Ice Safety

The Missoula Curling Club (MCC) is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable curling environment for our members, guests, and visitors.

Safety is a shared responsibility. The ice is hard and slick, and a fall on the ice can result in serious injury. Everyone on the ice is expected to move deliberately, remain aware of their surroundings, and follow these guidelines.

Please review the following information before your first time on the ice and refer back to it throughout the season.

Footwear and Grippers

All participants must wear clean, appropriate footwear on the ice. Open-toed shoes, high heels, boots, dress shoes, and other unsafe footwear are not permitted.

MCC provides sliders — devices that attach over your shoe to help you glide during delivery — so you do not need to purchase curling-specific shoes to participate.

We strongly recommend wearing a gripper on your non-sliding foot whenever you are on the ice. Grippers provide traction and make it easier to move safely on the ice. MCC provides over-the-shoe grippers in a variety of sizes for participants to borrow at club events.

If you are new to curling or are unsure how to walk safely while wearing a slider, ask a volunteer for assistance before stepping onto the ice.

Clothing and Personal Equipment

Dress warmly in comfortable, flexible layers. Glacier Ice Rink is cold, and you will be on the ice for an extended period.

Avoid loose scarves, dangling clothing, or accessories that could interfere with delivery, sweeping, or movement on the ice.

Helmets and Head Protection

MCC supports a “helmets encouraged” environment. Wearing a helmet or other approved protective headgear is strongly encouraged for everyone, particularly new curlers and anyone who is unsteady on their feet.

All participants under the age of 13 are required to wear a helmet at all times while on the ice at MCC club leagues, clinics, and other club events.

MCC has a limited number of helmets available to borrow at club events.

Moving Safely on the Ice

The ice can be slippery, particularly when wearing a slider. Move slowly and deliberately, and remain aware of other players and activity on neighboring sheets.

Running and jumping on the ice are strictly prohibited.
Horseplay, pushing, shoving, throwing sliders, or other reckless behavior is not permitted.
Never step into the path of a moving stone.
Do not cross a sheet while another player is delivering or sweeping.
Be aware that stones may be moving on multiple sheets at the same time.
Follow the instructions of club officials, volunteers, and event leaders.
Enter and exit the ice only at designated areas.
If you are unsure where to stand or move, ask a volunteer or experienced curler for assistance.

Curling Stones

Curling stones are heavy and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.

Never attempt to stop a moving stone with your hands or feet.
If a stone is moving, let it continue moving and stay clear of its path.
Do not lift a curling stone above waist height while stones are on the ice.
Do not carry stones across the ice.
Handle stones carefully and follow instructions from club officials and volunteers.

Delivery and Sweeping

The delivery and sweeping areas can be particularly busy. Always be aware of the people around you before beginning a delivery or moving into position to sweep.

Before delivering, make sure the area in front of you is clear.
Do not begin a delivery while another player is still in your path.
Sweepers should watch both the stone and their surroundings.
Keep your broom under control and be mindful of other players when sweeping.
When you are not actively involved in a shot, remain clear of the playing area and give other players plenty of room.
Communicate clearly when moving around other players.

Falls and Injuries

Falls are one of the most common sources of injury in curling, particularly for new curlers.

If you lose your balance:

Try to fall to your side or hip rather than reaching out with your hands.
Avoid trying to catch yourself with an outstretched arm.
Take a moment after a fall to assess how you feel before attempting to get up.
If you are injured or experiencing pain, stop playing and notify a club volunteer or league official.

All injuries, even minor ones, should be reported to MCC staff or a club volunteer. Reporting injuries allows the club to respond appropriately and identify potential hazards or recurring safety concerns.

First aid supplies are available from the MCC broom closet at Glacier Ice Rink. Safety and emergency action instructions are posted on the scoreboards.

For serious injuries, notify club staff immediately and contact emergency services when necessary. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Waivers

All participants — including league members, Learn to Curl participants, and special-event participants — must have a current waiver on file before taking the ice.

For Learn to Curl events and special events at Glacier Ice Rink, participants complete the required waiver as part of registration. League members complete an annual MCC waiver and Code of Conduct through the club's online registration system.

If you are unsure whether you have a current waiver on file, contact the club at [email protected].

Minors on the Ice

Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the required waiver on their behalf.

Youth participants must be accompanied by a responsible adult at club events unless otherwise arranged with club leadership in advance.

Participants under 13 must wear a helmet at all times while on the ice, as described in our Helmets and Head Protection guidelines above.

Ice Conditions and Cancellations

Curling depends on a safe and playable ice surface. Occasionally, events may be cancelled, delayed, or modified because of ice conditions, rink scheduling, weather, or other circumstances outside the club's control.

If conditions require a change to an event, the club will communicate updates as soon as possible. Check your email and the club's social media channels for the latest information.

The club's cancellation policy is available here.

Safety Concerns and Questions

Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you notice a hazard, unsafe behavior, or another safety concern, notify a club volunteer, league official, or board member as soon as possible.

For questions about safety procedures or emergency actions, speak with a club volunteer, board member, or the club's safety committee.

You can also contact the club at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us keep the ice safe for everyone — and good curling!