Ice Etiquette

Curling has always been known for the prevalence of good sportsmanship among its members as well as the friendly courteous rivalry that exists on the ice. While most of the courtesies suggested below will not be found in rule books, they are practiced by all curlers who understand the true spirit and traditions of the game.

1. It is important that you be ready to go on the ice prior to your scheduled draw time. Remember, seven other people are waiting for you!

2. Never go on the ice without cleaning your shoes. The smallest of dirt particles can easily ‘foul a rock'. It is everyone's responsibility to keep their sheet of ice clean; however, it is not permitted to remove a foreign object from beneath a moving stone or one that has come to rest.

3. Be ready to deliver your rock immediately after your opponent's has been delivered. Remember to clean the bottom of your rock.

4. Do not talk or move about while your opponent is delivering their rock.

5. Sweepers should be on the sidelines, alert, and if called on ready to sweep immediately. They should stay with the rock to the house; then, return to the sidelines between the hog lines until a member of their rink is again ready to deliver a rock.

6. The expression ‘ICE' means that you are blocking the path of a rock or the view of a curler. You should move to the side lines.

7. Skips and thirds should keep their brooms behind them in the house while opponents are delivering rocks.

8. No one should deliberately delay a game.

9. If you have personally fouled a rock, be the first one to so declare and it will be removed from the ice immediately.

10. If you have personally moved a stationary rock, say so immediately so that it may be replaced to its original position to the satisfaction of the opposing skip.

11. No beverages are allowed on the ice.

12. Each player should review and learn all the ‘current' curling rules, paying particular attention to the specific duties of their position.

13. 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 game begins with and ends with a hearty handshake of friendship and goodwill to both teammates and opponents.