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Curling Etiquette
The unwritten rules and social customs that make curling one of the most respected sports in the world.
The Spirit of Curling
Curling's rulebook literally opens with a section called "The Spirit of Curling." It states that curling is a game of skill, and the rules are intended to ensure the game is played in a fair and honest manner.
Players are expected to call their own fouls. Winning at all costs is frowned upon. Gamesmanship and trash talk have no place on the ice. This culture of mutual respect is what separates curling from many other competitive sports.
Before the Game
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Shake hands with every opponent
Before play begins, both teams shake hands and say "Good curling!" It's a genuine gesture, not just a formality.
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Be on the ice on time
Show up before your game time. Ice time is shared and delays affect everyone.
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Clean shoes before stepping on ice
Wipe your shoes on the mat at the rink entrance. Dirt and grit damage the ice surface and affect everyone's game.
During the Game
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Stay behind the hog line until it's your turn
Don't wander down the sheet while the other team is throwing. Stay in your designated area and be still.
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Don't distract the thrower
Stay quiet and still when someone is in the hack preparing to throw. No shuffling, loud conversations, or moving behind them.
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Call your own fouls
If you burn a stone (accidentally touch it while sweeping), call it yourself. Don't wait for the other team to notice. This is considered a point of honour.
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Concede when the result is clear
If you're down 8 points with 2 ends to go, it's considered good sportsmanship — not weakness — to shake hands and concede. It respects everyone's time.
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Skip holds the broom steady
When the skip places the broom as a target, keep it completely still until the stone passes the hog line. Moving the broom mid-delivery is poor form.
After the Game: The Social
One of curling's best traditions: after the game, both teams shake hands again and the winning team buys a round of drinks for the losing team. It's a post-game social that typically happens in the club lounge.
This doesn't have to involve alcohol — the tradition is about the social gathering, not the beverage. Many curlers drink coffee, pop, or water. The point is sitting down together as a group after the competition.
Things You Should Never Do
- ✗Celebrate a missed shot by your opponent (or even react visibly)
- ✗Argue with the other team about scoring — measure it and resolve it calmly
- ✗Step on the sheet with dirty shoes or sharp objects
- ✗Use your phone or be visibly distracted while opponents are throwing
- ✗Skip the post-game handshake — even if you lost badly or it was a frustrating game
Ready to Play Your First Game?
Find a club near you and book a learn-to-curl session.