Less than 24 hours after implementing closer monitoring to catch rule infractions, World Curling reversed course. The governing body announced that umpires will retreat from the ice to behind the courtside table, available on request rather than by default. This decision followed a meeting with national federations where athletes expressed dissatisfaction with the increased surveillance, citing the sport's spirit of self-officiating.
World Curling reverses officiating decision after athlete backlash
World Curling reversed a decision to place umpires directly on the ice during Olympic matches following immediate backlash from athletes.