MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF THE WORLD TOURNAMENT COUNCIL HELD AT THE GRAND MERCURE ROXY
HOTEL, SINGAPORE
ON
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 29 & 30 SEPTEMBER 2006
1 PRESENT
Bob Corson Chair and Region Pan Am
Jeffry Armstrong Region Pan Am
Peter Person Region Pan Am
Stefan Rauchenwald Region EAME
Gillian Hill Region EAME
Alain Amade Region EAME – for part of the
meeting
Gavin Brain Region A A
Murray Eade Region A A
Marcus Brown Athletes Commission
Kyle Eade Athletes Commission – for
most of the meeting
APOLOGIES for absence
Candido Moz Region EAME
Ron Fergusson Region A A
Jeremy Newby-Ricci Athletes Commission
Chair
Bob
welcomed all to the meeting. Marcus
Brown would be the principle Athlete representative plus Kyle Eade would also
attend where possible. Jeffry believed
it would also be preferable if a further athlete was available to present a
specific view on the trick event.
However, it was realised the AC had chosen their two representatives and
this was their decision not the WTC.
A CD with
the resource material for the meeting was made available to all members.
As the items for the
Agenda had been submitted by the three Regions and the AAC as well as input
from individuals these minutes have been prepared (as much as is possible) to
group together the discussions and changes to the different events. This means the minutes are not in the
chronological order of discussion.
2 TRICKS
2.1 New Tricks
A New Trick
TWL7F had been proposed by Alexei Zharnosek.
The TC
reviewed the submitted video and agreed the trick should be added to
the Trick List under Trick 42a with a value of 800 points.
2.2 Credit / No Credit – universal understanding
There
seemed still to be an issue on judging standards which we have not recently
addressed.
Preturns
generally
A touch of
the ski on the water during a wake turn
Front Flip
– rotational direction of the skier
AGREED the ski cannot touch the water during the
execution of the turn. That includes a
momentary touch of the ski tip – NO touching the water. A change would be made to Rule 15.19 to make
this very clear.
Clearly we
need to achieve a better standard of judging at world level – each Region must
conform to similar standards.
AGREED to put into the rule book three examples of
certain tricks. A bad not paid trick,
the same just acceptable and the same perfectly done. To include:
Preturns generally
Front Flip
SL5B
W5B
It was
further AGREED to include examples
of the start of pass for timing for each trick.
2.3 VIDEO REVIEW
The video
review is allowed to be played once ONLY and then the sheets go to scoring,
after which they may be returned for a further review if agreement cannot be
achieved.
2.4 Declared Trick list
The
majority of the TC wished to remove the requirement for a declared trick list
with penalty for adding tricks or doing tricks out of sequence. It was AGREED
to remove this requirement from the Trick Rules.
However, in
an effort to have reasonably quick scores announced it was AGREED to instigate a submitted list of tricks that the skier
INTENDS to do.
Such list
to be submitted in a sportsmanlike manner of intent.
There will
be no penalty for adding tricks, leaving tricks our or doing them in a
different order.
What the
skiers does is what the skier will be scored.
The Chief
Judge can waive the requirement for a submitted list if wished.
If a
submitted list is required it must be handed in at the required time or the
skier will not be allowed to ski.
The TC
would work on the wording for the new rule as soon as possible.
2.5 Proposal to re-write Rule 15.08
The boat shall follow as closely as
possible the path specified by the Judges for the event, such path to include
the preparation time before each pass. The second pass shall be in the opposite
direction from the first pass. A skier may neither return to pick up a dropped
ski nor add a second ski between passes.
If a skier refuses to enter the
course under the provision in Rule 15.01,
and he is not ready when the boat returns for him, he shall be considered as
having fallen.
If the skier falls
during or at the end of the first pass he will receive a maximum of 30 seconds
in which to be ready to be taken by the boat for his second pass.
If the skier did not
fall during or at the end of the first pass he may ask the boat to be stopped
between passes for a maximum of 45 seconds.
In each case the time
shall start when the boat gets to the skier.
In each case the skier
is allowed to change equipment but must be in the water ready to go within the
appropriate time frame or he loses the right to his second pass.
At the skier's option, if
he did not fall, the boat may stop between passes for a maximum of 45 seconds.
