The StonesMade from supplies you can find at Home Depot and Fleet Farm, these custom "stones" were made to the rigid standard required of all BCL-approved equipment. Crafted from the finest stainless steel, fiber-infused concrete, high-grade rubber tubing, and then hand dipped in rubberized plastic.
Each stone weighs approximately 20 pounds and can withstand the moon-like temperatures that Minnesota dishes out. The rubberized coating on the top helps to seal in the concrete and also allows for easy identification.
Materials:
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"For those about to rock, we salute you"
-AC/DC
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The SheetDimmensions: 100' long x 20' wide
The standard Backyard Curling sheet is approximately 100' from button to button with an additional 10' on either side of the button for a total distance of 120' hack to hack. Hand-scraped after each snow fall and then periodically applying a thin layer of hot water over the top to help fill any gauges that may occur. Before league play, the sheet is pebbled using a pump sprayer filled with hot water. |
The HackThe hacks are made with standard wheel chocks that screwed into the ice. The bottom sole of a curling gripper has been screwed and glued to provide better traction and is self-cleaning due to the black color as any snow or ice is melted away during the day by the sun. Snow is added behind the hack and then melted in to provide additional support when pushing off the hack.
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The HouseThe rings are cut by using an 8 foot 2x4 with screws set at 6", 2', 4', and 6'. A center hole is drilled and then cut the circles.
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SCORINGGames are played to a score of 5 using standard curling scoring. Only one team scores per end, and you are are awarded one point for each of your stones that is closer to the button than your opponent. The team who scores, must shoot first on the next end, thereby giving the other team the "hammer" (the final shot of an end). The cowbell is rung when scoring at the end of each end, or whenever someone makes and great shot.
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ThE BENCHStable, comfortable, and featuring a stainless steel drink holder, the four benches allow players to rest when needed.
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The Shoes Some participants wear standard winter boots when playing, while others use actual curling shoes to provide a little more stability on the ice. Veterans prefer broom ball boots which have gripping surfaces on both shoes.
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The BroomStandard curling brooms work well and help to remove ice and debris from the path of the stones and also to help them stay straight and travel further.
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The SliderMost BCL participants either use the provided step-on sliders or bring their own curling shows.
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FOUR BAGGERThe elusive four-bagger occurs when one player completes an end with all four of his or her stones closer to the button than their opponent, resulting in a score of four points. With the ever-changing weather and ice conditions along with competitive pressure from the opposing team, the four-bagger is rarely seen but always revered.
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The CrutchCrafted from PVC and used to aid the curler with balance when throwing. The Crutch easily slides on the ice and allows for a perfect delivery every time.
The COWBELLThe Cowbell is rung at the end of each end by the team that scored the point. It might be a quick ring for a single point or an extended ringing for a great shot, a win, or a four-bagger. The Cowbell has been signed by some of the top USA Olympic curling stars.
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* The Backyard Curling League is not a formal league, organization, or company of any kind.
We are just a bunch of curling enthusiasts.
We are just a bunch of curling enthusiasts.