Curlers’ Code of Ethics


To ensure that all curlers are aware of their responsibilities when playing the game, the Canadian Curling Association has adopted the following Code of Ethics as an official supplement to the rules of curling (remember that, first and foremost,curling should be fun):

• I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship.
• I will conduct myself in anhonourable manner both on and off the ice.
• I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
• I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates or officials.
• I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that  the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.
• I will humbly accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game.

Curling Etiquette

The game of curling has always been known for good sportsmanship and friendly, courteous rivalry. In order to maintain this atmosphere, certain guidelines should be followed:

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before game time to allow adequate time to change, stretch, and check what sheet of ice you will play on.
• Take care of the ice. Clean your shoes carefully. Keep a pair of shoes dedicated for curling only.
• Draws are typically scheduled every two hours, which includes ice cleaning and pebbling. An eight-end game can easily be played in this time frame if everyone keeps the game moving. For Spiel play in Bobcaygeon, if less than 10 minutes on the clock, the eighth end will consist of a half end only. Local rules apply.
• Leads and seconds should be ready to clear the rocks as soon as the thirds signal that the counting has been completed, but must stay clear of the house while waiting. Skips must also stay clear of the house. Counting the score is the responsibility of the thirds only. The lead delivering the first rock in the next end should head immediately to the hack to be ready to deliver the rock.
• When a player is in the hack ready to deliver, team mates should watch the skip to be aware of the shot being called, and be ready to follow the rock down the ice. Opposition players are to stand between the hog lines until the rock has been delivered and the sweepers are far enough past them that movement toward the house will not create interference.
• Be a good sport and quick to compliment a player on a well-executed shot.
• Be gracious in victory and defeat.

Curling Equipment

Curling is a sport that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment. Here's what you'll need to start:

• Warm and comfortable clothing. Special curling clothing can be purchased but many curlers wear track suits, sweaters, etc. It's good to have layers so you can adjust as needed.
• Curling shoes can also be purchased but for new curlers you can start with a clean pair of running shoes (reserved only for curling so you don't bring any dirt onto the ice surface). We put clear tape on your slider foot. We also have slip-on sliders that you can use instead of tape or you can purchase your own slider.
• Loaner brooms or brushes are available at the club for new curlers participating in the clinics offered at the start of the season.
• Most curlers wear gloves to keep their hands warm and to provide protection when sweeping.

Curling Rules – A Brief Summary of CCA Rules

A few key rules are highlighted here.

• In the delivery of the rock, the rock must be released before the rock has reached the nearer hog line.
• Behind the tee line, only one player from each team may sweep at one time. This may be the skip or third of either team, or the lead or second of the delivering team.
• A delivered rock or one set in motion shall not be touched by any player or the player’s equipment. If the moving rock is touched between the tee line at the delivering end and the hog line at the playing end, the rock is immediately removed from play. However, if the moving rock is touched by the team to which it belongs inside the hog line at the playing end, all rocks are allowed to come to rest and the non-offending team has either of these alternative options:
  Allowing the play to stand after all rocks come to rest,                    
  Or,  
  Remove the touched rock and replace all rocks that were displacedto their original   
  positions,
  Or,
  Place all stones where it reasonably considers the stones would have come to rest had     the moving stone not been touched.
• The sweeping motion shall be from side to side.
• All sweeping shall take place in front of the delivered rock and within six feet (1.83 metres) of the rock.

The four-rock rule has been adopted which states that any opponent’s rock cannot be removed from play in the Free Guard Zone until the fifth shot of the end. Either team can remove its own rocks from the Free Guard Zone at any time.

For detailed rules of the game, please refer to The Rules of Curling published by the Canadian Curling Association:

www.curling.ca/start-curling/rules-of-curling-for-general-play/

Curling Strategy (From the Canadian Curling Association Website)

Strategy is commonly defined as “deciding what shot to play”. Although this is an important element, it is not all there is to strategy. More broadly defined, it is “the decision making process a team goes through before, during and after a game”. This includes setting goals, making game plans, deciding game style, shot selection, and game evaluation. With this in mind it is essential that all team members contribute to “team strategy” and as a result require a solid understanding of the following:

• Basic terminology relative to strategy.
• The factors that influence shot selection decisions.
• How the Free Guard Zone Rule affects strategy and shot selection.
• Basic strategy relative to last rock advantage.
• Methods for playing different ice conditions.

For a more detailed description of the 4-Rock Free Guard Strategy, please refer to the following:

Other Useful Links….