MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE WORLD TOURNAMENT COUNCIL HELD AT THE GOLDEN CROWN HOTEL, TIANJIN, CHINA

ON MONDAY AND FRIDAY 15 AND 19 AUGUST 2005

1 PRESENT

Bob Corson Chair and Region Pan Am

Jeffry Armstrong Region Pan Am

Peter Person Region Pan Am

Stefan Rauchenwald Region EAME

Candido Moz Region EAME

Gillian Hill Region EAME

Gavin Brain Region A A

Ron Fergusson Region A A

Murray Eade Region A A

Kyle Eade Representing the Athletes Commission

Jim Grew Observing, Chairman of the World Disabled Council

APOLOGIES for absence

Emma Sheers Athlete Commission

First Session – Monday 15^th August – all present as per above list.

Bob advised the TC needs to finish at 4.30 pm in order to be ready for the Opening Ceremony.

A working lunch would be provided.

2 Driver discipline Action by USA Waterski

Jeffry advised this item concerned a Senior Driver called David Bebe. Mr Bebe has been charged by USA Waterski with unsportsmanlike conduct as shown by video proof. He has lost his rating for two years after which, if he wishes to continue competitive driving, he must start again at the bottom of the officials ladder. Also, his AWSA membership has been revoked for one year.

3 RECORDS

3.1 Llewellyn/Krueger Jump Records from October 2004

This item partly arises from Agenda item 2 above.

Bob reported that in November 2004 both applications for records were received and as they were checked some basic anomalies became apparent. The check buoy did not measure up correctly so Bob sought second opinions. A re-survey of the course took quite some time to happen and afterwards there were still inconsistencies. USA Waterski, who became involved, withdrew the applications due to technical issues and also the entire set of jump results from the tournament. Bob, however, continued to pursue his investigations – specifically the resolution of the check buoy and boat speed issues. Further investigation reduced the distances of the submitted records – the one for Kreuger to below the existing record, but the Llewellyn distance was still a potential record.

When it came to the speed issues it was shown that the Llewellyn jump pass had speeds 1.5Kph greater than a control pass run with the same equipment. The analysis showed that the driver was illegally manipulating the speed for the pending record. Based on these findings Bob believed both records had be rejected. This was a very bad deal for the skiers involved. All the files are available for checking on CD and Bob and the TC members felt it important for us to be transparent in our decision making. After some further discussion it was unanimously agreed to reject both records.

All jump performances at the competition have also been removed from the rankings list.

3.2 Leforestier record

A pending new record of 12370 points by Nicholas LeForestier had been submitted from the Losney Chaugey competition in France. Some doubt about the last trick in time and this needs checking from the official video by the TC members.

The approval of the record was still pending.

3.3 Parrish Record 2@9.75

Bob reported that the end course video for the 10.25 m pass showed a boat path at buoy 6 which outside the deviation allowed by the rules. Unfortunately the TC had no choice but to refuse the record as the boat path is outside the deviation allowed. Agreed.

The centerline of the course is currently now defined as the line from the middle of the entry gates to the middle of the exit gates. The TC believes this is the true centre line and all measurements should be made around it.

4 SLALOM RULES

4.1 Smaller slalom buoys (PANAM)

Proposal from AWSA to make the skier buoys 20 cm minimum and 10 cm out of the water.

Unanimous decision to accept this proposal.

4.2 Rule 14.07 first line of para 3 (EAME)

It had been noted this rule reads “appointed judges” and should read “event judges”

The TC were of the opinion that it would be the Event Judges who would lower the start speed. Agreed to change this from “appointed judges” to “event judges”.

4.3 shortening the rope at the start (AA)

NZ has asked for skiers to be allowed to start at a shorter rope length with less than maximum speed – for example 52k 16m, then 55k 16m, then 58k 16m. Their suggestion was to be able to use this at the World Junior and Senior Championships.

The TC agreed there was no support for this change at World level.

Federations are free to choose their national policy.

