Rules SKA

(In association with ISKA)

English version 1.01.12 by Hardy Brandstötter

Part I: General requirements

ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL

1. GENERAL DEFINITION:

Kitesailing is defined as the sport using a kite on water, land, snow or ice. The rider is defined as the pilot. The vehicle is defined as the equipment used to move with the kite.

2. VALIDITY AREA:

These rules are valid when people kitesail and the SKA is responsible.

3. Valid version

In case of doubt only the German version is valid.

4. Validity:

The following rules are valid from 1.12.2007

ARTICLE 2 – GENERAL RULES

1. INSURANCE:

Every rider must have third party liability insurance applicable for fun rides as well as for contest rides. The organiser is not liable.

2. SECURITY:

Basically security has to be assured by adapting the kiting to the circumstances. Wearing a helmet is mandatory during competition. It is recommended to always wear a helmet when kite sailing. The pilot must have a quick release system to disconnect the rider from the kite.

3. RESPONSABILITY:

It is the pilots responsibility to decide if he is capable to ride his material.

ARTICLE 3 – RULES WHEN CROSSING (see also appendix 7a)

1. COLLISION:

Before two pilots collide, both have to give way to their right and leave enough space between the two of them.

2. CROSSING:

When two riders cross, the one coming from the right has priority. The rider without priority has to give way or stop. It is an offence to force the rider without priority to change his course or brake to avoid collision.

3. RULES LEEWARD BEFORE WINDWARD

When to pilots ride into the same direction the one downwind has priority. The rider in upwind position must change his course or stop.

4. OVERTAKING

The overtaking manoeuvre starts when the distance between the rider who overtakes to the overtaken rider is less than 2 meters. The overtaking rider is responsible for the overtaking manoeuvre. The overtaken rider must remain on his course in straight direction or when turning ride a normal manoeuvre. Still the overtaken rider has the right to avoid obstacles. The overtaking rider must be out of the course of the overtaken rider. It is prohibited to force the overtaken rider to change his rules or to have to slow down to avoid a collision. The overtaking manoeuvre is finished the distance between the two riders is more than two meters.

5. FAIRPLAY:

Fairplay is applicable for all rules.

Part II: Competition rules

ARTICLE 4 – General competition rules

1. COMPETITION RULES:

When kiting out of competition only the general rules are valid (Article 3, passage 1-

4). The following rules have priority and are in addition the general rules in

competition. Fairplay and avoiding collision is presupposed.

2. POSITION OF THE KITE:

When crossing, overtaking or passing the upwind rider must raise his kite, the

downwind rider must lower his kite. The overtaking rider must consider the overtaken rider.

3. HANDLING THE KITE / STARTING THE KITE:

It is forbidden to start or land the kite in a way that other riders are handicapped. If the pilot is not in his bindings and the kite on the side of the wind or in the zenith, he is an obstacle. As soon as the pilot has closed both bindings, the general rules of priority apply. When kite and leashes are on the floor it is an obstacle. In this situation help of a third party is allowed and other riders must drive around the obstacle. Riders can only start their kites when they are not handicapping others.

4. JIBE / TACK:

A pilot can only jibe or tack when he does not get in conflict with another rider even when he has priority. He must look out for other pilots and call out jibing or tacking depending on the manoeuvre he wants to rider. The rider takes full responsibility for his manoeuvre.

5. FLAGS / SIGNALS

The flags or signals mentioned at the briefing have to be considered.

6. BRIEFING

It is mandatory to participate in the briefing. In case of no show the rider will get

penalty points or can be banned from competition.

7. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, DOPING

It is forbidden to consume alcohol or any other drugs between the first briefing and the debriefing. Doping is not allowed. In case of consummation of either of them the participation of the race is cancelled. Any rider not capable to ride is banned from the competition.

8. ADVERTISING:

It is free to advertise but riders must consider the advertising laws of the country they are riding in.

ARTIKEL 5 - RIDER

1. MEMBERSHIP:

For Swiss competitions riders can be forced to show a riders licence. For these competitions riders must be part of a national association. Changes are only valid with the agreement of the association.

2. AGE OF THE PILOTS:

The minimum age of the pilots is defined in every announcement of the competition. Pilots under the age of 18 must have a signed agreement from their parents for the allowance of the participation. The organisers can demand the agreement from the national association.

