National & Club Information

NZCA works in partnership with Drug-Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) to protect the health of athletes, the integrity of our sport and the spirit of clean competition.

Get educated

We’re committed to educating our athletes each year. See below for details on our upcoming CleanSport education webinar, hosted by DFSNZ.

• 2023 DFSNZ Education Webinar - Thursday 11th May, 8 pm - 9 pm
• Please contact NZCA Secretary to register; 

​​​​​​​     nzca.secretary@curling.org.nz

Know how the rules apply to you

Anti-doping rules apply to all NZC athletes, coaches and support personnel. It’s important that you know how to avoid breaking the rules to make sure you avoid an anti-doping sanction. Read the rule violations on the DFSNZ website.

Check your medications

Many substances are banned in sport, from recreational drugs to ingredients in common medications – including medications for asthma, ADHA, and pain relief (e.g. steroid injections). Curling athletes need to check every medication before taking it to see if it’s banned in sport. 

Know your TUE status

If you medication is banned in sport, you may need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Athletes competing nationally may only need to apply for a TUE retroactively; athletes competing in international competitions must apply in advance. Contact tue@drugfreesport.org.nz for advice.

Prepare to be tested

DFSNZ could be present at any National Curling Championship or International Training Camp so please be prepared. The best ways to prepare are by attending our annual education webinar or completing a DFSNZ e-learning course. You can also read DFSNZ’s information on the testing process.

Be aware of what you’re taking

Too many aspiring athletes have been inadvertently caught out by commercially available supplements, over-the-counter remedies, or medication prescribed by their doctor. Ignorance is NOT an excuse. Check WCF's Anti-Doping pages and Drug Free Sport NZ for what you can take, what you can't, and what you can get an exemption to use.

Contact DFSNZ with questions

You can contact DFSNZ at any time for clean sport support, information, education or resources. Phone 0800 DRUGFREE (378 437), email info@drugfreesport.org.nz or explore their website at drugfreesport.org.nz. 

There's a restriction on the brush and pads you can use at international tournaments, and they are regularly updated.

See the WCF section on brushes and sweeping for the current state of play.

These same rules apply to NZ Championships. WCF brush regulations do not apply to local, club, or school leagues unless the organisers of those leagues or events determine otherwise. However, skilled players in those competitions are urged to consider the Spirit of Curling when using other non-approved sweeping devices that may give them an unfair advantage.

Click here to open World Curling Federation's Rules and Regulations page.

As well as the current rules, you'll find technical manuals, competition policy and procedures, and more.