4.4 Tighten speed tolerances - Something that has not been done since the introduction of Perfect pass (AA)

There was a general agreement to tighten the tolerances for slalom. Bob would prepare some charts for consideration. The help of Dave Clarke would be sought on this particular point.

For jump it was felt that the tolerances were not too wide, and that it is preferable for the CJ to monitor the times carefully and take appropriate action.

4.5 Recommend for a boat judge to perform a middle of course check at least once per skier (AC)

The TC feels the boat judge can do little more than get a feel for the driving path as he/she must concentrate on the skier. However, the end course video should be checked from the tower and adjustments given to the driver from the tower.

4.6 possibility of introducing an allowable miss of the gates on early passes (AC)

Kyle reported that there is no Athlete consensus on this suggestion.

Part of the competition is to go through the gates. The TC did not wish to discuss this further.

4.7 Boettcher gate camera

This is a 2.5 – 3 metre high camera from the boat that Olaf Boettcher believes is sufficient to judge the gates without using gate cameras. Agreed that a further year of testing is needed before general acceptance is given.

4.8 Choose one method of judging slalom and use it for all events.

The EAME TC had recognized that the current rules allowed too many variations for judging slalom. They had prepared some diagrams to assist organizers and officials. If possible we should try to agree the basic principles required and make them the standard.

The EAME diagrams were circulated and consideration on these issues would follow. At present, no change to the existing rules.

5 GENERAL ITEMS

5.1 change of entries to Worlds conducted by email (AA)

Murray thought this issue was too important to have been decided by email. It was noted that the problem here was because there was no World TC meeting held in 2004.

There was general agreement within the TC that issues of this magnitude should be discussed face to face and not by email. The Council should try to meet once a year in future.

5.2 Seedings for World Championships with the additional skiers (AA)

Kyle Eade asked how we would be handling the issue of so many more top seeded skiers. At present there were no plans to change the existing rules which seeded by performance. The top two series run close together to give as similar as possible conditions.

The majority of the TC was not in favour of change at present.

Seedings would be done by performance and a random draw held within each series.

5.3 Numbers in Finals at age category World Championships (AA)

The TC agreed that to fix the number of 12 finalists in each event was probably too high for all Championships except the Open Worlds.

It was agreed that the following final round numbers would be used for all Championships except the Open Championships.

The number of skiers qualified to ski in the Final round of an event shall be as shown in the following table and will be announced immediately after the end of the Preliminary round of the event:

Number of skiers started in Preliminary round	Number of skiers in Finals
1 – 5	All
6 – 10	first 5
11 – 12	first 6
13 – 15	first 8
16 - 19	first 10
20 and more	first 12

Is 12 the right number in the final? Yes – no further changes there at present.The TC further agreed that the number of skiers in the Open World Championships would remain at 12 for each event.

a. Perfect Pass and adjustment to Parameters

5.4 Dates of rule changes & implementation with regard to Southern Hemisphere season (AA).

Wherever possible the rules should be finalized ready for the Southern Hemisphere start of season. In effect 1^st November was the date by which any new rules should be published.

5.5 At least one away score mandatory on World Ranking list (AC)

As part of a suggestion from the AC the TC generally believed that for the performance based ranking list there should be a requirement to have multi site scores. This means the two scores must come from different sites (not separate lakes at one site). Tie break scores can come from any site. Agreed.

A code change from the results programmes would be needed to include a site specific reference. This will become a requirement from November 2005.

5.6 Insist and record International Drivers practise between events together with skier feedback (AC)

The TC requested the AAC to give an indication on how this can be implemented and monitored on an International basis.

5.7 Dual Perfect Pass display mandatory for record events (AC)

This is already a World rule requirement.

Bob will change the homologation dossier to include a separate point on this.

5.8 Specialist Judges (EAME)

At present EAME does not allow specialist judges at International level. Also they have no fast track for skiers.

Both PanAm and AA Regions do have specialist judges up to Senior (International EAME) level. However, PanAm insist on 3 event qualified officials for all major events.

