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T H E S P I R I T O F C U R L I N G

 

Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well executed is a delight to see and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honored traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.

Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.

While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honorable conduct.

This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.

 

R E V I E W P R O C E S S

 

The Rules of Curling and the Rules of Competition will be reviewed by the World Curling Federation (WCF) Competitions & Rules Commission on an annual basis. Member Associations may submit in writing suggestions for this review to the Secretariat by 15 May. The proposals will be discussed at the WCF Annual Congress and then voted upon at the WCF Annual General Assembly.

 

W C F M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T

 

To be the world's favourite Olympic / Paralympic Winter team sport.

 

W C F S E C R E T A R I A T

3 Atholl Crescent

Perth PH1 5NG, Scotland

Tel: +44 1738 451 630 Fax: +44 1738 451 641

info@worldcurling.org www.worldcurling.org

 

October 2017 

Spirit of Curling/Review Process/WCF Mission Statement     

Page 1


 

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S                                                     Page

 

October 2017 / Review Process / WCF Mission Statement                1

 

Table of Contents                                                                              2

The Rules of Curling:

 

R1. Sheet                                                                                   3

 

R2. Stones                                                                                           5

 

R3. Teams                                                                                           6

 

R4. Position of Players                                                                       8

 

R5. Delivery                                                                                         9

 

R6. Free Guard Zone (FGZ)                                                              11

 

R7. Sweeping                                                                                    12

 

R8. Touched Moving Stones                                                             12

 

R9. Displaced Stationary Stones                                                      14

 

R10. Equipment                                                                                16

 

R11. Scoring                                                                                      17

 

R12. Interrupted Games                                                                    19

 

R13. Wheelchair Curling                                                                   20

 

R14. Mixed Curling                                                                            21

 

R15. Mixed Doubles Curling                                                             21

 

R16. Prohibited Substances                                                              27

 

R17. Inappropriate Behaviour                                                           27

 

Rules of Competition:    C1. General                                                    28

 

C2. Participating Teams                                                                    29

 

C3. Uniforms / Equipment                                                                 31

 

C4. Pre-Game Practice                                                                     32

 

C5. Length of Games                                                                        33

 

C6. Game Timing                                                                              33

 

C7. Team Time-Outs / Technical Time-Outs                                     36

 

C8. Stone Assignment / LSD                                                            37

 

C9. Team Ranking Procedure / DSC                                                41

 

C10. Umpires                                                                                    42

 

Competitions – the Playdown Systems                                             44

 

Qualification - World Championships Men & Women                       49

 

Qualification - World Junior

Championships (WJCC)                                                                    50

 

World Mixed Doubles (WMDCC)                                                       50

 

World Seniors & World Mixed                                                            51

 

Pacific-Asia Curling Championships (PACC)                                     52

 

European Curling Championships (ECC)                                          53

 

Qualification System – the Americas Zone                                        55

 

Minimum Standards, Eligibility                                                           57

 

Play-off Systems                                                                                 59

 

Quarter-Finals Play-off System                                                          60

 

Dress Code                                                                                        61

 

Glossary of Terms                                                                              62

 

 

 

T H E R U L E S O F C U R L I N G

 

These rules apply to any game or competition to which they are made applicable by the curling organisation having jurisdiction.

 

R1.SHEET

 

(a)                   The length of the ice sheet from the inside edges of the back boards is 45.720 metres (150 feet). The width of the sheet from the inside edges of the side lines is a maximum of 5.000 m. (16 ft. 5 inches). This area is delineated by lines drawn, or by dividers placed on the perimeter. If the size of an existing facility will not permit these measurements, then the length may be reduced to a minimum of 44.501 m. (146 ft.), and the width to a minimum of 4.420 m. (14 ft. 6 in.).

 

(a)                   At each end of the sheet there are clearly visible parallel lines in the ice from side line to side line as follows:

 

(i)          The tee line, 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.) maximum width, placed so that the centre of the line is 17.375 m. (57 ft.) from the middle of the sheet.

 

(ii)        The back line, 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.) maximum width, placed so that the outside edge is 1.829 m. (6 ft.) from the centre of the tee line.

 

(iii)     The hog line, 10.16 cm. (4 in.) in width, placed so that the inside edge is 6.401 m. (21 ft.) from the centre of the tee line.

 

(iv)      The centre line, 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.) maximum width, joins the midpoints of the tee lines and extends 3.658 m. (12 ft.) beyond the centre of each tee line.

 

(v)        The hack line, 0.457 m. (1 ft. 6 in.) in length and 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.) maximum width, is placed parallel to the tee line, at each end of the centre line.

 

 

(vi)      The courtesy line, 15.24 cm. (6 in.) in length and 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.) maximum width, is placed 1.219 m. (4 ft.) outside and parallel to the hog lines, on each side of the sheet.

 

(c)      For wheelchair events, at each end of the sheet, 2 thin (i.e. – wool) wheelchair lines are placed parallel to and on opposite sides of the centre line, extending from the hog line to the outermost edge of the nearest circle, with the outside edge of each line being 0.457 m. (18 in.) from the centre line.

 

(d)      A centre hole (tee) is placed at the intersection of each tee line and centre line. With the tee as centre, there are four concentric circles placed at each end of the sheet, with the outer edge of the outer circle having a radius of 1.829 m. (6 ft.), the next circle a radius of 1.219 m. (4 ft.), the next circle a radius of 0.610 m. (2 ft.), and the innermost circle having a minimum radius of 15.24 cm. (6 in.).

 

(e)      Two hacks are placed on the hack line, on opposite sides of the centre line, with the inside edge of each hack 7.62 cm. (3 in.) from the midpoint of the centre line. The width of each hack shall not exceed 15.24 cm. (6 in.). The hack is attached to suitable material, and the inside edge of that material is placed on the inside edge of the hack line so that the hack does not extend more than 20.32 cm. (8 in.) in front of the hack line. If the hack is recessed into the ice, this is not to be more than 3.81 cm. (1.5 in.) in depth.

 

R2.STONES

 

(A)               A curling stone is of circular shape, having a circumference no greater than 91.44 cm. (36 in.), a height no less than 11.43 cm. (4.5 in.), and a weight, including handle and bolt, no greater than 19.96 kg. (44 lbs.) and no less than 17.24 kg. (38 lbs.).

 

(A)        Each team uses a set of eight stones having the same handle colour and individually identified by visible markings. If a stone is damaged and becomes unsuitable for play, a replacement stone is used. If a replacement stone is not available, a stone previously delivered in the end is redelivered.

 

(a)        If a stone is broken in play, the teams use the Spirit of Curling” to decide where the stone(s) should be placed. If agreement cannot be reached, the end will be replayed.

 

(b)        If a stone rolls over while in motion, or comes to rest on its side or top, it is removed from play immediately.

 

(c)        Should a handle completely separate from a stone during delivery, the delivering player has the option of either allowing the play to stand, or of redelivering the stone after any displaced stones have been replaced to their positions prior to the incident taking place.

 

(d)        A stone that does not come to rest completely beyond the inside edge of the hog line at the playing end is removed from play immediately, except when it strikes another stone, in which case it remains in play.

 

(e)        A stone that completely crosses the outside edge of the back line at the playing end is removed from play immediately.

 

(f)         A stone that touches a divider or a side line is removed from play immediately and is prevented from entering adjacent sheets.

 

(g)        A stone may be measured only visually until the last stone of the end has come to rest, except to determine if a stone is in play, or, prior to playing the second, third, or fourth stone of an end, to determine if a stone is in the Free Guard Zone.

 

(h)        Teams are not to make alterations to, nor place any object on or over, their game stones.

 

R3.TEAMS

 

(a)        A team is composed of four players. Each player delivers two stones, in consecutive order in each end, while alternating with an opponent.

 

(b)        A team declares its delivery rotation, and the skip and vice-skip positions, prior to the start of a game and maintains that rotation and those positions throughout that game subject to (d) (ii). A team that deliberately changes its delivery rotation, or positions, during a game will forfeit the game, unless it was done when bringing in an alternate player.

 

(c)        If a player is missing at the start of a game, the team may either:

 

(d)          start the game with three players, the first two players delivering three stones each, and the third player delivering two stones, in which case the missing player may enter the game in the declared delivery rotation and position at the start of an end; or

 

(e)          Start the game using a qualified alternate.

 

(f)           Where a player is unable to continue to play in a game, the team may either:

 

(i)          Continue play with the remaining three players, in which case the player who left the game may re-enter only at the start of an end. A player may leave and return to a game only one time in any game; or

 

(ii)        bring in a qualified alternate at the beginning of an end, in which case the delivery rotation and the skip and vice-skip positions may be changed (the revised rotation of play applying for the remainder of that game), and the replaced player may not re- enter the game.

 

(iii)               A team may not play with fewer than three players, all players delivering all their allocated stones in each end.

 

(iv)               In competitions where alternates are allowed, only one alternate can be registered and used in that competition. If there is a violation, the offending team will forfeit the game.

 

(v)                 If a player delivers the first allocated stone of an end and is unable to deliver the second allocated stone, the following is the procedure for the remainder of that end. If the player is the:

 

(vi)               First player, the second player delivers the stone. (ii) Second player, the first player delivers the stone. (iii) Third player, the second player delivers the stone. (iv) Fourth player, the third player delivers the stone.

 

(vii)      If a player whose turn it is to deliver is unable to deliver both of the allocated stones during an end, the following is the procedure for the remainder of that end. If the player is the:

 

(viii)First player, the second player delivers three stones, then the third player delivers three stones, then the fourth player delivers the last two stones.

 

(ix)      Second player, the first player delivers three stones, then the third player delivers three stones, then the fourth player delivers the last two stones.

 

(x)        Third player, the first player delivers the first stone of the third player, then the second player delivers the second stone of the third player, then the fourth player delivers the last two stones.

 

(xi)        Fourth player, the second player delivers the first stone of the fourth player, then the third player delivers the second stone of the fourth player.

 

R4.POSITION OF PLAYERS

 

(a)        Non-Delivering Team:

 

(g)        During the process of delivery, the players take stationary positions along the side lines between the courtesy lines. However:

 

1)       he skip and/or vice-skip may take stationary positions behind the back line at the playing end, but must not interfere with the choice of place of the skip or vice-skip of the delivering team.

 

2)       The player who is to deliver next may take a stationary position to the side of the sheet, behind the hacks, at the delivery end.

 

(ii)  The non-delivering team players must not take any position, nor cause any motion, which could obstruct, interfere with, distract or intimidate the delivering team. If such an action occurs, or an external force distracts a player during delivery, that player has the option of allowing the play to stand, or of redelivering the stone after all displaced stones have been replaced to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(b)        Delivering Team:

 

(h)        The skip, or the vice-skip when it is the skip's turn to deliver, or when the skip is not on the ice, is in charge of the house.

 

(ii)    The player in charge of the house is positioned inside the hog line, with at least one foot/wheel on the ice surface of the playing end of the teams sheet, while the team is in the process of delivery.

(vii)     The players who are not in charge of the house or delivering a stone take positions to sweep.

 

(iv)  Any improper position of players will result in the delivered stone being removed from play, and any displaced stones shall be replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

R5.DELIVERY

 

(a)                   Unless predetermined, or decided by the Last Stone Draw (LSD), the teams opposing each other in a game shall use a coin toss to determine which team delivers the first stone in the first end. This order of play shall be maintained until one team scores, after which the team that most recently scored delivers the first stone in any subsequent end.

