Q and A - Delivery

Q: New York - "Why do shooters hold on to their brooms while shooting a rock? Is it required by the rules for some reason? Is it a balance thing? Or is it just aesthetic, since it does look kinda cool?"

A: When a player throws a stone, he or she oftentimes holds a broom in the non-throwing hand and presses it against the ice for balance and stability. The more stable and consistent the slide, the more accurate  the throw.

A standard broom is not required by the rules, and, in fact, many players design their own "crutches" to use instead.