The Spirit of Curling

What is the spirit of curling?

You might hear people mentioning "the spirit of curling" while playing or watching games, and might wonder what it is we're talking about. Curling has a deep tradition of good sportsmanship and politeness. You should always conduct yourself in a way that doesn't hinder your opponents and be honest about any infractions you make while playing.  Always be excellent to other players of all teams.

The spirit of curling as defined by the World Curling Federation:

Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well executed is a delight to see and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honoured traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.

Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions.  Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.

While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honourable conduct.

This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.