 

(b)                  Unless predetermined, the team playing the first stone of the first end has the choice of stone handle colour for that game.

 

(c)                   Right-handed deliveries are delivered from the hack on the left of the centre line and left-handed deliveries are delivered from the hack on the right of the centre line. A stone delivered from the wrong hack is removed from play, and any displaced stones are replaced, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(d)                  A stone must be clearly released from the hand before it reaches the hog line at the delivery end. If the player fails to do so, the stone is immediately removed from play by the delivering team.

 

(e)                   If a hog line violation stone is not immediately removed and strikes another stone, the delivered stone is removed from play by the delivering team, and any displaced stones are replaced, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(f)                    A stone is in play, and considered delivered, when it reaches the tee line (hog line for wheelchair curling) at the delivery end. A stone that has not reached the relevant line may be returned to the player and redelivered.

 

(g)                   All players must be ready to deliver their stones when their turns come, and not take an unreasonable amount of time to play.

 

(h)                   If a player delivers a stone belonging to the opposing team, that stone is allowed to come to rest, and is then replaced by a stone belonging to the delivering team.

 

(i)                     If a player delivers a stone out of proper rotation, the end continues as if the mistake had not occurred. The player who missed a turn delivers the last stone for that team in that end. If it cannot be determined which player delivered out of proper rotation, the player who delivered the first stone in the end for that team delivers the last stone for that team in that end.

 

(j)        If a player inadvertently delivers too many stones in one end, the end continues as if the mistake had not occurred and the number of stones allocated to the last player of the offending team shall be reduced accordingly.

 

(j)                    If a team delivers two stones in succession in the same end:

 

(i)                  The second stone is removed and any displaced stones replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place. The player who delivered the stone played by mistake, redelivers it as the last stone for the team in that end.

 

(ii)    Should the infraction not be discovered until after the delivery of a subsequent stone, the end is replayed.

 

(l)       If the wrong team delivers the first stone of an end:

 

(j)                 If the error is discovered after only the first stone has been delivered, the end shall be replayed.

(ii)      If the error is discovered after the 2nd stone of the end has been delivered, play continues as if the error had not occurred.

 

R6.FREE GUARD ZONE (FGZ)

 

(a)               A stone that comes to rest between the tee line and the hog line at the playing end, excluding the house, is deemed to be within an area designated as the FGZ. Also, stones that are in play, on or before the hog line, after striking stones in the FGZ, are deemed to be in the FGZ.

 

(b)               If, prior to the delivery of the fifth stone of an end, a delivered stone causes, either directly or indirectly, an opposition stone to be moved from the FGZ to an out-of-play position, then the delivered stone is removed from play, and any displaced stones are replaced, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place. (effective 1 October 2018 the 5 stone FGZ will be implemented)

 

R7.SWEEPING

 

(a)               The sweeping motion can be in any direction (it need not cover the entire width of the stone), must deposit no debris in front of a moving stone, and must finish to either side of the stone.

 

(b)               A stationary stone must be set in motion before it can be swept. A stone set in motion by a delivered stone, either directly or indirectly, may be swept by any one or more of the team to which it belongs anywhere in front of the tee line at the playing end.

 

(c)               A delivered stone may be swept by any one or more of the delivering team anywhere in front of the tee line at the playing end.

 

(d)               No player may ever sweep an opponent's stone except behind the tee line at the playing end,and may not start to sweep an opponent’s stone until it has reached the tee line at the playing end.

 

(e)               Behind the tee line at the playing end, only one player from each team may sweep at any one time. This may be any player of the delivering team, but only the skip or vice-skip of the non-delivering team.

 

(f)                Behind the tee line, a team has first privilege of sweeping its own stone, but it must not obstruct or prevent its opponent from sweeping.

 

(g)               If a sweeping violation occurs, the non-offending team has the option of allowing the play to stand, or of placing the stone, and all stones it would have affected, where they would have come to rest had the violation not occurred.

 

R8.TOUCHED MOVING STONES

 

(a)               Between the tee line at the delivery end and the hog line at the playing end:

 

(b)               If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by the team to which it belongs, or by their equipment, the touched stone is removed from play immediately by that team. A double- touch by the person delivering the stone, prior to the hog line at the delivering end, is not considered a violation.

 

(vii)     If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by an opposition team, or by its equipment, or is affected by an external force:

 

1)    If the stone was the delivered stone, it is redelivered.

 

2)    If the stone was not the delivered stone, it is placed where the team to which it belongs reasonably considers it would have come to rest had it not been touched.

 

(a)               Inside the hog line at the playing end:

 

(viii)        If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by the team to which it belongs, or by its equipment, all stones are allowed to come to rest, after which the non-offending team has the option to:

 

1)    Remove the touched stone, and replace all stones that were displaced after the infraction to their positions prior to the violation taking place; or

 

2)    leave all stones where they came to rest; or

 

3)    Place all stones where it reasonably considers the stones would have come to rest had the moving stone not been touched.

 

(ii)    If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by an opposition team, or by its equipment, all stones are allowed to come to rest, after which the non-offending team places the stones where it reasonably considers the stones would have come to rest, had the moving stone not been touched.

 

iii)     If a moving stone is touched, or is caused to be touched, by an external force, all stones are allowed to come to rest, and then placed where they would have come to rest if the incident had not occurred. If the teams cannot agree, the stone is redelivered after all displaced stones have been replaced to their positions prior to the violation taking place. If agreement on those positions cannot be reached, the end is replayed.

 

(b)               Last Stone Draw (LSD) stones:

 

(ix)             If a member of the delivering team touches a moving stone, or causes it to be touched, the stone will be removed and recorded as 199.6 cm (6 ft. 6.5 in).

 

(ii)   If a member of the non-delivering team touches a moving stone, or causes it to be touched, the stone will be redelivered.

 

(iii)    If an external force touches a moving stone, or causes it to be touched, the stone will be redelivered.

 

(c)     If a moving stone is touched by a stone deflecting off the sheet dividers, the non-delivering team shall place the stone where it reasonably considers the stone would have come to rest had the moving stone not been touched.

 

R9.DISPLACED STATIONARY STONES

 

(a)               If a stationary stone which would have had no effect on the outcome of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced, by a player, it is replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(b)               If a stationary stone which would have had no effect on the outcome of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced, by an external force, it is replaced, with agreement of the teams, to its position prior to the violation taking place.

 

(c)                If a stone which would have altered the course of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced, by a player, all stones are allowed to come to rest and then the non-offending team has the option to:

 

(h)               leave all stones where they came to rest; or

 

(i)                 Remove from play the stone whose course would have been altered, and replace any stones that were displaced after the violation to their positions prior to the violation taking place; or

 

(iii)     Place all stones in the positions the team reasonably considers they would have come to rest had a stone not been displaced.

 

(d)        If a stone which would have altered the course of a moving stone is displaced, or caused to be displaced, by an external force, all stones are allowed to come to rest, and are then placed in the positions in which they would have come to rest had a stone not been displaced. If the teams cannot agree, the stone is redelivered after all displaced stones have been replaced to their positions prior to the violation taking place. If agreement on those positions cannot be reached, the end is replayed.

 

(e)            If a displacement is caused by stones deflecting off the sheet dividers, the stones are replaced, by the non-delivering team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(f)             Last Stone Draw (LSD) Stones:

 

(i)             If a member of the delivering team displaces a stationary stone, or causes it to be displaced, before the official completes the measurement, the stone will be removed and recorded as 199.6 cm (6 ft. 6.5 in.).

 

(ii)    If a member of the non-delivering team displaces a stationary stone, or causes it to be displaced, before the official completes the measurement, the stone is replaced, by the delivering team, to its position prior to the violation taking place.

 

(iii)     If an external force displaces a stationary stone, or causes it to be displaced, before the official completes the measurement, the stone is replaced, by the delivering team, to its position prior to the violation taking place.

 

R10.EQUIPMENT

 

(a)               No player shall cause damage to the ice surface by means of equipment, hand prints, or body prints. The procedure will be:

 

1st incident = 1st official on-ice warning, repair damage.

 

2nd incident = 2nd official on-ice warning, repair damage.

 

3rd incident = repair damage and remove player from the game.

 

(b)               No equipment shall be left unattended anywhere on the ice surface.

 

(c)               Teams must not use electronic communication equipment, or any device to modify the voice, during a game. With the exception of stopwatches that are limited to providing time’ data only, the use of electronic devices during the games, which provide information to players on the field of play, are forbidden.

 

(d)               When a properly functioning electronic hog line device is being used:

 

(j)                The handle must be properly activated so that it is functioning during the delivery, or it will be considered a hog line violation stone.

 

(ii)    A glove or mitt must not be worn on the delivery hand during the delivery of a stone. If there is a violation, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stones shall be replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(e)               The use of a delivery stick shall be restricted as follows:

 

(i)                 The delivery stick may not be used in any WCF competition or qualifying event, except wheelchair events.

 

(ii)      Players choosing to deliver with a delivery stick must use that device for the delivery of all their stones during the entire game.

 

(iii)     The stone must be delivered along a straight line from the hack to the intended target.

 

(iv)     The stone must be clearly released from the delivery stick before either foot of the player delivering the stone has reached the tee line at the delivery end. A stone is in play, and considered delivered, when it reaches the hog line at the delivery end.

(v)      A delivery stick shall not convey any mechanical advantage other than acting as an extension of the arm/hand.

 

(vi)     If a stick delivery violation occurs, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stones shall be replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

R11.SCORING

 

(a)               The result of a game is decided by a majority of points at the completion of the scheduled ends of play, or when a team concedes victory to its opponent, or when one team is arithmetically eliminated, provided the minimum number of ends has been completed. A team that has been arithmetically eliminated may finish the current end but no new end may be started. However, if a team is arithmetically eliminated in the last end of a game, the game should stop when this occurs and the end will not be finished. If the score is tied at the completion of the scheduled ends, play continues with extra end(s) and the team that scores first wins the game.

 

(b)               At the completion of an end (when all stones have been played), a team scores one point for each of its own stones located in or touching the house that are closer to the tee than any stone of the opposition.

 

(c)               The score of an end is decided when the skips or vice-skips in charge of the house agree upon the score. If stones that may have affected the points scored in an end are displaced prior to that decision, the non- offending team receives the benefit that might have accrued from a measurement.

 

(d)               When determining the score of an end, if teams cannot visually decide which stones are closer to the tee, or whether a stone is touching the house, a measuring device is used. Measurements are taken from the tee to the nearest part of the stone. The person in charge of the house from each team is allowed to observe any measurement that is made by a measuring device.

 

(e)               If two or more stones are so close to the tee that it is impossible to use a measuring device, the determination is made visually.

 

(f)                If a decision cannot be reached, either visually or with a measuring device, the stones are considered equal, and:

 

(i)                 If the measure was to determine which team scored in the end, the end is blanked.

 

(ii)      If the measure was to determine additional points, only the stones closer to the tee are counted.

 

(g)        Should an external force cause the displacement of stones that would have affected the score prior to agreement of the score, the following applies:

 

(i)       If the displaced stones would have determined which team scored in an end, the end is replayed.

(ii)    If a team secured a point(s), and the displaced stone(s) would have determined if an additional point(s) was scored, that team has the option of replaying the end or of keeping the point(s) already secured.