The time shall start when the boat gets to the skier. The skier is allowed to
change equipment after a fall or during the 45 second set down. In case of a
fall he has only 30 seconds in which to change and at the end of 30 seconds the
skier must be in the water ready to go or he loses the right to his second
pass. (2006)
Changes shown in dark red AGREED BY World TC.
2.6 Proposal to re-write Rule 15.09 –
The skier shall tell
the boat driver what speed he desires on each pass, and/or he may use the
preparation time to set the speed up to 50m before entering the course.
The skier is allowed to request a speed change
after the 50m point (including any time during the run itself (2006)) but by doing so must
accept the speed given without the right to request a reride for incorrect
speed.
The skier must be given
the speed setting he asks for before starting the run. If the wrong speed
setting is given then that is a reason for a reride provided the skier does not subsequently change the speed. (2006)
Changes shown in dark red AGREED BY World TC.
3 JUMP
3.1 SIGNALS FROM THE BOAT
Signal for
fast second segment – the skier needs to know that a jump has a fast second
segment – so he is on a potential re-ride if it emerges as the longest jump in
his turn. To save stopping the boat to
advise the skier it was agreed the
signal of crossed arms at 90 degrees(in the sign of an “X”) is given by the
boat judge.
3.2 Rule 13.01 FALLS AFTER A JUMP - Clarification on last paragraph
For a fall after a jump – the three minute rule must be applied. If the skier is not ready to go within the 3 minutes he is out. EXCEPT If, on the other hand, the boat judge requests the skier to be checked after the skier says he is ready to go then the competition halts whilst the skier is checked out.
3.3 Rule 13.15
The existing chart is correct when the requested speed is at the maximum for the division. Agreed to change the Seg 2 heading to read “Seg
2 at Max. Division speed”.
AGREED to add in a new chart where the requested speed is below the maximum for the division as follows:
Jump
Timing Reride Chart - Where
speed is below maximum for the division.
Segment 2 is not used UNLESS the speed in the 2nd Segment is
FASTER than the maximum speed allowed for the division.
|
Seg1 |
Seg2 |
Action |
|
S |
Ignored |
optional reride (protected score) |
|
F
for requested speed |
Ignored |
Optional re-ride |
|
F
for max speed |
Ignored |
mandatory reride |
|
OK |
F
for requested speed |
Score stands |
|
OK |
F
for max speed |
mandatory reride only if distance is best distance in
skiers turn, the score may improve |
|
S |
F
for max speed |
mandatory reride if best distance, otherwise optional
with protected score |
3.4 RULE 13.10
AGREED to remove the ability to use protractors for jump measurement.
This means there will be no more triangles.
All references to protractors and triangles to be removed.
3.5 RULE 13.15
Agreed to change the words after the Jump Reride chart:
“In the case where both a bad time and a bad triangle
occur on a single jump, time takes precedence over the bad triangle.”
And replace with
“In the case where multiple rerides may apply due to fast
second segment these shall be resolved taking the longest distance first.”
4
slalom
4.1 Rule 14
Much of this rule is now completely out of date and needs a complete re-write.
The TC would tackle this issue by email. There are no changes to the rules other than those already listed in these Minutes.
4.2 SLALOM times
At the
meeting last year the TC had agreed to narrow the tolerances for Slalom, but
this had not been done as Perfect Pass were not able to make the necessary
changes in time. The TC re-iterated
their wish to tighten the tolerances for 55 kph and 58 kph only and the
following tolerances were agreed:
|
|
Skiers
Tolerance |
|
For
58 kph |
16.00 –
16.16 |
|
For
55 kph |
16.86 -
17.04 |
Bob would
work with Perfect Pass on each buoy tolerance and put 55kph in ratio with
58kph.
It was
further agreed that a Driver / Judge
limit would be set for 55 and 58 kph being the times that the boat crew should
AIM to achieve for each skier. Failure
to get inside these limits would not result any re-rides for the skier, but the
Driver would be warned to bring his times to within the limits or face removal
from the boat if these were consistently ignored. Boat Judge and Chief Judge to
monitor drivers performance and ability to say in drivers tolerance and take
appropriate action.
|
|
Drivers/Judges Limits |
|
For
58 kph |
16.04 - 16.12 |
|
For
55 kph |
16.90 - 17.00 |
It was agreed the Slalom re-ride chart needed amendment to cover All Buoy
Timing. Bob would work on this and send
round for comment.