Requested that USA / Pan Am provide the other regions with their training and examination system.

Moved by Jeffry that judges nominated for the World Championships must be 3 event judges. Agreed unanimously.

6 TRICKS

a. Starting speed of 55km @ 16m for boys events

Already dealt with.

a. A serious look at readjustment or value of overall points

6.1 Clarification on Rule?. 15.09 for setting Trick speed.

Rule 15.09 – the skier can change the speed at any time after the 50 m buoy and/or in the course at their own risk.

The skier must be given the speed setting he asks for before starting the run. If the wrong speed setting is given incorrectly used then that is a malfunction of the driver. If the skier starts putting the speed up or down then he has the time in which to do thisthe speed is fully the skier’s responsibility.

6.2 New Tricks

Nicholas Leforestier had submitted 43 new tricks to the World TC for consideration and one was submitted by USAWaterski. The TC reviewed the submitted videos and came to the following conclusions.

The RT7B was not accepted due to a safety issue with the rope wrap needed.

The BFLIPSLBB was not accepted. This was too similar to existing mobius, just landing other side of the line.

BFLIP Back to Back no spin was not accepted. It seemed too similar to existing tricks and also to be done and landed in the side slide position.

FFLB – a new front flip which the TC were most pleased to see. This is a front flip with a 180 turn to the back. Agreed 850 points under a different Trick Number. There was no reverse.

6.3 Risky tricks are not high enough points (EAME)

We need to have one proposal about tricks coming from the AC to the WTC, however, we have waited for a few years and none is forthcoming.

It was suggested that an analysis of the top 20 skier’s runs is done, to find those tricks that are not being performed and that we would like to see performed and then increase those values by x% to encourage them. Kyle would take this issue back to the AC.

6.4 Set down time in Tricks (EAME)

The set down time in Tricks is 30 seconds. If the skier falls at the end of the first pass he gets approx. 1 minute 30 seconds, so a fall is an advantage.

▪ The TC agreed to extend the set down time (no fall) to 45 seconds.

▪ The time to get ready after a fall remains at 30 seconds.

6.5 Tricks are best judged from the boat video (EAME)

The EAME TC had discussed this point at their meeting, but believed that at this stage there is not the technology worldwide to have all tricks videoed from the boat. Ultimately the new possibilities of boat video will lead to more accurate judging. At the really major tournaments boat video is mostly used and can be fed to the judges on the tower.

The World TC agreed that for L&R tournaments scores over 6000 women and 8500 men trick boat video will be mandatory from 1^st November 2006.

1.Overall standard for Women Slalom & Trick

1.Judge Equivalency

1.eliminate declared list

1.AAC Suggestions

1.1possibility of a introducing an allowable miss of the gates on early passes

There is no Athlete consensus on this suggestion.

Part of the competition is to go through the gates.

No feeling to discuss this further.

1.1At least one away score mandatory on World Ranking list (e.g. Top 30 competitors) either out of State or Country.

General feeling that for the performance based ranking list there could be a requirement to have multi site scores. By site we mean site, not lake. So the two scores must come from different sites. Tie break scores can come from any site. Agreed. A code change will be needed to include a site specific reference. From November 2005.

1 JUMPInsist and record International Drivers practise between events together with skier feedback.

1 The TC requested the AAC to give an indication on how this can be implemented and monitored on an International basis.

7

1.1 Tighten speed tolerances - Something that has not been done since the introduction of Perfect pass.

1.1 There was a general agreement to tighten the tolerances for slalom. Bob would prepare some charts for consideration, but there is a definite wish to tighten up. The help of Dave Clarke would be sought on this particular point.

1.1 For jump it was felt that the tolerances were not too wide, and that it is preferable for the CJ to monitor the times carefully and take appropriate action.

1.1

1.1 Recommend for a boat judge to perform a middle of course check at least once per skier

1.1 The TC feels the boat judge can do little more than get a feel for the driving path. However, the end course video should be checked from the tower and adjustments given to the driver from the tower.

