Many clubs are struggling with broom/pad rules and some are deciding to require that all members use the new WCF certified pads by a certain date. The WCF was very specific in its mandate when it came to recommended pads to be used by “recreational”, as opposed to “competitive” curlers. It suggested that WCF certified pads only be used when prizes of value were at stake.

In addition, it specifically stated “for leagues, competitions or events contested primarily for recreation or fun, or for competitions or events contested primarily by novice or inexperienced curlers, it may not be necessary to limit which sweeping equipment can be used as a condition of competition.” It should also be noted that Curling Canada and other WCF associate members have fully supported this exact same recommendation.

It must be recognized that the WCF certified pad is a very non aggressive product, designed to minimize the ability of elite sweepers to steer a rock. In the hands of the vast majority of recreational curlers it is virtually ineffective as a sweeping device. It can be argued that a recreational curler may as well not sweep as sweep with a WCF certified pad.

Clubs are understandably seeking to institute a ruling that eliminates controversy between teams on the ice. However they should be careful not to render sweeping a useless activity by mandating widespread use of the WCF pad. Furthermore, the WCF cover fabric comes from a single source which is unable to meet supplier needs. With demand outstripping supply, prices of WCF pads are already higher than conventional pads and, under these market conditions, will only go higher.

At the recreational level if a team perceives their competition to be using an unfair pad, there will be controversy on the ice. A variety of well known pads have been offered for years that have not elicited controversy at either the elite or recreational level. Some pads offered by these companies were deemed out of scope by the WCF as far as elite play was concerned, however their history of uncontroversial use at the recreational level warrants their continued use in that realm. Such is supported by WCF and Curling Canada recommendations.

Pads using a combination of plastic insert and “directional” fabric, that is a heavily coated side is against the ice, were shown during WCF testing to have a markedly different effect on the ice and on the rock. The WCF refers to such a coating as “artificially textured with deep grooves”.  These pads actually scored the ice below the pebble. See the following pictures. The effect was profound and undeniable. In the hands of better recreational sweepers such pads will score the ice and allow the rock to be manipulated.

Shows pebble that has been clipped and swept with a woven fabric pad without stiffener. Source: WCF.

Shows pebble that has been clipped and swept with a pad with artificially textured fabric and stiffener. Source: WCF.

Clubs may wish to follow the approach taken by the Oakville Curling Club and the Scarboro Golf and Country Club. Essentially they have ruled that all synthetic brooms are okay for use in all club play, provided they do not have plastic inserts in combination with heavily textured fabric on the ice side.

All suppliers now offer a variety of pads that do not incorporate inserts and heavily textured fabric. In the hands of recreational curlers these pads will not steer a stone, however they are sufficiently aggressive to have the desired “straighter and further” effect.

The WCF has ruled that hair brooms are not permitted in play leading to WCF championships. The rational for this ruling is that hair brooms are too easily modified to achieve undesired effects. No ruling or recommendation exists vis a vis use of hair brooms in recreational play. Clubs may wish to adopt a rule whereby hair brooms are not permitted in select bonspiels and club playdowns.

I trust this will provide some common sense grass roots guidance to assist club managers, directors and members in dealing with this topical issue.

I welcome any feedback from clubs that have already created or implemented a policy for the 2016-17 season with regard to sweeping or if you wish to have any additional information please do not hesitate to connect with me at doug@goldline.ca.

Doug Flowers
President, Goldline