 

(h)        A team concedes a game only when it is the delivering team. When a team concedes the game before the completion of an end, the score of the end is determined at that time, in the following manner:

 

(i)                 If both teams still have stones to be delivered, “X”s are placed on the scoreboard.

 

(ii)    When only one team has delivered all of its stones:

 

1)                    If the team that delivered all its stones has stone(s) counting, no points are given, Xs are placed on the scoreboard unless the points are required to determine the outcome.

 

2)                    If the team that did not deliver all its stones has stone(s) counting, these points are given and placed on the scoreboard.

 

3)                    If no stones are counting, “Xs are placed on the scoreboard.

 

(i)       If a team is not available to start a game at the designated time, the following takes place:

(i)       If the delay of the start of play is 1-15 minutes, then the non- offending team receives one point, and will have choice of first or second stone in the first end of actual play; one end is considered completed.

 

(ii)      If the delay of the start of play is 15-30 minutes, then the non- offending team receives one additional point, and choice of first or second stone in the first end of actual play; two ends are considered completed.

 

(iii)     If play has not started after 30 minutes, then the non-offending team is declared the winner by forfeit.

 

(j)                The final score of a forfeited game is recorded as “W – L” (win – loss).

 

R12.INTERRUPTED GAMES

 

If for any reason, a game is interrupted, the game recommences where play was stopped.

 

R13.WHEELCHAIR CURLING

 

(a)               Stones are delivered from a stationary wheelchair.

 

(b)               When the stone is delivered between the hack and the outermost edge of the top of the house at the delivery end, the chair must be positioned so that at the start of the delivery the stone is positioned on the centre line. When the stone is delivered between the outermost edge of the top of the house and the hog line at the delivery end, the chair must be positioned so that at the start of the delivery the entire width of the stone is within the wheelchair lines.

 

(c)               During delivery, the feet of the player delivering the stone must not touch the ice surface and the wheels of the chair must be in direct contact with the ice.

 

(d)               The delivery of the stone is undertaken by the conventional arm/hand release or by the use of an approved delivery stick. Only head assemblies used during the 2017 World Wheelchair Curling Championship will be allowed to be used during the 2017/18 season in WCF controlled Wheelchair Curling events, including the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

 

Stones must be clearly released from the hand or stick before the stone reaches the hog line at the delivery end.

 

(e)               A stone is in play when it reaches the hog line at the delivery end. A stone that has not reached the hog line at the delivery end may be returned to the player and redelivered.

 

(f)                Sweeping is not permitted.

 

(g)               (g)   If a delivery violation occurs, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stones shall be replaced, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(h)               For WCF wheelchair competitions, each on-ice team must have four players delivering stones and must be comprised of both genders at all times during games. A team violating this rule will forfeit the game.

 

(i)                 All games will be scheduled for 8 ends.

 


R14.MIXED CURLING

 

(a)               Each team shall have two male and two female players and the male and female players must deliver stones alternately (M, F, M, F - or - F, M, F, M). No alternate players are permitted.

 

(b)               If a team plays with three players, the alternate gender order of delivery must be maintained (M, F, M - or - F, M, F). If this occurs while a game is in progress, the delivery rotation can be changed to meet this criterion.

 

(c)               The skip and vice-skip can be anyone in the team, but they must be from opposite genders.

 

(d)               All Mixed games are scheduled for 8 ends.

 

(e)               The team is allowed one coach and one other team official. Only those two persons may sit on the designated coach bench.

 

R15.MIXED DOUBLES CURLING

 

(a)               A team is composed of two players, one male and one female.

Alternate players are not allowed. A team must forfeit any game(s) in which it fails to have both players playing for the entire game. One coach and one other team official will be allowed for each team.

 

(b)               The scoring shall be the same as in a regular game of curling. The “positioned” stones that are placed prior to the beginning of each end are eligible to be counted in the scoring.

 

(c)               Each game will be scheduled for 8 ends.

 

(d)               Each team shall deliver 5 stones per end. The player delivering the teams first stone of the end must also deliver the teams last stone of that end. The other team member shall deliver the teams second, third and fourth stones for that end. The player delivering the first stone can change from end to end.

 

(e)               No stone in play, including the “positioned” stones and those in the house, can be moved to an out-of-play position prior to the delivery of the fourth stone of an end (the fourth delivered stone is the first stone that can remove any stone from play). If there is a violation, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stone(s) shall be replaced, by the non-offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place.

 

(f)                       Prior to the start of every end, one team shall place its “positioned” stone at the playing end of the sheet in one of two positions, designated A and B. The opponents “positioned” stone shall then be placed in whichever position (A or B) remains vacant. The location of these positions shall be as follows:

 

(i)       Position A: Placement so that the stone is bisected by the centre line and is either immediately in front of or immediately behind one of 3 points in the ice. The points are placed on the centre line (see diagram):

 

1)           At the mid-point between the hog line and the outermost edge of the top of the house.

 

3)                   0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point closer to the house.

 

3)       0.915 m. (3 feet) from the mid-point closer to the hog line.

 

Based on the ice conditions, when no event official is available to make the decision, the teams shall determine the specific placement for each sheet for Position A to be used prior to the start of the pre-game practice and that same placement must be used for the entire game.

 

(ii)      Position B: Placement so that the stone is bisected by the centre line and is in the back of the 4-foot circle. The back edge of the stone is aligned with the back edge of the 4-foot circle (see diagram).

 

(iii)     Power Play: Once per game, each team, when it has the decision on the placement of the “positioned” stones, can use the “Power Play” option to position those two stones. The in-house stone (B), which belongs to the team with last stone in that end, is placed on either side of the house with the back edge of the stone touching the tee line, at the point where the 8-foot and 12-foot circles meet. The guard stone (A) is positioned to the same side of the sheet, the same distance that was determined for the centre guards (see diagram). The “Power Play” option cannot be used in extra ends.

 

 

(a)               he team having the decision on the placement of the “positioned” stones shall be:

 

 

(b)                Teams opposing each other in the game shall use the Last Stone Draw (LSD) to determine which team has the decision in the first end. The team with the lesser LSD distance shall have the decision on the placement.

 

(ii)      Following the first end, the team that did not score shall have the decision on the placement.

 

(iii)     If neither team scores in an end, the team that delivered the first stone in that end shall have the decision on placement in the next end.

 

(h)      The team whose positioned” stone is placed in Position A (in front of the house) shall deliver the first stone in that end, and the team whose “positioned” stone is placed in Position B (in the house) shall deliver the second stone in that end.

 

(c)               While the team is in the process of delivery, the non-delivering player may be anywhere on the ice surface of the teams sheet. After delivery, either or both players may sweep their delivered stone and any stones set in motion that belong to their team anywhere in front of the tee line at the playing end. This applies during all of the teams delivered stones, including the LSD.

 

(j)      If a delivery violation occurs, the delivered stone shall be removed from play, and any displaced stones shall be replaced, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation taking place. Should the infraction not be discovered until after the delivery of a subsequent stone, play continues as if the infraction had not occurred, however, the player that delivered the first stone of the end can deliver a maximum of two stones in that end.

 

R16.PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

 

The use of all performance-enhancing drugs, without therapeutic exemption, whether taken knowingly or otherwise, is unethical and prohibited. If such use occurs the player(s) will be disqualified from the competition, their Member Association will be notified, and it could lead to further suspension.

 

R17.INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

 

Improper conduct, foul or offensive language, equipment abuse, or wilful damage on the part of any team member is prohibited. Any violation may result in suspension of the offending person(s) by the curling organization having jurisdiction.

 


R U L E S O F C O M P E T I T I O N

 

C1. GENERAL

 

(a)               The rules of play for WCF competitions are the current rules of the World Curling Federation (WCF). If there are any modifications, these are explained during the Team Meeting.

 

(b)               The dates of the WCF competitions are determined by the Executive Board of the WCF.

 

(c)               The playing and event schedules are determined by the WCF in consultation with the Host Committee.

 

(d)               Smoking, including e-smoking devices, within the confines of the competition area at WCF competitions is prohibited.

 

(e)               The WCF Anti-Doping rules and procedures, which meet the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency are applicable, and published in the WCF Anti-Doping Pamphlet.

 

(f)                Any variation from the recommended sheet measurements must be approved by the WCF.

 

(g)               For WCF Championships, gold medals are awarded to the first placed team, silver medals to the second placed team, and bronze medals to the third placed team. The 5 players (2 for Mixed Doubles, 4 for Mixed) and their coach, receive medals, if they are in attendance and fulfil their team obligations, and are allowed on the podium. For the Olympic Winter Games, Youth Olympic Games and the Paralympic Winter Games, only the players receive medals and are allowed on the podium.

 

C2. PARTICIPATING TEAMS

 

(a)               Each team is designated by its Association/Federation.

 

(b)               If a designated team is unable or unwilling to participate, the Association/Federation involved nominates another team.

 

(c)               The teams for each event must be declared at least 14 days prior to the start of the competition. Notification of a replacement must be done by the end of the team meeting.

 

(d)               (d) All players at a WCF competition must be bona fide members in good standing of their Associations/Federations.

 

(e)               To be eligible to play in the World Junior Curling Championships (WJCC) and qualifying events, a player must be less than 21 years of age by the end of the 30th day of June of the year immediately preceding the year in which the championship is to take place.

 

(f)                To be eligible to play in the World Senior Curling Championships (WSCC) and qualifying events, a player must be not less than 50 years of age by the end of the 30th day of June of the year immediately preceding the year in which the championship is to take place.

 

(g)               To be eligible to play in the World Wheelchair Curling Championship (WWhCC) and qualifying events, a player must have substantial demonstrable impairments in leg/gait function and use a wheelchair for daily mobility, or qualify within the eligibility criteria.

 

(h)               All players and their coach must attend the Team Meeting. Failure to do so, without approval of the Chief Umpire, results in the forfeit of the last stone advantage for that team in its first game. Only the team players, one coach, a Team Leader, and a translator if necessary, are allowed to attend. For teams in post round robin play, one or two team members (players and/or coach) must attend the play-off meetings, or the team will lose the choices (first or second practice, colour of stones, etc.) to which they would normally be entitled.

 

(i)                 The team delivery rotation, skip and vice-skip positions, alternate player, and coach are listed on the original team line-up form, and submitted to the Chief Umpire at the end of the Team Meeting. The team leader / national coach / translator, if appropriate, are also listed. A game team line-up form (paper or electronic) must be submitted to the Chief Umpire at least 15 minutes prior to the pre- game practice to either confirm the original team line-up or to indicate a change.

 

(j)                       A team must start a competition with four players (two for Mixed Doubles) delivering stones. A team will forfeit each game at the start of the competition, until it can start a game with four qualified players. In extenuating circumstances, and with approval from a panel of three persons (WCF Director of Competitions or Representative, event Technical Delegate, event Chief Umpire) a team may be allowed to start a competition with three players. If required, an appeal would be heard by the WCF President or his/her representative.

 

(k)               While a game is in progress, the coach, the alternate player, and all other team officials are prohibited from communicating with their team or being within the playing area except during specifically designated breaks or a team time-out. This restriction applies to all verbal, visual, written, and electronic communication, including any attempt to signal for the implementation of a team time-out. The coach, the alternate player, and one team official may participate in the pre-event and the pre-game practices, but may not communicate with their team during the LSD. During the game, there shall be no unauthorized communications or broadcasts of any sort from the coach bench to anyone who is not sitting in that designated area. Coaches and other team personnel sitting on the coach bench cannot watch or listen to broadcasts. For any violation, the offending person will be removed from the coachs bench for that game.

