1.02 These rules are concerned with:

(a) Circuit Races (more than 2 laps)

(b) Distance Races (point to point)

(c) Time Trials.

1.03 Exception to the rules - complementary rules

Where compliance with the rules is impossible and where complementary rules in connection with the circuit are needed, complementary articles will be set forth by the organisers, in agreement with:

Questions of interpretation of the rules shall be referred to the IWSF Racing Council or their representative where possible. An arbitrator may be appointed for IWSF rule interpretation. Any interpretation made by the IWSF Racing Council as a whole shall be considered final. Otherwise the interpretation shall be made by a majority vote of the Appointed Judges, and the Chief Judge shall make a report to the IWSF Racing Council for World Championships, and for Regional events to his Region Racing Council. The Chief Judge shall make a detailed homologation to the IWSF Racing Council, or to his Region Racing Council.

1.05 Amendments to the rules

The rules may be amended at any time by the IWSF Racing Council. They shall become effective sixty (60) days after they are sent to the President of each affiliated Federation which must be at least 60 days before the 1st January in any year. The same provisions will apply in respect of Region sanctioned Races.

1.06 The inability for one reason or another of a country to attend the World or Region Racing Championships (including political reasons) doesn’t require the entire competition be cancelled or postponed or that the titles are any less World or Region titles.

1.07 The World Racing Championships shall be held biennially in odd numbered years.
 
 

2.02 A Federation may nominate a Team of 3 men + 1 Reserve 3 Women + 1 Reserve. Each Federation will nominate in each classification a Team of 3 skiing members. The first two best results from each Federation will receive the points for the Team Trophy. The Team Captain will nominate the grid positions for the first round only.

2.03 Reserves: In the event of a member of a Federation’s Team being unable to ski, the reserve skier may ski if a boat is available.

2.04 Points Score for Teams: Points will be allocated to the nominated Team members only for Individual Points Score. If a Reserve replaces a Team member his/her points will be included in Teams Points Score if nominated by the Team Captain, but individual points cannot be carried forward from the retired skier to the reserve skier.

2.05 The reigning World Champions - male and female - are eligible to ski in the World Championships if entered by their own respective Federations, but cannot accrue Team Points unless selected as a member of the Federation Team. In the case of a World Champion entering as an Individual and not in the Federation Team he will start on the back grid. This rule does not apply to Junior World Champions.

2.06 Junior Competition in World Championships: A maximum of 2 Boys and 2 Girls from each Federation will be permitted to compete in a Junior Competition at World Championships - NO RESERVES. Race to be 30 mins + 1 lap duration. There will be an Individual Trophy only for Juniors. NOTE: Scores for Juniors will not be accumulated towards Senior Teams Point Shield.

The maximum age of any skier participating in the Junior World Championships is 15 years as at the 31st December in the year preceding the Championships. This means that the last year of eligibility of a skier is the year in which he/she has his/her 16th birthday.
 
 

3.02 Each Federation shall notify the organisers of the names of their teams participating. The Chief Judge shall be notified of the Team members by the Team Captain prior to the start of each race.

3.03 A Team is defined as a skier, driver and observer. One member of the boat crew and the skier shall be of the entering team’s nationality. Each skier, driver and observer must notify the organisers of their blood groups.

3.04 Race Organisers must provide facilities for third party insurance for entrants and each boat must be insured against third party risks for a minimum of SF1,000,000 or the equivalent in local currency. The current policy of insurance with a valid renewal receipt for the same must be produced before or at the time of inscription.

3.05 In addition, any driver residing in a country whose Government controls the issue of boat driver licences shall not be permitted to compete in a race unless he has possession of such a licence.
 
 

4.02 The President of the IWSF Racing Council shall also appoint the 9 judges, 3 from each region, the assistant to the Chief Judge and the Chief Calculator from among those proposed by each Regional Racing Council. Appointments for Region sanctioned events shall be made by the Region President on Region Racing Council’s recommendation.

4.03 The Chief Judge shall not serve as an event judge. The Chief Judge’s decision shall be final for the event. Any subsequent inquiry should be directed to the IWSF Racing Council.

