Below are the rules for curling as published by the Canadian Curling Association. This is probably the most widely used and recognized set of rules at the club level.
The World Curling Federation also publishes a set of rules, which are more geared toward the Olympics.
The United States Curling Association also publishes a set of rules for Club and Bonspiel use.
Copies of the rules below in handbook form may be obtained from your provincial/territorial curling association, your curling club, or from the
Canadian Curling Association,
1660 Vimont Court, Orleans, ON K4A 4J4
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.curling.ca
Rules of Curling for General Play
Contents
Code of Ethics & Fair Play
1. Application
2. Definitions
3. Sheet of Ice
Ice Dimensions
4. Stones
5. Teams
6. Skips
7. Position of Players
8. Delivery
9. Touched Moving Stones
10. Displaced Stationary Stones
11. Sweeping
12. Free Guard Zone (FGZ)
13. Stones in Play and Scoring
14. Measuring
15. Equipment
16. Game Duration and Postponement
17. Wheelchair Curling
18. Stick Curling
19. Miscellaneous
To ensure that all curlers are aware of their responsibilities when playing the game, the Canadian Curling Association has adopted the following Code of Ethics as an official supplement to the Rules of Curling:
Curlers' Code of Ethics
· I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship.
· I will conduct myself in an honorable manner both on and off the ice.
· I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
· I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates or umpires.
· I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.
· I will humbly accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game.
Coaching Code of Ethics
· The coach shall act with integrity in performing all duties owed to athletes, the sport, other members of the coaching profession and the public.
· The coach shall strive to be well prepared and current in order that all duties in their discipline are fulfilled with competence.
· The coach shall act in the best interest of the athlete's development as a whole person.
· The coach shall accept both the letter and the spirit of the rules that define and govern the sport.
· The coach shall accept the role of umpires in providing judgment to ensure that competitions are conducted fairly and in accordance with the established rules.
· The coach's conduct toward other coaches shall be characterized by courtesy, good faith and respect.
· The coach shall maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and support the principles of Fair Play.
Fair Play
· Fair Play begins with the strict observance of the written rule; however, in most cases, Fair Play involves something more than even unfailing observance of the written rule. The observance of the spirit of the rules, whether written or unwritten, is important.
· Fair Play results from measuring up to one's own moral standards while engaged in competition.
· Fair Play is consistent demonstration of respect for teammates and opponents, whether they are winning or losing.
· Fair Play is consistent demonstration of respect for umpires, an acceptance of their decisions and a steadfast spirit of collaboration with them.
· Sportsmanlike behavior should be demonstrated both on and off the ice. This includes modesty in victory and composure in defeat.
RULES OF CURLING FOR GENERAL PLAY
1. Application
(1) The Rules of Curling for General Play apply to any competition to which they are made applicable by the curling body having jurisdiction.
(2) The Rules of Curling for General Play are not intended to be used in conjunction with officiating. If a curling body having jurisdiction over an event(s) wishes to make this rule book applicable to a specific competition(s) while also utilizing umpires, they should also put in place a set of guidelines outlining the authority of the umpires relative to the implementation of penalties.
(3) If special rules are in effect, they shall take precedence over the General Rules of Curling.
2. Definitions
(1) "biting" means that the vertical projection of a stone is in contact with the sheet line(s) to which the stone is in close proximity.
(2) "CCA" means the Canadian Curling Association.
(3) "competition" means a playdown involving any number of teams playing games to determine a winner.
(4) "counting stone" means any stationary stone in the house that is closer to the tee than any stationary stone of the opposing team.
(5) "delivering team" means the team who is in control of the house and whose turn it is to deliver.
(6) "end" means the part of the game in which two opposing teams each deliver eight stones alternately and then determine the score.
(7) "game" means play between two teams to determine a winner.
(8) "house" means the area within the outside circle at each end of the sheet.
(9) "sheet" means an area of ice marked in accordance with Rule 3.
(10) "delivered stone" means a stone that is in motion from the moment that it has reached the nearer tee line and been released, until it has come to rest or is out of play.
