Official Rules

2008 WWA WAKEBOARD and WAKESKATE NATIONALS

Rules as of (7-22-2008)
Rule 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL ATHLETES

1.01 Scope of These Rules – These Rules set forth herein governs the conduct and organization of the 2008 WWA Wakeboard Nationals. (“WWA” or “WSM” [World Sports & Marketing, Inc.] will be used as abbreviations for the rest of the rules.) These rules will be final unless specific changes, addendums and/or exceptions are distributed. It is the responsibility of each National Athlete and official to be familiar with all WWA and WSM rules.

1.02 Interpretations – Questions of interpretations, intent, errors, conflicts, or amendments to these Rules are the final responsibility of a Rules Committee appointed by WWA and WSM. The committee includes WWA Chief Judge, WWA Representative, WSM’s Director of Operations, WWA Safety Director and designated Nationals Athlete(s).

1.03 Protests – Any protest can only come from the rider involved in written form immediately following and up to 20 minutes after the release of the official results. Rider will come to the Chief Judge’s Station and get an Official Protest Form from the WWA Chief Judge. The rider will bring the Official Protest form back to the Chief Judge for review. After Chief Judge has reviewed the Protest and score sheets, if needed, he will meet with the event Judges to discuss the Protest. If needed, all Judges will meet with rider to discuss protest. Actions may be taken by the Chief Judge to address the Protest.

1.04 If Protest from the water – The protest needs to come by radio to the Chief

Judge. The WWA Chief Judge will be on hand to hear the Protest. Chief Scorer will record the Protest on the Official Protest form until rider is able to sign and complete the form. Chief Judge will take the proper steps to solve the protest. The rider must state protest either prior to resuming his/her pass, or; prior to the next athlete beginning their pass.

All judges will make their best efforts to be at the Chief Judge’s station immediately following the last event each day and will remain there for 20 minutes after the release of the official results to answer questions. There may be situations when the judges are forced to leave the site before or right at the end of the event. Therefore the chief judge and remaining judge will be responsible for making the final decision.

1.05 Competition Times – All riders must be on site and ready to compete 30 minutes before posted start time for the event. The Nationals reserves the right to change/alter schedule at any time.

1.06 Pro Division Injury clause – If an athlete competing in the pro men, pro women or pro wakeskate division is injured and cannot compete in the WWA Nationals they have the chance to receive any injury clause to compete in the World Championships. The rider must submit a request in writing to Priscilla Scollin prior to the day their event starts at Nationals. The request will be reviewed by the Worlds Committee. The committee will decide if the injury is worthy of an exception and then a decision will be given based on the riders ranking and marketability to the event and sport.

1.1 Athlete and Officials Conduct

1.11 Personal Appearances – Nationals Athletes and officials shall agree to make appearances arranged for media and local sponsors of the Nationals.

1.12 Dress Code – National Athletes and officials shall abide by WSM dress codes at designated WSM functions. They are encouraged not to wear items of clothing or logos of non-Nationals sponsors while on site or attending any National activities. Riders agree that the Organizers have the right to control or prohibit advertising material used, worn, or displayed by the rider at the site during the contest. Participant, or the minor for whom a parent or guardian is signing, further understands WSM reserves the right to disqualify Participant and to refuse to allow Participant to compete in the contest for any reason that WSM deems just and proper.

1.13 Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Any Athlete or official whose conduct is deemed unsportsmanlike, or who may cause discredit to the Nationals, WWA, sponsors, or that person’s home country federation, either on or off the contest site during the period of time of the contest may be fined and/or disqualified, as determined by the WWA Chief Judge, and/or WSM management. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to: refusing autographs or interviews, use of vulgar language in public, public tantrums, not riding to fullest potential, failure to attend designated functions or events, consuming alcoholic beverages during competition, competing under false pretenses, such as not having signed the Worlds contract, concealing significant injuries or health problems. A rider disqualified in this manner would forfeit prize money for that contest and all points. This paragraph shall not be construed to deny or limit any individual’s legal rights. All fines shall be paid to World Sports & Marketing, Inc. Failure to due so would result in exclusion from any future contests until fine is paid.

