The governing body introduced the stricter monitoring following a dispute involving Marc Kennedy but withdrew it after a meeting with national federations. Athletes argued that increased surveillance disrupted the natural flow of the game, which prides itself on self-officiating. The reversal allows umpires to be available only upon request, aiming to preserve the spirit of curling during the Games.
World Curling reverses officiating policy after Olympic controversy
Facing backlash from athletes, World Curling has reversed its decision to station umpires at the hog line, removing them from default monitoring during the Winter Olympics.