The Springbank Curling Club (SCC) and Springbank Park For All Seasons (SPFAS) ask all curlers, coaches, instructors, managers, officials, volunteers, and visitors to review and follow these safety guidelines to help ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
1. Before Going on the Ice
- Wear clean curling shoes or other indoor-only footwear. Good-quality grippers on both feet are strongly recommended.
- Use a clean curling broom.
- Clean your footwear using the Boot Boy units and Sticky Mats located at the entrance to the curling rink.
- Respect the rules of curling, fellow curlers, and SPFAS staff responsible for maintaining the ice.
- Do not enter a sheet of ice until SPFAS staff have completed ice maintenance.
- If you forget your personal broom, slider, or gripper, club equipment is available for use. Please return all borrowed equipment after your curling session.
- Do not run on the ice.
- Avoid walking backward on the ice, especially while rocks are in play.
- Momentum-generating high fives, hugs, or other physical contact are not permitted on the ice.
- Be respectful of:
- The curling ice
- Curling rocks
- Other curlers
- Always remain aware of rocks in play and those who are sweeping.
- Do not wear headphones, earbuds, or earmuffs while on the ice.
- Food and beverages are not permitted during on-ice activities.
- Alcohol consumption is prohibited during on-ice curling activities.
- Adult curlers may wear helmets if they choose. (See Section 4.)
2. Safety Practices While Curling
Personal Safety
- Do not lie on the ice or place your hands on the ice for extended periods.
- No spitting on the ice.
Protecting the Ice
- Do not chip or damage the ice with your broom or any other object.
Protecting the Equipment
- Do not remove curling rocks from the ice surface.
- Do not drop curling rocks onto the ice.
- Avoid excessively hard take-out shots.
- Do not throw or run rocks over the hacks at either end of the sheet.
Respect for Others
- Maintain a steady pace of play.
- Be aware of the "last draw" bell indicating the end of play.
- Taunting, bullying, abusive behaviour, or foul language will not be tolerated.
3. Supervision of Youth Curlers
For curlers under 18 years of age, at least one adult (coach, manager, or designated volunteer) should be present on the ice while youth are curling.
While not mandatory, SPFAS recommends one supervising adult for each sheet of ice being used by youth curlers whenever possible.
4. Helmet Recommendations
Although helmets are not mandatory for youth or adult curlers, SCC and SPFAS strongly recommend that youth curlers (under 18 years of age) wear a properly fitted and secured CSA-approved helmet while participating in on-ice activities.
Acceptable helmets include curling, hockey, skating, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, or other CSA-approved helmets.
Additional curling-specific protective headwear, including visors, toques, caps, and padded headbands, is available through curling equipment retailers. SCC and SPFAS encourage all curlers to consider incorporating head protection into their curling equipment.
5. Personal Belongings
While participating in on-ice activities, keep personal valuables inside the curling rink. Avoid leaving valuables in the concession area or upstairs lounge.
6. Emergency Response
If a curler or visitor is injured and emergency medical assistance is required:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- After calling 9-1-1, notify an SPFAS staff member or call the SPFAS Assistance Line: 403-618-9152.
7. First Aid & Defibrillator Locations
A first aid kit is located in the concession area on the exterior wall of the SCC Equipment Storage Room. It contains bandages, gauze, blankets, and other basic first aid supplies.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is mounted on the wall adjacent to the SPFAS main entrance doors and is available for emergency use if someone is experiencing a cardiac emergency.