Etiquette & Safety

MARPOLE CURLING ETIQUETTE & SAFETY

Rules of Etiquette

(please note: COVID-19 protocols/communicable disease measures are not contained in this document)

• Show up at designated sheet 5 min before game, ready to play. Players can take a practice slide as a warm up, however may not throw rocks to warm up prior to game.
• Wear clean footwear on the ice.  Do not take food or beverages into the playing area. Refillable water bottles are permitted.
• Grippers (min 1) to be worn when not throwing.
• Both teams shake hands before a game.
• The Third of one team will toss a coin, while the opposition’s third makes the call. Whichever team wins the toss has the option of throwing the last rock (hammer), or choosing rock colour.
• Curling is a timed game.  Be prepared to be in the hack as soon as the opposition has thrown their rock.
• Be aware of when a player is throwing. Sweepers be ready to sweep when their team is throwing.
• When a team is throwing, the opposition to stand anywhere between the two hog lines, except the opposition of same position can remain on backboard in preparation to throw.   As soon as the rock has been delivered, the opposition can move into throwing area to prepare for their team’s turn.
• Leads are to prepare rocks and placing them in front of the hack for their team mates. (The Second does it for the Lead).
• When a player is throwing their rock, sweepers and opposing team should keep far enough back with their brooms still (vertical position), so that they don’t block the sightlines, or impede the movement, of the team throwing.
• Remain outside the house until the Thirds have determined the score.
• Once the score is agreed, the Third of the scoring team to put up the score for their own team.
• Once score is determined all players (except Skips) to push rocks quickly and safely into side backboards in preparation for new end.
• The team that scores, delivers the first rock of the next end.
• Avoid stepping onto or walking up and down the sheet and the dividing boards of ice next to the playing on if teams are playing on it.
• Slamming of brooms, inappropriate use of equipment, rude conduct and unsafe play will not be tolerated.
• Sweepers and skips of opposing teams to refrain from exaggerated movements or loud talking when the other team is throwing.
• Skips/Thirds can discuss strategy and all decisions should be attempted in a timely manner to avoid holding up the game.
• Good shots to be complimented and encouraged throughout the game.
• Both teams shake hands after a game and thank them for the game.
• Curling is a social sport. We invite you to come up in our lounge for a sociable drink after the game.  It’s considered good etiquette to sit with your opposition.

Ammonia Safety & Evacuation Procedures

Our ice plant uses ammonia.  We have our equipment inspected regularly and operate in compliance to BC Technical Safety and WCB  protocols and our staff are trained in emergency evacuation procedures. Our ice making equipment (compressor room) is located on the north side of the ice shed.  Only authorized staff are permitted to enter the compressor room and must wear PPE (respirator) when entering the area.

Our fire and evacuation procedures with emergency contacts are placed in the front lobby of the building.  Please make yourself aware of all emergency exits.

Injury and Accidents (on and off the ice)

They make it look easy on TV, but trust us: that ice is awfully hard when you fall down on it. Having fun is always one of the most important parts of curling, but being safe is at the top of the list.

Here’s the information you need to make sure your curling experience and the experience of others is a safe one!

Our First Aid kit and AED machine are located in the downstairs lobby.  For someone experiencing a potential heart attack, we have aspirin located behind the AED machine.