 

(l)                 For the purpose of identification to the media and to the public, teams are referred to by the name under which their Association/Federation competes, and by the name of the skip.

 

C3. UNIFORMS / EQUIPMENT

 

(a)               All team members wear identical uniforms and appropriate footwear when accessing the field of play for games or practice sessions. The team wears light-coloured shirts and playing jackets/sweaters when assigned stones with light-coloured handles, and wears dark-coloured shirts and playing jackets/sweaters when assigned stones with dark- coloured handles. The colour of these garments shall be registered with the WCF prior to the start of each competition. The team coaches/officials must wear a team or national uniform whenever accessing the field of play. Red is considered to be a dark colour.

 

(Effective 1 October 2018, unless otherwise approved by the WCF, a light-coloured uniform will be predominantly white or yellow in colour. Approval for any alternative colour must be requested at least

8 weeks prior to an event or may be requested at the start of a season for multiple events.)

 

(b)               Each shirt and jacket/sweater has the player's surname, in 5.08 cm. (2- in.) or larger letters, across the upper back of the garment, and the name under which their Association/Federation competes, in 5.08 cm. (2-in.) or larger letters, across the back above the waist. If desired, a national emblem may also be worn on the back, but only in addition to the name under which the Association/Federation competes, and displayed between that name and the players surname. When two or more team members have the same surname, the first letter(s) of their given names are also displayed.

 

(c)               Advertising is permitted on a player's clothing or equipment strictly in accordance with the current guidelines issued by the WCF. The WCF may, in its sole discretion, forbid the use of any clothing or equipment that it feels is unacceptable or unsuitable for WCF competition play. The WCF Dress Code is contained within this book.

 

(d)               A player or coach with an improper uniform shall be denied access to the field of play and the coach bench.

 

(e)               Each player must declare an approved sweeping device at the start of a game, and only that player can use that device for sweeping during the game. Penalty: If a player sweeps with another persons sweeping device the stone shall be removed from play.

 

(f)                Players may not change their brush heads during a game, unless the Chief Umpire grants special permission. Penalty: If a change is made without permission, the team will forfeit the game.

 

(g)               If an alternate player comes into a game, that player must use the brush head of the player being replaced. Penalty: If a new brush head is brought into the game, the team will forfeit the game.

 

(h)               All field of play equipment used at WCF competitions must meet WCF Equipment Standards, as defined and published on the WCF website. Reasons for equipment being considered non-approved include, but not restricted to: damage to the ice surface, non-conformance with existing rules or standards (i.e. - electronic communication devices), performance testing results that give an unfair advantage, failing to register equipment with the WCF office by the deadline date.

 

(i)                 The penalty for using equipment in WCF competitions that does not conform to standards for Competition Equipment established by the WCF:

(i)       First team offence during a competition – the player is disqualified from the competition and the team forfeits the game.

 

(ii)      Second team offence during a competition – the team is disqualified from the competition and all players are not permitted to play in WCF competitions for a 12-month period.

 

C4. PRE-GAME PRACTICE

 

(a)               Prior to the start of every game at WCF competitions, each team is allowed a pre-game practice on the sheet on which it will be playing.

 

(b)               The time and duration of the pre-game practice is given at the Team Meeting.

 

(c)               The schedule for pre-game practices during the round robin will be predetermined as much as possible, based on the criterion that each team has first and second practice an equal number of times. For the round robin games where this cannot be predetermined the winner of a coin toss will have the choice of first or second practice.

 

(d)               In post round robin games, when the Last Stone First End has been pre- determined, the team delivering the last stone in the first end practices first.

 

(e)               If the Chief Ice Technician deems it necessary, the ice will be cleaned, and the slide path re-pebbled, after the pre-game practice.

 

C5. LENGTH OF GAMES

 

(a)               In competitions in which 10 ends are scheduled, a minimum of 6 ends must be completed in round robin games, and 8 ends must be completed in play-off games.

 

(b)               In competitions in which 8 ends are scheduled, a minimum of 6 ends must be completed.

 

C6. GAME TIMING

 

(a)               Each team shall receive 38 minutes of thinking time for a 10-end game and 30 minutes of thinking time for an 8-end game (38 minutes in wheelchair curling, 22 minutes in mixed doubles curling). This time is recorded, and visible to the teams and coaches, throughout the game.

 

(b)               When a team delays the start of a game, the thinking time allotted to each team is reduced by 3 minutes 45 seconds (4 minutes 45 seconds in wheelchair curling, 2 minutes 45 seconds in mixed doubles curling) for each end which was considered completed (Rules of Curling R11(i) apply).

 

(c)               When extra ends are required, the game clocks are reset and each team receives 4 minutes 30 seconds of thinking time for each extra end (6 minutes in wheelchair curling, 3 minutes in mixed doubles curling).

 

(d)               The game and each end starts when the allotted break time expires.

The delivering teams game clock will not run during the start of the game/end unless that team is delaying the start (no forward motion from the hack, or the stone not released from the delivery stick), then its game clock will be started. If there is no delay, the first game clock to start in each end will be that of the team delivering the second stone.

 

(e)               Once all of the criteria below are met, the non-delivering team becomes the delivering team, and its game clock is started:

(j)                All stones have come to rest or have crossed the back line; and

 

(ii)      stones that are displaced due to violations by the delivering team, and require repositioning, are returned to their positions prior to the violation; and

 

(iii)     The playing area has been relinquished to the other team, the person in charge of the house has moved behind the back line and the deliverer and sweepers have moved to the sides of the sheet.

 

(f)                A teams game clock stops once the stone has reached the tee line (hog line in wheelchair curling) at the delivery end.

 

(g)               A team delivers stones only when its game clock is running or scheduled to be running. Any violation results in the stone being redelivered after any displaced stones have been returned, by the non- offending team, to their positions prior to the violation. The time clock of the offending team will start as soon as any displaced stones have been repositioned and will stop when the redelivered stone reaches the tee line (hog line for wheelchair curling) at the delivering end.

 

(h)               If stones need to be repositioned due to a violation caused by an external force both game clocks are stopped.

 

(i)                 Game clocks are stopped at any time an umpire intervenes.

 

(j)                After the teams have agreed on the score for an end, a break occurs, when neither game clock is running. If a measurement is required, the break begins at the completion of that measurement. The length of the break between ends, which may vary due to television requirements or to other external factors, is determined for each competition and explained at the Team Meeting. When a break is of 3 minutes or more, the teams are informed when 1 minute of the break remains. Teams should not deliver the first stone of the next end until less than 10 seconds of the break time remains. The delivering teams game clock will start at the conclusion of the break unless the player is in the process of delivery. The length of the break will normally be:

 

(i)       1 minute at the completion of each end, except as noted in (j) (ii).

In Mixed Doubles, when players are responsible for placing the stationary stones before each end, 30 seconds will be added to the time between ends.

Teams cannot meet, or communicate in any way, with a coach, the alternate player or any other team official.

 

(ii)    5 minutes at the completion of the end that defines the halfway point in the game. Teams are allowed to meet, within the playing area, with any player and team official that is authorized to be on the coach bench for that game.

 

(k)               If a player is allowed to redeliver a stone, the umpire decides if the time required is to be deducted from the game time for that team.

 

(l)                 If an end is to be replayed, the game clocks are reset to the time recorded at the completion of the previous end.

 

(m)            If an umpire determines that a team is unnecessarily delaying a game, the umpire notifies the skip of the offending team and, after that notification, if the next stone to be delivered has not reached the tee line (hog line in wheelchair curling) at the delivery end within 45 seconds, the stone is removed from play immediately.

 

(n)               Each team must complete its part of a game within the time given, or forfeit the game. If a stone reaches the tee line (hog line in wheelchair curling) at the delivery end before time expires, the stone is considered delivered in time.

 

(o)               A team whose clock has run due to a timing error (wrong clock running) will have double the agreed error time added back to its clock.

 

(p)               A team whose time clock did not run due to a timing error (no clock running) will not have time deducted from its time clock, but the appropriate amount of time will be added to the other teams time clock.

 

C7. TEAM TIME-OUTS / TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS

 

(a)               Team time-outs will be allowed at all WCF events, with or without time clocks being used.

 

(b)               Each team may call one 60 second team time-out during each game and one 60 second team time-out in each extra end.

 

(c)               Procedures for a team time-out are as follows:

 

(h)               Only the players on the ice may call a team time-out.

 

(ii)      Team time-outs may be called by any on-ice team player only when that teams game clock is running. Players signal a team time-out by using a “Thand signal.

 

(iii)     A team time-out (when the game clock is stopped) starts as soon as the time-out is called and consists of travel time’ to get to the team plus 60 seconds. The amount of travel time will be determined at each event by the Chief Umpire, and is given to all teams, whether or not they have a coach, and whether or not a coach is coming to the field of play.

 

(iv)     Only one person, who is sitting in the designated coaching area and a translator, if required, of the team that called the team time- out is allowed to meet with the team. This person, or persons if a translator is required, must use the designated route to the team. Where walkways are beside the sheet, that person must not stand on the playing ice surface.

 

(v)       The team is notified when there are 10 seconds remaining in the team time-out.

 

(vi)     When the team time-out has expired, the person(s) from the coachs bench must stop conferring with the team and leave the playing area immediately.

 

(d)                  A technical time-out may be called by a team to request a ruling, for an injury or in other extenuating circumstances. Game clocks will be stopped during technical time-outs.

 

C8. STONE ASSIGNMENT / LAST STONE DRAW

 

(a)               The team listed first in the draw schedule for the round robin games will play the stones with the dark-coloured handles; the team listed second will play with the stones with the light-coloured handles.

 

(b)               (b) For games requiring Last Stone Draws (LSD), at the conclusion of each teams pre-game practice, two stones will be delivered to the tee at the home end, by different players – the first stone with a clockwise and the second with a counter-clockwise rotation. A player (alternate) that delivers an LSD stone does not have to play in that game. Sweeping is allowed (except in wheelchair curling). In Mixed curling each gender must deliver one stone, but the team selects the sweepers independent of their gender.

 

The first stone will be measured and removed from play before the second stone is delivered. The distances recorded for each stone will be added together to give the team its LSD total for that game. The team with the lesser LSD total will have the choice of delivering the first or second stone in the first end of that game. If the LSD totals for both teams are the same, the individual LSD stones are compared and the best non-equal LSD has the choice of delivering first or second stone in the first end. When both teams have the exact same individual LSD stone distances, a coin toss will be used to determine that choice.

 

(c)               LSD distances will be measured and recorded in the following manner: (i) All single measurements will be from the tee to the nearest part of the stone, but the LSD distances will be displayed in centimetres as the distance from the tee to the centre of the stone.

 

(ii)    The official radius to be used in WCF championships is 14.2 cm.

 

(iii)     To any result measured, the radius of 14.2 cm has to be added.

This means that the distance for stones not in the house is 185.4 cm + 14.2 cm = 199.6 cm.

 

(iv)     Stones covering the tee will be measured from two locations (holes) at the edge of the 4ft circle. These two locations make a 90-degree angle with the centre hole and are 0.61 m (2 feet) from the centre hole.

