WCF-Approved Curling Brooms: What Players Need to Know
Every curler needs a broom. As your skill grows, your needs may change. You might want more control, more consistency, or prefer a different feel. But once you move into higher levels of competition, it's not just about your preference. Your equipment requirements may change.
Those requirements are often based on standards set by World Curling (formerly the World Curling Federation, or WCF), the sport's global governing body. World Curling tightened these standards in 2025, resulting in changes to the approved product list, so it's worth knowing exactly what's required before you show up to compete.
Who Sets the Rules, and Who Adopts Them
World Curling doesn't run your provincial, state, or national championship. Instead, it sets equipment standards that organizations running those events, including Curling Canada and its provincial and territorial associations, USA Curling, and the Grand Slam of Curling, may adopt for their own competitions. Many higher-level events do.
What Part of the Broom Do the Standards Cover?
These standards don't apply to the entire broom. They cover the fabric-and-foam assembly on the broom head, commonly called the pad. The handle is the one part you can still mix and match freely between manufacturers.
Manufacturers don't always use the same terminology. One brand may call it a pad, another a head, while others sell the fabric separately as a sleeve. Here, "pad" refers to the complete fabric-and-foam assembly.
Curling Sleeve Requirements
Recreational curling broom sleeves can be made from a range of fabrics, in any color, weight, or abrasion level. This gives recreational curlers flexibility in fabric choice.
At the competitive level, approved equipment must use a single standardized fabric: Oxford 55, 420 denier (420D) nylon in the distinctive mustard yellow color commonly seen in televised competitions.
This standard was introduced after concerns that broom construction could influence stone movement, and it remains unchanged today. The approved fabric is sourced through World Curling's supply chain to maintain consistency across manufacturers.
Every approved pad carries a unique approval code that can be verified against World Curling's official Approved Product Code List.
Curling Foam Requirements
Every curling broom head contains a foam insert covered by fabric. This cushions the downward pressure applied while sweeping.
Recreational curling has no foam specifications, and World Curling has cited concerns that harder foam gives sweepers more influence over a rock's movement. For competitive play, foam is standardized to provide consistency across approved pads.
In June 2025, World Curling tightened these firmness rules after elite curlers raised concerns that some approved foams gave sweepers too much control over a stone's trajectory. Several previously approved foams were removed from the list as a result. The change primarily affected brooms with replaceable pads, while traditional pads with the fabric and foam assembled together were not affected.
Preparing for Competitive Play
Curling equipment becomes more specific as you move into competitive play. Understanding what these standards cover, and checking that your equipment remains approved before an event, helps you avoid surprises when it counts.
Asham currently offers WCF-approved pads in two product lines: the Pro Pad, which fits most standard broom heads and is available in Uni-fit and Velcro options, and the Ultra Force Pro Pad, designed specifically for the Ultra Force head and available with either two-screw or Velcro attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events require WCF-approved equipment?
You can use your recreational pad for club play, bonspiels, and most general curling events, unless the event's rules say otherwise. Events that adopt World Curling equipment standards, including many competitions awarding World Curling Team Ranking System (WCTRS) points, require approved pads.
How do I know if a pad is WCF-approved?
Check it against World Curling's official Approved Product Code List, or look for the approval code stamped or stenciled directly on the pad. Manufacturer listings will also indicate whether a pad is intended for recreational or competitive use.
What part of the broom needs to be WCF-approved?
The approval applies to the broom head, specifically the fabric-and-foam assembly commonly called the pad. The handle is not part of the approval process and can still be mixed and matched between manufacturers.
Do World Curling standards apply to all curling equipment?
No. The standards discussed here apply to sweeping equipment, specifically broom pads. Other equipment, such as curling stones, shoes, and clothing, may have separate rules depending on the competition.
How often do I need to replace my pad?
It depends on the level of competition. At the highest level, including World Curling Qualification Events, World Championships, and the Olympic Winter Games, the lead, second, and third must start every game with a new, clean pad. The skip is the exception and only needs one at the start of the competition. At other World Curling events, replacement isn't required game to game, though replacing a pad once there is visible debris or wear is recommended. For other events awarding WCTRS points, replacement is left to the athlete's discretion.
How much should I expect to spend on an approved pad?
Asham's WCF-approved pads, including the Pro Pad, Ultra Force Pro Pad, and Ultra Force Pro Pad Velcro, are currently priced at $32.99 CAD.