General Rules of Play

Curling has often been referred to as a 'Gentlemen's Sport', quite like golf, as there are more courtesies to the game than actual rules. Most curling matches are played without referees, only when play progresses into playdown levels do you typically see referees overseeing a game. The players themselves monitor and confess to their infractions of the rules.

1. Be on Time. Players should arrive at least 15 minutes before game time to get equipment ready. Be prepared to go on the ice at the scheduled time.
2. Don't Leave Your Team Hanging. Let your skip know as soon as possible if you can't play in a scheduled game. You should try to obtain a sub for yourself and advise your skip who it is.
3. No Smoking. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the ice playing area or club house. Outside only.
4. Keep It Clean. Curling footwear must not be worn anywhere but on the ice and inside the club. Do not use any equipment that might damage the ice. All footwear should be checked and cleaned regularly.
5. Good Curling! Traditionally, before play begins, players introduce themselves to the opposition, shake hands, and wish them 'good curling'.
6. Be Ready Freddy in the Hack, Jack. When it is your turn to play, position yourself in the hack immediately, clean your stone, and watch your skip for instructions.
7. Be as Quiet as a Golf Audience. Never distract a player who is delivering, or preparing to deliver a stone by talking or moving.
8. Be Ready Freddy on the Sides, Clyde. Sweepers should get into position promptly. Never run across the ice in front of a player who is about to deliver a stone.
9. Down in Front! Do not block the line of vision of the player who is delivering a stone - stand well back.
10. Leave the House Keeping to the Skip. Sweepers, when not sweeping, should not enter the house (rings) unless instructed to do so by their skip.
11. Get Back in Position. Sweepers should get back over the hog line quickly once sweeping has been completed. Do not stand around in the house.
12. On Your Honor. A running stone, if touched by a broom, foot, or anything else becomes a 'burned stone'. A burned stone is usually removed from play (see rules). You are on your honor to say when you have burned a stone.
13. Keep It Positive. No Smack Talk. Compliment a player on a good shot. Never embarrass another player by making remarks, clapping, or cheering for an unsuccessful shot.
14. Leave the Counting to the Thirds. At the conclusion of each end of play, all players, except the Thirds, must remain outside the house until the score is counted. Only Thirds are to be in the house while a stone is being measured.
15. Stay Safe! After the score for the end is determined by the Thirds, the stones should be carefully removed. A carelessly deflected stone on a player's heels could result in serious injury. Be careful. Never run and leap over the stones.
16. Ready Leads = Good Game Speed. Lead players should be prepared to start the next end quickly. As the stones are being stacked at the conclusion of each end of play, the Lead for the team that has just scored in the end should be setting up his/her stone readying for the skip's instructions.
17. More On Your Honor. Any player who inadvertently breaks a rule, and is aware of it, is the first to divulge the error.
18. Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again. At the conclusion of the game, shake hands cordially with the opposition and your own team members. At our club, the winning team cleans the ice. The losing team helps put the rocks away and pick up left over glasses/trash on the ice.

Remember - promptness, enthusiasm, and interest in your teams progress does create a very positive effect on the outcome of the game. When you observe these courtesies towards your opponents, so shall you be given these courtesies by them.

You can find the official rules of curling on the World Curling Site: https://worldcurling.org/rules/