 

(d)      The number of LSD stones, and the number of clockwise and counter- clockwise deliveries for each player, will be determined at each competition depending upon the number of games in the round robin. Based on the Original Team Line-up form, the four players (2 in Mixed Doubles) have to fulfil the minimum number of LSD deliveries. If there is a violation where the minimum requirements are not fulfilled, the appropriate LSD(s) will be recorded as 199.6 cm.

 

(i)                 LSD stones delivered by the alternate can be combined at the end of the round robin with only one other player, so that this player fulfils the minimum required number of LSD stones.

 

(ii)      Where a team plays an entire event with only 3 players, the LSD stone requirements of the missing player are shared equitably amongst the other players.

 

(iii)     Where a team starts a competition with a complete team but then, for any reason, a player cannot fulfil their minimum LSD requirements, the maximum of 199.6cm will be recorded for each of their missed LSD stones.

 


 

 

(a)               For Mixed Doubles each player delivers an equal number of clockwise and counter-clockwise LSD stones. If there are an odd number of games a variation of one rotation per player has to occur.

 

(b)               When round robin play (one group) is used at WCF competitions, with each competing team playing all other teams, first stone in the first end of post round robin games is determined as follows:

 

(i)       The team with the better win/loss record has the choice of playing first or second stone in the first end.

 

(ii)    If the teams have the same win/loss record, the winner of their round robin game has the choice of playing first or second stone in the first end.

 

(iii)     Notwithstanding (i) and (ii), for competitions that use the Page play-off system, the team that wins the 1 versus 2 game has the choice of delivering the first or second stone in the first end of the gold medal game; the team that loses the semi-final game has the choice of delivering the first or second stone in the first end of the bronze medal game.

 

(c)               At WCF competitions when teams play a round robin in separate groups, for the play-off game(s) if the teams are from the same group C8 (f) will be used, and if the teams are from different groups, the team with the lesser DSC has choice of either the first or second practice or the stone handle colour. Then regular LSD procedures (without minimum requirements), will determine which team has the choice of delivering the first or second stone in the first end.

 

(d)               In post round robin games where the team delivering the first stone in the first end has been pre-determined, the team delivering the first stone of the first end has the choice of stone handle colour.

 

C9. TEAM RANKING PROCEDURE / DRAW SHOT CHALLENGE

 

(a)               During the round robin portion of a competition, teams with the same win-loss record will be listed alphabetically, by their three-letter code, and ranked equal.

 

(b)               The following criteria (in order) will be used to rank the teams at the completion of the round robin:

 

(e)               Teams will be ranked according to their win/loss record;

 

(ii)    If two teams are tied, the team that won their round robin game will be ranked higher;

 

(iii)     Where three or more teams are tied, the record of the games between the tied teams shall provide the ranking (should this procedure provide a ranking for some teams but not all, then the record of the games between the remaining teams that are still tied shall determine the ranking);

 

(iv)    For all remaining teams, whose ranking cannot be determined by (i) or (ii) or (iii), ranking is determined using the Draw Shot Challenge (DSC). The DSC is the average distance of all the individual Last Stone Draw stones, which were delivered by a team during the round robin.

Where there is more than one group and these groups are of differing sizes, to ensure the DSC is calculated in the same way, only the LSDs from the first equal number’ of games will be used.

Where a total of 11 or fewer individual stones will be considered, the single least favourable result is automatically eliminated when calculating the average distance. Where more than 11 individual stones will be considered, the two least favourable results will be eliminated when calculating the average distance.

 

The team with the lesser DSC receives the higher ranking. If the DSCs are equal then the team with the best nonequal counting LSD receives the higher ranking. In the case where all counting LSDs are equal the team ranked higher in the WCF World Rankings is ranked higher.

 

(v)      When teams compete in different groups and do not qualify for the play-offs, the final ranking will be determined by comparing the DSCs from the teams in all groups with the same ranking, with the best DSC being ranked highest.

 

(vi)     In events where a single loss eliminates a team from the competition, teams eliminated during the same session will be listed alphabetically, by their three-letter code, and ranked equal.

 

(c)               When teams are tied for a play-off position, team(s) shall be eliminated without playing an extra game, as tie-breaker games will not be played.

 

(d)               When teams are tied for a challengeable position, team(s) can avoid the challengeable position without winning an extra game, as tie- breaker games will not be played.

 

(e)               When teams are tied for a relegation position, team(s) can avoid or be placed in a relegation position without playing an extra game, as tie- breaker games will not be played.

 

C10. UMPIRES

 

(a)               The WCF appoints a Chief Umpire and the Deputy Chief Umpire(s) for every WCF competition. These officials should include both men and women. Officials are approved by their respective Associations/ Federations.

 

(b)               The umpire determines any matter in dispute between teams, whether or not the matter is covered by the rules.

 

(c)               An umpire may intervene at any time during a competition, and give directions concerning the placement of stones, the conduct of players and adherence to the rules.

 

(d)               The Chief Umpire, when authorized, may intervene at any time in any game and give such directions concerning the conduct of the game as is considered proper.

 

(e)               An umpire may delay a game for any reason and determine the length of the delay.

 

(f)                All matters pertaining to the rules are adjudicated by an umpire. In the event that there is an appeal against an umpire's decision, the decision of the Chief Umpire is final.

 

(g)               The Chief Umpire may eject a player, coach or team official from a game for what is considered to be unacceptable conduct or language. The ejected person must leave the competition area and take no further part in that game. When a player is ejected from a game, an alternate player may not be used in that game, for that player.

 

(h)               The Chief Umpire may recommend to the curling organization having jurisdiction the disqualification, or suspension, of any player, coach or team official from present or future competitions.


C O M P E T I T I O N S – T H E P L A Y D O W N S Y S T E M S

 

Olympic Winter Games (OWG) – Men & Women

 

·    10 teams for each gender… 1 team from the Host National Olympic Committee (NOC) + 7 teams from the NOCs which gained the most qualification points from the two previous Men’s and Women’s World Curling Championships + 2 teams from the Olympic Qualification Event (OQE) which is open to teams which played in any of the four previous Men’s or Women’s World Curling Championships and did not gain sufficient qualification points to directly qualify for the OWG. Also, the third-place teams from the PACC events held during the Olympic cycle will be allocated a spot in the Olympic Qualification Event, if they have not already qualified by their participation in the WCCs.

·    Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

Play-off System: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

 

Olympic Winter Games (OWG) – Mixed Doubles

 

·              8 teams… 1 team from the Host National Olympic Committee (NOC) + 7 teams from the NOCs which gained the most qualification points from the two previous World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships.

·    Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

·    Play-off System: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

 

Paralympic Winter Games (PWG) – Mixed Gender Teams

 

·              12 teams… 1 team from the Host National Paralympic Committee (NPC) + 11 teams from the NPCs which gained the most qualification points from the three previous World Wheelchair Curling Championships.

·           Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

·    Play-off System: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

 

Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG)

 

·             The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will collect points from the two previous World Curling Federations World Junior Curling Championships (WJCC) and World Junior-B Curling Championships (WJBCC). In the event that a specific Challenge event is needed for the Americas, it will be added to the qualification timeline.

 

The first 16 Mixed teams will be selected (based on the highest number of points accumulated) in the manner shown below, and the last 8 teams will be selected using the WCF Junior World Rankings and alternating between genders:

 

·    1 team guaranteed to the host National Olympic Committee (NOC)

·     2 teams from North America

·     1 team from South America

·     3 teams from Asia

·     1 team from Oceania

·     8 teams from Europe

 

The points shall be awarded on the following basis:

 

 

 

World Curling Championships – Men (WMCC) & Women (WWCC)

 

·    13 teams (qualification process explained on Page 49).

·    Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top six ranked teams.

Play-off System: The teams ranked 1st and 2nd get a bye to the semi-finals. The teams ranked 3rd to 6th play in qualification games (3 v 6 and 4 v 5). The winners of those qualification games advance to the semi-finals, with the 1st ranked team playing the lowest ranked winner (e.g. – 6th) and the 2nd ranked team playing the other team. The winners of the semi- finals play in the gold medal game, the losers of the semi-final play in the bronze medal game.

 

World Junior Curling Championships (WJCC) – Junior Men & Junior Women

 

·    10 teams for each gender… 1 team from the Host Association/Federation, top 6 highest ranked Association/Federation from the previous years WJCC and top 3 teams from the previous WJBCC.

 

·    Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

Play-off System: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

 

World Junior-B Curling Championships (WJBCC) – Junior Men & Junior Women

 

·    Open to junior teams from all WCF Member Associations that have not already qualified for the next WJCC. Three teams will qualify from this event.

·    If 1-10 teams enter they will be placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

Play-off System:  Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

·    If more than 10 teams enter they will be placed into groups which meet the schedule requirements. The groups play a round robin to establish the teams required for the quarter-final play-offs.

Play-off System:  At the end of the round robin series there must be a ranking for

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (if two groups); 1st, 2nd and 3rd (if three groups); 1st and 2nd (if four groups).

Where there are three groups the 1st and 2nd ranked teams qualify directly for the quarter-finals, as well as the 3rd ranked team with the best Draw Shot Challenge (DSC) result. The other two 3rd ranked teams play a qualification game to decide the last team entered into the quarter-finals.

The winners of the quarter-finals play in the semi-finals.

The losers of the semi-finals play in the Bronze Medal game. The winners of the semi-finals play in the Gold Medal game.

 

Winter University Games (WUG) – Men & Women University Students

 

·    10 teams for each gender… 1 team from the Host Association + 9 teams according to FISU entry regulations.

·             Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top four ranked teams.

Play-off System: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game.

 

World Wheelchair Curling Championship (WWhCC) – Mixed Gender Teams

 

·    12 teams … 1 team from the Host Association + 8 teams from the Associations which qualified from the previous WWhCC + 3 teams from the Associations which qualified through the World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship (WWhBCC).

·    Teams placed in one group, playing a round robin to establish the top six ranked teams.

Play-off System: The top two teams will progress to the semi-final stages with the four next highest ranked teams playing in qualification games (3v6 and 4v5). The winners of these games then progress to the semi-finals. The semi-finals will be played as follows: the team ranked 1st will play the lowest ranked team left following the qualification games, the team ranked 2nd will play the highest ranked team left following the qualification games.

 

World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship (WWhBCC) – Mixed Gender Teams

 

·    Open to teams from Associations that have not already qualified for the next WWhCC. Three teams will qualify from this event.

·    If 1-10 teams enter they will be placed in one group; if more than ten teams enter they will be placed in two groups. The group(s) play a round robin to establish the teams required for the play-offs.

Play-off System: a) if one group: Semi-finals with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3; winners play in the final (for the gold and silver medals), losers play in the bronze medal game. The medal winning teams qualify for the next WWhCC.

b)       if two groups: 1st place in both groups qualify for the semi-finals; qualification games A2 v B3 and A3 V B2 winners qualify for semi- finals; Semi-finals: If 2 teams from each group then A1 plays the B qualifier and B1 plays the A qualifier. If 3 teams from one group then the 1st ranked team of that group plays the 3rd ranked team from the same group, and the 1st ranked team of the other group plays the 2nd ranked team from the group that qualified 3 teams.

The medal winning teams qualify for the next WWhCC.