1.1

1.1 Dual Perfect Pass display mandatory for record events.(It already is) - Add to homologation dossier

1.1 This is already a World rule requirement.

1.1 Bob will change the homologation dossier to include a separate point on this.

1.1

1.1

7.1 Senior Ladies II Jump speed -– 51 kmph

Suggestion from Dianne Kirby direct to Bob Corson. This suggestion to be studied further before a decision is made.

7.2 Lower jump height for open women (AC)

A group of skiers are investigating this further and will report back to the TC.

7.3 Fast second segment for jumping (AC)

If there is a fast second segment in jumping, the skier can improve his jump score – is this right.

Athlete input requested on this item.

1.New Tricks

a.RT7B

a.Leforestier - show videos

a.Here are videos for inclusion of BFLSLBB , FFLB, and a back flip from B to B but with no spin

Toe7BB – not accepted as a new trick – safety issue with wrap

BFLIPSLBB – not accepted. Too similar to existing mobius just landing other side of the line.

FFLB – a new front flip which the TC are mostly pleased to see. Agreed 850 points and no reverse at present. This is a front flip with a 180 turn to the back. A different trick number.

BFLIP back to back no spin – not accepted. Too similar to existing and side slide.

1.Boettcher gate camera

This is a 2.5 – 3 metre high camera from the boat that Olaf Boettcher believes is sufficient to judge the gates without using gate cameras. Agreed that a further year of testing is needed before general acceptance is given.

1.EAME Issues

a.Specialist Judges (EAME)

At present EAME does not allow specialist judges at International level.

Also they have no fast track for skiers.

Requested that USA / Pan Am provide the other regions with their training and examination system.

Moved by JA that judges nominated for the World Championships must be 3 event judges. Agreed unanimously.

a.Risky tricks are not high enough points

We need to have one proposal about tricks comes from the AC to the WTC.

Suggest that an analysis of the top 20 skier’s runs is done, to find those tricks that are not being performed and that we would like to see performed and then increase those values by x% to encourage them. Kyle will take this issue back to the AC.

a.Set down time in Tricks

Set down time in Tricks is 30 seconds. If the skier falls he gets approx. 1 minute 30 seconds, so to fall is an advantage.

▪ agreed to extend the set down time (no fall) to longer (say) 45 seconds.

▪ the time to get ready after a fall remains at 30 seconds.

a.Tricks are best judged from the boat video

At this stage there is not the technology worldwide to have all tricks videoed from the boat.

Ultimately the new possibilities of boat video will lead to more accurate judging.

At the really major tournaments boat video is mostly used and can be fed to the judges on the tower.

The TC agreed that for L&R tournaments scores over 6000 women and 8500 men trick boat video will be mandatory from 1^st November 2006.

a.Choose one method of judging slalom and use it for all events. The EAME diagrams will be put to the World TC for ratification and publication.

The EAME diagrams were circulated and consideration on these issues will follow.

7.4 Choice of boat for jumping (EAME)

The EAME TC had questioned if Do the IWSF rules allow skiers to choose which boat / driver they ski behind? Rule 10.01 i) says states clearly identical boats shall be used for Slalom and for Jump. At present the only option for a choice of boats is in tricks. And, if so, for which tournaments? This needs clarification at World TC level.

It was explained that there was an event held in the USA It would seem that the event in question is one where skiers can choose their boat from three provided. At present the only option for a choice of boats is in tricks.

The World TC aAgreed no change to the rules, however, an organizer can request to Bob Corson for special authority to use two or more boats for slalom and jump, using the same driver. One year until our This would be reviewed at the next meeting.

a. Who beat who rankings list - how best to proceed?

a. What happens if a skier (or two) are in the wrong series?

