Curling is a competitive sport where two teams take turns sliding granite stones on ice and delivering them into a target area circular in shape called the house. The game features in the Olympics and Paralympics and has medal tournaments for men, women, mixed doubles, and wheelchair teams.
Although paintings depict that curling originated in the Low Countries, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, Scotland popularized the game in the 16th century. The Royal Caledonian Curling Club, formerly the Grand Caledonian Club, formed in 1843 in Edinburgh, Scotland, was the first curling governing body. Other Western European nations also formed their associations and clubs for the game around the same time.
Canada formed its Royal Caledonian Curling Club branch in 1852, and the nation’s championship is the world’s biggest curling event. The United States formed the Grand National Curling Club of America in 1867, which also has its championship.
Later, the International Curling Federation came into being in 1966 and is the sport’s world governing body. This led to nations organizing international championships, which are still being played. Notably, Canada dominates most championships due to the size of its domestic league.
Three basic pieces of equipment are used in curling: the curling sheet, a curling broom, and curling stones. Curling requires a flat surface called the curling sheet, a long strip of specially prepared ice. The sheet measures 45 meters long and five meters wide. At both ends of the sheet are designated areas with four rings each, called houses. Each ring has a center area known as the button, which helps define the curling stones closest to it.
A curling broom has two functions. First, it helps the player sweep the path through which a curling stone moves and also helps to balance a curling stone while delivering it to the house. Earlier brooms were made of fabric such as hog hair or horsehair. Modern versions are made of glass or carbon fiber and have hollow tubes, which make them light and give them a downward force required while handling curling stones.
Last, the curling stone is a granite stone measuring 36 inches in circumference and 4.5 inches in height, weighing between 38 and 44 pounds. The bottom part has a hollow concave shape, which helps clear off the ice while the player runs it over it.
Players wear matching sweaters and pants made of a stretch material that allows easy movement during delivery. This clothing must be warm, considering the sport is played on ice. Other necessary player gear includes gloves and footwear. As with the clothing, gloves must provide warmth and fit snuggly, allowing the player to handle the broom firmly.
The shoes a player wears have different sole characteristics. One is called the slider shoe, and the other is the gripper shoe. The slider shoe has low friction, allowing the player to glide over the ice while delivering. On the other hand, the gripper shoe has friction which helps an individual hack the surface. Both shoes have a rubber coating to prevent wear and tear during play.
During gameplay, each team uses aiming precision to position their stones and gain scoring advantages strategically. Each team has eight stones with the same handle color, different from those of the opposing team. Teams take turns, and the players use skills to calculate the speed and trajectory of a stone, attempting to deliver it at a desired location within the house.
Teams must constantly communicate to discuss issues such as shot selection, sweeping intensity, and the strategy to use against the opposing team. Sweeping is the most important aspect, with each team trying to vigorously brush through the ice, altering the stone’s path, distance, and speed. After both teams have delivered all the stones, judges award points based on each team’s stones’ proximity to the center of the house.
