Curling Alberta will NOT adopt World Curling Rule R3, related to team eligibility, for the 2026/27 curling season.
The World Curling requirement for teams to compete with four players will not be implemented for Curling Alberta provincial qualifiers, provincial championships or Alberta Curling Tour events this season.
Teams may continue to follow Curling Alberta’s existing rules regarding alternates, substitutes and replacement players, as outlined in the Curling Alberta Competitors Guide.
Curling Alberta will continue to gather feedback throughout the season. The Curling Alberta Competition Committee will review World Curling Rule R3 during the offseason and consider its implementation for the 2027/28 season and beyond.
As previously announced, Curling Alberta is following Curling Canada’s lead in adopting the World Curling rulebook beginning with the 2026/27 season. However, where necessary, Curling Alberta may identify specific provincial exceptions or adaptations to support competition within Alberta. Rule R3 is one such exception for the 2026/27 season.
More information on the move to the World Curling rulebook is available through Curling Canada’s announcement.
The latest World Curling rulebook, along with a document outlining changes from last season, is available on the World Curling Rules & Regulations page.