 

World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship (WMDCC)

 

Open number of entries (qualification process and play-off system explained Page 50-51)

 

World Mixed Curling Championship (WMxCC)

 

Open number of entries (qualification process and play-off system explained Page 51)

 

World Senior Curling Championships (WSCC) – Men & Women

 

Open number of entries (qualification process and play-off system explained Page 51)

 

Pacific-Asia Curling Championships (PACC) – Men & Women

 

Open to teams from the Pacific-Asia Curling Zone (qualification process and play-off system explained on Page 52).

 

Q U A L I F I C A T I O N - W O R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P S M E N & W O M E N

 

For the 2018 World Mens and Womens Championships there are 13 teams, selected in this manner:

 

·    2 American Zone (including host)

·    3 Pacific-Asia Zone

·    8 European Zone

 

Effective for the 2019 World Men’s and Women’s Championships there are 13 teams, selected in this manner:

 

·    2 American Zone (including host) *

·    2 Pacific-Asia Zone (including host) *

·    8 European Zone (including host) *

·    2 World Qualification Event

*Zone with last place team at the previous WCC loses one guaranteed spot

 

Effective for the 2019 World Mens and Womens Championships there will be a World Qualification Event (WQE):

 

8 teams entered and two (2) qualify for the next World Championship

Teams - 1 Host + 1 Americas + 2 Pacific-Asia + 4 Europe


Q U A L I F I C A T I O N - W O R L D J U N I O R C H A M P I O N S H I P S ( W J C C )

 

W O R L D M I X E D D O U B L E S ( W M D C C )

 

·    An Associations team is made up of curlers who are bona fide members of that

Association and who fulfil the eligibility criteria for playing for that Association.

·    The World Curling Federation reserves the right to adjust the system of play.

 


 

W O R L D S E N I O R S ( W S C C ) & W O R L D M I X E D C U R L I N G C H A M P I O N S H I P ( W M x CC)

 

·    An Associations team is made up of curlers who are bona fide members of that Association and who fulfil the eligibility criteria for playing for that Association.

·    The format of these “open” enter championships are worked out to give every team the chance to win the Championship and to play as many games as possible. Teams will be advised of the playing system in the Team Meeting Documents, prior to the start of play.

·    The World Curling Federation reserves the right to adjust the system of play depending on the number of entries and the sheets of ice available.


P A C I F I C - A S I A C U R L I N G C H A M P I O N S H I P S (P A C C )

 

Qualification – World Curling Championships (WCC)

 

World Curling Federation (WCF) determines the System of Play

 

One to Four teams qualifying:

 

 

E U R O P E A N C U R L I N G C H A M P I O N S H I P S (E C C )

 

·    The European Curling Championship qualifies European teams to the World Curling Championships.

·    For the 2018 World Men’s and Women’s Championships: Europe receives 8 places.

·    Effective for the 2019 World Men’s and Women’s Championship: 8 guaranteed European Zone places (including host), however, if the Zone has the last place team at the previous WCC it loses one guaranteed spot.

·    “ECC World Challenge” - the last team from A-Division to qualify plays a best-of-three challenge against the winner of the B-Division (if either of those teams are the host of the next WCC the next team in line will play the challenge). The winner qualifies for the WCC.

·    The World Curling Federation reserves the right to adjust the system of play. In the event of no entries for the C-Division, B9 + B10 Women and B15 + B16 Men remain in the B-Division.

 

 


Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S Y S T E M – T H E A M E R I C A S Z O N E

 

CHALLENGE EVENT

 

The 2nd ranked Americas Zone Association from the previous WCC, provided they are not hosting the next Championship, will be subject to any challengesthat might come from other Associations in the Americas Zone.

 

If the 2nd ranked Association is hosting the next Championship, then the other Americas Zone Association from the previous Championship will be subject to any challenges” which might come from other Associations in the Americas Zone.

 

The Challenge Event will have the following criteria:

 

1        The Association that is subject to the challenge will be determined at the conclusion of each WCC based upon the final rankings, and also considering which Association has been awarded the right to host the next WCC.

 

2        Other Associations in the Americas Zone that wish to challenge for a place in the WCC must submit a registration form to the WCF Secretariat by the deadline date of 31 July of the year preceding the next WCC. By the same date the Association that is subject to the challenge must also submit a registration form to the WCF Secretariat to show they are willing to host and participate in the challenge event. The registration forms will be sent by the WCF to the Americas Zone Associations prior to 1 May.

 

3        If there is only one Association that registered by the deadline date, then that Association is automatically qualified for the next WCC. If no teams register, the vacant spot will be given to the European or Pacific Zone in a manner determined by the WCF Executive Board.

 

4        The Association that is being challenged will host the challenge event. The venue and the dates of the event must be approved by the WCF prior to 31 October of the year preceding the next WCC.

 

5        The challenge event must be played during the month of January preceding the next WCC, unless another suitable date is agreed between the WCF, host and challengers.

 

6        Any Association that must host more than one challenge is not required to have those challenges at the same venue and same dates.

 

7        The Chief Umpire and Chief Ice Technician are appointed by the Host Association, subject to the approval of the WCF. The Host Association is responsible for their expenses.

 

8        Each Association involved in a WCC challenge is responsible for the Per Diem and accommodation expenses for its own teams and officials.

 

9        The WCF will not reimburse any travel expenses for the WCC challenge.

 

Playing System:

 

Two teams registered – a best-of-five” series

Day One – Team Meeting + Official Training + 1 game

Day Two – 2 games

Day Three – 2 games (if required)

 

Three teams registered – a double round robin”

Day One – Team Meeting + Official Training + Games 1 v 2 and 1 v 3

Day Two – Games 2 v 3 and 1 v 2 and 1 v 3

Day Three – Game 2 v 3

 

Four teams registered - a double round robin”

Day One – Team Meeting + Official Training + Draws 1 and 2

Day Two – Draws 3 and 4 and 5

Day Three – Draw 6

 

Five or six teams registered – a “single round robin” and a 1 v 2 play-off

Day One – Team Meeting + Official Training + Draws 1 and 2

Day Two – Draws 3 and 4 and 5

Day Three the 1 v 2 play-off

 

Time table:

 

·    Conclusion of WCCs – challenged Associations declared

 

·    1 May – prior to this date registration forms sent out by WCF Secretariat

 

·    31 July – deadline date for registration (forms returned to the WCF Secretariat)

 

·    31 October – prior to this date the hosting venue and dates approved by WCF

 

·    January (or agreed date) – the Challenge

 

M I N I M U M S T A N D A R D S

 

Required by Member Associations for Entry into World Curling Championships

 

1        Curling Season: A minimum of three months.

 

2        Standard of Play: The World Curling Federation may judge if the standard of play of a Member Association is adequate to enter the World Curling Championships.

 

3.       Qualification: No Member Association, whose Annual Subscription and arrears to the World Curling Federation are not paid by 1 September of any year, is eligible to enter the World Curling Championships the following year.

 

E L I G I B I L I T Y

 

1        Athletes are a national of the country they are representing – their residence can be anywhere.

or

 

Athletes are a resident of the country they are representing for a period of at least two consecutive years immediately prior to the start of the competition.

 

2        If an athlete has represented a country in any WCF competition, or played in an international qualifier for a WCF competition, that athlete may not represent another country in any WCF competition or WCF international qualifier until the athlete fulfils one of the above criteria AND a period of two consecutive years has elapsed.

 

3        This eligibility does not apply to competing in the Olympic / Paralympic Winter Games, which are governed by the regulations of the International Olympic / Paralympic Committee.

 

4        The WCF Executive Board shall resolve any dispute relating to the determination of the WCF Member Association that an athlete may represent in a WCF competition.


P L A Y - O F F S Y S T E MS

 

OLYMPIC PLAY-OFF SYSTEM

 

 


Q U A R T E R - F I N A L S P L A Y - O F F S Y S T E M 

Where possible, opponents will be selected on the basis of not having teams from the same group compete against each other. If necessary, the opponents will be determined by a "draw from the hat" (random selection) at the post round robin team meeting.


D R E S S C O D E

 

Items             Policy

 

Shoes

No restrictions, personal preference

 

Socks

If worn under the trousers, no restrictions

 

Leg Warmers

Includes socks worn over the trousers, same for the complete team

 

Trousers

Same logos/crests/colour, can be different brands

 

Shorts

Not allowed in WCF competitions

 

Belts

If showing, all the same

 

Skirts

Matching colour, same colour of tights, can be a team mixture of skirts and trousers

 

Undershirts

Can be visible (long sleeves under short sleeves) but outfit must have colour coordination

 

Shirts

Can be tucked in or out

 

Vests

Okay, must have colour coordination (name, Association, etc.), one or more can wear

 

Jackets

As per WCF guidelines, Association, player's name, etc. Predominately one colour, but can have an accent colour

 

Hooded Jackets

Hood cannot be showing, rolled up or tucked inside

 

Hats

One or more can wear, more than 1 all the same, peaks forward, logos = Association or the Event. Applies to the team and persons on the coach bench

 

Scarves

One or more can wear, more than 1 all the same

 

Head & Wrist Bands

One or more can wear, more than 1 all the same, large logos = Association or the Event

 

Jewellery

No restrictions, personal preference

 

Gloves

No restrictions, personal preference

 

Braces

Cannot be visible, worn under a shirt or jacket

 

Crests

No previous event crests are allowed. Approval of sponsor crests has to be sought or renewed for each event

 

G L O S S A R Y O F T E R M S

 

Alternate

A registered, non-playing member of the team who is eligible to substitute for one of the competing players.

 

Arithmetically Eliminated

The status of a team that has a combined total of stones left to be delivered and/or remaining in play that is less than the number needed to produce either a tie or a win.

 

Away End

The end of the sheet to which the first stone of a game is delivered.

 

Back Board / Bumper

Material (e.g. foam or wood) placed at the end (perimeter) of each sheet of ice.

 

Back House Weight

The speed given to a stone at delivery so that it will just reach the back of the house.

 

Back Line

A line at the back of the house, extending across the width of the sheet, which is parallel to and located 1.829 m. (6 ft.) from each tee line.

 

Back of the House

The area within the house that lies between the tee line and the back line.

 

Biter

A stone that just touches the outer edge of the outside circle of the house.

 

Blank End

An end resulting in no score for either team.

 

Bonspiel

A curling competition or tournament.

 

Brush (Broom)

See definition: Sweeping Device.

 

Brush Head

The part of the brush that comes in contact with the ice surface when sweeping.

 

Button

The small circle at the centre of the house.

 

Burned Stone

A stone in motion touched by a player or any part of a player’s equipment.

 

Centre Line

The line dividing the playing surface down the middle. It joins the midpoints of the tee lines and extends 3.658 m. (12 ft.) beyond the centre of each tee line.

 

Circles

See definition: House.

 

Competition

Any number of teams playing games to determine a winner.

 

Come Around

A shot that curls behind another stone.

 

Counter

Any stone in or touching the house and is considered a potential point.

 

Courtesy Line

A line indicating where the sweepers from the non-delivering team are allowed to stand in order to ensure that an umpire can view the hog line and to prevent distraction of a delivering player.

 

Curl

The curved path of a stone as it travels down the sheet of ice.

 

Debris

Any substance, including frost, snow or material originating from brushes, shoes or clothing.

 

Delivery End

The end of the sheet from which the stones are being delivered.

 

Delivering Team

The team that is currently in control of the playing area, and scheduled to deliver the next stone.

