What are the rules for a curling delivery stick?
Officials' detail · Sticks, mixed doubles and eligibility · 1 of 1A delivery stick pushes the stone instead of a hand release. It may act only as an extension of the arm, with no springs, pistons or aiming aids. It is no longer than 2.45 m. A player who picks one uses it for every stone that game. A team may bring four. A non-conforming stick costs the game and more.
How it works
- Parts: head, tube, handle.
- Length: 2.45 m at most.
- Banned: springs, pistons, aiming aids.
- Tube: fixed during a delivery.
- Chosen: used for all stones in the game.
- Per team: four; two in mixed doubles.
- Changing: only for accidental damage, with the umpire.
- Advice: World Curling consults, does not certify.
The glossary has the delivery stick, the delivery stick standards, the delivery stick limits, the delivery stick advice, the delivery stick penalties and the technical time-out.
Tricky cases
Can a player switch between hand and stick in a game?
No.
A stick breaks in a game. Can it be replaced?
Yes, if the chief umpire allows it.
A team uses a non-conforming stick for the first time. Result?
The player is disqualified from the competition and the team loses the game.
And a second time?
The team is disqualified and its players barred for 12 months.
Why the rule exists
The stick replaces reach for players who cannot lean to the ice, but must add no mechanical help.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2.45 m | WCP |
| Team | Four sticks | WCP |
| Second offence | 12-month ban | WCP |
From the rule book
World Curling, Competition Policy & Procedure Manual (August 2026), Wheelchair Curling Policy, with World Curling, The Rules of Curling and Rules of Competition (1 September 2026), rules R11 and C3(j). Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: World Curling Rules, Wheelchair Curling Policy and Classification Rules.