Photo by: Lainie Hiller Photography
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, October 22, 2026] — Earlier this year, World Curling announced a rules update that requires all players on teams at a World Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed Doubles Championship to be a minimum of 16 years of age.
While USA Curling understands the reasons behind this decision, the organization has decided it is not in the best interests for talent development in the United States to bar players from competing in the national championships that advance teams to these World Curling events.
As a result, USA Curling will allow athletes under the age of 16 to compete in the USA Curling Men's National Championship, Women's National Championship, and Mixed Doubles National Championship, and any qualification events that lead to these championships, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
This change reflects USA Curling's desire to provide talented young athletes with opportunities to compete against the nation's best teams, gain valuable high-level experience, and continue their development within our competitive pathway.
As a result, however, an athlete or a team could potentially win a USA Curling National Championship but not be eligible to represent the United States at the subsequent World Championship.
Should a National Championship-winning team include an athlete who is ineligible for the ensuing World Championship, USA Curling will determine the appropriate path forward. Depending on the circumstances, one of the following outcomes would occur:
Men’s or Women’s National Championships: if only one player is under the age of 16, the National Championship-winning team would retain its title but the ineligible athlete will be replaced by USA Curling with an eligible player for the World Championship.
Men’s or Women’s National Championships: if more than one player is under the age of 16, USA Curling will designate the runner-up team as the United States representative for that World Championship.
Mixed Doubles National Championship: if either player is under the age of 16, USA Curling will designate the runner-up team as the United States representative for that World Championship.
These provisions ensure that young athletes have access to National Championship competition while preserving the ability of USA Curling to field an eligible team at international events, striking an appropriate balance between athlete development and international compliance.
As a result of this update, registration for the U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Qualifier, scheduled for November 19-22, 2026, at Curl Mesabi in Eveleth, MN, will be reopened on Monday, October 26th at 9 AM CT and remain open until Friday, October 30th at 11:59 PM CT. The schedule for that event will be made available following the completion of the World Mixed Doubles Playdown Event in Eau Claire, WI.
Registration for the U.S. Open Men’s & Women’s Qualifier, scheduled for December 17-20, 2026, at Glacial Ridge Curling in Willmar, MN, is open until November 12th at 11:59 PM CT.
Age eligibility for the Mixed Fours National Championship, an event that advances winners to a world championship but qualifies teams for Nationals through a regional playdown process, will not be changed for the 2026-27 season—the 16-year-old minimum will be maintained. USA Curling will consult with the Recognized Regional Associations that run the playdowns to determine the best course of action for future years.
FAQ
Why is USA Curling allowing athletes under 16 to compete at Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles Nationals?
USA Curling wants to provide opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest level of domestic competition and accelerate their development.
Can an athlete under 16 win a Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed Doubles National Championship?
Yes. Athletes under 16 are eligible to compete for and win the Men's, Women's, and Mixed Doubles National Championships. They can play in both these championships and any event that qualifies teams for the event.
What if the winning team includes an athlete who is too young to compete at the World Championship?
The team would retain its National Championship title, but one of the following would occur:
Men’s or Women’s National Championships: if only one player is under the age of 16, the National Championship-winning team would retain its title but the ineligible athlete will be replaced by USA Curling with an eligible player for the World Championship.
Men’s or Women’s National Championships: if more than one player is under the age of 16, USA Curling will designate the runner-up team as the United States representative for that World Championship.
Mixed Doubles National Championship: if either player is under the age of 16, USA Curling will designate the runner-up team as the United States representative for that World Championship.
Why not require all athletes to meet World Championship eligibility requirements to play in USA Curling national championships?
Nationals serve as both a championship event and an athlete development opportunity. Allowing younger athletes to compete against high quality teams accelerates development, while this policy creates a process to ensure the United States is represented by an eligible team at World Championship events.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