4.04 The Chief Judge is responsible for briefing his assistant judges and for verifying that time-keepers, lap recorders and calculators carry out their jobs correctly.

4.05 The Jury for each separate race shall consist of 4 event judges selected by the Chief Judge, who will act as Chairman of such a jury. In case of disagreement between the judges the majority shall decide. In case of a tie the Chief Judge shall decide.

4.06 The control and observation at turn buoys will be carried out by judges and assistant judges who will submit a report to the Chief Judge at the end of the race. Video cameras shall be at World Championships, as an aid to judging, the use of the video to be at the discretion of the Jury prior to the start of the event. Cameras to be at the start, turns and finish. The video tapes shall be immediately handed to the Chief Judge and shall be erased at the completion of the Championships.

4.07 Race Organiser: shall be appointed and/or approved by the appropriate authority for the level of the competition and will be responsible for the pre-race organisation. He will act under the direction of the Chief Judge on the day or days of the Races and must not be a competitor at that event.

4.08 Safety Officer: normally a member of the organising Federation with expert knowledge of local water conditions, responsible for deployment of safety boats and advising the Race Organiser and the Chief Judge of dangerous conditions. He may also be required to advise the Race Organiser and Chief Judge on the likely safety of competing boats under local water conditions before the Chief Judge allows the first boat to start in a race.

  It is the Safety Officer’s responsibility to brief rescue boat drivers and to check that all competing and officials boats are safely accounted for at the conclusion of racing. The Safety Officer, with the consent of the Chief Judge, shall take whatever action is necessary whenever he observes a condition to be unsafe. He shall remain in personal or radio contact with the Chief Judge.

4.09 Chief Scrutineer: appointed by the appropriate authority for the level of the competition and by reason of his special technical knowledge of ski boats and their use in water similar to that on which the race will take place. Responsible for seeing no boat starts in the race until it and all racing equipment meets all Technical Rules and the engine(s) fall within the class structure for which entry has been made.

4.10 Assistant Judges shall be qualified National or International racing judges. They will be briefed by the Chief Judge and report infringements of the rules they have observed to the Chief Judge as soon as possible. They are not empowered to impose penalties themselves directly.

4.11 Starter: normally someone with reasonable experience of water ski racing. Will be appointed and briefed by the Chief Judge in consultation with the Race Organiser.

4.12 Official Timekeepers will be appointed by the organising Federation.

4.13 Lap scorers and Calculators will be appointed by the Race Organiser of organising Federation, but are ultimately responsible to the Chief Judge.

4.14 The organisers must hold a pre-race briefing supervised by the Chief Judge and the Safety Officer, during which fullest possible details must be given concerning navigation, details on passing, course and safety of the competition, including the dropping off area at the conclusion of the race. Competitors must comply.

4.15 A qualified Medical Practitioner or trained Paramedic must be present at events and on site during race practice. His decision on a competitor’s fitness is final.

4.16 All Judges, rescue and safety boats must carry appropriate fire fighting equipment.

4.17 On the day of the competition no alcohol is to be consumed by judges and officials until after completion of the competition.

4.18 A judge must be available for team practice on site.
 
 

B-C Transom to propulsion point (e.g. last tip of propeller
blade, nozzle of jet unit) 1.4m. PENALTY 12.03

5.02 Total displacement of the engine(s) whether inboard or outboard should not exceed 8.2 litres.

5.03 Numbers must be displayed in black on a background of white, by means of waterproof material, in such a manner they are visible on both sides of the boat when planing. On a white or light coloured boat it is suggested a thin framed edge be placed around the background a minimum of 25mm from the number edge. The minimum dimensions of individual numbers will be height of 300mm, width 225mm, thickness 50mm and spacing 125mm. However, if hull space permits, larger numbers are encouraged. The number can only consist of maximum 3 figures and no boat will be allowed to start in a race until the requirements of this Rule are satisfied.

5.04 Towing Cleat or Eye

Shall be adequate in itself and shall be adequate for towing the boat when water logged.

5.05 Tow Rope/Mooring Lines

5.06 Sharp Edges

All mascots, lights, bow fittings and other sharp edges shall be adequately protected or removed.