 

Delivery

The motion a player makes when playing a curling stone.

 

Delivery Stick

A device that attaches to the handle of the stone and acts as an extension of the arm/hand during the delivery process.

 

Displaced Stone

A stationary stone that has been moved to a new location.

 

Divider

Material (e.g. foam or wood) used to separate the sheets of curling ice.

 

Double Take-out

A stone that removes two of the opponent’s stones from play.

 

Draw

A stone which stops inside or in front of the house.

 

Draw Shot Challenge (DSC)

The calculation made by taking the average distance of the Last Stone Draws (LSD), excluding the least favourable LSD(s), and used, if required, to assist in the determination of ranking after a round robin.

 

Draw Weight

The momentum required for a delivered stone to reach the house at the playing end.

 

Electronic Hog Line Device

A device that indicated if a stone was released by a player before the stone reached the hog line at the delivery end.

 

End

A portion of a curling game that is completed when each team has thrown eight stones and/or the score has been decided.

 

Equipment

Anything that is worn or carried by a player.

 

Extra End

An additional end played to break a tie at the end of regulation play.

 

External Force

An occurrence not caused by either team.

 

First Player

The first curler on a team to deliver two stones in each end.

 

Fourth Player

The fourth curler on a team to deliver two stones in each end.

 

Free Guard Zone (FGZ)

The area at the playing end, between the hog line and the tee line, but excluding the house.

 

Freeze

A form of a draw shot that stops directly up against another stone.

 

Front House Weight

The momentum required for a delivered stone to reach the front part of the house at the playing end.

 

Forfeit

If a team cannot start or continue a game the other team will win that game. The final game score will be recorded as W-L.

 

Game

Two teams playing a specified number of ends to determine a winner.

 

Guard

A stone that is placed in a position so that it may protect another stone.

 

Hack

The foot-hold at each end of the ice which is used by players (except wheelchair curlers) to start the delivery of a curling stone.

 

Hack Line

A small line 0.457 m. (1 ft. 6 in.) parallel to the tee line, at each end of the centre line.

 

Hack Weight

The momentum required for a delivered stone to reach the hack at the playing end.

 

Handle

The part of a curling stone that a player grips in order to deliver.

 

Hammer

A term used to describe the stone that will be the last stone delivered in that end.

 

Heavy

A stone delivered with a greater speed than necessary.

 

Hit

A take-out. Removal of a stone from the playing area by hitting it with another stone.

 

Hit and Roll

A stone that knocks an opponent's stone out of play, and then rolls to another position in play.

 

Hog Line

A line extending across the width of the sheet that is parallel to and located 6.40 m. (21 ft.) from each tee line.

 

Hog Line Violation

A stone that is removed from play for the end, because it was not released before it reached the hog line at the delivery end.

 

Hogged Stone

A stone that is removed from play for the end, because after being delivered, it did not come to rest completely beyond the inside edge of the hog line at the playing end.

 

Home End

The end of the sheet from which the first stone of a game is delivered.

 

House

The area within the concentric circles at each end of the sheet.

 

Hurry

A command, which instructs players to sweep harder.

 

Ice Surface

The complete ice area that is within the perimeters of the curling sheet.

 

In the Process of Delivery

The sequence of play that begins when the delivering player is in position to start the delivery and concludes when the stone is released.

 

In-turn

The rotation applied to the handle of a stone by a right-handed curler, which causes the stone to rotate in a clockwise manner, for left-handed curlers it is a counter-clockwise rotation.

 

Last Stone Draw (LSD)

A contest conducted at the conclusion of a team’s pre-game practice in which each team delivers two stones by different players, the first stone with a clockwise and the second with a counter-clockwise rotation, to the tee at the home end. The resulting distances are measured and used to determine which team has the choice of delivering the first or second stone in the first end.

 

Lead

The first player on a team to deliver two stones in each end.

 

Measuring Device

An instrument that determines which stone is closer to the centre of the house (Tee), or whether a stone is in the house.

 

Moving Stone

A stone in motion either from a delivery or from being struck by another stone.

 

Original Position of a Stone

The location on the ice where a stone rested prior to its being displaced.

 

Out-of-play Position

The location of a stone that is not in play (e.g. one which has touched a side line, or crossed the back line).

 

Out-turn

The rotation applied to the handle of a stone by a right-handed curler, which causes the stone to rotate in a counter-clockwise manner, for left-handed curlers it is a clockwise rotation.

 

Pebble

The water droplets applied to a sheet of ice before commencing play. These droplets freeze, which then reduces the friction between the ice and the stones.

 

Peel

A shot designed to remove a guard.

 

Playing End

The end of the sheet to which the stones are being delivered.

 

Point

At the completion of an end, one is awarded to a team for each of its own stones located in or touching the house that is closer to the tee than any stone of the opposition.

 

Port

An opening, or gap, between stones.

 

Positioned Stones

In Mixed Doubles games, the two stones that are placed in designated positions prior to the start of each end.

 

Power Play

In Mixed Doubles games, the team that has the decision on the placement of the “positioned” stones, can one time in a game place the stones in designated positions to the side of the sheet instead of the designated centre positions.

 

Raise

A type of draw which bumps forward another stone.

 

Raise Take-out

A delivered stone hits a stationary stone, which then starts to move and it hits a third stone out of play.

 

Rings

See definition: House.

 

Rock

See definition: Stone.

 

Roll

The sideways movement of a curling stone after it has struck a stationary stone.

 

Rotation

The direction of turn of a stone (clockwise or counter-clockwise).

 

Round Robin

A competition in which each team plays all the other teams in their group.

 

Score

The number of points received by a team in an end.

 

Scoring

A team scores one point for each of its stones that is within the house and closer to the tee than any stone of the opposing team.

 

Second Player

The second curler on a team to deliver two stones in each end.

 

Sheet

The specific ice surface upon which a curling game is played.

 

Shot (stone or rock)

At any time during an end, the stone closest to the tee.

Side Line

A line placed at the side (perimeter) of each sheet of ice.

 

Skip

The player who directs play for the team.

 

Slider

Slippery material placed on the sole of the sliding shoe, which makes it easier to slide on the ice.

 

Spare

See definition: Alternate.

 

Stationary Stone

A stone in play which is not in motion.

 

Stone

Also known as a rock, a curling stone is made of granite and is delivered by the players in a curling game.

 

Stone Set in Motion

A stationary stone hit by another stone which causes it to move.

 

Sweeping

The action of moving a broom or brush back and forth in front of the path of a moving stone to clean or polish the ice surface.

 

Sweeping Device

A device used by players to sweep/clean the ice.

 

Swingy Ice

The condition of the ice or stones causing the stones to have excessive curl.

 

Take-out

Removal of a stone from the playing area by hitting it with another stone.

 

Team

Four players competing together. A team may include a fifth player (to act as an alternate) and a coach. Mixed Doubles have one male and one female player, and may include a coach.

 

Team Time-out

A 60 second on-ice meeting between a team and their coach.

 

Technical Time-out

Stoppage of play called by a team or umpire for a ruling, injury, or in other extenuating circumstances, etc.

 

Tee

The exact centre of the house.

 

Tee Line

A line extending across the width of the sheet that passes through the centre of the house parallel to the hog line and backline.

 

Third Player

The third curler on a team to deliver two stones in each end.

 

Tie-breaker

A game that is played to break a tied ranking at the end of the round robin.

 

Top of the House

The area within the house that lies between the hog line and the tee line.

 

Umpire

The person(s) responsible for the conduct of the game in accordance with the rules.

 

Vice-Skip (Mate or Acting Skip)

The player who directs play for the team when it is the skip's turn to deliver.

 

Weight

The amount of force/speed given to the stone during the delivery

 

Wheelchair Lines.

Two lines that run from the hog line to the outermost edge of the nearest circle of the house. Wheelchair curlers are allowed to start their delivery with the stone placed between these lines.

 


 

 

CLASSIFICATION RULES WHEELCHAIR CURLING

 

Wheelchair curling should be restricted to individuals with substantial demonstrable impairments in leg/gait function who use a wheelchair for daily mobility and who qualify within eligibility criteria.

 

The role of classification in wheelchair curling is to determine eligibility to compete.

 

International classification is undertaken before an Athlete takes part in international competition and is the responsibility of Classification Panel appointed by the World Curling Federation (WCF).

 

The purpose of classification in Paralympic Sport is to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition so that the Athletes who succeed in competition are those with the best anthropometry, physiology and psychology and who have enhanced them to best effect, training hard, with quality coaching.

 

It is intended that the Classification Rules for Wheelchair Curling will be in compliance with the Classification Code to which the World Curling Federation as the governing body was a signatory.

 

The World Curling Federation will maintain a Classification Master List of Athletes including the Athlete’s name, date of birth, country, Sport Class and Sports Class Status.

 

The Classification Master List is used to identify Athletes that enter international competitions. The WCF makes the Classification Master List available to National Federations and relevant National Paralympic Committees (NPC).

 

CLASSIFICATION PERSONNEL

 

Classifiers will be registered medical practitioners or registered accredited physiotherapists/occupational therapist.

 

The WCF requires to see documentation confirming the professional qualifications of potential classifiers prior to appointment.

 

Classifiers will work as members of a classification panel which has 2 members so long as the number of classifiers trained for wheelchair curling and their geographical locations allow. There may be an interim requirement for classifiers to work alone at times until the appropriate expansion of classifiers occurs.

 

A Head of Classification, appointed by the WCF will have overall responsibility for international classification, classifier training and supervision, maintaining secure classification data and regularly updating it and ensuring such records are accurate, and liaising with all relevant external parties such as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Committee, IPC Medical and Scientific Department and Organizing Committees.

 

A Chief Classifier is appointed for a specific competition.

 

This may be the Head of Classification or it may be another fully certified international classifier.

 

The Chief Classifier will ensure that the classification rules are applied appropriately during a specific competition and that classification facilities are provided at the competition which allow high professional standards to be maintained.

 

Classifiers will be certified after undergoing training which includes both theoretical and practical aspects and an assessment of required competencies in carrying out classifications and applying the classification rules of wheelchair curling.

 

CONDUCT OF CLASSIFIERS

 

The role of the classifier is to act as an impartial evaluator in determining an Athletes eligibility and Sport Class Status. The integrity of Classification in the Paralympic movement rests on the professional conduct and behaviour of each individual classifier. It is important that confidence in the Classification Rules and the Classification Personnel is preserved and developed and that it is based on transparent and agreed standards of practice which define a meaningful set of guidelines for the professional conduct of classification personnel.

 

Classifiers should value and respect the Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel and treat them with understanding patience and dignity while being courteous, objective, honest and impartial in performing their classification duties.

 

Classifiers should accept responsibility for all actions and decisions taken and be open to discussion and interaction with Athletes and Athletic Support Personnel in accordance with the International Standards for Athlete Evaluation and the International Standard for Protest and Appeals.

 

Confidentiality of Athlete information must be maintained whenever possible according to the International Standards for Athlete Evaluation and Protests and Appeals. Classifiers should respect the Classification Rules.

The Head of Classification shall maintain a list of certified classifiers and the events at which each has undertaken classification duties.

 


 

CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE

 

The Athlete must meet one of the following eligibility criteria to compete in the World Wheelchair Curling Championship, World Wheelchair Curling Qualification events and the Paralympic Winter Games, i.e. to obtain an International Classification.

