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Curling 'Double‑Touch' Row Widens as World Curling Limits Checks and Rejects Video Review

World Curling now uses request-only monitoring with on-ice rulings final.

Overview

  • Sweden’s Feb. 13 accusation against Canada’s Marc Kennedy led to a heated exchange and a profanity warning, and officials who then observed three ends reported no delivery violations.
  • An umpire removed Rachel Homan’s stone in Canada’s game against Switzerland on Feb. 14/15 for a judged double touch, and Canada lost 8–7 as Homan denied the infraction.
  • Britain’s Bobby Lammie also had a stone pulled in a Feb. 15 win over Germany, showing the tighter enforcement extended beyond Canada.
  • After complaints about heightened scrutiny, World Curling revised its protocol so roaming umpires observe deliveries only on team request and confirmed there is no video re‑umpiring.
  • Viral footage, including SVT video cited in the Kennedy dispute, intensified debate over fairness and potential replay, as Canada alleged targeting and Sweden denied improper filming; no sanctions have been issued beyond in‑game rulings.