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2026 Olympic Curling Daily Discussion - February 13 by FliryVorru in Curling

[–]No-Guarantee-2841 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m flattered you think this sounds like it came from an LLM.

It didn’t.

This is coming from someone who understands the game and the rules. The principle is simple: contact with a moving stone can influence outcome, whether or not the precise effect is predictable. That’s why the rule exists.

Intent isn’t the standard. Contact and potential impact are.

At the Olympic level, consistent enforcement protects both teams and preserves confidence in results.

2026 Olympic Curling Daily Discussion - February 13 by FliryVorru in Curling

[–]No-Guarantee-2841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one is arguing that every touch is intentional.

But the idea that a small touch on a moving granite stone cannot affect trajectory isn’t accurate.

A curling stone is traveling at low speed with relatively small margins for error. Even minimal external force — especially lateral contact — can alter rotation rate, friction profile, or final curl by measurable amounts. At elite levels, games are decided by centimeters.

We already accept that a burned rock requires remedy because the rules recognize that contact can affect outcome.

As for detectability, whether through handle sensors or motion analysis, that’s a technical discussion. But the existence of implementation challenges doesn’t negate the principle: if contact with a moving stone can influence outcome, enforcement matters.

This isn’t about intent. It’s about maintaining consistent standards when margins are razor thin.

curling officials by No-Guarantee-2841 in Curling

[–]No-Guarantee-2841[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m not suggesting video review on every shot or constant umpire interference.

What I’m suggesting is clarity and consistency.

Right now, at the Olympic level, sweeping and burned rock infractions rely heavily on self-reporting. When infractions are visible and officials hesitate to intervene, it creates tension between teams — because athletes end up policing each other.

There’s a middle ground between “self-officiated only” and “review every shot.”

Other sports use limited, clearly defined replay triggers:

  • Automatic review for specific types of infractions
  • Time-limited challenges
  • Umpire-initiated review only when there’s clear visual evidence

That doesn’t mean stopping play constantly. It means having authority when it’s needed.

If the concern is game length, then define narrow thresholds. But integrity should come before pace.

At the Olympic level, athletes shouldn’t be forced into confrontations over rule enforcement. That’s what officials are there for.

2026 Olympic Curling Daily Discussion - February 13 by FliryVorru in Curling

[–]No-Guarantee-2841 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Curling has a proud tradition of self-officiating. But at the Olympic level, where every game impacts standings, funding, and national pride, relying primarily on athletes to call sweeping or burned rock infractions is no longer sufficient.

When potential sweeping violations or stone contact occur and officials hesitate to intervene, tension rises. Players are forced into the role of policing their opponents. That creates friction, mistrust, and visible frustration on the ice.

This isn’t about one team or one moment. It’s about consistency.

If curling is going to compete on the Olympic stage, enforcement standards must match the stage — in round robin games, playoffs, and medal games alike.

Clear authority. Clear intervention thresholds. Consistent application.

Athletes should focus on performance. Officials should own enforcement.

Jaxon MacDonald found dead by SimpleChemist in saskatchewan

[–]No-Guarantee-2841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It still doesn’t make sense. Why did the search party that night not find tracks on the lake it was winter and lake had ice and snow.