(11) "stone set in motion" means a stone in motion whose movement from a stationary position, in play, is caused by a delivered stone or another stone previously set in motion.
(12) "team" means three or four players playing together in accordance with Rule 5 and may also include the team alternate and coach as determined by the rules of the competition.
(13) "original position" means the position the stones were in immediately before the violation or incident took place.
3. Sheet of Ice
(1) The recommended length of the sheet from backboard to backboard shall be 146 feet (44.501 meters) to 150 feet (45.720 meters). The width of the sheet from sideline to sideline shall be a minimum of 14 feet 2 inches (4.318 meters) and a maximum of 15 feet 7 inches (4.750 meters). This area shall be delineated by lines drawn or dividers placed on the perimeter.
(2) The centre line, one-half inch in width, shall be placed the length of the sheet through the centre of the tee lines to a point 12 feet (3.658 meters) behind each tee.
(3) At each end of the sheet there shall be three distinct lines drawn from sideline to
sideline as follows:
(a) Each tee line, one-half inch in width, shall be placed 12 feet (3.658 meters) from the hack (see image on page 6) to the centre of the tee line and there shall be 114 feet (34.747 meters) from the centre of one tee line to the centre of the other tee line. The distance from the backboard to the centre of the tee line shall be 16 feet (4.877 meters) if the length of the sheet is 146 feet (44.501 meters) from backboard to backboard. The distance from the backboard to the centre of the tee line shall be 18 feet (5.486 meters) if the length of the sheet is 150 feet (45.720 meters) from backboard to backboard. The intersection of the tee line and the centre line is called the tee or button.
(b) Each back line, one half inch in width, shall be placed 6 feet (1.829 meters) from the centre of the tee line. The back line is a tangent with the outer edge of the 12 foot circle both exactly 6 feet (1.829 meters) from the tee where the back line intersects the centre line.
(c) The hog line, 4 inches (10.16 centimetres) in width, shall be placed with the inner (circle side) edge 21 feet (6.401 meters) from the centre of the tee line.
(4) With each tee as centre, there shall be drawn four concentric circles at each end with the outer edge of the outer circle having a radius of 6 feet (1.829 meters), the next circle 4 feet (1.219 meters), the next circle 2 feet (60.96 centimetres) and the inner circle a minimum of 6 inches (15.24 centimetres). The marking of the centre line and tee line may be omitted from the button area.
(5) The intersection of each tee line and each centre line shall be identified by an adjustable tee centre. The base portion shall be securely anchored at the exact intersection of the tee line and centre line of each house, and the top portion should be capable of vertical adjustment to suit varying ice levels. The design of the tee centre shall be accepted by the CCA.
(6) The hack(s) used for delivery shall be of a style and size accepted by the CCA. The hack(s) shall not exceed 8 inches (20.32 centimetres) in length.
(a) If two hacks are used, the back edge of each hack shall be placed 12 feet (3.658 meters) from the tee and the inside edge of each hack shall be no further than 3 inches (7.62 centimetres) from the centre line.
(b) If one moveable hack is used, it shall be placed with the back edge of the hack 12 feet (3.658 meters) from the tee and be either centered on the centre line or, with the inside edge no further than 3 inches (7.62 centimetres) from the centre line (left or right).
(c) If one fixed hack is used, it shall be placed with the back edge of the hack 12 feet (3.658 meters) from the tee and centered on the centre line.
(7) The diagram on page 6 shows the proper layout of the sheet in accordance with the measurements in this section.
4. Stones
(1) A curling stone shall be of circular shape and, including handle and bolt, shall weigh a maximum of 44 lbs. (19.96 kilograms) and a minimum of 38.5 lbs. (17.46 kilograms). It shall have a maximum circumference of 36 inches (91.44 centimetres) and shall be a minimum of 4.5 inches (11.43 centimetres) in height, measured between the bottom and top of the stone.
(2) Two sets of eight stones shall be provided for each sheet of play.
(3) A team member or coach shall not physically alter the running surface or weight of either team's assigned or selected game stones in any manner.
