Core Values
Aksarben Curling's core values and the Spirit of Curling guides our behavior both on and off the ice. These principles are grounded in our love for the game and our respect for one another. The list of values and details that follow are not an exhaustive list of rules, but rather guideposts to help you find your way towards positive and inclusive interactions with everyone in Aksarben Curling spaces.
Be Respectful
Respect is a fundamental value of Aksarben Curling. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration or competitive anger now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration or competitive feeling to turn into a personal attack.
It’s important to remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened does not help grow the sport we all love. Members of Aksarben Curling should be respectful when dealing with other members and with non-member participants at Aksarben Curling activities.
Be Inclusive
We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to, members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, veteran status, and mental and physical ability.
Be Careful in the Words that You Choose
We expect a level of conduct and discourse at Aksarben Curling events that is essentially professional in nature. If you wouldn’t say it to a colleague at work, don’t say it to a fellow member at an Aksarben Curling event.
We understand that you will often be broomstacking among friends and fellow curlers after league or at bonspiels, and that you may not have an expectation of professionalism among some of those people. But please remember that other members of Aksarben Curling, or the general public, may be within earshot and that you may not truly be as close with those around you as you think you are, particularly if alcohol is involved. Please be mindful of your surroundings and your conduct in these circumstances and err on the side of caution when there are any doubts. You are representing Aksarben Curling, as well as yourself, in these situations.
Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior is not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Violent threats or language directed against another person.
- Discriminatory jokes and language.
- Unwelcome sexual attention.
- Conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.
- Sharing sexually explicit or violent material.
- Sharing (or threatening to share) other people’s personal information.
- Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
- Repeated harassment of others. If someone asks you to stop, then stop.
Be Friendly and Patient
We understand that everyone has different levels of experience and skill on the ice. We all have areas of our game with room for improvement. We want to be a curling organization where people can not only compete, but also feel comfortable asking questions and learning along the way.
When helping another member grow as a curler, either in their play or their on-ice etiquette, do so with patience and politeness. Remember that we all were new to the sport at one point.
If you see someone who you think needs help with some aspect of their curling skill development, always ask first before offering your advice. Remember that not everyone is always looking for feedback, no matter how well-intentioned.
When someone violates the generally accepted etiquette of the game, communicate your concern as politely as possible. If the issue is not urgent, consider discussing the matter after the match or with the player’s skip instead of addressing the player directly.
When We Disagree, Try to Understand Why
Disagreements, both social and competitive, happen all the time. It is important that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively. Remember that we’re all different. There is strength in having a varied community with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Different people have different perspectives. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that it is human to err and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere. Instead, focus on helping to resolve issues and learning from mistakes.
Spirit of Curling
The Spirit of Curling is a commonly used term in the sport. It refers to the respect curlers show, not only to one another, but also to the sport itself.
The following definition of the Spirit of Curling comes from the World Curling Federation. It should guide both the interpretation and application of the rules of the game and the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.
Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well executed is a delight to see and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honored traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.
Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.
While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, The Spirit of Curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honorable conduct.