It was
agreed that Rule 14 – Slalom needed a complete re-write as there were now some
conflicting rules and some that did not apply at all any more.
The
following principles were established and would be included:
A
Malfunction of speed control normally gives a fast time so on the reride the
score can improve
Failure to
establish a time – rule 8.02 – reride – the skier has no protection but can
improve
Rule 14.19
Missed time (last paragraph) – add an option for the skier to opt up at own
risk if the bad time is on a perfect pass of 6 buoys
For any
Slow time – mandatory re-ride and no improvement
4.3 Shortening the rope
In all
cases the shortening should be done by splitting the shortening in every
case.
4.4 SLALOM buoy SCORING
This was
mentioned briefly yesterday. Marcus
and Kyle reported there is no clear consensus between the skiers on this
subject. Anything that may help to
resolve ties would be welcome, but the overriding issue was skier safety. There were serious safety issues with the
current scoring points and it was possible the athletes would consider less
scoring zones, not more. There seemed
to be a general consensus that skiing away under the power of the boat could be
one criteria for scoring a full buoy.
The idea
seemed to be that a full buoy could be scored only when the following criteria
were met:
·
With a
tight line
·
Under
the power of the boat
·
Before
the level of the next buoy
·
No
slack line
The
following was AGREED in principle but
subject to AC approval.
Change Rule
14.09 c to read
1 point when the skier has crossed the line of the gate
buoys (on a
tight line under power of the boat) before passing the level of the
next buoy (or the end gate in the case of the final buoy) without falling (12.02).
4.5 Shock tube
AGREED to change Rule 10.04 i)
“Slalom ropes must use a shock
tube that is a minimum of 60 cm and a max of 1.2m”
i) A protective shock
tube must be used on the rope in Slalom.
4.6 Rule 14.05 SLALOM TOWERS
Agreed to change the first sentence as follows:
The slalom judging towers shall be braced structures having
a platform with railing. approximately
3m above the water surface. The
floor of the tower shall be a minimum of 3 m above the water surface.
4.7 SLALOM BOAT VIDEO
Boat video
for slalom is encouraged – the rules are in the book under 17.02 but at this
moment we do not
wish to
make this mandatory.
5 RECORDs
5.1 NEW RECORD REVIEW
A World
Tricks Record had been submitted for Clementine Lucine FRA of 8930 points at
the French National Championships. In
reviewing the tapes of the performance Bob determined this needed checking by
the World TC as he is uncomfortable with the performance of at least one trick. The TC reviewed the tape and agreed there
was a touch of the ski on the water during the W7B turn. This negates the score as a record. Record
denied.
The
procedures being operated by the WTC were that Bob has the first review of the
record submission. If he is satisfied
the performance as reviewed by the judges is in order then he will approve the
record. If he feels there is an issue
he will put it to the TC for review.
It was agreed the review of records can use
slow motion or freeze frame to make sure the record is good. The event judge review must be at normal speed.
Agreed to change rule 15.15 – records to require Trick
records to be judged from the boat video.
5.2 RECORDS – JUNIOR AND SENIOR
A request
had been received to consider maintaining Senior world records. Similarly Junior records could also be kept.
Currently
we use the World Junior Championships results to record best performances from
that event only.
Junior and
Senior records would need to be performed within the Junior and Senior
rules. At this time our results data
storage did not contain all the necessary data to approve records in the age
divisions.
The TC agreed they could not process Junior
and Senior records at this time beyond what was currently being done with the
Junior Records.
5.3 Jaret Llewellyn Jump Record - Appeal
A letter
had been received from Jaret requesting a review of his record application by
an independent task force. After
considerable discussion the TC believed their original decision was correct
based on the fact that all the scores from that Tournament had been negated
because the driver was proven to have cheated the speed control system. The TC further felt there was no further
appeal available as this was a Technical issue and the TC was the only
governing body for technical issues.
5.4 OVERALL RECORDS
The fixed scores
used for Overall records at this time are not scores from overall skiers, they
are from specialist skiers. It was AGREED that rule 16.05a needs to change
to be relevant to overall skiers.