5.07 Windshield (if fitted)

All control cables shall be taped or screwed down securely.

5.10 Fuel Tanks

5.12 Jack Plug and Throttle Control

Seats shall be of adequate strength and firmly secured.

5.14 Engine Mountings and Transmissions for Outboards.

Properly protected terminal boards shall be used with flexible (not solid core) cabling supported well up to the terminals and at suitable intervals throughout their runs. Where relative movement or vibration occurs across a gap, cable shall be sheathed in plastic or metal tube anchored at both ends. Reinforced cable suitable for marine duty should be used. Electrical equipment in engine compartment shall be a minimum and away from heat or fuel.

5.17 Exhaust Systems

Shall conform to organising Federation’s standards of decibels or a maximum of 105 db(A) at a distance of 30 metres. There shall be adequate insulation where required and runs sited to avoid fire.

5.18 Propeller Security

(a) Propeller shall be sound, particularly at the blade roots.

(b) It should be ascertained that the propeller nut can be securely locked.

5.19 Battery Stowage

5.20 Engine Eligibility

Scrutineers shall check to ensure an engine has not been changed from that recorded before or after the race. Scrutineers are not expected to remember specifications of each and every engine; they should inspect for any fairly obvious sign that might have altered the declared engine displacement. Scrutineers are entitled to request any post race strip or examination of leading boats or those influencing Championship points, which they consider necessary (eg. bore/stroke, pistons of engines that might have been altered in order to exceed engine class), at competitor's expense.

5.21 Structural State

Scrutineers are not expected to undertake a “condition survey” of the boat, but general appraisal shall be made of the structure. The following points should, however, be checked:
 
 

Shall be of weight and type adequate to hold the boat. Shall be properly stowed to prevent damage, but shall still be accessible. The use of an anchor shall be governed by the type of venue or if a requirement of the local marine authority.

5.23 Anchor Line

If anchor required, the following shall apply for anchor line:

All boats shall have sufficient buoyancy to keep afloat in all conditions. Buoyancy aids or material shall be adequately fixed. Scrutineers shall not be responsible for determining the adequacy of the buoyancy in any boat, but may suspend clearance if in doubt and refer the matter immediately to the Chief Judge.

5.26 Compasses (if required by the organisation)

To assist recovery boat numbers should be painted clearly on the trailer on the starboard side at the hitch.

5.28 Flares (if required by the organisation)

Smoke signals are recommended for daylight use and flares after dusk. Flares normally have a stamped expiry date and if they have expired or the date is illegible or the condition poor, they shall not be accepted. A minimum of three flares must be carried.

5.29 Bilge Pump

For boats with engine wells, any non-sealed openings, other than self-draining holes in the transom, shall be above a horizontal line through the lowest point of the top of the transom.

5.31 Flag Pole Holder

Shall be fixed to the boat in an accessible position to the observer.

5.32 Paddles

6.02 The minimum age for a driver shall be 18 years of age and the minimum age for an observer shall be 16 years of age.

6.03 Either one or two skis may be used. But skis must be:

6.05 Either single or double handles may be used, ski ropes and handles to be part of skier’s personal equipment.

6.06 Life Jackets & Buoyancy Vests - Skier

Drivers and Observers shall wear a life jacket in an easily visible and conspicuous colour - excluding white, black or silver. All boat crew members competing in events shall be required to wear a waist-coat type unaltered life jacket with leg straps.

Life jackets must be equipped with collars and/or must have flotation material high on the chest to hold an unconscious person’s face out of water. Life jackets and life collar, if any, must be securely fastened at all times, while on course - racing or testing. Leg straps must be securely fastened to life jacket and legs. Life jackets must meet the following inspection requirements:

All skiers shall wear helmets of a type currently approved, or alternatively meeting the following requirements and checked for individual fit by Scrutineer.

Helmets constructed from plastic material may not be painted unless this is authorised by the manufacturer, but should be of a bright red colour. Helmets made from fibreglass may not be painted.

Helmets’ visors shall be in good condition and devoid of cracks and easily detachable (ie. not bolted down). Visors must not be secured in any way which prevents them lifting up (ie. taping).

