Curling Rink Dimensions | Button to Button | Perfect Measurements
Curling rink dimensions are defined by the World Curling Federation, which are 146 to 150 feet high and 14.5 to 16.5 feet wide. The game of curling involves sliding stones along an ice sheet towards a target area divided into four concentric rings.
The curling sport has certain rules and dimensions. In this article, we will explore the various sections of the rink, including the house, tee line, hog line, hack, backline, and centerline, and how they contribute to the game of curling. The rink is quite similar to other courts of games like Squash Court Layout, but both are pools apart in every aspect.
Readers will have a thorough understanding of the curling rink’s dimensions and how they affect the game by the end of the article.
Curling Rink dimensions
The playing surface is a rectangular area of ice, also known as a curling sheet. The curling rink area measures 146 to 150 feet in length and 14.2 to 15.7 feet in width. The shorter border of the curling sheet is referred to as the “backboards.
The House
The curling house is placed at both ends of the curling sheet. The house is the target area where the stones are delivered.
The house consists of a set of four concentric circles: 12 feet, 8 feet, 4 feet, and the button. The house is placed at the center of the rink and is positioned 21 feet (6.4 meters) from each backboard. Only stones that land within the house will get points.
The House Colors
Typically, the color of the house is blue and red on the sheet. Sometimes, the house may be painted with different colors or designs for special events or promotional purposes. It distinguishes the start and end areas of the circle.
Four parts of the house
12 Foot Curling
Typically, the 12-foot circle is blue in color on the playing surface. To score a point, a stone must be landed within the 12-foot circle.
A 12-foot circle is also known as a reference point for measuring the distance of stones from the center of the house.
8 Foot Curling
Typically, 8 feet of white area are on the curling sheet. The 8-foot circle is the second-largest ring in the house, measuring eight feet in diameter.
4 Foot Curling area
A 4-foot area is typically red on the sheet. It measures 4 feet in diameter and surrounds the button.
Curling Button
Typically, the button is white in color and measures 1 foot by 1 foot in the house. The button is the smallest target area in the center of the house.
The button is the circular scoring area on the ice where teams aim to hit their stones during the curling game.
Line Distances
Tee Line
The tee line is placed 16 feet (4.88 meters) from the backline and marks the area where stones must come to rest in order to score points. If a stone comes between the tee line and the center of the house, it is considered a “guard” and may be used strategically to block opponents’ shots.
The Hog Line
The hog line on the playing area marks the minimum distance a stone must travel in order to be considered in play. The hog line is located 21 feet (6.4 meters) from the backline and runs parallel to it, dividing the sheet into two equal halves.
Backline
The backline is directly at the back of the house. The backlines are placed 12 feet, or 3.66 meters, from the center of the house. The backline marks the boundary between the playing surface and the out-of-bounds area.
Stones that cross the backline are considered “out of play” and are removed from the playing area.
The Hack
The hack is usually made of rubber or plastic, which the delivering player pushes off to slide the stone toward the target. The hack is positioned parallel to the backline and is located at the end of the sheet, opposite the house.
The distance between the backline and the hack is 6 feet.
The Centreline
The centerline, which is placed at the center of the curling rink, divides it into two halves. It is placed at the center of the rink and is used as a reference point for positioning stones.
Side Lines
The sideline refers to the boundary lines that run along the length of the playing area on either side of the sheet. The sideline marks the outer edge of the playing area.
Stones that come to rest beyond the sideline are considered “out of play” and are removed from the playing surface.
Backboard
The board refers to the outer edge of the ice sheet. The board is typically made of wood or plastic and is placed around the perimeter of the sheet to contain the stones and prevent them from going out of bounds.
Olympic Curling Rink Dimensions
The Olympic curling rink measures the same size as the standard curling rink defined by the World Curling Federation. The measurements are 146 to 150 feet in length and 14.5 to 16.5 feet in width. These dimensions and other regulations set by the International Olympic Committee are followed when the Olympic curling rinks are constructed and maintained.
Curling Stone Dimensions
A heavy granite stone is used in the curling sport. The typical size of the curling stone is 42 pounds.
The curling stone height is between 4.5 and 6 inches, and the width is about 6 inches. The bottom of the stone helps to glide smoothly on the ice, and the handle is attached to the top of the stone for players to grip and deliver the stone.
FAQs
Conclusion
Curling is a unique game that is played on a rectangular surface of ice. The curling rink dimensions range from 146 to 150 feet long and 14.5 to 16.5 feet wide. The rink has a target area called the house, which is placed at both ends of the sheet and consists of four concentric circles.
The tee line, hog line, hack, backline, and centerline are all important markers on the curling sheet that contribute to the game. The hack is where the delivering player pushes off to slide the stone towards the target. So, the hacks are also important.
The sideline and backboard are also important markers on the sheet, which define the outer boundaries of the playing area. So, it is crucial to understand the dimensions and markings of the curling sheet to play the game effectively.