Bob would
research this and come back with new Overall record scores for
consideration.
6 OVERALL
6.1 OVERALL FINALS
A proposal
had been received from Bob to remove the Overall Finals. This was AGREED unanimously although some of the TC members felt that they
had merit.
The TC
turned to the method of producing the results for the World Overall
Championship.
After
considerable discussion the following was AGREED:
·
Only
skiers with results in all three events would receive Individual Overall
Points.
·
The
top score from each event in either the Preliminary or Final Rounds would be
awarded 1000 Individual Overall points.
·
The
best score of each Overall skier from the Preliminary or the Final rounds would
be used to determine their Individual Overall points.
For Team
scoring the top score of a Team skier from each event in either the Preliminary
or Final Rounds would be awarded 1000 Team Points.
By default
this means that on each event results sheet there will be an Individual Overall
Points column and a Team Points column.
This
decision would apply for all World Championships in all age groups.
7 RANKING LIST
7.1 RESULTS INPUT
Bob is
working on a new input site.
Iwsf
rankings data should be put on one site. Except EAME should submit their scores
through the EAME site and not iwsf.com.
Results
should be put on another site.
Everything
must be in the iwsf required format.
Bob has
issued a white paper on his aims for the future of a rolling ranking list and
was working with the relevant people in each region to progress this.
Further
information would be forthcoming in the near future.
7.2 OVERALL RANKING LIST
It was AGREED to use the same system for the
Rankings List from 1st November 2006 – so the first Ranking List
that will show will be May 2007. Only
skiers with scores in all three events will be considered.
Just one
score to taken into account from any single round. There was no agreement to use two scores for overall.
The TC did
discuss limiting the number of individual skiers allowed into the World
Championships as this could allow more overall skiers and skiers from different
countries into the finals. However, the
majority were in favour of no change to the existing rules.
7.3 SENIOR 55 kph RANKING
A
suggestion had come from the AC to establish a 55 kph ranking list – aimed at
Senior skiers but which would also include anyone skiing at 55kph. (men only?).
At the
moment this is not an automated system and the TC through Bob could not handle
the extra work. However, once the input
system for scores is automated it could be easier to do.
This idea
would be reviewed at that time.
Stefan
informed the Council that EAME is still working on the who beats who ranking
list concept and will report back later as soon as something is working.
7.4 Elite ranking
Alain said
it was good that finally elite points were given to the EAME Champs following
the clash with the US Open. The AC had
come up with a solution that they felt was acceptable all round given the
unacceptable clash of dates. Not ideal
but a solution.
Bob is
working with the AC on all these issues, and he feels that the list is being
managed by the AC and Bob himself. Kyle
said the rolling ranking list is working well, BUT the same event should drop
off when it is held again! Bob said the
concept is the list is valid for one year – it’s a date thing not an event
thing.
The rolling
ranking affects the skiing – ranking scores are used to break ties into the
final.
Because of
this Kyle believes that the same tournament should not be on the list twice –
as that event comes round again the previous year is knocked off.
Bob asked
the AC to consider this more and then to write their proposals to him.
7.5 Junior Rankings
It was agreed juniors should be scored from
the Junior World competition start speed in the Junior list and from the Open
start speed in the open list.
It was
agreed the Overall points in the Junior Ranking List should use the same
overall scoring system as at the World Junior Championships. Bob would check this.
8 SPEED CONTROL
TC reviewed
some spreadsheets from Perfect Pass showing the speed swings in three sample
jumps from Beaver Lake. These showed
the speed fluctuations for each skier in the course.
The base
setting and letter have a huge bearing on the speeds obtained.
Suggested
we should have a set up where the boat is coming into the course at the same
speed for everyone. There are
evaluations going on that may help us in the future, or the course can be
changed to give us more material. No
changes at this time.
8.1 PP parameters
Proposal
from USA Water Ski to have a web based set of parameters for Speed Control
Operation was agreed.
Some of
these are just numbers and for some there is a range. These are guidelines and would be updated as boat models, engine
packages, etc change from time to time.
The Speed
Control Parameter Adjustment Chart which details what parameters can be changed
and by whom will remain in the Rule Book (Rule 10.07) and would be updated
ready for 2007.