1. Eliminate the need to start the trick run at the must start buoy (for video recording)

1. Clarify when the speed may be changed in a trick run

Already done

1. Items from Ron Fergusson

a. Adopt American rule on slow time as per American rule book 10.10 (b) 3

a. Increase trick rest time after first pass to 45 seconds

Already done - above

a. Because of the difficulty of seeing the trick start buoys in video trick timing, do we need them any more. New suggested wording to 15.06. Skier must start in the approximate position of the start buoy. ( One buoy only)

a. Horn is not necessary any more for tricks. Emphasise rule where skier is able to request last trick in time.

a. Declared trick list, is it necessary any more. Item 9 your agenda.

a. Spectra rope. To avoid having to thread every rope through the fitting and then onto the pole, could we not have the skiers supply a shortened rope to fit onto a coupling attached to the fitting.

1. Election of the Chairman

7.5 Perfect PassSpeed Control

Perfect Pass has have been developing their software, in with some connection with the AWSA, but certainly outside the IWSF influence. PP is a company providing us with a product and they have something of a monopoly. However, this does not give them the right toif they provide a new component or change the software operation, they need to obtain thewith out first seeking approval of the IWSF who is the Governing Body for the Sport.

Bob has a plan:-

It was agreed that Bob should negotiate with PP on behalf of the IWSF to achieve the following points:-

· Require PP to give us radar plots of the current software with light weight skiers, heavy, etc.

· Ensure that parameters can be easily monitored with appropriate warnings if they are out of range

· If changes are needed PP to supply us with what they are doing and to ensure they are working within our required rules.

The TC believes the x8x settings are there to set up the boat for the tournament, not to change for individual skiers. However, the skiers want the x8x8 settings to be able to be changed by the skiers – by a percentage – as the weight of the skier affects this setting.

Of immediate concern were the new x8 settings that have been recently introduced and that have been used at some tournaments. Several emails had been received from the AC who had recommended an immediate change for the World Championships in order to be fair to all skiers. These reports were borne out by Kyle who also gave some background information to the members. The TC is concerned to be fair to all skiers, heavy or light in weight, those who have trained with the x8x, those who have not. Once again we are faced with a situation where we may have to adjust the rules with no notice because of changes made by PP outside of the rules.

After a great deal of discussion the committee Vote took a vote on on allowing a allowing skier adjustable x8u from 1100 to 2100 – based on the recommended factory setting of 1600. With an adjustment after the first jump only. Agreed unanimously and becomes effective forthwith after practice finishes today.

Addition to Rule 10.07 Speed Control Parameter Adjustment Chart

Parameter	Who	When	Perfect Pass
X8u	Skier	Before each skier . One adjustment after 1st jump only.	Manufacturer’s setting may be adjusted up or down by up to 30% (rounded). Manufacturer setting and adjustment zones to be published before practice.
X8d			No adjustment from manufacturer setting.

8 Overall (aLL)

Kyle had prepared a paper on this subject, in particular highlighting the importance of the trick event in overall, which in his opinion had led to less skiers taking part and starting to specialize.

In fact oOverall is a fictional event cobbled pulled together from the three events.

As a short term fix we could consider not adding the 24 buoys in slalom which would make each buoy worth more. This is a complete would partially resolve a disadvantage and should be dealt with shortlyimmedtiately. Agreed by those present of the TC to remove these buoys from overall scoring. Active 1^st November 2005.

This change aAlso applies to World Under 21 and World Juniors. .

For Juniors no addition of 18 buoys.In fact the buoy score in slalom would be started from the competition start speed in each case.

The TC agreed to consider a major overhaul of the Overall scoring system and would discuss this further on Friday. Some issues for consideration included:-

Ultimately a placement based system may be preferable in the long term – that could also be used for team scoring purposes.

· Overall (and Team) at the World Championships

· Consider oOnly overall skiers receiving overall points.

· That means team points would be different from individual overall.

· And try to iInclude a method for overall records – performance based

· The implications for team scoring

· Consider a placement based competition system.

9 “Who beats Who” ranking list (EAME)

Candido said we have already agreed a skier should not be able to ski twice at his home site with his boat and his driver and be near the top of the world rankings list. We already agreed two sites are now necessary.

