Curling Canada is actively working to resolve scheduling conflicts and team composition challenges in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics. A key focus is achieving greater equity between men’s and women’s curling programs.

Scheduling Disparities Highlighted in 2024

The 2024 season brought to light significant scheduling imbalances. Women’s teams experienced more compressed schedules compared to their male counterparts, creating challenges for participation in both national and international events.

Impact on Olympic Athletes

Rachel Homan’s team, recently winning bronze at the Cortina event, was unable to defend their national title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts due to schedule clashes. The Canadian playdowns, held from January 23 to February 1, left limited recovery time before the Olympics, with women’s round-robin play beginning on February 12.

In contrast, Brad Jacobs and his team, Olympic gold medalists, were able to compete in the Montana’s Brier shortly after their Olympic victory, demonstrating the difference in opportunities.

Athlete Concerns

Emma Miskew, Homan’s second, voiced criticism regarding the lack of effort to resolve the scheduling conflict, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on women. Jacobs himself acknowledged feeling exhausted during the Brier, ultimately losing in the semifinals to Matt Dunstone.

Exploring Solutions for Future Events

Curling Canada has initiated discussions with its athlete council to explore potential solutions. These include evaluating whether athletes can participate in both the Olympics and national championships in the same season, or if teams should prioritize Olympic participation.

A Congested Calendar

The already busy curling calendar, encompassing provincial and national championships, tour events, Grand Slams, mixed doubles, and the new Rock League, becomes even more crowded during Olympic years with the addition of Pre-Trials and Trials events.

The 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, scheduled to begin on February 1, are expected to further complicate scheduling logistics. World Curling’s fixed world championship dates and the need to avoid conflicts with the Olympics also contribute to the complexity.

CEO Acknowledges Challenges

Katherine Connor Thiessen, Curling Canada’s CEO, acknowledged the difficulties involved in adjusting event schedules, citing logistical constraints. Despite these challenges, the sport maintains strong viewership numbers, with CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet reporting solid ratings.

Team Composition Concerns

Another issue under review is the increasing trend of teams competing with only three players. Tyler Smith of Prince Edward Island won a provincial title and competed at the Brier with a three-man team due to a teammate’s work commitments.

Rules and Regulations

Curling Canada requires teams to have at least two original players and a substitute. World Curling mandates four players at the start of competitions, with exceptions made for extenuating circumstances. Thiessen stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the four-person game while accommodating legitimate issues like injuries or illnesses.