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2mo ago

Curling Teams Reject Controversial New Broomhead Foam at Montana’s Brier

Players agree to avoid using firmer 'black foam' broomheads as concerns grow over its impact on fairness and gameplay.

Reflected in a window of an arena suite; Canada second E.J. Harnden and third Mark Nichols, centre left, sweep as lead Geoff Walker watches his shot while playing Prince Edward Island during the Brier, in Regina, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The equipment technology tension that has engulfed the elite curling scene in recent weeks is expected to be put on hold at the Montana's Brier. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
All 18 teams in the field have decided they won't use new firmer foams in their broomheads even though the products were approved.

Overview

  • All 18 teams at the Montana’s Brier have agreed not to use the newly approved 'black foam' broomheads, citing concerns about excessive control over the stone's movement.
  • The World Curling Federation and equipment supplier Goldline Curling have suspended the approval of the 'Pursuer' foam after further testing showed it exceeds competition limits.
  • Top players, including Brad Jacobs and Brad Gushue, have criticized the World Curling Federation for failing to address the issue proactively, leaving it to athletes to self-regulate.
  • The teams will use white foam broomheads, which are less firm, to maintain the integrity of the national championship in Kelowna, British Columbia.
  • Athletes have called for a comprehensive review of sweeping equipment standards, with some describing the current situation as a temporary fix ahead of Olympic trials and the Milan Games.