FAQ –

Where can I curl?  How do I get started?

A complete listing of USA Curling member clubs can be found on our website (www.usacurl.org) on the U.S. Curling Clubs link located on the left side of the main page under the USA Curling blue tab. Contact the club for their Learn to Curl or Open House activities.

What equipment do I need and where do I get it?

The only equipment that you will need is loose fitting layered clothing, mittens or gloves and shoes that grip the ice well for walking. Stones, sliders and brooms can be provided by the curling club.

How much does it cost to curl?

The cost to curl varies by club location in the United States. Cost also depends if curling is in dedicated facility or in an arena.

How can I get on the next Olympic team?

You have to be a citizen of the United States and be on a competitive curling team. Team selection involves a three-tiered series of qualification events which starts with a registration process and the final step competing at our Olympic Trials event. The winning team at the Trials event is our Olympic team representatives.

I’m in a Wheelchair – where can I learn to curl? 

Many of our clubs offer wheelchair curling. We also offer wheelchair curling clinics. To find out more information you can contact Marc DePerno, National Wheelchair Outreach & Development Program Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Brown, National Wheelchair Coach at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Is there a curling blog?

USA Curling has Facebook and Twitter. There are links to both on our website at www.usacurl.org.

How do I become a member of USA Curling?

To become a member of USA Curling, you need to belong to a U.S. Curling Club that belongs to their state or regional association. The state or regional associations are members of USA Curling. By your membership affiliation with the local club you will also be members of USA Curling.

Does the USCA have funding for clubs getting started? (What can the USCA offer to start-up clubs?)

Currently we do not have any funding for clubs to get started. We offer a “How to Start a Curling Club” packet and regional contact information to assist with club planning and Open House activities. We also offer a stone loan program through the World Curling Federation.

I run an ice arena – how can I add curling?

You need to determine the interest in your area and what your ice availability will be. Finding a core of individuals that will help get a curling club started is important. Contact our office for the “How to Start a Curling Club” packet. We will also be able to provide you with regional contacts that would be able to help you with an Open House or Learn to Curl activity. Equipment such as hacks, sliders, brooms and stones are items you will need to start curling in your arena.

How can I get curling stones? 

Curling stones can be purchased from various curling suppliers. Get in touch with our office for their contact information. USA Curling also offers a stone loan program with the World Curling Federation. Some states or region associations offer a stone rental program.

How can I get in touch with an Olympic or Paralympic athlete? 

Contact our office at either 888-287-5377 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on contacting any of our Olympic or Paralympic athletes.

I collect Olympic pins, Olympic autographs … I love curling … can you send me something?

We do have Olympic pins for sale. However we are only allowed to sell them to individuals in the United States. We do have other pins available. Call our office for more information at 888-287-5377.

My restaurant/business/hospital/etc. is decorating with a sports theme.  Can you send me a piece of curling equipment?  A stone would be great!

We do not have curling stones available but we do have posters, Olympic team photos and brochures that can be used for your display.

I’m a 4^th grade student and we’re studying the Olympics.  My report is on curling – please send information.

Send us your name and address and we would be happy to send some information for your report. You can also find out more about curling on our website at www.usacurl.org under the blue “USA Curling” tab in the Media Guide link located on the left side of the page. Copies of our informational brochures are also on our website under the gold “Inside the USCA” tab. Follow the training link to “Tools.”

How heavy are the stones? 

Curling stones with handles attached weigh 42 pounds.

What does sweeping do?

Sweeping slightly melts the ice, which reduces the friction between the running stone and the ice. The result is that the stone will curl less and slide farther. Effective sweepers can help a rock slide up to an additional 15 feet.

What are the rules?

A game is made up of 10 ends (like innings). An end consists of each team member shooting (delivering) two stones alternately with the opponent’s player at the same position. When all 16 stones have been delivered, the score for that end is determined. For each stone closer to the center of the circles (the tee) than any of the opponent’s, one point is scored. The complete Rules of Curling can be found on our website at the “Rules Booklet” link located on the left side of any of our webpages.