Equipment
Curling Stone
Heavy stones of approximately 20kg each that are pushed on ice toward the center of the "house" - A large target positioned opposite the curler.
Curling Broom
A light, handled broom that is used to sweep the ice as the stone travels toward the "house." This reduces friction and assists the stone as desired by the team.
Delivery Stick
A lightweight, handled stick that is used by wheelchair athletes to send the stone toward the "house."
Gameplay
Objective
Curling is usually played in teams of four on an ice surface called the curling sheet. One person "throws" the stone, two sweep the path in front of the stone, and the last person is the skipper (skip) who waits at the target and instructs the thrower where to aim and the sweepers when to sweep.
Each team takes turns "throwing" their stones. Every player gets two stones to play (alternating between each team) then they will swap to another position - everyone has a turn at playing. When all the stones are at the other end, the team with the stone closest to the bullseye wins that round (called an end) and the points are put on the scoreboard. You then play heading back to the other end.
When all ends have been played, the team with the highest number of points wins.
Scoring
You get 1 point per stone closest to the bullseye. If the winning team has the two closest stones, they get 2 points, three closest, 3 points etc. There are no points for the other team. In the picture example, Green Team would get only 1 Point (as it has the closest stone to the centre) and Blue gets zero points.
Curling Styles
Crampit Curling
A beginner-friendly style of curling appropriate for all abilities.
Crampit curling involves the use of a metal plate (the crampit) which sticks into the ice to create traction for the curler to stand on and throw their stone from a stationary position.
This is the preferred style of the Dunedin Curling Club and most of the club competitions are played using this style.
Hack Curling
Hack curling involves the use of a "hack" which players stand on and push off from while holding their stone and aim to release the stone before they get to a line drawn on the curling sheet called the hog line. Players are often crouched low to the ice to guide the stone in the direction required.
This is the style most commonly seen and is the style used in the Winter Olympics.
Wheelchair Curling
​Wheelchair curling is an adaptation of curling designed for people with a disability affecting their lower limbs. Athletes throw their stone from a stationary position using a specially designed delivery stick and there is no sweeping.
This is the style seen in the Winter Paralympics.