Conduct Fine/Disciplinary Action

Unsportsmanlike conduct $100.00 – $500.00 fine and/or disqualification

No Bib: pre-event or event $100.00 and/or disqualification

Unauthorized practice $250.00 and/or disqualification

Improper dress $100.00

Unauthorized persons on starting

dock, announcers stand, scoring

stand or judges trailer $100.00

1.13.5 Property Damage and Hotel conduct – Any athlete involved in conduct which may cause damage on site, to hotels and/or any other property damaged by the athlete will have an automatic disqualification from the tournament. You will be responsible for all damages that occur and will be charged accordantly.

Any athlete involved in conduct at the host hotel, which is deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, will be disqualification from the tournament.

1.14 Pre-Event Practice On-site – Nationals riders shall not ride or practice at the Nationals site, even a rider’s “home” site, five (5) days prior to the start of the Nationals, unless WSM management has granted permission. Permission to riders on The Nationals site during this time period shall be granted to certain riders pre-selected by the WSM management for Nationals-related media appearances and other occasions in the best interest of the Nationals. The amount and type of riders allowed is at the discretion of WSM management. Violation of this Rule shall result in a fine or disqualification from that contest.

1.15 Use of name/likeness – All riders grant to WWA and WSM, the non-exclusive right to use Participant’s name or likeness in any photographs, television or motion pictures taken of Participant during the contest week, for the limited purposes of EVENT promotion, broadcast, and news reporting, and this right to use under this sub-paragraph shall terminate on the first day of the year 20010, except for FUEL or other networks that may continue to rerun broadcasts of contest coverage containing participant’s likeness and name.

1.2 Safety

1.21 Liability – All Nationals Athletes and officials by their participation recognize and accept the possible dangers inherent to wakeboarding competitions, and shall sign a release to this effect before riding or officiating on site. Athletes shall submit proof of WWA membership covering insurance before participation. The Nationals accepts no liability for injury to Nationals Athletes during the competition related functions, while traveling, or in any other capacity, official or otherwise, not mentioned herein. It is the responsibility of any Nationals Athlete or official who discovers a potentially dangerous situation to immediately notify the WWA Safety Director, WWA Chief Judge, or WSM Management.

In consideration of Participant, or the minor for whom the parent or guardian is signing, being allowed to participate in any way in WORLD WAKEBOARD ASSOCIATION and WORLD SPORTS & MARKETING, INC. (hereinafter known as WWA and WSM) athletics/sports program and related events and activities, Participant hereby, for himself/herself, his/her heirs, and successors and, if applicable, for the minor for whom a parent or guardian is signing does: (1) Agree that prior to participating, Participant will inspect the facilities and equipment to be used, including Participant’s own equipment, and if Participant believes anything is unsafe, Participant will immediately advise his/her coach or supervisor and a contest official, in writing, of such condition(s) and refuse to participate; (2) Acknowledge and fully understand that each participant will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from Participant’s own actions, inaction’s or negligence, and also from the actions, inaction’s or negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used. Further, that there may be other risks not known to WWA and WSM or not reasonably foreseeable at this time; (3) Assume all the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, permanent disability or death; (4) Release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue and agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend WWA and WSM, its affiliated clubs or other affiliated organizations, their respective administrators, directors, agents, coaches, and employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, the nationals governing bodies of participating divisions, the contest officials and, if applicable, owners and leasees of premises used to conduct the event, all of which are hereinafter referred to as “releasees”, from any and all liability to Participant, his or her heirs, relatives and friends for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages on account of injury to person, including death or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise; (5) authorize WWA and WSM to seek, on Participant’s behalf all reasonable medical and surgical care that might be necessary if Participant is unable to authorize such care himself/herself as a result of some injury;

1.21.1 New Sites – In the case of sites new to the Nationals, whether they have hosted wakeboarding events or not, they shall be inspected by WWA and/or WSM management and an Athlete representative (if furnished at no cost to the WSM) well in advance of the scheduled competition. This shall be for the purposes of determining site layouts and special site preparations needed to reduce or eliminate any safety hazards. The Nationals reserves the right to make revisions at any time.

