How to organise a curling match

A curling match runs smoothly when the ice time, team format and match schedule are fixed before invitations go out. Start by booking the lanes and venue, then build registration around the number of teams the venue can handle. In the final week, confirm dietary requirements, transport details, rules, officials and equipment. On match day, leave enough time for registration, shoe fitting, team briefings and a proper equipment check before the first stone is played.

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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

1
Set the date and venue
2 people
2
Reserve curling lanes
3
Make catering arrangements
4
Draft invitations
2 people
5
Send invitations
6
Register sign-ups
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Send transportation information
9
Confirm registrations
10
Assemble teams
2 people
11
Create the match schedule
2 people
12
Develop the rules
13
Arrange referee
14
Check the first aid contact
15
Order prizes and medals
16
Check equipment at the venue
2 people
17
Check the shopping list
18
Do the shopping
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
21
Print competition forms
22
Print participant list

Event

23
Open venue
2 people
24
Bring materials to the course
3 people
25
Set up reception desk
2 people
26
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
27
Set up competition table
2 people
28
Place the scoreboard
2 people
29
Lay out curling stones
2 people
30
Lay out curling brooms
2 people
31
Lay out safety materials
2 people
32
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
33
Set Up Buffet and Snacks
3 people
34
Display drinks
2 people
35
Test audio and microphone
2 people
36
Staff the registration desk
2 people
37
Register participants
2 people
38
Assign teams and shifts
2 people
39
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
40
Give safety instructions
41
Explain curling technique
2 people
42
Lead practice rounds
3 people
43
Lead the first match
4 people
44
Record scores
45
Refill drinks
2 people
46
Refill snacks
2 people
47
Supervise the second match
4 people
48
Serve the break buffet
3 people
49
Collect used glasses
2 people
50
Guide the third match
4 people
51
Announce finalists
52
Lead the final
4 people
53
Announce the winners
54
Present prizes
2 people
55
Serve closing drinks
2 people
56
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

57
Gather curling equipment
3 people
58
Clear away scoreboard and forms
2 people
59
Wash dishes
3 people
60
Collect waste
2 people
61
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
62
Clean the buffet area
2 people
63
Leave the venue clean
3 people
64
Return materials
2 people
65
Return borrowed items
66
Clear away leftover groceries
2 people
67
Share photos with participants
68
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

Book the curling lanes before sending invitations, and ask how many players each lane can accommodate. Keep the venue’s arrival, changing and closing times in the same planning document.
Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the match. Use the final list to assemble balanced teams, print the participant list and identify dietary requirements for catering.
Publish the match format and rules before the event. Include the number of ends, time limits, scoring method and what happens if teams are late, so the referee is not making decisions during play.
Check curling stones, brooms, shoes, sliders, starting blocks and scoreboards with the venue before guests arrive. Test the game clocks, speaker, microphone and extension cords rather than discovering a problem at the briefing.
Open the venue at least 60 minutes before the first match. Set up the registration desk, coat racks and refreshments first, then allow time for shoe changes, team bibs, a safety briefing and lane checks.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book curling lanes?: Book the lanes as soon as you have a target date, preferably 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Popular evening and weekend sessions can fill earlier, and you need the confirmed lane capacity before inviting players.
How many players do I need for a curling match?: Use the venue’s lane capacity and chosen format to set the number. For a four-person team format, four players per team means 16 players for four teams; confirm substitutes separately before registration closes.
When should I send curling match invitations?: Send invitations 4 to 6 weeks before the match and set the response deadline 7 days before it. That gives you time to confirm registrations, form teams, create the schedule and order prizes or medals.
How early should guests arrive for a curling match?: Ask guests to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the first match. Registration, changing into curling shoes, team allocation and the rules briefing often take longer than expected, especially for beginners.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.