In curling, two four-player teams slide heavy granite stones (also called rocks) down a flat sheet of ice towards a 12’ target circle called the “house.” Curlers guide the stone’s speed and direction by sweeping special brooms in front of its path to alter the ice surface.
The goal is to land stones as close to the center of the house and dislodge opponents’ stones. The closest stone after each round, or “end,” scores one point. A team can score additional points for stones closer to the center than any of their opponents stones. A match usually consists of eight ends.
Curling for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Blind curlers use essentially the same rules as sighted players, according to Susan Flanagan, member services coordinator for British Columbia Blind Sports. “There are some low-vision adaptations, including shining a flashlight (often a bicycle light strapped to a broom) on the ice ahead of the rock’s path to help players guide its direction,” says Flanagan. Curlers with low vision may also use a monocular or bioptic lenses. The most significant difference may be that blind curlers require more communication and tactile orientation to learn the sport.
A blind curling team (i.e., one wishing to compete in Canada Curling Association-sanctioned events) has four members. At least one player must be classified as a B1 (totally blind), one a B2 (vision below 20/400), and no more than two who are B3 (vision up to 20/200).
Each team has a sighted guide to align blind curlers in the hack (throwing area), describe the positions of previously played stones, walk the ice holding a light or broom, apprise sweepers of any stones coming up in their path, and describe the shot’s progress down the ice and the result.
Wheelchair Curling
The main adaptation in wheelchair curling is the use of a delivery stick that enables players to push stones from a seated position — though stones may be thrown by hand. Another accommodation is that wheelchair curlers do not sweep.
The “Extender” (Drew & Associates) is a popular delivery stick with brackets that fit both an adjustable broom handle and the top of the rock handle, affording curlers leverage for a smooth forward push and variety of releases. The advent of the delivery stick has made curling accessible to people with a wide range of physical disabilities.
Curlers with impaired grips use different methods, including tape, methods to secure the stick in their hand. Some curlers can push stones without needing their wheelchair braced; others need someone to steady their chair when they throw.
The World Curling Federation governs all major competitions. Wheelchair curling rules mandate mixed-gender teams and that games consist of eight ends with a 68-minute time limit (and one 60-second time out) for each team. Eligibility is limited to people who use a wheelchair for daily mobility.
Wheelchair curling became a Paralympic event at the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. Canada, skipped by Chris Daw, won gold and defended it at the 2010 games in Vancouver, with Jim Armstrong as skip.
Whether one is blind or a wheelchair user, the best way to get started in curling is to contact a local club or regional disabled sports organization to connect with teams, players, and venues providing opportunities to try the sport.
The popularity of curling continues to grow among disabled players. The rapid rise of wheelchair curling to a Paralympic event bodes well for blind curling’s eventual inclusion in the games.
Andrew Leibs - Andrew Leibs is Suite101’s Feature Writer for Accessible Recreation. He is a longtime chronicler of the disability movement with ...
Join the Conversation