of their team mate throwing.
· Similarly, when you have finished sweeping your team's rock and you're walking back down the sheet, keep to the edge. Remember that the other team will be throwing their rock and that the sightlines down the sheet should be unblocked.
· You should avoid stepping onto or walking up and down the sheet of ice next to the one you're playing on if teams are playing on it.
· It's okay for a Skip to stand behind the other Skip to watch the line, but the Skip behind should try not to have their broom placed down vertically on the ice, since this may put the thrower off by seeing two brooms! It's courtesy for the Skip standing behind to position their broom horizontally across their body.
· Sweepers
should position themselves on or around the tee line, near to the hack, to
start sweeping a rock. If your team mate releases a slow moving rock, waiting
for it to come to you at the hog line or beyond defeats the purpose of
sweeping. Sweepers should start moving with the thrower and be level with the
rock ready to sweep as soon as it is released if needed.
· The
other reason why sweepers should position themselves closer to the hack for
sweeping, is so that when the Skip comes to throw a rock (which would
already be waiting for them at the hack!), the Skip can discuss strategy
with the sweepers while preparing to throw. This makes it easier for the Skip
to communicate with the front-end, the front-end will benefit by knowing what
they need to do and will start to understand more about strategy; and it keeps
the game moving along quicker.
· Strategy
and decision making is the responsibility of the Skip. When it comes time for
Skips to throw, they should discuss strategy with their Third/Vice Skip. These
decisions should not be drawn out. Taking too much time is unfair on the
opposition. Seconds and Leads can get involved in some strategy discussions,
but consistently being involved slows the game down.
· All
players should be aware of what's going on in a game. Be ready to throw your
rock when it's your turn.
· Both
teams shake hands after a game. If people are having a sociable drink after the
game, it's considered good etiquette to sit with your opposition. Winning
teams usually buy drinks for opposition & then opponents reciprocate
· If
you can’t attend a game get a spare in advance and notify the skip.
Ice Etiquette:
· Clean your shoes before going on the ice
· Make sure shoes are curling shoes or indoor shoes
· Clean brooms over garbage cans
· Don’t put hands on the ice or kneel on ice
· Arrange rocks in order once the game is complete
· The ice maker is proud of his ice and works hard to provide good
ice. Please point out to your team that sitting or resting on the ice
deteriorates the ice. It is okay
to
touch the ice when you are moving but not when you are stationary. Continue to
make curlers aware of this.
· Be aware of safety. Recommend grippers be new and worn at all
times after a delivery. Help sweepers prevent falls by suggesting that when
they are sweeping
their feet and body face towards the house
they are delivering towards.
· Set an example; be courteous & be aware of team dynamics. Be
a Nice Person.
· Indicate that the winners buy a drink for
the losing team & that the losing team offers to reciprocate afterwards.
· Competitive curling is ‘Skip’s Choice’; all other draws of
curling are recreational. Winning & competition are not paramount to some
of our team members. They
curl for other
reasons such as social & exercise. Tailor your expectations to the ability
of your team members. Be considerate of those of lesser talents.
· Know the
rules so you can assist your team. Feel free to refer to the rule book which is
in the office.
· Make sure your spares pay any necessary
fees.
· Make sure your team is ready to play on
time; that is they are on the ice and ready to throw the first rock by your scheduled time.
If some members are not able to
start on time inform
the opponent skip, start your game and fit your team members in when they
arrive.
· Early draws have time restraints. No new end begins after
· Know when your team has a bye & inform the team.
· To receive points for a win or tie, your game results have to be
posted. Usually this is the vice’s job but you may want to follow through to
see that this is done.
· Encourage your team-mates to participate in
the club’s bonspiels.
· The club would like to hear any suggestions
you or your team may have. Share these with your Rep; draw master, or Manager.
· Make your team aware of ‘Open Curling’,
clinics and other events.
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