It was
further agreed the USA Water Ski
Speed Control committee be seconded to the WTC as an advisory body. It was also requested that liaison people
from Regions EAME and AA be added to the USA Water Ski Speed Control committee
circulation list. Bob would speak to
them about this.
It was agreed to change KD in tricks to
changeable by the skier before each PASS.
X8U setting
one adjustment only after 1st jump
X8D skier
can choose at the dock before 1st jump. No further change.
8.2 Hydrogate
Default
setting is for each event.
Slalom –
only Slalom setting can be used.
Tricks –
default is tricks/jump - skier can choose either slalom or tricks mode
Jump –
default is tricks/jump - skier can choose either slalom or jump mode.
It is the
skiers responsibility to change from the default.
9 Rule 10.01e
This rule
states twelve months notice of the boat must be given. This is rarely and almost impossible to
fulfil other than the make of the boat.
Then three months before the competition FULL information of boat model,
etc.
This needs
to be part of the contractual obligation of the boat provider.
10 BOAT APPROVAL
A new
diesel MasterCraft was being assembled in Europe. It was generally agreed the hull is the same as that already
tested in the USA.
LPG boats
had been used in Europe for many years and this new diesel engine should be
treated in a similar manner. It was agreed the EAME Region would try this
boat at the EAME drivers seminar in spring 2007, using top level skiers. A
report would be sent to the WTC.
11 WORLD CUP
Currently a
separate committee handles the rules and day to day running of the World Cup. Their decisions should be subject to
ratification by the WTC but in reality the TC were kept informed only. The skiers have one representative on the
World Cup Committee but would like two.
The World
Cup rules need updating in the rule book.
Agreed to remove the first
two sentences and leave the blue text in.
Take out all references to the World TC.
12 World Calendar process
The IWSF
calendar is shown on iwsf.com but at present this is just a publication
process. There is no formal
registration process. With the problems
caused during 2006 by the clash of the EAME Championships and the US Open
certainly the EAME members believed we should have a structure for helping
maintain a good calendar and to avoid clashes. Not all members agreed this was
necessary and with Elite events needing only 30 days notice there was potential
for future clashes. The idea of
protecting certain events did not meet with approval.
Finally it
was agreed to put as much on the calendar as early as possible.
Bob would
continue to handle the Elite events with the AAC and they will discuss this
further.
13 Approval of Splash Eye system
Bob
reported on this Irish automatic jump measurement system based on the same
algorithm as his current jump measurement system. This is a work in progress and subject to change, but it does
work. Bob will keep the TC updated on progress.
14 Guidelines for organisers who offer paid practice.
At World Championships
where the organisers offered paid training time in advance of the competition there
was often little chance for some of the smaller Federations to acquire practice
time, as the larger teams block booked a long time in advance. It was agreed to add a new guideline into
the Rule Book under Rule 1.12 as follows:
“As a guidance for Organisers - If practice is to be offered at a
cost to teams then a deadline date (latest 60 days before the scheduled start)
should be set by which time all requests must be submitted. After this deadline practice times should be
allocated to ensure all countries have an equal opportunity according to their
request.”
15 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS
A proposal
had been circulated to change the number of officials at the World
Championships. The TC agreed to make
some changes and also to change the layout of Rule 6 to show who is on the
appointed officials list and who appoints them from amongst those nominated.
Appointed Officials
|
Official |
Nominated by |
Appointed by |
Timeframe |
|
Chief
Judge |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF
President |
6 months
before start |
|
Assistant
Chief Judge |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF
President |
6 months
before start |
|
Homologator |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF
President |
6 months
before start |
|
Chief
Scorer |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF
President |
6 months
before start |
|
2
Assistant Scorers |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF WTC
Chairman |
6 months
before start |
|
3 Judges
from PANAM |
Confederation
Council |
PANAM
Council |
6 months
before start |
|
3 Judges
from EAME |
Confederation
Council |
EAME
Council |
6 months
before start |
|
3 Judges
from AA |
Confederation
Council |
AA
Council |
6 months
before start |
|
1
Additional Judge |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF WTC
Chairman |
6 months
before start |
|
Chief
Driver |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF WTC
Chairman |
6 months
before start |
|
2 – 3
Drivers |
Confederation
Councils |
IWSF WTC
Chairman |
6 months
before start |
Gavin said that there are problems to get three event qualified judges from AA at this time. They are working hard to bring up their standards in trick judging but this will take time. This was not considered a problem and as long as the nominated officials are qualified in three events (even to a lower level in tricks) that is acceptable.