(4) If a stone is broken in play, a replacement stone shall be placed where the largest fragment comes to rest. The inside edge of the replacement stone shall be placed in the same position as the inside edge of the largest fragment with the assistance of a measuring stick.
(5) A stone that rolls over in its course or comes to rest on its side or top shall be removed immediately from play.
(6) All 16 stones originally on the sheet at the start of a game shall be delivered in every completed end. No interchange of stones or redelivery of previously delivered stones in that end may take place so that a stone is delivered for the second time. If a team declares its own violation of Rule 4(6), the non-offending team may allow the play to stand or remove the stone just delivered from play and replace all affected stones as close as possible to their original positions.
5. Teams
(1) A team is composed of four players. Each player delivers two stones in consecutive order in each end while alternating with an opponent.
(2) Unless otherwise specified in the special rules of the competition:
(a) The teams opposing each other in a game shall toss a coin to determine which team plays the first stone in the first end. The winner of the toss has the choice between playing the first or second stone of the end.
(b) The team that plays the first stone of the end has choice of handle color.
(c) In the second and subsequent ends, the winner of the preceding end shall play the first stone of the end.
(3) The delivery rotation declared by a team prior to the start of a game shall be followed throughout that game except as provided for in Rule 5(4), 5(5) or 5(6).
(4) Unless otherwise specified in the special rules of the competition:
(a) A team shall include a minimum of two players from the original team and a substitute player(s).
(b) A substitute player shall be: a team's designated alternate, a player from a players' pool or other eligible player as provided for in the rules of the competition.
(c) A team may play with three players with the first two players each delivering three stones in each end. Under no circumstance may a team play with fewer than three players delivering stones.
(d) A substitute player who joins a team prior to the start of a game may deliver stones in any position of the delivery rotation of the team. The team shall declare their delivery rotation at this time.
(e) A substitute player who joins a team between ends may deliver stones in any position of the delivery rotation of their team. The team may re-declare their delivery rotation at this time.
(f) During an end in play, if a player(s) is unable to complete the delivery rotation declared by the team at the start of the game, the team may activate a substitute player(s) subject to:
(i) A substitute player may only enter a game during an end if they deliver a stone within that end; and
(ii) A substitute player(s) who enters a game during an end shall replace the sidelined player(s) in the team's delivery rotation for that end; and
(iii) At the beginning of the next end, the substitute player may deliver stones in any position of the delivery rotation of their team.
(iv) The replaced team member may not return to the game.
(5)
(a) A team that commences a game with three players and expects the fourth player to join the team, the fourth player may enter an end already in progress providing they are able to deliver a stone within the team's established delivery rotation. Prior to the next end, the team may reestablish the delivery rotation.
(b) A player who has left a game may re-enter the game between ends or during an end already in progress providing they are able to deliver a stone within the team's established delivery rotation. If a substitute player has been activated, the replaced team member shall not rejoin the team until the next game.
(6)
(a) If a player delivers their first stone of the end and is unable to deliver their second stone of the end and the rules of the competition allow the team to continue play with three players and the team chooses to play with three players, the following procedures shall be followed:
(i) If the lead player, the second player shall deliver the stone.
(ii) If the second player, the lead player shall deliver the stone.
(iii) If the third player, the second player shall deliver the stone.
(iv) If the fourth player, the third player shall deliver the stone.
(b) If a player is unable to deliver both their stones during an end and the rules of the competition allow the team to continue with three players and the team chooses to play with three players, the following procedures shall be followed for the end in progress:
(i) If the lead player, the second player shall deliver both of the lead player's stones and one of the second player's stones, and the third player shall deliver one of the second player's stones and both of the third player's stones.
(ii) If the second player, the lead player shall deliver the first of the second player's stones, and the third player shall deliver the second of the second player's stones and both of the third player's stones.
(iii) If the third player, the lead player shall deliver the first of the third stones and the second player shall deliver the second of the third player's stones.
(iv) If the fourth player, the second delivers the skip's first stone and the third delivers the skip's second stone.
