Four men in suits and hats with curling brushes and stones on a frozen pond or pitch. Ca. early twentieth century black and white image.

The joy of curling: a winter sport with humanist values

Fraser Sutherland, Humanist Society Scotland CEO

December 17, 2024

Our Charity

What does this time of mean to humanists? For our CEO Fraser Sutherland, ’tis the season of curling. He’s been playing for 24 years and believes the sport embodies humanist values.

With the frost glistening on the pavements and festive cheer filling the air, winter is the perfect season to explore the unique traditions that bring us together. For me, one such tradition is curling. It’s a sport with a rich Scottish heritage that warms the chilly months and exemplifies values close to humanist hearts: community, collaboration, and respect.

I’ve been curling for the past 24 years, and have enjoyed the social aspects of the sport just as much as the competitive side. I’ve made many good friends, learned the skill of tactical decision-making, and kept fit. It’s a very accessible sport, with adaptations possible for individuals of all abilities. Over the years I’ve played with wheelchair-curlers, those with limited vision, the young (eight), and the old (101).

Pencil sketch of ladies and gentleman in formal clothing curling on a frozen lake in a wintry landscape with a glass house, trees, and mountains in the background. — 1860 sketch of curling at eglinton castle, AyRshire. (Public Domain IMAGE).

The first recorded games were played on frozen ponds and lochs. Players used flat-bottomed river stones as curling stones

The history of curling in Scotland

Curling has deep roots in Scotland, where it originated in the sixteenth century. The first recorded games were played on frozen ponds and lochs. Players used flat-bottomed river stones as curling stones. Our cold winters provided the perfect conditions for the sport, which quickly grew in popularity amongst both common folk and the nobility. By the nineteenth century curling had become a staple of Scottish culture. Many villages boasted their own curling clubs and purpose-built outdoor curling ponds.

The introduction of standardised granite stones and indoor ice rinks in the twentieth century helped to formalise the rules. Curling’s appeal started to expand beyond Scotland. World Curling now has 74 different national curling associations, from long-standing members such as Canada, Switzerland, and Norway to new additions like Philippines, Jamaica, and Kenya. But Scotland remains a global hub for curling, with the national club Scottish Curling boasting many thousands of members. The number-one ranked men’s team in the world is also a Scottish team. So it’s nice to find a sport where Scotland leads the way!

A young female curler squatting down to move a stone while other players look on. There are red and blue concentric rings on the ice. — A game in progress at the European curling championships

What sets curling apart from other sports is its ethos of sportsmanship and mutual respect, enshrined in what is known as ‘The Spirit of Curling’.

The spirit of curling

Curling is often called “chess on ice” for its strategic gameplay. But at its heart it is a social sport. Played on sheets of ice, teams take turns sliding heavy granite stones toward a target while their team-mates sweep the ice to guide the stone, directed by the “team skip” (captain), who shouts instructions down the rink.

What sets curling apart from many other sports is its ethos of sportsmanship and mutual respect, enshrined in what is known as “The Spirit of Curling”. Players are expected to be honest, congratulate their opponents’ good shots, and prioritise enjoyment over winning. Attempting to cheat or goad opponents is frowned on. These principles resonate with humanist ideals of kindness and fairness.

Players on an indoor curling pitch with "The National Curling Academy" written on a large sign along one wall. — A GAME IN PROGRESS AT STIRLING’s NATIONAL CURLING ACADEMY

The teamwork required to deliver a stone into the house (the scoring area) reflects how individuals can achieve more when they work together as a collective.

Curling and humanism: a natural match

At its core, curling is about cooperation, fun, and shared goals. Communication between team-mates is vital to making a winning shot and the world’s best teams are those who can cooperate effectively. The teamwork required to deliver a stone into the “house” (the scoring area) reflects how individuals can achieve more when they work as a collective. This is a value central to humanism. Curling’s rules also emphasise honesty, as players should call their own fouls and resolve disputes without referees, demonstrating ideas of trust and accountability that underpin humanism.

Many curling clubs offer taster sessions that provide all the equipment and instruction you need. You can find out more at trycurling.com in Scotland and worldcurling.org in other countries. You’ll enjoy a day of laughter, building skills, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for this historic sport. Plus, it’s a delightful way to warm up – both physically and socially – during the colder months. Players of all ages and abilities are welcomed.

So this winter, why not embrace the chill, pick up a broom, and slide into the joyous world of curling. Whether you land on the button or end up short, you’re sure to have a sweeping good time!

Find out more about curling

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