Back in October of last year, a number of teams on the Canadian circuit decided to stop using brushes which contained modified fabric following fears over the impact the technology has on the field of play as well as the influence on the path of the stone.

A petition was set up and attracted signatures from representatives of 52 teams at international level.

After the WCF became aware of the issue they issued a moratorium ahead of the European Championships, held in Esbjerg in Denmark last November, which prohibited the use of the brushes during the competition and for the rest of the current campaign.

This ban was placed on brush heads which contain fabric which has been textured, sealed or modified from its original woven form, as well as “hardening or stiffening inserts located between the outer fabric and internal cushioning material of the brush head”, according to the moratorium.

Curling’s worldwide governing body also insisted only equipment available for sale to the public at retail outlets was permitted during the tournament in Esbjerg, won by Russia.

Concerns were then raised by players about the impact of brushes made out of hair on the ice and the direction of the stone, prompting the WCF to perform a series of tests before choosing to enforce a ban on their use.

Brushes made with natural hog or horse hair were introduced to the sport in the 1980s.

They have undergone a transformation recently, however, and they are now produced with synthetic hairs or a combination of synthetic and natural.

“Following further testing by an independent academic institution the World Curling Federation has agreed to remove hair brushes from the list of compliant sweeping devices under the WCF Brush Moratorium as of 1st March 2016,” a statement from the governing body read.

“The Moratorium applies to World Curling Federation competitions.”

The WCF, led by Scotland's Kate Caithness, have confirmed they will hold a “Sweeping Summit” following the conclusion of the season, due to end with the World Mixed Doubles Championship in Karlstad in Sweden from April 16 to 23.

Mixed doubles is due to make its Olympic debut at Pyeongchang 2018.

“At the end of the season the WCF intends to follow up the recent positive meeting held with brush manufacturers to look at equipment standards with a 'Sweeping Summit' to look at all aspects of this area including brush construction, ice conditions and sweeping techniques,” a WCF statement said.

“The Summit will involve a variety of stakeholders and will aim to assist in making recommendations to the WCF Congress in September on possible changes to equipment and sweeping rules.”