 

Athletes with a confirmed classification C’ prior to the adaption of the 2014 Version of the

Classification Rules coming into force will not be require to be re classified.

 

1             LOSS OF POWER

 

Loss of power in the lower limbs so that any residual power in the legs is less than a total of 40 out of 80 points. The movements tested are

 

At the hips –    flexion, extension, adduction, abduction

At the knees – flexion, extension

At the ankles – plantar flexion and dorsi flexion

Power will be rated according to the Oxford Scale – 0 - 5. Grade 1 and 2 will be counted as 0. Examples:     Spinal Cord Injury

Poliomyelitis Transverse myelitis Spina Bifida Polyneuropathy

 

2         LOWER LIMB DEFICIENCY Bilateral above ankle amputation

Unilateral hip disarticulation

Unilateral above knee amputation and muscle strength in the other leg of less than 25/40 defined as above

 

3         HYPERTONIA

 

Hypertonia in the lower limbs graded using the Ashworth Scale at grade 3 or grade 4 and sufficient to prevent all ambulation or limit it to very short distances indoors

 

Examples          Cerebral Palsy

 

Hypertonia can be associated with levels of strength in the legs greater than 40/80 even although ambulation is severely limited and therefore it is reasonable to use the level of spasticity as a separate eligibility criterion.

 


 

4         INCOORDINATION

 

Incoordination in the lower limbs, possibly in combination with loss of strength and hypotonia with the objective signs of ataxia so that ambulation is prevented or limited to very short distances indoors.

 

Example            Multiple Sclerosis

Cerebral Palsy

 

5         RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT

 

Severe permanent loss of joint range of 50% or more across 2 or more of the large joints (hip, knee, ankle) in both legs.

 

Example            Arthrogryposis

 

6         COMBINATION OF ABOVE IMPAIRMENT

 

Any combination of above impairment, which is severe enough to confine athlete to wheelchair for daily activity.

 

THE CLASSIFICATION PATHWAY

 

When attending for evaluation the Athlete is required to produce:

 

·    Evidence of identity – passport

·    Passport sized photograph

·    Copies of medical documentation – for instance a report from General Practitioner or hospital giving a summary of the case and where necessary a translation into English.

 

The WCF may require an Athlete to provide detailed specialist medical documentation and the Chief Classifier has the discretion not to determine eligibility without this documentation. It is the responsibility of the National Federation to ensure that any Athlete whose impairment is the result of a rare or uncommon condition provides supporting specialist documentation in English when presenting the Athlete for evaluation.

 

Presentation for Evaluation

 

Athletes must dress appropriately and must bring all equipment including competition or daily use wheelchair, competition or daily use prosthesis or orthoses.

 

The Athlete may be accompanied by an interpreter and not more than one representative of the Athlete’s NPC/National Federation.

 

If the Athlete has a health condition that produces pain which limits or prohibits full effort during evaluation it may not be appropriate for evaluation to take place at that time. It may be possible to reschedule the evaluation but ultimately the Athlete will not be eligible to compete at international level until such an evaluation is satisfactorily completed.

 

The Athlete must consent to evaluation by signing a CLASSIFICATION CONSENT FORM to indicate their willingness to be classified and confirm their agreement to provide full effort and cooperation during the classification process.

 

Physical Assessment

 

The classification panel should conduct a physical assessment of the Athlete. This will include but is not limited to the examination of motor power, muscle tone, coordination, range of movement and observation of any residual ability to ambulate.

 

Video footage and/or photography maybe utilised by the classification panel for all classification purposes connected to the competition.

 

Ineligibility

 

In circumstances where a Sport Class of Ineligible to compete is allocated by a classification panel the Athlete has the right to be examined again by a second classification panel immediately. If the second classification panel, whose members could not have taken part in the first evaluation confirms the ineligibility the Athlete will not be permitted to compete and will have no further protest option.

 

Outcome

 

A member of the Classification Panel will inform the Athlete of the panel’s decision. It is expected that this will occur as soon as possible after the decision has been taken.

 

Written notification must be provided to the Athlete. A WCF Wheelchair Curling Classification Card is completed.

 

Post competition tasks

 

The Chief Classifier must complete a post competition report which is forwarded to the Head of Classification. The Head of Classification has the responsibility of updating the Classification Master List after each competition at which classification has taken place.

 

SPORT CLASS ALLOCATION

 

In Wheelchair Curling the allocation is either

 

·    Eligible (WC-E)

·    Non eligible (WC-NE)

 

SPORT CLASS STATUS ALLOCATION Sport class status new (N)

 

Sport class status new (N) is assigned to an Athlete who has not been previously evaluated by an International Classification Panel.

 

Sport class status N Athletes include those who have been allocated a sport class by their National Federation for entry purposes.

 

Sport class N Athletes must complete evaluation prior to competing at World Wheelchair Curling Championships, World Wheelchair Curling Qualification Events or Paralympic Winter Games.

 

Sport class review (R)

 

Sport class review (R) status is assigned to an Athlete who has been previously evaluated by an International Classification Panel but for reasons determined by the WCF Head Classifier requires a review of their sport class for example because their condition appears to have changed.

 

Sport class status R Athletes must complete evaluation prior to competing at World Wheelchair Curling Championships, World Wheelchair Curling Qualification Events or Paralympic Winter Games.

 

Sport class confirmed (C)

 

Sport class status of confirmed (C) may only be allocated following evaluation by certified WCF classification panel/classifiers. When a wheelchair curler has confirmed status further evaluation is not required. The status of a confirmed Athlete cannot be protested by another NPC or NF after it comes into effect 24 hours after first appearance at the first international competition following the process of evaluation.

 

PROTESTS AND APPEALS Definition – Protest

 

The procedure by which a formal objection to an Athlete’s sports class is made and subsequently resolved.

 

An Athlete’s sports class should generally only be protested once with the exception of Protests in Exceptional Circumstances.

 

The Chief Classifier may make a Protest in Exceptional Circumstances in respect of any Athlete at any time during or prior to a Competition if the Chief Classifier reasonably believes that an Athlete's Sport Class no longer reflects the Athlete's ability to compete equitably within that Sport Class.

 

Exceptional circumstances may result from:

 

·    A change in the degrees of impairment of an Athlete;

·    An Athlete demonstrating significantly less or greater ability prior to or during

Competition which does not reflect the Athlete's current Sport Class;

·    An error made by a Classification Panel which has led to the Athlete being allocated a

Sport Class which is not keeping with the Athlete's ability; or

·    Sport Class allocation criteria having changed since the Athlete's most recent evaluation.

 

The Chief Classifier shall advise the Athlete and relevant National Federation and/or National Paralympic Committee that a Protest is being made in Exceptional Circumstances.

 

Athlete Evaluation following a Protest shall follow the same process as described in these regulations. All relevant parties shall be notified of the Protest decision as quickly as possible following Athlete Evaluation.

 

A protest should not be resolved by the classification panel that was involved in the allocation of the sport class that is being protested.

 

Protests will generally be submitted during competitions and can be submitted by a designated representative of an NPC or NF or by the Chief Classifier.

 

Athletes who have undergone evaluation of eligibility either as new (N) or (R) designations can only be the subject of a protest within a period of 24 hours following first appearance at the first International Competition following evaluation. Protests must be submitted to the Chief Classifier within that period otherwise the protest will be void.

 

Athletes with a confirmed status cannot be the subject of a protest from an NPC/NF but can be the subject of a protest by the Chief Classifier.

 

DOCUMENTATION

 

A protest form which should include the following should be submitted in English.

 

·    The name and nation of the Athlete whose eligibility is being protested

·    Details of the decision being protested

·    The reason for the protest

·    Any documents and other evidence to be offered in support of the protest

·    The signature of the NPC/NF representative or the Chief Classifier

·    A fee of 100 USD which will be returned if the protest is successful.

If the protest has been submitted without all necessary information it shall be dismissed by the Chief Classifier.

 

PROTEST PANEL

 

·    Appointed by the Chief Classifier

 

·    Minimum of 2 members. There may be an interim requirement for classifiers to work alone at times until the appropriate expansion of classifiers occurs.

 

·    Those members were not involved in the previous evaluation

 

·    All documentation submitted with the Protest Form shall be provided to the Protest

Panel

 

·    The Protest Panel should conduct the protest evaluation without reference to the

Classification Panel which conducted the initial evaluation

 

·    The Protest Panel may seek medical, sport or scientific expertise in reviewing an

Athletes sport class

 

Communication of outcome

 

All relevant parties should be notified of the Protest decision in writing and as soon as possible after the Protest Panel have performed their evaluation.

 

The Classification Master List may require to be updated.

 

APPEALS Definition – Appeal

A procedure by which a formal objection to the manner in which classification procedures have been conducted is submitted and subsequently resolved.

 

The Appeal Body shall have the jurisdiction to review classification decisions in order to

 

·    Ensure all appropriate sports class allocation procedures have been followed

·    Ensure all appropriate protest procedures have been followed

 

BUT no appeal body shall have jurisdiction to review the merits of an allocation of Sport Class or Sport Class Status and under no circumstances shall the appeal body modify a classification decision by allocating a new Sport Class or Sport Class Status.

 

The Appeal Body shall hear appeals only in cases in which all other available remedies including but not limited to protest procedures have been exhausted. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal the WCF shall conduct a review to determine whether all other available remedies have been exhausted by the party bringing the appeal. If all other remedies have not been exhausted the WCF shall issue a written decision dismissing the appeal.

 

The Notice of Appeal must

 

·    Specify the party who is requesting the appeal

·    Provide the name of the Athlete whose sport class or sport class status is the subject of the appeal

·    Identify the decision being appealed by attaching a copy of the decision if written or briefly summarising it.

·    Specify the grounds for the appeal

·    Identify all documents evidence and witnesses to be put forward in support of the appeal

 

The appeal body for all appeals submitted during a Paralympic Games is the IPC Board of Appeal of Classification. The WCF has the option to refer all appeals to this body in the period outside Paralympic Games. The Appeal Body members will at no stage have been involved with or have been informed of the dispute brought before the Appeal Body.

 

APPEAL BODY DECISION

 

Appeal proceedings are confidential.

The Appeal Body shall issue a written decision resolving any appeal after the hearing. The decision shall be provided to all parties.

The Appeal decisions are final and not subject to any further appeal.

 

THE BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION

 

The WCF and the classifier body will promote and stimulate studies which endeavour to provide a scientific basis to underpin the scheme of classification. Such research would be expected to enhance confidence in the classification system and encourage its future development.

 

PRINCIPLES OF FAIR PLAY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 

The WCF Classification Rules set out a consistent policy which puts the Athlete first and ensures fair play and contains mechanisms which protect the rights of all Athletes and of Classifiers in the evaluation of Athletes and a thorough system of Protests and Appeals, should there be any individual breakdown in the process of classification. The risk of such mistake occurring are substantially reduced by the programme of classifier training, assessment and ongoing development outlined above.

 

CLASSIFICATION RULES FOR WHEELCHAIR CURLING

 

The Classification Rules are included in the WCF wheelchair curling rules. All participants in the sport of wheelchair curling accept these rules as a condition of participation in wheelchair curling.

 

CLASSIFICATION DUTIES DURING COMPETITION

 

During a competition members of a Classification Panel should not have any responsibilities towards or attachment to a National Team/Squad.