Canadian Women’s Curling Team Called for Controversial Violation at Milan Cortina Games
MILAN, Italy — The Canadian women’s curling team found themselves embroiled in controversy on Saturday at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, as officials called them for the same violation that recently sparked uproar on the men’s side. During the first end of their round-robin match against Switzerland, Canadian skip Rachel Homan was penalized for “double-touching” the stone — a foul that occurs when a player touches the stone again after releasing it. The call immediately drew sharp protests from the Canadian squad, with Homan vehemently denying any wrongdoing. “Like, absolutely not,” Homan said after the match, emphasizing her belief that the call was unfounded. Her teammate Emma Miskew questioned why the decision could not be reviewed by video replay, but officials explained that World Curling Federation rules do not permit video review for such calls, urging teams to place trust in the on-ice umpires. The incident has reignited tensions surrounding officiating at the Games, coming just days after a similar violation was called against the Canadian men’s team, which had sparked widespread debate among athletes and fans alike. Homan expressed frustration that the women’s team was being unfairly scrutinized in the wake of the men’s controversy, suggesting that the spotlight had intensified the level of scrutiny on their play. The “double-touch” rule is strictly enforced to maintain fairness and integrity in curling, but its application has occasionally led to contentious moments in high-stakes competitions. The International Olympic Committee’s official website provides detailed information on the rules governing curling at the Games, reflecting the sport’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. The Canadian Curling Association has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the call, but the incident underscores the challenges officials face in adjudicating fast-paced and nuanced aspects of the sport. As the curling tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how referees navigate these fine margins and how teams adapt to the pressures of Olympic competition. For more on curling rules and Olympic updates, visit the International Olympic Committee’s curling page and the World Curling Federation. Coverage of the Winter Olympics, including curling and other events, can be found at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee website. The Canadian Olympic Committee also provides ongoing updates on their athletes’ performances and official responses at olympic.ca.
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