If we do the whole ranking list on a who beat who list, performances would become less important, and competitions would find their niche in terms of importance, or not.

Candido tabled a paper giving an outline of the concept. There is definitely an interest in some kind of change. The IWSF should have one list only.

One complaint against “Wwho beat who” lists is that the skiers do not seem to know what points they might get from a competition until after they get there and see who is there. Also the absence of a number of skiers directly affects the points available at the event.

In principle the The World TC wishes to adopt study a “A Wwho beat wWho” system and would move in this direction as soon as possible if it seems that it is feasible and meets the required goals..

Agreed to ask Candido was asked to update the latest lists and run a trial period to allow the TC to consider the idea in depth at the next meeting.

It was realized there would be many issues to resolve, but with a firm intention in mind the TC could move forward on this issue within a two year period.

10 Election of Chairman

Stefan proposed Bob Corson as Chairman of the TC.

This proposal was agreed uUnanimously re-elected..

The first session closed at this point.

The TC reconvened on Friday 19^th August

Present

Jeffry Armstrong Region Pan Am

Peter Person Region Pan Am

Stefan Rauchenwald Region EAME

Gillian Hill Region EAME

Gavin Brain Region A A

Ron Fergusson Region A A

Murray Eade Region A A

Reconvene Thursday morning 9 am.

Declared tricks list

General rule book

Start of trick course

¾ buoy

Email had been received from Bob – copies of the notification to the skiers whose records had been rejected. Plus an answer from Jaret concerning his disallowed jump record.

The TC members are concerned about the scrutiny of jump records as there may have been others with speed issues in the past or future. Care concerned over the conflicts in the rules, 11.,02 calls for constant speed, which we are all aware is not how PP is working. On this occasion it seems that the speed control has been manipulated beyond the realms of the normal pattern of PP.

Our only hope for the future is that Bob succeeds in his negotiations with PP and that we can have a clearer understanding on what we wish. feel confident to have rules that can be complied with, and seen to be complied with.

11 Slalom

11.1 judging Methods

g – iIt was noted that at these World Championships that all the event buoy judging in slalom was being done from the boat video with three judges, one in the boat and two watching monitors on the shore. – with only the boat judge calling in after each pass. The TC members would look at this situation when they go out went out to the lake. It was subsequently noted that there were no slalom towers from which to judge the event. The boat video proved most satisfactory. We should consider giving this option in our rules.

11.2 Adopt American rule on slow time (AA)

Rule 14.18

Agreed to add USA rules re missed time

“Missed times – if the applicable segment time is missed the skier may accept the highest scores with a good applicable segment time, or receive an optional reride with a protected score equal to the highest score with a good applicable segment time. Note if no times are recorded rule 8.02 applies.”

Also a new re-ride chart is needed to cover all buoy timing.

`

11.3 ¾ buoy proposal (from previous meetings)

The TC noted there is already a safety issue in slalom where skiers are waiting for the line to come tight and are nearly hitting the boat. On the other hand the difference between getting to the wake with slack line is completely different from heading for the next buoy.

Agreed to put this item back to the AC.

12 OVERALL

Bob had asked the TC to rediscuss the introduction of the change in overall slalom scoring. We did agree November 2005 but Bob is suggesting we consider November 2006 instead. The TC members present believed our original target of November 2005 should be adhered to.

Also noted that the existing World records should be re-evaluated with the new scoring system to set the benchmark for the future. Also there should be a note that scoring changed in November 2005.

12.1 Overall scoring standards

The TC agreed that in principle any benchmarks for overall records should be based around scores of overall skiers, not specialists.

Agreed to research the last two world championships overall results and one regional championship from each region. Then take the top and second best score in each event – men and women and add, say, 10% to it to form the base overall standardis. Gill to would research scores and send round for consideration.

13 TRICKS

13.1 Eliminate the skier submitted trick lists (PanAm)

Jeffry said she has seen skiers lose a victory because of missing leaving out a trick in their submitted list.

However, tThere are advantages on speedy calculation and this is an important issue at major events.