Penalty: If a team declares its own violation of Rule 5(3), 5(4), 5(5), or 5(6), all stones shall be allowed to come to rest before any action is taken. At this time, the non-offending team may allow the play to stand or remove the stone just delivered from play and replace all affected stones as close as possible to their original positions.
6. Skips
(1) The skip has the exclusive direction of the game for their team and shall deliver stones in each end except as provided for in Rule 5(6).
(2) Subject to Rule 5(3), the skip may play any position in the delivery rotation of their team. Regardless of the position played in the delivery rotation, the player designated as skip shall remain in that capacity throughout the course of that game except as provided for in Rule 5(5).
(3) When it is the skip's turn to deliver, they will elect a teammate to act as skip. Subject to Rule 5(3), the vice-skip may play any position in the delivery rotation of their team. Regardless of the position played in the delivery rotation, the player designated as vice-skip shall remain in that capacity throughout the course of that game except as provided for in Rule 5(4). The vice-skip shall assume the responsibilities of the skip when the skip is not on the playing surface.
Penalty: If a team declares its own violation of Rule 6(1), 6(2) or 6(3), all stones shall be allowed to come to rest before any action is taken. At this time, the non-offending team may allow the play to stand or remove the stone just delivered from play and replace all affected stones as close as possible to their original positions.
7. Position of Players
(1) Members of the non-delivering team:
(a) Only the skip and vice-skip may be positioned inside the hog line at the playing end. They shall position themselves behind the back line when the delivering team is in the process of delivery. Both players shall be motionless with their brooms positioned in a manner not to interfere with or distract the attention of the player who is in the process of delivery as provided for in Rule 8(3)(a)(b).
(b) The player who is next to deliver may take a stationary position to the side of the sheet behind the hacks at the delivery end. The player shall remain silent and motionless when the delivering team player is in the process of delivery as provided for in Rule 8(3)(a)(b).
(c) The players not taking the positions 7(1)(a) or 7(1)(b) shall position themselves between the hog lines and to the extreme sides of the sheet when the opposing team is delivering a stone. The players positioned in this area shall remain in single file when the delivering team player is in the process of delivery as provided for in Rule 8(3)(a)(b).
(d) The non-delivering team members shall not take any position or cause such motion that would obstruct, interfere with or distract any member of the delivering team.
Penalty: If a team declares its own violation of Rule 7(1)(a), 7(1)(b), 7(1)(c) or 7(1)(d), all stones shall be allowed to come to rest before any action is taken. At this time, the non-offending team has the option of allowing the play to stand; or recommencing the delivery of the stone; or replacing all affected stones as close as possible to their original position and redelivering the stone.
(2) Members of the delivering team:
(a) The skip or vice-skip directing play shall be positioned between the backboards and the hog line of the playing end while their team is in the process of delivery. They shall have choice of position for the purpose of directing play.
(b) The players who are not in charge of the house or delivering a stone will take a position to sweep.
Penalty: If a team declares its own violation of Rule 7(2)(a)(b), all stones shall be allowed to come to rest before any action is taken. At this time, the non-offending team may allow the play to stand; or remove the stone just delivered from play and replace all affected stones as close as possible to their original positions.
8. Delivery
(1) Only right-handed deliveries shall be initiated from the hack located to the left of the centre line and only left-handed deliveries shall be initiated from the hack located to the right of the centre line. If a single, moveable hack is in use, both right-handed and left-handed deliveries may be initiated from a hack located on the centre line.
(2) The delivery and release of a curling stone are intended to occur in a reasonably straight line from the hack towards the target broom.
(3)
(a) A player, whose team is in control of the house, is in the process of delivery from the time the player is positioned in the hack until the stone is released.
(b) A player shall only commence a forward progression from the hack with a stone after the previously delivered stone and any stones set in motion have come to rest or have crossed the back line and their team is in control of the house.
(4) The stone shall be released before it reaches the hog line at the delivering end. If a team declares its own violation of Rule 8(4), the non-offending team shall remove the stone just delivered from play and replace all affected stones as close as possible to their original positions.