6.09 Orange Flag

Observers shall have available in the boat a flame orange flag not less than 50 x 50cm fixed to a pole of minimum 1 metre length.

7.03 The Safety and Rescue boats must continuously fly a green flag for identification.

7.04 Display Board

It is a requirement at World Racing Championships that a display board be mounted in full view of the spectators and the competitors, minimum dimension 3 metres x 3 metres, top half of board to display current positions of competitors, bottom half to advise Team Captains of impending reports and possible infringements or penalties.
 
 

Race Distances: Men - 1 hour + 1 lap; Women - 45 mins + 1 lap; Juniors - 30 mins + 1 lap.

Before a race may be declared a minimum time of 51% of the race must be recorded.

8.02 According to local circumstances any of the following methods of starts may be chosen:

8.04 For simultaneous mass start, a 5 minute signal shall be given by raising the National flag together with a green flag on a starting boat or dock in sight of the skiers and boat crew. The 30 seconds signal shall be given by lowering the green flag. Skiers may then enter the water from their boats which may take up the slack in the ski line. The start will be signalled by the lowering of the National flag and skiers must not be in a skiing position until the start is signalled. In addition the start may be indicated by the firing of a flare. Boats must not be over start line prior to the lowering of the National flag. When the starting procedure is stopped the red flag must be raised during the interruption. The new start procedure shall normally be of 3 minutes instead of 5 minutes. The new 3 minute start shall follow the normal procedure. In grid starts the boats are to take the position they are allotted. Penalty for starting in incorrect poll will be 1 minute.

8.05 It is obligatory that all turns shall be marked by buoys, moored vessels or permanent sea marks. All course markers shall be passed on the outside. No passing on the inside or changing of lanes is permitted from within 100 metres of the turn buoy or mark, this distance to be clearly shown by a 100 metre buoy or marker, until the skier rounds the buoy and attains a straight line on the natural course.

8.06 Boats, which can take aboard at least two Judges chosen by the Chief Judge, will stand at near proximity to all turns.

8.07 In closed circuit racing the Jury must state at the briefing and display on a blackboard the manner of passing other competitors. The designated manner of passing other competitors must be complied with. A fallen skier may be passed on whichever side is deemed to be the safest.

8.08 The passing driver or observer shall acknowledge sight of a fallen skier by raising a hand. Failure to comply may incur a penalty.

8.09 A skier or a team shall not be allowed to start or continue in the competition if, in the opinion of the Chief Judge, after consultation with the Safety Director and/or Jury, their presence would be a danger to themselves or other competitors.

8.10 The organisers must provide an adequate rescue service at all times during the competition.

8.11 Substitution of Boats

A competitor may substitute a boat or engine once a boat or engine is pronounced unserviceable by the Chief Scrutineer, advising the Chief Judge who will rule. The Chief Judge may obtain independent technical advice.

V Hull to V Hull

Flat Hull to Flat Hull

Catamaran to Catamaran

Outboard to Outboard - equal horsepower or less

Inboard to Inboard - equal horsepower or less (a sterndrive is an inboard)

In the case of extreme circumstances where boat substitution of a similar craft is impossible the Chief Judge shall refer the matter to the IWSF Ski Racing Council on the site of the Championships.

The original hull or engine may only be resubmitted with the specified permission of the Chief Judge.

Definition of V hull: A V hull with a flat runner surface was still a V hull and may be exchanged for a normal V hull.

8.12 Substitution Forms must be used at World Championships.

8.13 Grid Positions

For first race Federation’s nominees by means of a Draw, after first event grid positions will be allocated on each competitor’s accumulated performance.

8.14 In the event of a race having to be red flagged, if the race is 51% complete, then the event is final. If the race is less than 51% complete the race will be started again.
 
 

9.02 A fallen skier is allowed to make physical contact with the boat and crew to enable the replacement of equipment. At all times whilst such action is being carried out, the motor of the tow boat “will be dead or in neutral, ie. propeller not rotating”. The flame orange flag must remain visible until the skier is in proper skiing position.

