The changes noted below will go into effect for the 2019 ski year beginning the day after AWSA Nationals. Effective August 12th, 2018.
Summary of 2018 Rule Changes
Rules 3.02A/10.06: W4/W5 Align W4/W5 age divisions with IWWF. W4 will become 45-54 and W5 will become 55-59. No changes in jump speeds are included in this proposal. (Note – these changes would go into effect after 2018 Nationals).
Rationale: There is a two year difference in these divisions between AWSA and IWWF. This change would allow the women to continue to slalom at the faster speed (34mph). Jump speeds were not considered at this time, but will continue to be reviewed.
Rules 3.02A/9.06C-D/10.06: M4/M5 Align M4/M5 age divisions with IWWF. M4 will become 45-54 and M5 will become 55-59. (Note – these changes would go into effect after 2018 Nationals).
Rationale: This will also align with IWWF, and would allow the M4 to continue to jump at the speeds aligned with IWWF for two more years. This will also keep the M/W-4/5 age groups aligned.
3.02A Division Chart for above two changes:
Men 4/Women 4
45 – 54 years inclusive
Men 5/Women 5
55 – 59 years inclusive
Rules 9.06C & D Align M7 and M8 speeds (jump) with IWWF. *(Note – these changes would go into effect after 2018 Nationals).
9.06 Boat Speed
C. Masters Women, Women 3, 4; Men 5, 6, (7, 8)*; Boys 3; Girls 3: 51 kph/31.7 mph
D. Women 5, 6, Men 7, 8*, 9, 10, 11: 48 kph/29.8 mph
Rationale: Aligns the jump speeds for M7 & M8 to 51k (31.7mph) so that these jumpers are not disadvantaged with IWWF.
Rule 9.16C4 Men 3 ramp height option increased to .255 effective ski year 2019
The following ratios of ramp height at take-off edge to ramp length out of water shall apply: Masters Men, Open Women, Men 1, and 2, (and 3, effective ski year 2019) jumpers will have the option of choosing either the .255 or .235 ramp; ………
Rationale: Allows the M3 jumpers to have the option of jumping with a 5.5 or 5 foot ramp. There has not been an option before unless those skiers were qualified to ski in the Masters division. This also aligns with IWWF.
Rule 10.06 M8 – Align M8 speeds (slalom) with IWWF. *(Note – these changes would go into effect after 2018 Nationals).
10.06 Slalom speed chart:
Men 8
49/(30.4) 52/(32.3)*