(5) If a player wishes to recommence the delivery as a result of their own team's action, the player may do so providing the stone has not reached the nearer tee line.
(6) If an extreme circumstance occurs during the delivery that distracts the thrower to a significant degree, the stone may be redelivered prior to the opposition delivering their next stone.
(7) Each player shall be ready to deliver when their turn comes. They shall not take an unreasonable amount of time to play. Delay of a game in progress by a player for any reason (excluding accident or illness) shall not exceed three (3) minutes.
(8) If a player delivers a stone belonging to the opposing team, that stone shall be allowed to come to rest and then is replaced with a stone belonging to the delivering team.
(9)
(a) If a player delivers a stone when it is not their team's turn to deliver, the end shall continue and the new delivery rotation shall take effect.
(b) If an error in a team's delivery rotation causes a player to miss a turn, the player who has missed a turn shall deliver the last stone for their team in the end.
(c) If opposing teams agree that a stone has been missed but are unable to determine which player missed their turn, the lead of the team that missed a turn shall play the last stone for their team in that end.
(10) If a team delivers two stones in succession in the same end, they shall remove the second stone that was played, replace any stone(s) displaced by the stone and the end shall continue. The second stone that was played in error will be delivered in its proper rotation. If the infraction is not discovered until after the delivery of a subsequent stone, play will continue in the new rotation.
(11) If a player on a four player team delivers three stones in one end, except as provided for in Rule 5(6), the end shall continue and the fourth player on the offending team shall deliver only one stone in that end.
(12) If the handle came off (but not loose) of a stone during the process of the delivery, the player will redeliver the stone after any affected stones have been replaced as close as possible to their original position.
9. Touched Moving Stones
(1) A stone in motion shall not be touched by any player, equipment or personal belongings of the team to which it belongs.
(2) Between the tee line at the delivering end and the hog line at the playing end:
(a) If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched by the team to which it belongs or by its equipment the touched stone is removed from play immediately by that team.
(b) If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched by the opposition or by their equipment or is affected by an external force:
(i) If the stone was the delivered stone, it is re-delivered;
(ii) If the stone was not the delivered stone, it is placed where the team to which it belongs reasonably considers it would have come to rest had it not been touched.
(3) Inside the hog line at the playing end:
(a) If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by the team to which it belongs, or by its equipment, all stones are allowed to come to rest, after which the non-offending team has the option to remove the touched stone and replace all stones that were displaced after the infraction to their original positions; or leave all stones where they came to rest; or place all stones where it reasonably considers the stones would have come to rest had the moving stone not been touched.
(b) If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by the opposition or by their equipment, all stones are allowed to come to rest, after which the non-offending team places the stones where it reasonably considers the stones would have come to rest had the moving stone not been touched.
(c) If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by an external force, all stones are allowed to come to rest and then placed where they would have come to rest if the incident had not occurred. If the teams cannot agree, the stone is redelivered after all displaced stones have been replaced to their original positions.
10. Displaced Stationary Stones
(1) If a stationary stone which would have had no effect on the outcome of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced by a player or external force, it is replaced in its original position to the satisfaction of the non-offending team. If there is any question as to which stone was counting, the displaced stone shall be positioned in favor of the non-offending team.
(2) If a stone which would have altered the course of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced by a player, all stones are allowed to come to rest and then the non-offending team has the option to: leave all stones where they came to rest; or remove the stone whose course would have been altered from play and replace in their original positions any stones that were displaced after the violation; or place all stones in the positions the team reasonably considers they would have come to rest had a stone not been displaced.
(3) If a stone which would have altered the course of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced, by an external force, all stones are allowed to come to rest and are then placed in the positions in which they would have come to rest had a stone not been displaced. If the teams cannot agree, the stone is redelivered after all displaced stones have been replaced to their original positions. If agreement on the original positions cannot be reached, the end is replayed.
(4) If a displacement is caused by stones deflecting off the sheet dividers, the stones are replaced to their original positions by the non-delivering team.
11. Sweeping
(1) Between the tee lines, all members of the delivering team may sweep any of their team's stones in motion.