1.22 Safety Group – A Safety Group shall consist of a WWA Chief Judge WSM Management Representative, and designated Athlete representative. The Safety Group is responsible for making recommendations to the Nationals to improve contest safety and to prevent situations that would endanger Athletes, officials, or spectators.

1.23 Fallen Riders – Because of the public nature of some sites, and for the safety of the Athlete, fallen riders shall utilize safety craft in lieu of swimming and/or walking ashore unless otherwise directed by Nationals Representative.

1.3 Equipment

1.31 Handles, Non-Stretch Ropes, Wakeboards, Wakeskates, Helmets – Personal handles, ropes, wakeskates & wakeboards are the responsibility of the individual participants. Handles, ropes, wakeskates & wakeboards are subject to checks by the officials/dock starter before riding. Helmets are required for wakeboarding and wakeskating if obstacles are used. A helmet (protective head gear) is defined as an article of apparel whose manufacture and use is solely for the purpose of protecting the head from injury. The Chief Judge and Safety Director must approve these items. If any athlete uses any obstacle without a helmet they will be disqualified from the WWA Nationals.

1.32 Nationals Supplied Bibs – Athletes are required to wear a Nationals-supplied bib during media riding, qualifying, actual competition, and interviews. The bib will remain the property of the Nationals until after the Finals, however it will remain in the Athlete’s possession.

Riders must wear their assigned bibs; no borrowing or lending is authorized unless WSM management grants permission. Failure to abide may result in possible fine. If a bib is lost and another bib must be supplied, even for a temporary period of time, a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee will be charged. No modifications of bibs or addition or deletion of lettering or logos on bibs are allowed, except as authorized by WSM management. Bibs inadvertently damaged during the course of Nationals riding will be replaced by WSM at no cost. A bib becomes stained or damaged to the point, where it no longer looks presentable in the eyes of the Nationals, the rider will be obligated to wear a replacement bib supplied by the Nationals.

1.33 Nationals Supplied Wristbands – Athletes are required to wear a Nationals-supplied wristband at all time on site and Nationals off site functions as needed. A wristband will be placed on the riders arm at registration and should not be removed until Sunday after the Nationals is over. If a wristband is lost and another wristband must be supplied to the athlete a ten dollar $10.00 fee will be charged to the athlete. If wristband is damaged bring it back to the Director of Registration and new one will be given to the rider at no cost. No borrowing or sharing is authorized. Failure to abide may result in possible fine.

1.4 Competition

1.41 Identical Riding Conditions – Since wakeboarding is an outdoor sport, and since the Nationals is designed to appeal to an audience as well as provide a competition, time-consuming measures to assure identical and/or ideal riding conditions will be at the sole discretion of the WWA Chief Judge only.

1.42 Severe Weather/ Rough Water Conditions – In the case of less than desirable water or weather conditions where the contest must continue, a “Severe Weather/ Rough Water” provision may be applied that round of that event. Decisions regarding “Severe Weather” shall be the responsibility of a committee composed of the WWA Chief Judge, and WSM management, and only the affected Athletes. The “Severe Weather” provision applies not only to rough water per se, but to any weather and water conditions that make riding significantly more difficult or may seriously affect performances.

The “Severe Weather” committee shall determine any modification to the riding specifications that may be needed in the interest of safety and providing a fair and attractive event. Such modifications may include but not limited to changes in boat speed, boat pattern, course length, and format. Once a round of an event has been so designated and riding has started, the “Severe Weather” designation shall apply to all Athletes in that round, even though conditions may improve. Ranking List Points are unchanged under “Severe Weather” rules.

1.43 Termination of an Event – No event, exhibition, or media demonstration shall be started or continued when electrical storms are in the immediate vicinity. No competition event shall be started unless it is likely that it will be finished before sunset. This provision shall not apply for scheduled night contests, or for sites with adequate illumination.

