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Specialty Areas
- Regular season curling
- Travel curling
- Curling leagues
- Curling teams
- Tournament curling
Programs Others Have Purchased
- Individual Curling Instructors Insurance
- Curling Camps & Clinics Insurance
- Event Cancellation Insurance
- Curling Tournament Insurance
About Curling in the United States
Curling is one of the oldest team sports. It originated in Scotland in 16th century, where games took place on frozen ponds and 
lochs. It’s a two-team sport, with each team having four players, and played on a rectangular field of ice known as a sheet. Curling is sometimes called the roaring game because of the rumbling sound the 44-pound stones make as they slide across the ice.
Mostly unfamiliar to Americans, curling has grown in popularity across the globe during the last century. It was made an official Olympic winter sport for men and women in 1998. Many people describe the sport as a cross between shuffleboard and bowling. One of the most unique aspects of the sport is the equipment. The stones, or curling rocks, are made of a rare granite that is quarried on Scotland’s Ailsa Craig. Each rock is polished and has a handle attached. Players move the stones along the ice using brooms.
Even though curling is a relatively safe sport to participate in, curling insurance is necessary because injuries and lawsuits still occur. Since curling is played on ice, it’s no surprise that slipping and falling is the main cause for injury. Any number of injuries can occur during a slip and fall incident, and the slick surface of the ice increases the chances that a falling player will not be able to adequately position his or her body and hands to minimize injury.
Another type of injury that is common in curling occurs when a player attempts to carry the rock. The player either picks the rock up incorrectly causing damage to the back, or slips when the rock is picked up, causing the player to fall. Injuries associated with picking up the rock can be severe as the back is typically related.
Rowdy behavior is also a predictable source of injury in curling. Regardless of the 
cause of injury, the team or league administrators or coach can be held liable for not creating a safe playing environment, not stepping in to stop any unsafe activity, or for not teaching the players how to move the rock correctly.
General safety tips in curling include:
- Use the broom to stop a rock, never your foot. You could lose your balance and fall.
- Always carry the broom, which can be helpful in maintaining balance.
- Watch for stray rocks and prevent rocks from going onto another sheet.
- Slide the rocks-never lift them.
- Walk or slide, never hop or run.
- Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels to prevent fall backwards and hitting your head on the ice.
- Never go onto the ice when your balance is impaired from sickness, alcohol, etc.
- Always wear rubber-soled shoes for traction on the ice or invest in a pair of specially designed curling shoes.
It’s crucial to have a solid curling insurance policy, including Accident and General Liability in place to protect against the risk of financial loss due to claims after an injury. Call one of our insurance experts for help in determining the right coverage for your unique needs. Or fill out our quick online application now.
Curling Risk Management
Effective risk management in curling is essential to minimize injuries, property damage, and liability claims during practices, competitions, or recreational games. By adopting safety measures and creating contingency plans, curling clubs and organizers can safeguard participants and spectators from potential risks.
1. Player Safety and Injury Prevention:
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- Slip-and-Fall Prevention: Ensure that ice surfaces are properly maintained, with regular checks for cracks or uneven areas that could lead to falls. Encourage the use of grippers and appropriate footwear off the ice.
- Sweeping Techniques: Train players in safe sweeping techniques to prevent shoulder and back strain, which are common injuries in curling. Proper form and ergonomics during sweeping are key.
- Warm-Up and Stretching: Encourage players to engage in pre-game warm-ups and stretching exercises to reduce the risk of muscle strains and sprains.
2. Facility Safety:
- Ice Maintenance: Regularly check the ice surface for debris or damage that could cause accidents. Ensure that the ice is properly resurfaced between games to maintain quality and safety.
- Equipment Checks: Inspect all curling stones, brooms, and sliders for damage before each use to avoid equipment failure during play.
- Safety Barriers and Spectator Zones: Install adequate safety barriers between the playing surface and spectator areas to prevent injuries from wayward stones or accidental slips by players.
3. Emergency Preparedness:
- First Aid Training: Ensure that staff members and volunteers are trained in first aid and CPR. Have an emergency response plan in place, including access to first aid kits and AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at the facility.
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Develop and communicate an emergency action plan for on-ice injuries, sudden medical issues, or any unexpected hazards like ice cracks or equipment malfunction.
4. Liability Waivers:
- Require all participants, including players and coaches, to sign liability waiver/release forms. These documents should outline the inherent risks involved in curling and shift responsibility for unforeseen injuries or accidents.
5. Concussion and Brain Injury Protocols:
- Although concussions are rare in curling, it’s essential to have a brain injury/concussion risk management plan in place. Players who fall on the ice may be at risk, so be sure to monitor for any signs of head injuries. Implement Brain Injury/Concussion Management Plans where necessary.
By integrating these risk management practices into daily operations, curling clubs and event organizers can create a safer environment for all participants and reduce potential liabilities.
What Our Clients Have To Say About Our Insurance Programs
“My overall experience with obtaining insurance with Sadler Sports and Recreation was pleasant.” – Sonja Gleaton, Town of Neeses
Choose SADLER Insurance for Comprehensive Curling Protection