(2) A stationary stone must be set in motion before any sweeping may occur.
(3) Only the skip or vice-skip of the non-delivering team may sweep their team's stone(s) after it is set in motion.
(4) During the delivery of the first four stones of any end, only the person in charge of play for the non-delivering team may sweep their stone when set in motion.
(5) Behind the tee line at the playing end, only one player from each team may sweep at any one time. This may be any player of the delivering team, but only the skip or vice-skip of the non-delivering team.
(6) Behind the tee line, a team has first privilege of sweeping its own stone but it must not obstruct or prevent their opponent from sweeping.
(7) An opponent's moving stone shall not be swept until the front end of the stone reaches the farther tee line and sweeping shall only take place behind the tee line.
(8)
(a) Given that the intent of sweeping is to keep the path of the stone clean and to take a stone farther, there must be brush head movement in the sweeping motion.
(b) The sweeping motion shall not leave any debris in front of a moving stone.
(c) The final sweeping motion shall finish outside the path of the stone.
(9) When sweeping with a corn/straw broom, the sweeping motion shall take place with the corn/straw pointing in the direction of play. Backward sweeping with a corn/straw broom is not acceptable.
Penalty: If a team declares its own violation of Rule 11(1)-(9), all stones shall be allowed to come to rest before any action is taken. At this time the non-offending team has the option of: allowing the play to stand; or, removing the unfairly swept stone from play and replacing all affected stones as close as possible to their original position; or, placing the unfairly swept stone and stone(s) it would have affected where they would have come to rest had the sweeping violation not occurred.
12. Free Guard Zone (FGZ)
(1) The FGZ is the area between the hog line and the tee line, excluding the house.
(a) A stone which comes to rest biting or in front of the hog line after making contact with a stone in the FGZ is considered to be in the FGZ.
(b) A stone which comes to rest outside the house but biting the tee line is not considered to be in the FGZ.
(2) Any stationary stone(s) belonging to the opposition located in the FGZ shall not be removed from play by the delivering team prior to the delivery of the 5th stone of the end. When an opposition's stone(s) that is removed from play from the FGZ prior to the 5th stone of the end, directly or indirectly, the delivered stone must be removed from play and any other displaced stones replaced as close as possible to its original position.
(3) A delivered third or fourth stone of an end may hit an opposition stone(s) located in the FGZ on to a stone(s) not in the FGZ providing that any opposition stone originally located in the FGZ remains in play. If an opposition's stone(s) is removed from play, apply Rule 12(2).
(4) You may remove your own stone from the FGZ providing you do not cause an opposition stone to be removed from play from the FGZ. If an opposition's stone(s) is removed from play, apply Rule 12(2).
(5) You may raise also your stone located in the FGZ on to an opposition stone located in the house (not in the FGZ) and remove it from play. If an opposition's stone(s) is removed from play from the FGZ during the execution of the raise, then apply Rule 12(2).
(6) After the delivery of each of the first three stones of an end it is the responsibility of the skip of the team who is about to deliver to ensure agreement with the opposing skip as to whether or not any of the stone(s) in play have come to rest in the FGZ. If they cannot agree, they shall make the determination by using the six foot measuring stick. If the position of another stone(s) hinders the use of the six foot measure, they may reposition the stone(s), complete the measurement and replace the stone(s) to its original position.
(7) A visual agreement by the opposing skips as to whether or not one of the first three stones of the end was in the FGZ, does not preclude a measurement occurring at the conclusion of the end involving the same stone(s).
13. Stones in Play and Scoring
(1) A stone must be fully over the hog line at the playing end to be considered in play. A stone not fully over the hog line shall be removed from play. A stone staying outside of play after striking a stone in play shall remain where it stopped including any subsequent stones striking that particular stone. A stone which crosses the hog line but spins such that it comes to rest biting the hog line, is considered "out of play".
(2) A stone which clearly crosses the back line is removed from play immediately.
(3) A stone that touches a sideline, hits a divider or comes to rest biting a sideline shall be immediately removed from play. If a stone in motion hits a stationary stone and a sideline or divider at the same time, the stationary stone shall be allowed to take its course as if it had been hit first.