The WWA/WSM will put forth its best effort to complete each and every competition event and declare winners. At the sole discretion of the WWA/WSM and only as a last resort, rounds may be postponed or combined as necessary to complete events and establish winners.

The entry fee will be returned to the affected Athletes if no rounds of an event are held.

When an event has been terminated and providing at least one full round of that event was held, placements and Ranking List Points will be calculated. This shall not apply if an event was altered in such a manner as to create an unfair situation. Final decision is solely the discretion of WWA and WSM.

1.44 Reduced Prize Money Provision – The WWA and WSM reserves the right to reduce the cash awards in the case of a terminated or incomplete event. If the semi-final (or qualifying) round on an event was completed during the main portion of the program on Saturday, but the final round cannot be completed during the main portion of the program on Sunday (therefore no TV show can be produced), competitors may be paid an amount equal to 1/2 of the regular prize money, based on their placement in the last completed round.

1.45 Divisions of Competitions – Divisions of competitions are broken down in age brackets, with the exception of the Pro divisions. Age as of January 1 of the current year will be used to determine age bracket. The athlete must ride in their age division. The only time an athlete can ride in another division is when their division is not offered and the Director of Registration approves the move to another division. The only time another sex can compete with the opposite sex is when their division or event is not offered and the Director of Registration/Chief Judge approves the move. Athletes can only compete in one division of wakeboarding. Similarly, athletes can only compete in one division of wakeskating.

Rule 2 – QUALIFICATIONS

2.01 Membership Requirements – All Athletes must be current competitive members

of the WWA. Prior to competing, Athlete must sign the Nationals contract and understand the nature of the sport and it’s special risks, particularly in the professional format. Prior to competing, Athlete must submit to Director of Registration the required forms (Information questionnaire, Contract, Waiver, W9 or W8). It is the responsibility of the Athlete to register with the Nationals-designated person and show proof of WWA membership, qualifications, and WWA insurance before riding.

2.02

2.03 Entry the Nationals – You must enter by email using the website www.kingofwake.com, charge cards must be used for website entries. You are not entered until you receive an email from the Director of Registration stating your entry has been received.

Fax entries or telephone calls will NOT be accepted.

No entry forms/fees will be accepted at WWA and/or WSM headquarters.

2.04 Entry Fee – Entry fee is due at the same time as the entry form. The entry fee per event is indicated on the Official Nationals Entry Form, including any late fees that may apply.

2.05 Entry Deadline & Late Fee – Entry deadlines are listed on the Official Nationals Entry Form. A Late Fee must be paid prior to riding if the entry form (including payment) was not received by the Director of Registration on/or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time of the date indicated (on the entry form) as the “2 Week Entry Deadline” or other applicable time table. Bad checks or rejected credit cards will immediately be charged a late fee of $85.00. The final deadline to sign up for a contest is the night before the contest begins subject to the Director of Registration. In some instances, a maximum amount of riders that could sign up may be instituted with prior notice from the Nationals. After the maximum number is reached, no riders shall be allowed to sign up.

2.06 Cancellation – If an entrant desires to cancel his/her entry for whatever reason(s), he/she is required to notify the Director of Registration 407-405-0121 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the Monday of the “2 Week Entry Deadline” which is July 28th at 5pm EST prior to the event. If entrant abides by the required cancellation deadline, the entry fee will be refunded ONLY the entry cannot be rolled over to another tournament. Cancellation of entry will be accepted by phone from the entrant, however, a letter or email requesting the refund mailed to the Director of Registration will also be required in order to be eligible for the full refund.

2.07 Fines – All unpaid fines must be paid prior to participating in the Nationals.

2.08 Refund due to Injuries – In the event of illness or injury during the week preceding the event, the affected rider must call the Director of Registration at 407-405-0121. If you do not call before your name is listed on the running order you will not receive a refund. Affected rider must present a signed doctor’s excuse to the Director of Registration for review for full refund. Any falsification will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. The doctor’s note MUST be received no later than 5pm EST(21) twenty one days from the start of the event date in order to receive refund. After that date no refunds will be granted.