15.1 2007 World Championships
Agreed to
appoint a maximum of 4 drivers (including Chief Driver) for 2007.
3 calculators will be needed for 2007.
10 judges will be needed for 2007.
16 Proposal to change Rule 17.03 c) - OPTIONAL JUDGING METHOD
Agreed to change the wording to “a score” which means a skier can challenge any skier’s score. Also to take account of the time frame in which a skier might reasonably put in a challenge.
New words in dark red
If a skier/Team Representative
believes that there was an error in a score, he may challenge it by
notifying the Chief Judge before the next skier goes out (or as soon as is judged
practicable by the Judges) and by putting up SF250. The
Chief Judge and a designated review judge will review the video (boat video or
gate video). If they both agree on a score, that will be the
given score. If they disagree or agree that the video does not clearly overrule
the score given by the judges, then that score will stand. The SF250 will only
be returned if the original score was changed.
17 Conflict of Interest Rules
In response to a query from EAME regarding the implementation of these rules, it was felt that the wording “In a position which may give the appearance of a lack of independence” make it clear that relationships outside family ties may also give a Conflict of Interest. It seemed that all regions were working to similar rules including non married relationships.
The meeting welcomed IWSF President Kuno Ritschard who gave a brief
update on the World Cup plans for 2007 which were looking positive so far.
He also handed out the new World Cup brochure and the IWSF 60th
anniversary brochure, together with a CD containing both copies.
18 Measurement of ropes and handles
The current homologation guidelines call for the ropes and handles to be measured on the dock immediately before the skier skis. After discussion it was agreed to revise the rules as follows:
Slalom Rule e)
e) Personal handles shall be measured by the dock starter
under the responsibility of the homologator, immediately before the skier skis.
Once the handle is measured it will remain in the custody of the tournament
officials until it is used. The Chief Judge may
require skier ropes and handles to be re-measured immediately after use. Should the handle be out of tolerance
following a skiers return to the dock, then it shall be retained by the
tournament officials and retested after at least a one hour relaxation period. If the rope
remains out of tolerance after the one hour period, the skier’s performance in
that round is disqualified.
Jump Rule h)
Personal handles shall be measured by the dock started under
the responsibility of the homologator, immediately before the skier skis. The Chief Judge may require skier ropes and handles to be
re-measured immediately after use.
Should the handle be out of tolerance following a skiers return to the
dock, then it shall be retained by the tournament officials and retested after
at least a one hour relaxation period. If
the rope remains out of tolerance after the one hour period, the skier’s
performance in that round is disqualified.
19 Number of rounds
No change
to the rules. Bob will still handle
change of format requests.
20 World Senior Trophy
These rules
need revising, as do the overall scoring criteria. Research the best scores for each division and update.
21 World Cup EVENT RULES
Marcus said
that the World Cup events offered only one preliminary round with a large cut
to the finals. Often this was also not
in optimal or consistent conditions.
Skiers travelled the globe to take part in these events perhaps only to
miss the gate on (say) the 13m pass. He
suggested that a skier missing the gates on one early pass can opt up to the
next pass and if he makes that next pass he gets credit for both passes. If he misses the opt up pass he gets zero at
the original (missed gate) speed. This
was agreed for World Cup events
only.
22 RULE 9.04 COMPUTATION ERROR
A Proposal put forward by EAME to change Rule 9.04 was not agreed.
23 NEXT MEETING
The
World Championships would take place in
Linz, Austria from 27 August to 2 September 2007.
It was
agreed the World TC would meet on Wednesday 29th August and Friday
31st August 2007
The meeting was held
over 2 full days.
Alain Amade was not
present on the 2nd day.
Jim Grew (Chairman,
Disabled Council) was present as an observer on the 2nd day.
Bob thanked
all the members for their hard work over these two long days of meetings after
which he declared the meeting formally closed.