(4) A game shall be decided by a majority of points.
(5) Each stone, any part of which is within 6 feet (1.829 meters) of the tee, is eligible to be counted.
(6) A team scores one point for each eligible stone that is closer to the tee than any stone of the opposing team.
(7) An end shall be decided when the skips or vice-skips in charge of the house at the time agree upon the score for the end.
(8) If two or more stones are tied, then none of the tied stones shall count and only stones closer to the tee than the tied stones shall be eligible to be counted. If the tied stones are to determine which team shall count in that end, the end shall be considered blank.
(9) If a stone(s) which may have affected the points scored in an end is displaced prior to the skips or vice-skips deciding the score, the team causing the displacement shall forfeit the point(s) involved.
(10) Should an individual, other than the two teams, displace or cause the displacement of a stone(s) prior to agreement of the score or a measure being determined, the following shall apply:
(a) Preceding the final end;
(i) If the displaced stone(s) would have determined who won an end, the end shall be replayed.
(ii) If a team secured a point(s) and the displaced stone(s) would have determined if an additional point(s) was scored, that team shall have the option of replaying the end or keeping the point(s) already secured and proceeding to the next end.
(b) In the final end:
(i) If the game is tied and the displaced stone(s) would have determined which team won the game, the end shall be replayed.
(ii) If the displaced stone(s) would have determined if the game was tied or lost by the team that was behind in points, that team shall have the option of replaying the end or keeping the point(s) they had already secured and playing an additional end without last stone.
(iii) If the team that was behind in points had already secured sufficient points to tie the game, and the displaced stone(s) would have determined if they won the game, that team shall have the option of replaying the end or keeping the point(s) already secured and playing an additional end, with last stone being determined by a single draw to the tee with sweeping. The team who was ahead in points when the end began shall have the choice of drawing first or last.
(iv) If the displaced stone(s) would have determined if the game was lost, tied or won, the team that was down in points shall have the option of replaying the end or keeping the point(s) already secured, if any, and playing an additional end, with last stone being determined by a single draw to the tee with sweeping. The team who was ahead in points when the end began shall have the choice of drawing first or last. Rule 13(10)(b)(iv) applies to the following types of situations:
· A team is one down going home and measuring two of their stones to determine if they have lost, tied or won the game.
· A team is two down going home counting one and measuring two of their stones to determine if they have lost, tied or won the game.
(11) Marking the Scoreboard for Incomplete Ends (general play)
(a) When both teams still have stones to be delivered and there is a concession, no points are placed on the scoreboard;
(b) When one team has delivered all of their stones and there is a concession:
(i) If the team that delivered all their stones has stone(s) counting, no points are placed on the scoreboard;
(ii) If the team that did not deliver all their stones has stone(s) counting, these points are given and placed on the scoreboard;
(iii) If no stones are counting, no points are placed on the scoreboard.
14. Measuring
(1) The diameter of stones vary, therefore, measurements shall be taken from the tee to the closest part of a stone. A measure that results in stones being an identical distance from the tee shall be declared tied.
(2) No physical device to aid visual observation shall be used in measuring prior to the last stone delivered in the end coming to rest except as provided for in Rule 12(7) and 14(4).
(3) Decisions on whether a stone is in or out of play at the hog line, sidelines and back line shall be visual (no accepted measuring device) except as provided for in Rule 14(4). If the opposing skips cannot agree, they may request a nonpartisan third party to render a decision.
(4) A skip may conduct a measurement when a stone is located on the back line in proximity to the centre line to confirm if the stone is in or out of play. The 6 foot (1.829 metres) measuring stick shall be used. If the position of a stone(s) in the house makes it impossible to use the measuring stick to determine if a stone is in or out of play and the opposing skips cannot agree, they may request a nonpartisan third party to render a decision.
(5) If two or more stones are so close to the tee that a measuring device cannot be used, and if a visual comparison cannot determine which stone is closest to the tee, the stones shall be considered tied. If these stones were to determine who counted in the end, the end shall be considered blank.