If an Athlete or official is unable to attend the Nationals, or becomes aware that he/she will not be able to attend certain future contests already qualified for or entered, he/she is required to notify the Director of Registration (for athlete) and Tour Management (for officials) immediately, but in any case no later than 5:00 PM on the Monday prior to the commencement of the contest.

AFTER COMPETITION BEGINS: If an Athlete is unable to compete due to an injury, after riding in the qualifying round and/or subsequent rounds of a Nationals contest, his/her spot is left vacant. An Athlete who is unable to compete in a subsequent round shall receive Ranking List points and placement for the last place position of the round in which they are unable to compete. No replacement rider will be placed in that position in the next round.

Rule 3 – WAKEBOARDING

3.01 Boat speed – Riders must inform the driver the speed he/she desires. It is the rider’s responsibility to make this clear. The same rule applies when referring to what height and length the rope should be attached when applicable.

3.02 Rider Preparedness – The rider must be in his/her bindings, with a rope that will

not interfere with the rider being ready to ride when the boat returns to the dock. Any rider who fails to be on immediate hand & in condition to ride when it is his/her turn in the running order and the boat is ready for the rider will be disqualified.

Safety Equipment – All contestants must wear an approved Type III Personal Flotation Device. The “wetsuit vest” must have a locking device in addition to the zipper closure. All contestants hitting any obstacles in the water must wear a helmet (protective head gear) is defined as an article of apparel whose manufacture and use is solely for the purpose of protecting the head from injury. The Chief Judge and Safety Director must approve these items.

3.03 Disqualified for Safety – Any athlete not wearing an approved life vest during

their run and any athlete not wearing an approved helmet if hitting obstacles will be disqualified. The athlete will not receive any scores for the run they are disqualified in and will be rank last place in the heat they are disqualified in.

3.04 Communication to the Boat – Communication between the rider and the boat shall be conducted only through the boat judge or WWA/WSM appointed person. The rider shall use the standardized WWA signals and not cause the boat to stop, if possible. Deliberate use of delaying tactics will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will subject the rider to fines or disqualification. The following signals apply in addition to well-known riding signals. Use in combination as applicable

1. Thumb(s) up means go faster

2. Thumb (s) down means go slower

3. Pointing at an item of equipment means a problem with it

4. Pointing back toward object means debris in water

5. Raising hand overhead means request for reride

6. Fallen rider must motion to the towboat or safety team to come back to you if injured and/or in danger.

3.05 Equipment Failure – For any equipment failure, the rider has five (5) minutes to

repair the equipment. The boat judge will call the Chief Judge for the clock to begin and he will count down to the boat judge the time. The Chief Judge will have the final say on if equipment has failed. Equipment can either be repaired on the boat or at the dock if needed. Time starts either when rider is on the back of the boat for an on-boat repair or when the rider steps on the dock for a dock repair. If the rider chooses to return to the dock he/she cannot repair the equipment until the rider is placed on the dock. If the rider starts repairing the equipment on the boat his/her time starts at that moment. The rider must be on the boat & repair completed before the time elapses or his/her ride is over. The athlete will resume the run at the same location they were picked up in the water. An equipment failure is counted as a fall.

When the rider realizes they have an equipment failure they can throw the handle. After the repair they will resume their run where they threw the handle. If an athlete falls and then discovers an equipment failure, they will resume the run at the location of the fall after the equipment failure has been remedied. If the rider falls and then gets back up and realizes their equipment is broken they have the chance to throw the handle without being charged with a fall. If the rider tries a maneuver and then realizes their board is broken they will be charged with a fall.

A rider can also wave off his run if he throws the handle before he/she enters the course before the first pass only if there is a problem such as the rope being on the wrong ring to fix it with no penalty. A wave off is not counted as a fall.

If the rider falls on the turnaround not attempting to advance his/her run, this will not count as a fall.