9.03 For a single skier race the skier must remain in the wake of the towing boat for the entire race.

9.04 An overtaking boat must not cut in until their skier is 100 metres ahead of the boat being overtaken.

9.05 Observers must remain seated in the cockpit of the boat and must keep the skier under observation at all times during his participation in the event.

9.06 Boats shall not follow closer than 100 metres directly behind any skier except when overtaking, in which case it is imperative the driver should keep his boat in a different line than the preceding one. When a pass (100m) is completed, the boat and skier must move to the inside of the course at once.

9.07 The driver must keep his attention ahead of the boat at all times.

9.08 Skiers are strictly prohibited from fastening their tow line or the handle of the tow line to their body in any way whatsoever. It is permissible to hook one arm through the bridle of the ski rope. No means of adjusting skier’s rope length allowed. Damaged ropes may be replaced during races.

9.09 The skier must always have at least one hand on his tow line.

9.10 When taking a turn, the teams on the outside must leave room for teams on the inside.

9.11 Refusing to give way to other competitors is strictly prohibited.

9.12 Drivers must maintain a minimum lateral distance of 2 metres between their boat and other competing boats after the start.

9.13 All team members shall wear their helmets in the normally accepted manner during the race and whilst under power on race day or practise periods.

9.14 Skiers must drop off in the areas indicated by the Chief Judge at the pre-race briefing.

9.15 Competitors must act at all times in a sportsmanlike manner towards other competitors.

9.16 On the day of the competition no alcohol to be consumed by competitors until after completion of event.

9.17 The use of drugs is prohibited as per the regulations of 1995 IWSF drug testing policy and procedure.

9.18 Competitors must inform the Jury or Jury’s Nominated Representative of intention to Train on Site on Practise Days. Failure to comply may lead to suspension from subsequent events.

10.02 Places in the competition shall be determined according to the skier times made, after addition of the penalties, if any.

10.03 The Race shall finish when the winner or leader (in the case where the start was held with several lines) having been given the blue flag on the previous lap crosses the finishing line between two points clearly delineated (buoys, boats etc). At that moment the chequered flag will be lowered. All the following skiers will finish the race on the chequered flag. A maximum of 15 minutes will be allowed for competitors to finish after the end of the race by the winner.

10.04 A skier is not to be placed in a competition unless he is in a proper skiing position when crossing the finish line. A proper skiing position is defined as that position in which all of the following exists:

In each complete race points shall be awarded on the following basis:

The race shall be timed and the time of the winner will represent 1000 points, the remaining skiers will receive points based on the following formula:

Winners Time from racing distance in average per 1 km x 1000 = Skiers

Skiers/Team Time from racing distance in average per 1 km Points Points

Such points to be calculated to two decimal places. The third place will be ignored.
 
 

11.02 Protests directed against another contestant shall be made to the Chief Judge by the team representative. Protest must be in writing and indicate the reason for the protest. Protests must also give the names or identity of any other witnesses. They should be filed within 30 minutes after the arrival of the contestant.

11.03 Protests must be accompanied by the approximate equivalent in local currency of SF50. This amount will be refunded if the protest is considered reasonable by the Judges.

11.04 Jury Panel decisions shall not be subject to team protests.
 
 

12.02 For contravention of Rules 8.04 and 8.08, the penalty will be one minute added to the competitor’s time.

12.03 For contravention of Rules 5.01, 5.02, 5.11 (c), 5.17, 5.20, 9.08, 9.13 and 9.18 the penalty will be disqualification from that particular race. For contravention of Rules 9.16 and 9.17 the penalty will be disqualification.

12.04 For a serious contravention of the Rules the Chief Judge may, with a majority decision of the Jury, disqualify and/or recommend the suspension or removal of a driver’s, observer’s or skier’s licence to the IWSF or Region Racing Council Chairman. The re-issue of this licence, however, will be done through the offender’s home Federation Technical Committee endorsed by the Region Racing Council on behalf of the IWSF, on re-application by the driver, observer or skier.

12.05 The Chief Judge and the Jury shall have the right to give summary judgment on any happening unforeseen in these Rules.