(6) A measuring stick that measures a distance of six feet (1.829 metres) from the tee shall be used, if necessary, to confirm whether a stone is within six feet (1.829 metres) of the tee as provided for in Rule 12(7), 13(5) and 14(4).
15. Equipment
(1) A player shall not use footwear or equipment that may damage or affect the playing quality of the ice surface. (Examples: shedding brushes, faulty slider or gripper.)
(2) At the start of each game, each player shall declare what type of sweeping device that they will be using for the duration of the game (brush, synthetic straw style broom or corn/straw broom). Players may change or exchange brushes, brush heads and synthetic straw style brooms during a game. Players shall use the same corn/straw broom for the duration of the game and shall not exchange with another player for a brush or synthetic straw style broom.
(3) A broom or brush broken during the game shall be replaced by the same type of sweeping device.
(4) The use of a curling aid commonly referred to as a "delivery balance device" is acceptable. The balance device shall not exceed 5 feet (1.524 metres) in length and 12 inches (30.48 centimetres) in width. Height may vary.
16. Game Duration and Postponement
(1) A game shall be of such length or duration as is stated in the rules governing the competition or league play.
(2) If for any reason, a game in progress is postponed to another time, the game shall continue from the last completed end.
(3) If a team does not commence play at the designated time (unless otherwise stated by the rules governing the competition or league play):
(a) If the delay of the start of play is 1-15 minutes, then the non-offending team receives one (1) point and will have last stone in the first end of actual play. One end is considered completed;
(b) If the delay of the start of play is 15-30 minutes, then the non-offending team receives one (1) additional point and will have last stone in the first end of actual play. Two ends are considered completed;
(c) If play has not started after 30 minutes, then the non-offending team is declared winner by forfeit. The final score shall be recorded as 'W' and 'L' (win – loss).
17. Wheelchair Curling
(1) Stones are delivered from a stationary wheelchair and the stone must be positioned completely within 18 inches (45.72 cm) of the centre line. Curling clubs that have active wheelchair programs or clubs hosting wheelchair competitions should install two (2) lines eighteen (18) inches (45.72 cm) on either side of the centre line running from the inside edge of the hog line to the outside edge of the twelve (12) foot circle.
(2) During delivery, the wheels of the chair must be in direct contact with the ice and the feet of the player delivering the stone must not touch the ice surface during delivery.
(3) The delivery of the stone is undertaken by the conventional arm/hand release or by the use of an approved delivery stick.
(4) Stones must be released from the hand or stick before the stone reaches the hog line at the delivering end.
(5) A stone is in play when it reaches the hog line at the delivering end. A stone that has not reached the hog line at the delivering end may be returned to the player and redelivered.
18. Stick Curling
(1) The use of a curling aid commonly referred to as a "delivery stick" which enables the player to deliver a stone without placing a hand on the handle is considered acceptable.
(2) The use of a delivery stick is not allowed in events leading to CCA championships with the exception of wheelchair curling.
(3) If a player starts a game with a delivery stick then that player shall use a delivery stick throughout that game. A player may not alternate delivery from the traditional hand delivery to a delivery stick or vice-versa.
(4) If delivery begins from the hack, then players using the delivery stick must adhere to Delivery Rule 8(1); and, stones must be delivered along a straight line from the hack to the intended target broom.
(5) The delivery may also begin anywhere along the centre line with a portion of the stone touching the centre line prior to the delivery. The stone must be delivered along a straight line from this position on the centre line to the intended target broom.
(6) A stone delivered with a delivery stick must be released before it reaches the hog line at the delivering end – [Rule 8(4)].
(7) All other delivery rules apply.
19. Miscellaneous
(1) If any exceptions to the preceding rules are necessary to accommodate players with physical disabilities, appropriate adjustments are acceptable.
(2) Persons who are considered visually impaired may make the use of aids, such as flashlights, lighted brooms, monoculars or binoculars anywhere on the sheet of ice
to assist in guiding. Laser pointers are not allowed.
(3) Should any situation occur that is not covered by the rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.