3.06 Wakeboard Course/Format JR MEN and PRO RIDERS ONLY – STANDARD FORMAT

The rider will leave the dock and be judged beginning with the first maneuver they perform after the start buoy. The rider must not land their first maneuver before the start buoy. If the rider initiates the first maneuver before the start buoy, but lands on/after the buoy then the maneuver will be scored. The rider is encouraged to use the course to its fullest potential. The boat judge will make the call as to whether or not the maneuver is credit or not. When the competition is started from the center dock the rider will be judged on their use of the first apparatus or after the turn if no apparatus is used on the way out. The boat will then proceed to the turn around point and begin the first pass. The straightaway portion of the course is approximately 1000′ – 1400′ long. After the first pass, the boat will turn around for the second pass. There will be apparatus throughout the course for you to use. The riders run will be finished after the stop buoy at the end of their second past or if the rider falls past the ¾ buoy. When the competition ends at the center dock the rider will be scored on the apparatus as they return to the center dock. If the rider falls on the way back to the dock then their run is over. The ¾ buoy is used in all rounds except finals unless other wise stated by the chief judge.

Pro Men and Jr Men Finals will have double ups.

Pro Women will have a bonus trick at the end of their second pass coming back to the start dock. The trick will count in their final score.

Falls/ Judging – Each Jr Men and Pro rider will receive (3) falls, after third fall rider will not be picked up. An equipment failure is counted as one fall.

If you fall on or past the ¾ point on the second pass, you will not be picked up to continue your run, as judged by the boat judge or another designated official, such as the dock starter. We reserve the right to alter the ¾ depending on site and set-up.

The WSM/WWA will use it’s best efforts to keep this site set-up as uniform as possible, however we reserve the right to adjust the course due to site restrictions.

AMATEUR DIVISONS: For amateur events (not including Jr. Men) the regular format for wakeboarding as defined by the WWA will be in effect. These riders will not be allowed to use the sliders. If they do, they will be disqualified and fined. The amateur division receives two falls. After the second fall the run is over. An equipment failure is counted as a fall. The only round with double ups for the Amateur Divisions are the Finals in Boys, Men I, Men II and Masters.

3.06.1 Regular Competition Format – Wakeboarding shall be contested in one, two, three or four rounds including qualifying/quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. Rounds can be altered at WWA/WSM discretion due to weather, number of entries, television or any other applicable situation as designated by the Nationals. The WWA will determine the number or rounds at the Nationals.

3.07 Running orders

Amateur divisions – 1st round of riding – seeding will be determined by the 2007 Nationals, and next random order will be used. Number of rounds will be determined by number of entries.

Jr Men Division – 1st round of riding – the seeding will be determined by; 1st the 2007 Nationals, 2nd the 2008 Jr Men X-Series Ranking list and last random order will be used. Jr Men will have quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.

Pro Men and Women Divisions – 1st round of riding – seeding will be determined by; 1st the current 2008 King and Queen of Wake World Cup Ranking list, 2nd the 2007 Nationals and last random order will be used. Pro Men will have quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.

Quarterfinals = unlimited heat and LCQ if required

Semifinals = 3 heats of 6, 18 Competitors.

Finals = 1 heat of 9 riders.

Example of pattern of heats:

Heat #1: Seeds 6, 7, 18, 24, 25 ( )

Heat #2: Seeds 5, 8, 17, 23, 26 ( )

Heat #3Seeds 4, 9, 16, 22, 27 ( )

Heat #4: Seeds 3, 10, 15, 21, 28 ( )

Heat #5Seeds 2, 11, 14, 20, 29 ( )

Heat #6: Seeds 1, 12, 13, 19, 30 ( )

Other numbers of competitors are determined with the same format.

****Pro Women, Pro Men, Jr Men and other amateur competitions will follow similar pattern but will be determined by number of entrants into that particular contest.

3.08 All Riders: Wakeboarding uses the heat format. In quarterfinal rounds, positions are determined by the Athlete’s seeding numbering, which is determined by the aforementioned (3.07). All riders must compete in the order of the posted running order. If an athlete rides out of order his/her scores with not be counted.

