Stacking Brooms
Beyond doubt, curling is a sport of ethics and character; the proverbial gentlemen’s game (a gentlewomen’s sport too…yes I know women curlers are more prevalent now than ever before). But there is a unique sports tradition exclusive to curling that clearly distinguishes it from others. It’s called “stacking brooms”.
But what is “stacking brooms”?
According to legend, at the end of a match, teams would collectively prop up their brooms in a firewood-like pile as they would meet and discuss the competition in post-game analysis. Traditionally, once the brooms were “stacked”, the winning team would buy the losing team a drink as a sign of goodwill and sportsmanship. It allowed both teams to come together, raising a toast to the heated contest that was just battled out on the ice. Fortunately, the tradition lives on today. And thus the term “stacking brooms” was coined.
But while in competing in the Club Nationals in Mankato, MN, I can honestly say I became educated in the more philosophical elements of “broom stacking”. To me, it was akin to the most profound classroom where a young apprentice can absorb information about the sport from an experienced master. This is where strategy and technique is discussed; and quirky legends and interesting rituals are embellished. It’s the place where positive feedback and sincere encouragement exuded from each player who happily shared a tip or valuable insight to the game. Plus a free beer or two makes the pain of losing easier to swallow.
Stacking brooms is an open environment where the novice, seasoned veteran and everyone in between can equally benefit from good conversation. In hindsight, it’s quite remarkable that an inexperienced and maybe naïve group of curlers like us were welcomed by each athlete in a spirit of comradery. In a previous blog I mentioned there were a few “arm chair QB’s” in the stands. Truly this was the minority; and perhaps they were people that filtered into the club who haven’t been around curling very long. But the players…I’ve never been around a better group of outstanding competitors that were completely supportive of our efforts.
What about the quirky rituals?
Kevin Birr initiated Brett and I with a fun little contest called “boat racing”. After that contest he left us with a word. “Boys…welcome to the club”. And that my friend is another blog for another time.
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