Curling Canada adopts World Curling rulebook, including new double-touch rule

Curling Canada will be following an explicit rule on double-touching a stone starting this season as it adopts the World Curling rulebook.

Canada’s curling governing body announced Thursday that it will fully align itself with World Curling’s standards after a reduction in key differences between the organizations over the last few years.

That includes World Curling’s new rule on double-touching, which was at the heart of a high-profile controversy at this year’s Milan Cortina Olympics.

During a round-robin match, Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson accused Marc Kennedy of a double-touch infraction — grazing the stone’s granite after releasing the handle. Kennedy responded to the cheating allegation with a profane retort, and Canada ended up winning the match 8-6 en route to claiming the gold medal.

World Curling released its amended rulebook Thursday with a revised rule on double touching. The organization now explicitly says touching the granite at any time after the stone is put into play will result in it being removed.

Another key new regulation requires teams to start games with four players, or forfeit the match if this condition is not met.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2026.