Curling – what is curling in sport, rules of the game

to call difficult and many think that this some frivolous and strange occupation. At the same time experts call it ice billiards, the main thing, to catch and understand point of a game, and then it will be perceived absolutely in a different way.

What is curling in sport?

Mean a sports game on ice during which two teams including four persons compete in the accuracy of pushing of special apparatuses by this concept. They are called "stones", and for production granite is used. As the sport curling enjoys the greatest popularity in Canada. It is included in the Olympic Games. The essence of a competition is that teams start stones on ice, trying to push out the rival's stones out of limits of a target or "house".

Curling – the history of emergence

Many will be surprised by the fact that it is considered that this sport in 1511 arose. This date was specified on the shell for a game found in Scotland at the bottom of the dried-up lake. At 16-17 centuries played curling, using the stones which fell from mountains, selecting approximately identical copies. Finding out who thought up curling, it is necessary to notice that the first rules of this game, were formulated in 1804. For the first time men competed in this sports direction in the World Cup in 1959, and women – in 1979. At the Olympic Games the curling debuted in 1998.

International federation of curling

The organization which is responsible for curling was formed in 1966 by representatives of seven countries. Till 1991 it was called the International federation, and after it renamed into the World federation of curling (WCF). Its headquarters is in Perth (Great Britain). The federation of curling unites 57 national associations and its main objectives the following:

1. To represent sport at the international level and to do everything possibly for its growth.
2. To contribute to the development of cooperation and mutual understanding of all federated members.
3. To act in protection and to advance the interests of world curling.
4. To formulate rules for all competitions.

Rules of curling

Can seem to much from outside that this game very simple, but actually it has many nuances:

1. Two teams to which the color is appropriated compete. They receive eight stones which need to be sent to specially noted zone. Shells which did not reach the specified border leave. The purpose is to push out the rival's stone out of borders of the house.
2. Rules of the game in curling assume that the sequence of throws at first is defined by draw as in more advantageous position there is a team making a throw of the last. The subsequent throws are determined by the one who won the previous round.
3. To count result, in attention only the stones which got to the house undertake. The point is received by team whose shell is closer to the center.

Stone for curling

The main attribute – a stone changed time, and the ideal form as a result was reached. It has a basis of round shape which undergoes special processing, and the handle fixed on it. For fastening the screw passing through an opening in the center of a fanitny basis is used. The stone is made of a rare species of granite which is only on the Scottish island Ailsa Craig. Material practically does not absorb water that prevents its destruction during the game, and still it is the strongest. Curling – the expensive pleasure, and the price of one shell makes €600.

Interests many how many the stone in curling weighs, and so on this value there are restrictions and weight should not be more than 19.96 kg. It is important to know not only the weight of a stone for curling, but also other its parameters: circle lengths – at most 91.44 cm, and basis height from granite – at least 11.43 cm. Several interesting moments:

1. If the stone breaks during a push, then it is replaced and the new shell is put to the place of the greatest splinter.
2. If the stone sharply changes a trajectory or brakes, for example, because of defects of the sliding surface, then it can be sidelined and replaced.
3. If the handle disappears during a throw, then at the request of team which carried out it, one more attempt on a throw is given.

Brush for curling

After start of a stone two team players, using a special brush, rub the surface of ice thanks to what the stone continues the movement to the purpose and did not stop. By means of these actions it is possible not only to continue the movement, but also to supervise its trajectory. Describing why in curling rub ice, it is important to note also that fact that if during process accidental a brush to concern a stone, then he leaves a game.

For a game different brushes and handles at them can be used can be made of any materials, and here for a bristle hair of pigs and horses are used. The second option more rigid and it is taken when on ice there is a hoarfrost and it needs to be cleaned. Synthetic brushes at which handles are manufactured of different types of plastic, a tree or carbon fabrics enjoy the greatest popularity. They differ in weight, and the third option is the easiest. The pillow in modern brushes is in most cases made of nylon fabric, but there are also other options.

Clothes for curling

Considering that temperature of an ice covering is minus of 5 °C, the clothes by all means have to be warm. Councils for the choice of equipment:

1. Trousers have soft inside which is capable to protect from cold within several hours. It is better to give preference to models with the overestimated waist as the curling assumes performance of inclinations.
2. The clothes by all means have to last well that it did not hold down movements during the game. For this purpose add spandex to composition of fabric. Besides, models have to adjoin to a body that stirred nothing.
3. Curling – the Olympic sport for which it is necessary to use the gloves and mittens fixing by means of thongs. They not only protect from cold, but also provide good coupling with a brush. Many models have openings on palms that is important for ventilation.
4. The socks used in curling are capable to keep legs in heat throughout all game as special fibers for removal of moisture are a part.

Footwear for curling

The boots used for a game make on special technology. They have to keep well heat for what inside put felt. Boots for curling have a special sole which can be different. On the left leg it has to be sliding, and on right, on the contrary. At many boots a sole not integral and when the kerler leaves on a sock, the sliding part separates and remains on ice, but does not bend together with foot. Modern models of footwear constantly change, and their design becomes more and more similar to daily sneakers.

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