BalancePlus Statement on Firm Foam 2.0 and Fair Play

January 16, 2025

BalancePlus continues to be committed to advancing the sport of curling through innovation, integrity, transparency and adherence to the rules and standards set forth by governing bodies. We are fortunate to have what we feel is a good working relationship with World Curling, Curling Canada, and The Grand Slams. It is surprising, considering the number of topics that we debate. We do our best to keep them focused. The reason may be that we do not say much publicly; we keep our opinions and comments confidential.

However, this week’s events require us to comment to clarify the facts and address misconceptions.

Our Firm Foam 2.0 product was developed with strict adherence to World Curling’s specifications and has been fully approved for use since October 2024. It has been used fairly and successfully by many teams including those at the recent Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials. Firm Foam 2.0 is entirely within the rules, and its performance advantages reflect innovation rather than unfair play.

The proposal published on the other company’s website and signed by teams predominantly sponsored by the other companies raises concerns that appear to be driven more by corporate interests than by a genuine desire for fairness. The proposal unfairly excluded Team Epping, despite them being directly affected, and was endorsed by teams with clear conflicts of interest. The information in the proposal is largely inaccurate. Some teams and athletes declined to put their name to the document and some athletes were surprised that such a document publicly exists with their team’s name on it.

John Epping and his team have demonstrated unwavering integrity and sportsmanship. They have been unfairly targeted by initiatives that prioritize brand competition over the spirit of curling. We commend their professionalism in navigating this challenging situation.

We advocate for inclusive discussions that represent all voices, including those of teams who have been directly affected. What we have witnessed in the past couple of days is far from inclusive.

At BalancePlus, we pride ourselves on being associated with teams that embody honesty, sportsmanship, and fair play. The true spirit of curling should always be about competition based on skill and respect, not corporate agendas or dishonest practices. We continue to stand by our products and values. Our focus is on upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that the future of curling remains fair and open to all.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome.

For further inquiries, please contact:
info@BalancePlus.com