How we play

Curling has no referees on Tuesday nights. The game runs on good sportsmanship, and we'd rather lose a game than win it unfairly.

Shake hands with everyone before and after the game.

Keep still and quiet while someone is throwing, and stay out of their line of sight.

Call your own fouls. If you touch a moving stone, say so.

The skips/mates agree on the score. If they can't, they measure, and that's the end of it.

Cheer good shots, including the other team's.

Clean, dry shoes only. Never wear outdoor shoes on the ice. Bring a pair you only wear indoors, and change at the rink.

Clean your broom before you play, so no dirt or hair ends up on the ice.

No food or drinks on the ice. Water in a bottle with a lid is fine. Leave it on the tables as you enter the ice, with your extra gear, not on the playing area.

Wait until the ice is ready before you step on. Walking on fresh pebble spoils it for everyone.

Stay on your own sheet, and don't walk across the line of someone who's about to throw.

When your team isn't throwing, stand along the sides of the sheet between the hog lines, and keep still while others throw.

Once you’ve thrown, get your sliding leg up off the ice and out of the way. No hands on the ice either. Legs and hands warm the ice and damage the pebble.

Leave the stones in the house alone until the end is over and the score is agreed.

See a spill, a divot or anything else wrong with the ice? Tell the ice maker or a club volunteer.

If you fall and hit your head, stop playing and tell someone, even if you feel fine.

Helmets are recommended, especially for new curlers and anyone who's unsteady on the ice. Most falls happen backwards, so head protection matters.

Take your slider off or cover it with a gripper before you walk on the ice.

Warm up before your game. A few stretches and some easy slides go a long way.

Arrive about 15 minutes before your draw (5:30 or 7:30 PM) to pick your poker chip. There are no set teams: the front shows your position (1 is lead, 2 is second, 3 is mate, 4 is skip), and the number on the back is your team for the night.

Games are six ends.

If we're short on players, you're welcome to curl both draws.

If a Tuesday is cancelled, we'll send an email and post on Facebook.

After the game, join us in the Acorn Room for broomstacking, curling's word for the social after a game. The winning team buys the first round.