What is Curling?

	Curling: What the heck is it?
	I've heard it said that curling is boring. What do you think?
	What is the FGZ rule?
	I've heard that curling is a game but not really a sport.
	But I don't to participate in any strenuous, high-impact sports.
	For me, the social aspects of curling would be as important as the physical or competitive part.
	Why do the media sometimes portray curling as an excuse for people to get together and party?
	Aren't curlers middle-aged or seniors?

Curling: What the heck is it?

The Canadian Curling Association has a lot of basic information about curling, including a glossary of terms and explanation of the game.

I've heard it said that curling is boring. What do you think?

In the days before the "free-guard zone" (FGZ) rule, curling games could sometimes be boring for fans and even players if a good, hitting team got an early lead and then protected it by peeling everything in sight. Now, however, the FGZ rule means that almost no lead is safe, and the outcome of many games comes down to last rock. Moreover, front-end rocks are more important than ever, since this is where many games are won or lost.

What is the FGZ rule?

Under the FGZ rule, any opponent's rock in front of the house cannot be removed from play until the fifth rock of the end. All leagues at the OCC play the FGZ rule. 

I've heard that curling is a game but not really a sport.

Don't say that to curlers who play "front end"--that is, leads and seconds! Studies have shown that in just 15 seconds of sweeping, elite curlers can double their heart rates, which is comparable to what happens to Olympic-calibre sprinters in a 200-meter race. Moreover, these curlers can throw a rock, which weighs 42 pounds, at speeds up to 15 kilometres per hour--and try keeping up with that as a sweeper.

When you couple the athleticism with the finesse, precision and strategy of how to play the game, you realize that curling is a sport that allows you to be as good as you can and want to be.

But I don't to participate in any strenuous, high-impact sports.

Don't worry. Curling is a sport for any age and level of ability or competitiveness. Over 90% of curlers are strictly recreational participants, who are neither willing or expected to perform as elite curlers. Curling is not a high-impact sport, although, as with any sport, pre-game stretching is highly recommended to increase range of motion and prevent muscle pulls.

For me, the social aspects of curling would be as important as the physical or competitive part.

Curling is a social game, played at the club level without referees, and participants exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Games begin and end with both teams shaking hands. After the game, both teams retire to the lounge, where it is customary for winners to offer to buy beverages for the opposing team, with the losers reciprocating afterwards. This is where the friendships and camaraderie among club members are built up. 

Why do the media sometimes portray curling as an excuse for people to get together and party?

Occasional curlers, who out-number regular curlers by about a 2:1 ratio in Canada, curl about once a year or so in funspiels organized by their office or some other organization. These are essentially social events, with lunch or dinner, prizes, and maybe even dancing afterwards. As with New Year's Eve, social drinking is part of the occasion, although organizers are generally careful about the need for designated drivers, taxis, or other arrangements.

Unfortunately, regular curlers get swept up in the same image, when the reality is that, once or more a week, they get together primarily to curl, and are responsible in their post-game socializing (as attested to by our sales of iced tea, juices, sports drinks...).

Aren't curlers middle-aged or seniors?

Not at all. The OCC and its league structure attract a broad range of age groups such as little rockers, juniors, university students, competitive "young guns," married couples, seniors, and so on. Interestingly, younger professionals, including those in the high-tech industry, have recently been joining the Ottawa in increasing numbers. Maybe they like our website too?

Last modified: August 23, 2005, 6:12 pm