Semifinal and Final round seeding are determined by position finish in previous round. If both had the same identical final position in previous round, you would go back to round before that, and round before that before going to the seeding on the original running order used for the quarterfinals. (For example, if rider A and rider B both finish first in their heats in the semifinals, and you had to determined who was the top seed in the finals, you would go the quarterfinals finish, if both A and B finished first their also or if there was no quarterfinal round, you would go back to the seeding on the original running order used for the quarterfinals.)

Rule 4 – WAKE SKATE

4.01 Boat speed – Riders must inform the driver the speed he/she desires. It is the rider’s

responsibility to make this clear. The same rule applies when referring to what height and length the rope should be attached when applicable.

4.02 Rider Preparedness – The rider must be on the dock, with a rope that will not

interfere with the rider being ready to ride when the boat returns to the dock. Any rider who fails to be on immediate hand & in condition to ride when it is his/her turn in the running order and the boat is ready for the rider will be disqualified.

4.03 Safety Equipment – All contestants must wear an approved Type III Personal Flotation Device. The “wetsuit vest” must have a locking device in addition to the zipper closure. All contestants hitting any obstacles in the water must wear a helmet (protective head gear) is defined as an article of apparel whose manufacture and use is solely for the purpose of protecting the head from injury. The Chief Judge and Safety Director must approve these items.

4.04 Communication to the Boat – Communication between the rider and the boat shall be conducted only through the boat judge or WWA/WSM appointed person. The rider shall use the standardized Tour signals and not cause the boat to stop, if possible. Deliberate use of delaying tactics will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will subject the rider to fines or disqualification. The following signals apply in addition to well-known riding signals. Use in combination as applicable

1. Thumb(s) up means go faster

2. Thumb (s) down means go slower

3. Pointing at an item of equipment means a problem with it

4. Pointing back toward object means debris in water

7. Raising hand overhead means request for re-ride

8. Fallen rider must motion to the towboat or safety team to come back to you if injured and/or in danger.

4.05 Equipment Failure – For any equipment failure, the rider has five (5) minutes to

repair the equipment. The boat judge will call the Chief Judge for the clock to begin and he will count down to the boat judge the time. The Chief Judge will have the final say on if equipment has failed. Equipment can either be repaired on the boat or at the dock if needed. Time starts either when rider is on the back of the boat for an on-boat repair or when the rider steps on the dock for a dock repair. If the rider chooses to return to the dock he/she cannot repair the equipment until the rider is placed on the dock. If the rider starts repairing the equipment on the boat his/her time starts at that moment. The rider must be on the boat & repair completed before the time elapses or his/her ride is over. The athlete will resume the run at the same location they were picked up in the water. An equipment failure is counted as one fall.

When the rider realizes they have an equipment failure they can throw the handle. After the repair they will resume their run where they threw the handle. If an athlete falls and then discovers an equipment failure, they will resume the run at the location of the fall after the equipment failure has been remedied. If the rider falls and then gets back up and realizes their equipment is broken they have the chance to throw the handle without being charged with a fall. If the rider tries a maneuver and then realizes their board is broken they will be charged with a fall.

A rider can also wave off his run if he throws the handle before he/she enters the course before the first pass only if there is a problem such as the rope being on the wrong ring to fix it with no penalty. A wave off is not counted as a fall.

If the rider falls on the turnaround not attempting to advance his/her run, this will not count as a fall.

4.6 Wake Skate Format:

4.61 Judging begins at the start buoy and ends at the end of course buoy.

4.62 Will be given two passes per run pending on course layout

4.63 Will be allowed three falls per run.

4.7 Regular Competition Format – Wake Skate shall be contested in two rounds at Nationals, semifinals and finals. Rounds can be altered at WWA/WSM discretion due to weather, number of entries, television or any other applicable situation as designated by the tour. WWA will determine the number or rounds at the WWA Nationals.

4.8 Running order – The 2007 Nationals will be used first. Second will be 2008 Wake Games and last random order for the Nationals. Wake Skating uses the heat formats. In the semifinal rounds, the positions are determined by what the Athlete’s seeding numbering. Ranking list (meaning you are unranked), those seedings will be random places on the running order. All riders must compete in the order of the posted running order. If an athlete rides out of order his/her scores with not be counted.

