Curling body enlists NRC to test controversial brooms

Elite curlers from around the world are in Kemptville, Ont.,this week to try and sweep awaycontroversy surrounding curling brush head technology and its effecton where stones come to rest.

The National Research Council of Canada is teaming up with the World Curling Federation for three days of testing and onsite analysis of at least 50 manufacturers' brooms at the North Grenville Curling Club.

"We're looking at the opinions from the manufacturers, from performance experts, from the athletes themselves saying is this something that's acceptable to you or is it not," says Christa Homenick, a researcher at the National Research Council of Canada. "Then we have the data that will support or go against what they're saying."

During the 2015-2016 curling season, a series of moratoriums were placed on certain brushes.The brooms were used to manipulate the trajectory of a thrown rock in unprecedented ways, and curlers worried they would affect the integrity of the game.

Homenick wouldn't provide details on exactly what the data is showing but elite level curlers say the results are as expected that certain broom heads allow athletesmore stone manipulation.

Sport has to draw a line

"It's about bringing the game back," saidEmma Miskew, who plays third on Canada's team Homan, led by Ottawa skip Rachel Homan.

"It got a little bit out of hand this season where it became more of a line calling game and a sweeping game as opposed to a throwing game," said Miskew.

Newfoundland skip andOlympic gold medallist Brad Gushueagrees, saying the sport has to draw a line somewhere because athletes have too much control.

"We have to ease off on the technology," says Gushue. "Because you play a game now and you miss one shot and you lose."

Results from the testing will allow the World Curling Federation to make decisions about possible regulations a process that will include international athletes, sports experts andice professionals, says World Curling Federation vice presidentGraham Prouse.

"One of the things that makes any sport marketable and enjoyable to the fans is if it's compelling and thrilling," said Prouse.

The new regulations will be proposed for approval by World Curling Federation members at its annual general assembly in Stockholm, Sweden in Sept. 2016.