Curling Etiquette & Pace of Play

Curling Etiquette emphasizes sportsmanship, respecting the game and opponents while maintaining the quality of ice.

Arrive on time and be prepared to start at the designated time.
Ensure your footwear is 100% clean, in good condition, and that your brush is free of debris.
When a player is delivering a rock, the opposing team should:
Stand single file between the hot lines, at the extreme side of the sheet
The next player to deliver may stand quietly behind the hack, off to the side.
Remain silent and motionless during the opponents’ delivery.
Protect the ice surface:
Stand or squat quickly after your delivery to avoid leaving hand or knee prints.
These prints melt into flat spots or divots, catching debris that may cause rocks to pick.
Only skips and thirds should be in the rings. Leads and seconds should enter only when sweeping or clearing rocks.
Sweepers must stay alert to the shot being called.
For safety:
The ice is slippery.
Always step on the ice with your gripper foot first.
Wear grippers except when delivering a rock.

Most teams expect to complete 8 ends in two hours. If your team consistently plays only 6 or 7 ends, review these tips:

Arrive on time. Be ready to throw your first rock at:
10:30 am or 1:00 pm Mondays
1:00 pm Wednesdays
This means being on the ice, warmed up, and coin toss completed before the start time.
Be prepared:
Each player should be ready to deliver when the skip puts the broom down.
Clean your stone while the other team’s rock is in motion.
After an end:
Only the second and third push stones to the boards.
The lead retrieves her numbered rock and prepares to deliver.
Do not sort rocks – just push the rocks to the corner. Each player collects their own rock when it is their turn.
Only the skip and third should discuss strategy. Front-end players should move promptly to the hack and pull stones for the third or skip.

Maintaining pace is part of your role.

If your team is regularly finishing only 6 to 7 ends you are likely playing too slow.