Rock Matching

Curling has a long and rich history. While its origins are lost in the mists of time, Scottish curlers already were playing the game by the beginning of the 16th century on frozen ponds and lochs.

Their earliest equipment included stones formed by nature, each one unique. These stones often curved, or "curled," as they slid down the ice, and the players used besoms or brooms to clear snow and debris from the path of the stones.

Today, curling is a game of strategy, finesse and strength, contested by teams generally comprised of four players. The principle of curling is simple - get your stone closer the center of the target circles, called the "house," than your opponent. Players of all skill levels can participate and compete even at older ages than most sports allow.

Respect, honor and tradition are core elements of the game. Curlers are close knit and you can rely on a warm welcome in curling clubs throughout the world. Camaraderie among players is inherent in the sport and tradition calls for both teams to sit together after a game, discussing what was and what might have been.

Come join us.


Start with a friendly greeting. At the beginning of the game, greet the members of the opposing team with a handshake, fist pump, or elbow bump, tell them your name, and wish them “Good Curling”.

Finish with a similar greeting. When the game is over, offer each of the players a hearty handshake, fist pump, or elbow bump, and move off the ice. The winning curlers traditionally offer their counterparts some refreshments.

Keep the ice clean. Change your shoes. Sand, grit and dirt are the ice’s worst enemy. The shoes you wear should only be used for curling. Keep them clean.

Compliment good shots, no matter which team makes them. Respect your opponent.

Be ready. Take your position in the hack as soon as your opponent has delivered his/her stone. Keep the game moving; delays detract from the sport. Be prepared to sweep as soon as your teammate releases the rock.

Watch from the hog line or bench. After delivering your stone, move to the side of the sheet between the “hog“ lines or at the benches behind the sheets.

House privileges. Unless you are the skip. Leads and seconds are not permitted in the “house” or “rings”, except when sweeping or to remove the stones after the count has been determined by the vices.

Be courteous. Don’t distract your opponent in the hack. Sweepers should stay on the sidelines between the hog lines when not sweeping. If you are sitting at the benches at either end of the sheet, remain still while opponents are throwing.

Place your skip’s rock in front of the hack to help speed up the game. 

Pick up the pace. All games on the ice should run approximately the same time. Therefore, if your game is an end or two behind all other games you should pick up the pace. Each player should be ready to deliver their rock when their skip puts down the broom.

Crossing Sheets. If going to the water cooler, or otherwise crossing sheets along the backboards, do not cross while a player is delivering their rock.

When getting or returning measuring sticks, do not cross sheets while other games are in progress. Instead walk along the backboards and sideboards between your sheet and the measuring device.

 


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Location:
Thornhill Golf & Country Club
7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L4J 1W3

Phone: 905-881-3000   |   c[email protected] 

 
 

About the Club ...

By combining a distinguished lineage with a warm welcome to those new to the sport, Thornhill has become known as a place where curlers have created a community based on camaraderie and mutual affection for this great game.

At the center is Thornhill's active membership, one of the most-recognized in Ontario. Noted for the quality of its ice and its varied instructional, recreational and competitive programs, curling at Thornhill presents opportunities for all, from those who have been long dedicated to the sport to those just experiencing it for the first time.

The club offers a variety of leagues for men and women, and junior programs for children starting from the age of six. Additionally each league hosts in-club events and invitational bonspiels for which Thornhill has become widely recognized.