– the skiers mostly stick to their run.

The TC did not wish to No change in the rules at present.

13.2 Start of trick course – use of buoys – boat video (AA).

Suggestion from AA to use one buoy only as the approximate start point for tricks.

Start in approx position – if they start too late they will run out of water! However, there was a risk skiers would start too late and most of the run would be seen going away from the judges view.

Not agreed – no change in the rule.

13.3 Rule 15.07 – Horn no longer necessary in tricks

Some feeling that a horn is no longer necessary as the end of course is determined by automatic video.

We interpret these rules to mean that the use of an audible device is required. However, when video timing is used there is not always a horn used.

Mixed feelings but after discussion no change to the rules.

We interpret these rules to mean that the use of an audible device is required.

However, when video timing is used there is not always a horn used.

So we assume tThere is seems to be a conflict between the rules.

So The TC agreed to add to 15.07

“When automatic video timing is being used the use of an audible device is optional.”

13.4 Rule 15.11

1 immediate review of the trick pass only is allowed under the rules.

If a judge requests a further review he/she should be told to mark where they think they have lost it and hand in the sheet to the Calculators to sort out. If the calculator requires a further review they will ask for it.

14 JUMP

14.1 Spectra rope changing (AA)

Suggestion to have the skiers provide a carabina carabiner clip to change the rope in jump. The TC believed this would cause issues over an assortment of rope lengths.

Not found The suggestion did not find favour – no change

14.2 Ramp construction

Skier concerns over the hardness of many new ramps. They are being made without dampening materials – and a combination of hard surface plus additional buoyancy are making the ramp unmovable. The TC felt unable to make specific rules about this, however, clearly ramp manufacturers should speak to skiers and coaches before building.

14.3 Jump switches

Agreed to ask Bob to speak to Eric Horton re testing jump switch tensions.

Guideline on how to add skiers in a series or to a start list to maintain the random draw.

See EAME interpretation.

Adopt American rule on slow time.

Rule 14.18

Agreed to add USA rules re missed time

Missed times – if the applicable segment time is missed the skier may accept the highest scores with a good applicable segment time, or receive an optional reride with a protected score equal to the highest score with a good applicable segment time.

Note if no times are recorded rule 8.02 applies.

Also a new re-ride is needed for all buoy timing.

Rule 15.11

1 review of the tape only is allowed under the rules.

If a judge requests a further review he/she should be told to mark where they think they have lost it and hand in the sheet.

¾ buoy –

there is already a safety issue in slalom where skiers are waiting for the line to come tight and are nearly hitting the boat.

On the other hand the difference between getting to the wake with slack line is completely different from heading for the next buoy.

Agreed to put this to the skiers.

15 General Rule Book

The TC were aware that the rule book had now become very confused with rules and additional rules in different places. Officials were required to look in different places to find the applicable rules. It was agreed an effort should be made to re-arrange it into “rules of the game” and administrative rules.

Gill is going to start re-arranging the rule book into rules of the game and admin rules. would make a start on this after discussion with Bob about layout.

16 Skiers placed in wrong seed series

EAME had produced guidelines on this subject as it often happened that skiers are placed in the wrong series and then need to be moved after the draw is done. The random draw must be maintained and Calculators should never do another random draw including the new skiers.

The World TC agreed to adopt the EAME policy.

The skier(s) must be put into the correct series.

Where they ski in that series should be decided by random draw by putting numbers 1 – “n” into a hat and then drawing one (or more) numbers to show in which place the new skiers will ski. (“n” being the original number in the series plus the missing skier/s).

The start list must then be revised and republished.

This means the original draw is maintained, but the new skiers are added in fairly. Never re-do the random draw

1Ramp construction

Skier concerns over the hardness of many new ramps. They are being made without dampening materials – and a combination of hard surface plus additional buoyancy are making the ramp unmoveable.

Jump switches – agreed to ask Bob to speak to Eric Horton re testing jump switch tensions.

There being no further business the meeting closed.

And that’s all for today folks!