Curling match checklist

A curling match needs more than booked lanes and curling stones. You also need a clear registration process, balanced teams, a match schedule, rules, officiating and a practical plan for food and transport. Use this checklist to work from the date and venue through to setup, scoring and prize collection. The final checks focus on equipment, printed forms, chilled drinks and getting the reception desk ready before participants arrive.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set the date and venue
2 people
Reserve curling lanes
Make catering arrangements
Draft invitations
2 people
Send invitations
Register sign-ups
Collect dietary requirements
Send transportation information
Confirm registrations
Assemble teams
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Develop the rules
Arrange referee
Check the first aid contact
Order prizes and medals
Check equipment at the venue
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
Print competition forms
Print participant list

Event

Open venue
2 people
Bring materials to the course
3 people
Set up reception desk
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up competition table
2 people
Place the scoreboard
2 people
Lay out curling stones
2 people
Lay out curling brooms
2 people
Lay out safety materials
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Set Up Buffet and Snacks
3 people
Display drinks
2 people
Test audio and microphone
2 people
Staff the registration desk
2 people
Register participants
2 people
Assign teams and shifts
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Give safety instructions
Explain curling technique
2 people
Lead practice rounds
3 people
Lead the first match
4 people
Record scores
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Supervise the second match
4 people
Serve the break buffet
3 people
Collect used glasses
2 people
Guide the third match
4 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
4 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes
2 people
Serve closing drinks
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Gather curling equipment
3 people
Clear away scoreboard and forms
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the buffet area
2 people
Leave the venue clean
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
Clear away leftover groceries
2 people
Share photos with participants
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Tea glassesqty 20
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Sports equipment

Curling stonesqty 32
Curling broomsqty 24
Curling shoesqty 48
Slidersqty 24
Starting blocksqty 8
Team bibsqty 8
Training conesqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 2
Game clocksqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Scoreboard Magnetsqty 32
Competition formsqty 40
Pensqty 20
Name stickersqty 60
Wristbandsqty 60
Bib numbersqty 48
Team flagsqty 8
Medalsqty 12
Winner's trophy
Sportsmanship prize
First aid kit
Cold Packsqty 6
Safety matsqty 8
Non-slip matsqty 12

Decorations

Team pennantsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Welcome sign
Direction signsqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon standsqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the curling lanes before sending invitations, then confirm how many players each lane can accommodate. This determines your registration limit and helps you avoid rebuilding the team list later.
Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the match. Use the final list to collect dietary requirements, assemble teams and create the match schedule instead of making changes at the reception desk.
Check the venue’s equipment several days in advance, including stones, brooms, shoes, sliders, starting blocks and game clocks. Bring stopwatches, whistles, team bibs or scoreboards if anything is missing.
Print the participant list, competition forms and match schedule before opening the venue. Keep one copy at the registration desk and another for the referee or person managing the games.
Plan the welcome area separately from the ice: place the registration desk and coat racks near the entrance, and set up drinks, coffee, tea and catering away from the playing area. Chill drinks before guests arrive and check extension cords and power strips before switching on equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I reserve curling lanes for a match?: Reserve the lanes as soon as you have a preferred date, ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks before the match. Confirm the number of lanes, session length, available equipment and the venue’s setup and access times before inviting players.
When should curling match registration close?: Close registration at least 7 days before the event, or earlier if the venue has a strict player limit. You need the final numbers to collect dietary requirements, build teams and publish a workable match schedule.
How many curling lanes do I need for a match?: The number depends on your player count and the venue’s team format, so calculate it from the maximum players per lane. Confirm the capacity directly with the venue before setting a registration limit; leave time between rounds if teams share lanes.
What should I prepare on the day of a curling match?: Arrive early enough to open the venue, bring materials to the course and set up the reception desk before participants arrive. Have the participant list, competition forms, rules, schedule, referee contact, prizes and checked equipment ready at least 30 minutes before registration starts.

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