08/30/2026
WORLD CURLING RULES UPDATE
World Curling have released the 2026 updated Rules of Curling. In the update, there were a number of changes and updated wordings. Here we take a look at the changes. Not all of them, as reading about them has no value to about 90% of the people reading this post; we are only taking a look at a number of changes. Two of the changes will clarify a couple of big talking points in the comments on this page, in particular the idea of teams playing with three players and "the poke." In a few of the changes below, observation points from the admin are in brackets. This looks like a lot, and there will be people already banging on their keyboard in the comments about "too many changes lately," but really, a lot of the important pieces in here are to clarify rules, and looking back on some trending comments on this page, it is getting rid of a number of things being complained about in regard to Curling.
The first change. The sheet dimensions are now written as a minimum of 45.72m long by a maximum of 4.75m wide. (Does this mean the idea of longer sheets in international play is possible in the future? Time will tell).
Teams in four-player events were allowed a maximum of three team officials. The "up to three" part of the rule has been deleted. (Benches could get a little more crowded).
In the old rulebook, Rule R3.(c), stated that if a player is missing at the start of the game, the team could either start the game with three players, or bring in the Alternate from the start of the game. Rule R3.(d), if a player is unable to continue, then I. - The player can re-enter at the start of a following end, or II. - Bring in the Alternate.
These rules are gone. It is now stated as when a player is unable to deliver their allocated stones, then I. - The Alternate is brought in immediately. The replaced player may not re-enter the game. At the start of the next end, the team may change line-up positions. If not that, then II. - Finish the end with three players, and play the following end with only three players. At the conclusion of the two ends, the team must continue the game with four players on the ice, either with the player returning or bringing in the Alternate. If a team fails to do either, they forfeit the game.
Teams are only allowed to enact this instance once in a game.
The Skip and/or Vice-Skip may be behind the back line on the playing end when not delivering. This has been changed to any two players on the ice for that team may stand in that spot. Also, the next player to throw may stand behind the hack, on the side of the sheet, when the opposing team is throwing.
Okay, all of you still arguing about what happened at the Olympic Games with Oskar and Marc, pay attention here. Rule R5.(d) states The stone must be delivered using the handle of the stone. The rule now adds - Touching the granite at any time after the tee-line at the delivery end is not allowed and considered a touched moving stone which results in the stone being removed from play.
In Rule R5.(g), (this does not include Wheelchair Curling), the following has been added - A stone is considered delivered when it reaches the hog line at the delivery end. If a stone that has not reached the hog line may be re-delivered.
Regarding sweeping violations. The subsequent violation rules now state - If the violation occurs during a Last Stone Draw, the maximum distance will be recorded. If the violation occurs during the game, the non-offending team has the choice of 1 - Allowing the stone to remain, or 2 - Remove the stone and replace any displaced stones.
(Back to touching stones, yes, this will not go away it seems), Rule R9.(a) I now includes - A double touch of the stone handle by the person delivering the stone, is not considered a violation.
If a measure is required to determine the score in the final end, and the result does not affect the outcome of the game, displacement of stones before the measure is complete will not result in the end being replayed, and the Chief Umpire will determine the score of the end.
In Wheelchair Mixed Doubles, two team officials are allowed for each team. The same is for Rule R.16(a), Mixed Curling, and R.17, Mixed Doubles Curling.
Sticking with Mixed Curling, a team failing to ice four players for the start of the game results in a forfeit. If a player is unable to continue, then like stated earlier, a team can finish the end with three, then play the next end with three, but must continue from that point with four players, or forfeit. Again, only one instance per game is allowed.
In Mixed Doubles, there will now be more options of where the pre-placed stones may go, as there will now be four spots where the pre-placed guard may go, as determined by the Chief Umpire and Chief Ice Technician. The spots will be 4'6", 6'6", 8'6", and 10'6" from the outermost edge of the top of the house.
Team in Mixed Doubles will now be responsible for the pre-placement of their own stones. In case of a delay by a team, their thinking time clock will run. In the case of both teams delaying the start of an end, the first team to throw will have their clock started.
In the case of a team using their Power Play, they must inform their opponent during the between end/mid-game break. In case of a delay here, the team calling the Power Play will see their clock started.
For all the players and coaches reading this - The Team Meetings, one team member must be present, no longer one player and one team official. With approval from the Technical Delegate, a team may be allowed not to attend.
When a team calls time-out, any registered team official may come out on the field of play from behind the bench; this used to be stated as only a registered coach.
Brushes used during a game must have the same pads used as when the Last Stone Draw stones were swept.
In the case of the Chief Umpire ejecting any team member from a game for "what is considered to be unacceptable conduct or language," the team will forfeit the game.
For players to be eligible to play in World Curling Junior events, the player must be between the ages of 12 and 21 by the end of 30 June preceding the event. For players to be eligible to play in World Curling Senior events, they must be over the age of 50 by 30 June of the year preceding the event. To be eligible to be a team official at any World Curling event, the person must be over the age of 16 by 30 June of the year preceding.
Photo from World Curling
