The act of throwing a curling stone straight and the correct distance does not require brute strength, but it does demand good technique, balance and co-ordination. Practice is essential for beginners and indeed for anyone wishing to improve their play.

SAFETY

Warm-up properly before a game of curling, as this greatly reduces the risk of strain or stretch injury. Wear shoes with soft rubber soles for maximum grip and be very careful when you move over the ice. You will find it very slippery until you get used to it, and it is very hard when fallen on. Do not step over stones and always step onto the ice with your gripper foot first.  Wait until you have stopped sliding forward before attempting to stand up, and then rise on your gripper foot – not your slider foot.

Curling stones must never be carried or lifted. Park stones that are out of play and after an end has been completed. Make sure that no one is in the way when stones are being cleared. Move stones carefully, using you feet or a brush to guide them.  

CLOTHING
Ice rinks are necessarily cold; so make sure you have plenty of warm clothes. It is always wise to have an extra sweater. It is always important to have good fitting and warm shoes with soft rubber soles. Wear extra socks or knee length stocking if necessary to keep you legs warm. Curling pants must be made from a stretch material or be loose enough to cause no restriction in the curling delivery. Jeans are wholly unsuitable. Make sure that your footwear is absolutely clean before stepping onto the ice.

CURLING ETIQUETTE
Always arrive at the ice on time and be prepared to start curling when the ice is ready. Be ready to deliver your stone when your turn comes. Never cross in front of another player when they are in the hack and about to play, or in front of a running stone. Always stand still, at the side of the sheet, when an opponent is in the hack. Do not move into the centre of the ice before or after the opposition stone has been played. Allow the player and his team to see the shot. Do not stand behind the house or inside the house unless you are the skip or acting skip.

Skips should stand behind the house when the opposition is delivering. Never do anything, such as moving behind the opposition skip or talking across the hack, which might distract the opposition (or your own) player on the hack.

Do not damage the ice surface by banging your brush or resting your hand on the ice after your delivery. If you are a sweeper and one of your team is in the hack then you should position yourself back in line with the player and to the side. When your player begins his downswing you should start to move up the ice and be ready to sweep when necessary. On the ice your skip is in charge – do not argue (at least until after the game!). Curling games are traditionally started and finished by shaking hands.