Curling is a popular winter sport, played on ice. But like all sports played on ice, the risk of falls is increased. Ice is slippery, hard, cold, and wet. Please use caution to avoid falls.
- Warm up before the game
- Stretching and warming muscles before going out onto the ice can help prevent injury.
- Wear proper clothing
- Clothing should be warm, comfortable and allow movement. Thin gloves may help to prevent blisters while sweeping.
- Step onto the ice gripper-foot first
- Never use your slider foot to step onto the ice. Sliders are slippery. You will only make this mistake once, if you do.
- Always be careful when stepping off the ice
- Always put your slider foot up first.
- Keep focused on the game
- Things can happen very quickly in curling, and your fellow curlers will appreciate you being “in” the game.
- Never stop a rock with your hand
- Your fingers can be crushed, especially if the rock hits another rock while you’re trying to stop it.
- Never use your foot to stop a fast-moving rock
- You could lose your balance and fall. Use your broom to stop a rock.
- Always carry your broom
- You can use it to avoid or break a fall in case you lose your balance.
- Watch for stray rocks
- Prevent rocks from going onto the next sheet.
- Keep the rocks on the ice at all times
- Slide the rocks-never lift them.
- Keep your feet on the ice
- Walk or slide, never hop or run.
- Keep your weight on the balls of your feet
- If it’s on your heels, you tend to fall backwards and bonk your head.
- If you can’t keep up with a fast-moving rock while sweeping, just let it go
- It’s not worth the risk of falling and your sweeping will probably be ineffective. With practice, you’ll learn to keep up with faster shots without risking a fall.
- Don't play if you are injured
- Standard rocks weigh 42 pounds and add strain to your back, legs, knees, arm and shoulder when thrown. If you already have an injury, or if it throwing the rock becomes painful, don’t play.
- Never go onto the ice when your balance is impaired
- This includes sickness, excessive alcohol, etc.
