Everything you need to know to enjoy a safe, fair, and fun curling season at the Rocky Curling Club.
Welcome
Playing Together
Whether you're a new curler or a long-time member, these guidelines are intended to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe, respectful, and enjoyable curling experience. They outline our club's expectations, league procedures, and common practices to help games run smoothly and fairly.
If you have any questions, please speak with your League Coordinator or a member of the Board of Directors.
Everything you need to know for an enjoyable, fair, and successful curling season.
Welcome
Playing Together
The Rocky Curling Club is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable curling experience for members of all ages and skill levels. These Club Rules & League Guidelines have been developed to help leagues operate consistently while promoting fair play, good sportsmanship, and respect for the traditions of curling.
While every effort has been made to address common situations, not every circumstance can be anticipated. League Coordinators and the Board of Directors may make reasonable decisions in the best interests of the league and the club when situations arise that are not specifically covered by these guidelines.
🥌 Team Composition
Teams normally consist of four players:
Lead
Second
Third (Vice)
Skip
Playing with Three Players
Teams may play with three players.
Two players will throw three rocks each (the Skip does not throw three rocks).
A minimum of three players is required to avoid a default.
👥 Spares (Substitutes)
Spares are encouraged whenever possible to avoid defaults and keep games enjoyable for everyone.
General
Teams may use up to two spares per game.
Teams are responsible for arranging their own spares.
A club spare list may be available.
Most spares come from other club leagues—please use good judgment and fairness.
Position Rules
Spares should play the same position as the player they replace.
If necessary, a spare may play a lower position (for example, Third replacing a Second).
A spare should not skip unless:
They are replacing the regular Skip, or
Both teams agree before the game.
No Position Stacking
To maintain fairness:
Regular players should remain in their normal positions.
Teams may not rearrange their lineup to gain an advantage.
A spare cannot be used to allow another player to throw higher-position rocks.
Skill Guidelines
Whenever possible, a spare Should be of equal or lower skill level than the player being replaced.
Please avoid bringing in significantly stronger players that create an unfair competitive advantage.
🕒 Game Format
League games are played as follows:
Regular League: 8 ends or 2-hour time limit
Sturling: 6 ends or 1-hour time limit
When time is called:
Finish the current end.
No new end may be started after the time limit expires.
🏆 Scoring (for year end standings)
Result
Points
Win
2
Tie
1
Loss
0
Tie Breakers
If required, standings will be determined using:
Head-to-head result
Point differential
Draw to the Button (where applicable)
🥌 Gameplay Rules
Unless otherwise stated:
Curling Canada Rules apply.
Five-Rock Free Guard Zone is in effect.
A coin toss (or agreed method) determines hammer in the first end.
Hammer alternates after scoring.
Burned rocks are handled in accordance with Curling Canada rules.
⏰ Attendance & Defaults
Teams should be prepared to begin play at their scheduled start time.
A 10–15 minute grace period may be allowed.
The non-offending team receives one point and one end.
Teams unable to field three players will default.
A default is recorded as a win for the non-defaulting team.
🏅 Playoffs (where applicable)
The top X teams qualify.
Playoff Format
Single Elimination
Page Playoff
Other (league specific)
Spare Restrictions
Where possible:
Spares should have participated in the league during the season.
Maximum of one spare is preferred (two only if absolutely necessary).
Spares must play the same or a lower position.
A spare may not Skip unless replacing the regular Skip.
Position stacking is not permitted.
Any exceptions should be approved by both teams and/or the League Coordinator.
🤝 Etiquette & Expectations
Curling has always been known as a sport built on honesty, respect, and good sportsmanship.
Members are expected to:
Be ready to play when their sheet becomes available.
Maintain a reasonable pace of play.
Respect fellow players, volunteers, and officials.
Help create a welcoming atmosphere for new curlers.
Follow the tradition that the winning team may offer the first round after the game (optional but encouraged).
❤️ League Philosophy
Our leagues are recreational and designed to encourage:
Fair Play
Good Sportsmanship
Respect
Friendly Competition
Enjoyment of the Game
When in doubt, choose the option that is fair, respectful, and in the spirit of curling.
