Financial Curling League 

Game Play Rules

1. The hammer will be decided on a coin toss at the beginning of the game between thirds. There are no rules

concerning colour choice of rocks.

 2.  All games will have eight ends. The game can be shorter if a team concedes based on point differential. A time

limit will depend on the Callie Club and whether a draw has been scheduled right after league play. If there is

another draw a two-hour time limit may be required as scheduled; if there is no draw – the game will be

concluded after eight ends (no limit).

 3.  The Free Guard Rule states that a guard cannot be removed from play until the first four stones of the end are

thrown. If a guard is removed from play before such stones are thrown, the guard is placed back in its original

position, and the opponent's stone that hit the guard is removed from play. Although the rule has changed, the

league has decided to remain with the four stone rule.

 4.  Each team will provide the league with a list of four players that are their regular players. Regular players can

throw in any position in any game. Spares (substitute players) are permissible as follows:

•  For regular season play, a spare can only throw lead or second stones in the first two games the

individual is playing;

•  After a spare has played two regular season games, they can play any position for the team afterwards

including in the playoffs; and

•  A spare cannot play third or skip in the playoffs unless they have played two regular season games with

the team previously; otherwise relegated to lead or second. This remains true regardless of how many

playoff games are played.

 5.  If a game ends in a tie, the tie-breaker rules are as follows:

•  Each player throws one rock to the house trying to draw to the button. Points are as follows:

o Anywhere in the 12-foot: 1 point;

o Anywhere in the 8-foot: 2 points;

o Anywhere in the 4-foot: 3 points;

o Touching the button: 4 points; and

o Covering the button: 5 points.

•  There is no defensive sweeping allowed;
•  If the game is still tied; skip stones are thrown with the closest to the button winning the game (again no

defensive sweeping).

•  These rules do not apply in the playoffs – and extra end will be played. The only exception would be if

the Callie Club has another draw scheduled and time becomes an issue – skip stones would be thrown in

this event.

 6.  All rules as determined by Curling Canada for game play is to be followed unless otherwise stated in league

rules.