Class E events shall be run under AWSA rules, and Class L & R events shall be run under IWSF rules (to govern the actual skiing), with AWSA rules (to govern administrative aspects that may be more restrictive than IWSF).

Explanation:

Starting in 1997, the East has allowed choice of IWSF rules (which are more restrictive) for selected skiers (Class L) who opted to ski under them, while other skiers (Class E) in the same event used AWSA rules. These Class L skiers were desirous of using their Regional's performance for International Standings List which requires Class L or R conditions, and essentially chose to ski under a handicap to achieve a Standings list acceptable performance at Regionals since there are so few opportunities to ski in a record (L or R) tournament in the East. Accomodating this rules choice placed a significant administrative burden on our scorers, who were forced to keep two scorebooks and use two WSTIMS computers to seperately handle the dual classes in some events.

In 1997 - 1999, there were significant rules differences for all three events, however with the rules changes passed this winter at the National ASWA BOD meeting, the differences between AWSA and IWSF have been greatly minimized. There are no longer any significant skier affecting differences in slalom or jump, and essentially only one significant difference in tricks - no practice falls. Therefore, the Eastern Region council felt it was proper to move from the transition scenario we have used for the last 3 years, and exactly mirror what will be used at 2000 Nationals. Most other regions are chosing to mirror the event classifications which will be used at 2000 Nationals.

Note - Slalom & Jump skiers should not see any affect. However trick skiers using IWSF rules (CLass L or R) will not be allowed any out of course "practice" falls. If a trick skier falls before the course while practicing, or falls while practicing after completing the first pass but before the second pass, then the subsequent pass is scored 0. Please familiarize yourself with IWSF rules, which are available on the IWSF website at http://www.iwsf.com

Roger Hammel - Chief Judge