Since the integration of technology into sports, the line has been blurred between enhancing and impeding. Curling has officially joined that conversation after implementing new sweeping technology.
In curling, brooms sweep the path of a granite stone weighing between thirty-eight and forty-four pounds that is being sent down the ice. The objective is to sweep the ice and alter the path of the stone—changing the “curl”—in order to reach the button (center) of the house (target) at the other side of the ice.
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Rather than utilizing the typical smooth fabric at the head of the broom, directional fabric, the reverse side of the nylon, has a rough texture—giving an advantage to all who use it. The directional fabric is starting to appear on brooms, such as hardline’s IcePad broom. Reversing the nylon gives players too much control and impedes on other key skills such as accuracy and strength that typically are needed to change the trajectory of the stone.
Brushing technique is considered to be a very important aspect of the sport, but directional fabric essentially negates the need for those skills. According to many professionals in curling, including Mary-Anne Arsenault, two-time world champion in women’s curling, directional fabric is taking away from the “athleticism and precision in throwing” that are crucial to the game.
The World Curling Federation (WCF) has few rules regarding curling equipment though. The only real rule that applies is one that declares that players cannot use any equipment that damages the pebbled ice surface.
Many players requested that the governing bodies rule on whether such technology is permissible due to the inherent advantage that comes with using directional fabric. Prior to the 2015 Pacific-Asia Championships, the World Curling Federation banned the use of the technologically enhanced brooms as “an interim decision” until a further policy on equipment was released on November 6, 2015.
According to the WCF, “only sweeping equipment available for sale to the public at retail outlets will be permitted… [brooms that are] modified, custom-made or home-made [will not be allowed].”
The WCF’s interim decision continued by saying “Most fabric used in curling brush heads is produced with two different sides: one that displays a weave, and one that is embossed, sealed or patterned and may appear “plasticized”. The difference can usually be easily determined with the naked eye or a low-power magnifying device. The “fibre weave” in any brush head fabric which comes into contact with the ice must be visible to players and umpires. A compliance protocol will be well-communicated to the athletes at the Team Meeting, prior to the competition.”
On November 18th, the World Curling Federation extended their ban on the contentious curling brooms for all WCF events remaining in the 2015-2016 season. Explaining their ban, the WCF said “The primary objective of this moratorium is to ensure a fair and level playing field and to respect the principle that any technological advancements or innovations have a positive impact on the sport and its traditions, and that athletic performance and mental skill are the dominant elements for success.”
Curling represents another sport facing the dilemma of integrating technology without damaging the integrity of the game. Although advanced equipment can be helpful, human ability still needs to be the primary focus of sports––especially for a sport that was minimally disrupted by technology prior to directional fabric being incorporated.
Initially, rather than a governing body addressing the concerns, it was in fact the players that took issue due of the disruption of the game. As technology has been implemented in sports, there has been an enormous amount of pressure on governing bodies to utilize it but not destroy the integrity of the sport. And when curlers are beginning the qualification process for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, a unified system for equipment is critical to ensure there is a level playing field.
Implementing this new technology is detrimental to the game of curling itself and industry of sports as a whole. The focal point should have been on the talent of the players, rather than the controversy surrounding the brooms. And unfortunately, until the World Curling Federation conducts their own tests, there will not be a definitive decision and the implement of technology will continue to overshadow the game.