Semifinals = unlimited heat and LCQ if required

Finals = 1 heat of 8 riders.

Example of pattern of heats:

Heat #1: Seeds 2,3,6,7,10,11,14,15( )

Heat #2: Seeds 1,4,5,8,9,12,13,16 ( )

Rule 5 – RANKING LIST

5.01 General – A Ranking List point system, which awards points for placements, will be used in the Nationals.

5.02 Ranking List Placement Points – Ranking List points will be awarded based on the Athlete’s final event placement according to the following chart:

Placement Points Placement Points 1st 100 19th 18

2nd 90 20th 17

3rd 80 21st 16

4th 75 22nd 15

5th 70 23rd 14

6th 65 24th 13

7th 60 25th 12

8th 55 26th 11

9th 51 27th 10

10th 47 28th 9

11th 43 29st 8

12th 39 30th 7

13th 35 31st 6 14th 31 32nd 5

15th 27 33rd 4

16th 23 34th 3

17th 20 35th 2

18th 19 36th 1

5.03 Ties – Due to the use of heats, their will most likely be ties in positions, all Athletes involved in the tie will receive the Ranking List points of the tied place.

Rule 6 – PRIZE MONEY

6.01 Prize Money Breakdown – WSM management will determine the Prize Money breakdown on an event-to-event basis. The breakdown information will be kept with the Director of Registration for the athletes review.

6.02 Prize Money for Ties – When there are ties that are not settled by the above

formulas, the money for the placements in question shall be combined and distributed equally rounded off to the nearest dollar. No extra prize money beyond the total amount specified shall be awarded.

6.03 Dispersing of Prize Money – All money due to the athletes for a particular event

shall be mailed to the athletes the following Monday after the tournament to an address specified by the rider. Prize money will be paid directly to the appropriate rider only, except when a rider files a request with WSM for his/her prize money to be paid into a trust fund, to a parent or guardian, or to a national federation, etc. No other person will be authorized to pick up prize money for another rider, unless previously authorized by that rider in writing.

6.04 Prize Money limited to qualified riders – Prize money will be paid to the riders who qualified for the finals as listed on the Prize Money Breakdown sheet only. No other prize money will be paid to any rider beyond the listed number of riders on the sheet. Example: If the Prize Money Breakdown sheet list “8″ riders, only 8 riders will receive prize money.

Rule 7 – WWA NATIONALS OFFICIALS

7.01 Officials – All officials for the WWA Wakeboard Nationals are approved and designated by the WWA in conjunction with WSM.

There will be 4 events remaining for the “Chase”. All ten riders in the chase will have their point totals adjusted. The 1st place rider in the standings will begin with his current King of Wake points plus 500 points. The 2nd place rider will have 10 points under 1st place. 3rd place rider will be 10 points under 2nd place rider. Incremental 5 point drops will be given to riders 4th thru 8th. 9th and 10th place riders will be given incremental 4 point drops. This will remain consistent with King of Wake ranking list placement points.

Placement Points Placement Points

1st 100 19th 18

2nd 90 20th 17

3rd 80 21st 16

4th 75 22nd 15

5th 70 23rd 14

6th 65 24th 13

7th 60 25th 12

8th 55 26th 11

9th 51 27th 10

10th 47 28th 9

11th 43 29th 8

12th 39 30th 7

13th 35 31st 6

14th 31 32nd 5

15th 27 33rd 4

16th 23 34th 3

17th 20 35th 2

18th 19 36th 1

Placement Points Placement Points

1st 100 19th 18

2nd 90 20th 17

3rd 80 21st 16

4th 75 22nd 15

5th 70 23rd 14

6th 65 24th 13

7th 60 25th 12

8th 55 26th 11

9th 51 27th 10

10th 47 28th 9

11th 43 29th 8

12th 39 30th 7

13th 35 31st 6

14th 31 32nd 5

15th 27 33rd 4

16th 23 34th 3

17th 20 35th 2

18th 19 36th 1

© 2008 Bonnier CorporationOfficial Rules