ARTIKEL 6- ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. REGISTRATION:

The registration of the pilots are determined in an announcement and within a timeline of the organisers. The minimum requirements for the registration include the following: - name, surname, address, birth date of the rider - licence number of the association or the club of the pilot

- Declaration of non liability of the event organisers.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES:

With the registration to the event the rider accepts to follow the ISKA and any other rules valid for the event.

ARTICLE 7 - REGATTAPROGRAM

1. REGATTA PROGRAMM:

The program has to include at least the following information.

- the organisers

- the competition

- the groups of riders

- the classes

- die registration timeline

- the starting fee

- any special rules of the competition

- time of the first briefing

- the name of the head race judge

2. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PROGRAM:

The regatta program has to be announced at least a month before the happening. All international races need a program in English and one other language.

3. CHANGES IN THE PROGRAM:

Only the head judge can change the race before the first race. He must explain his decision at the briefing when he declares the changes.

ARTICLE 8 – COMPETITION LEAD

1. COMPETITION TEAM:

The team consists of

- the race head judge

- the jury

- judges at the turning buoys and in the goal as well as freestyle judges.

- helpers

A minimum of three persons of race judges is required for the race.

 

2. IMPARTIALNESS:

Members of the competition lead team are not allowed to help riders in the team only when someone is in danger or is danger for a third party.

3. RACE OFFICE:

The head judge must be approved from the responsible board.

4. TURNING BUOY AND GOAL JUDGES:

Judges at the turning buoys or in the goal are the only officials, to designate the order of the passing the finish line or the turning buoys.

5. HELPERS:

Helpers support the race office.

6. JURY:

The jury consists of at least 3 members or any other higher odd number. One member of the jury is the president. The president is selected by the jury with a simple majority. The members of the jury must be accepted by the responsible board. They have to control that the rules are adhered to. The jury is also responsible in case of discussions based on the rules. The decisions are made with majority. When no jury is named, the jury consists of the race leader and his 2 helpers. The jury has an active roll and must give penalty points in case of violation.

7. INSURANCE OF THE ORGANISORS:

It is an advantage for organiser to have a third party insurance in case of accidents at the events and during the competition. They should cover physical and material injuries where the organiser is responsible. The insurance should cover at least 500.000 Euro.

ARTIKEL 9 – RACE COURSE

1. DEFINITION:

The race course is the place where the competition takes places, marked by start and goal or a minimum of four marks for the freestyle event

2. OBSTACLES:

Obstacles are parts of the race the rider cannot pass without the danger of collision. These obstacles can be marked with flags, signals or bands,

3. CONFIGURATION OF THE RACE:

The configuration of the race is done by the head judges. The course has to consists of a minimum of two buoys. The optimum is to ride a course with before the wind, beam reach und by the wind parts. The start should be a by the wind course. Advantages in the course for specific kite models are not allowed and should be modified within the competition.

4. SECURITY DISTANCE

The security distance to obstacles (trees, houses, cars, roads,…) must have a minimum of twice the distance of the leashes.

5. RIDER AREA:

The rider area is a designated area, built by the head judge. In this area riders can store, prepare and repair their equipment during races. The area must be within a safe distance to the race area and spectators but must have a connection to the racing area. All riders must use their areas within the rider area with respect to others. It is forbidden to ski, skate or ride the board within this area. Consequences apply when disrespected.

ARTICLE 10 - FLAGS

FLAGS OF HEAD JUDGE:

 

 

ARTIKEL 11 – TURNING BUOYS

1. ART:

The turning marks or buoys must be visible for the riders from the distance. The riders must turn in the direction of the race.

2. DISLOCATING / TOUCHING

It is not allowed to change the position of the turning marks by the pilots. Touching the during the race is dangerous racing and the rider gets a penalty point. The judges of the turning mark must be passed within safe distance. If this is not the case penalty points apply and even discarding of the competition.

3. DAMAGES

When a pilot damages a turning mark he must pay for the full damage.

ARTICLE 12 - PREPARATION

1. BRIEFING:

A green flag with a diagonal yellow line signals an immediate briefing for the riders. A hoisted flag is valid and can be accompanied by an acoustical signal. All riders have to be present at the briefing, this is mandatory. The head judge must explain the competition, the duration of the competition and preparation time before start. He can announce a test round.

2. ADJOURNING AND CANCELING OF THE START:

In case of adjourning or cancelling the start (yellow flag) two scenarios are possible:

1. A new briefing will be held within 30 minutes (green flag with yellow line) where the head judge announces the reasons of the adjournment or cancellation as well as the exact time for the next briefing and the announcements for the program.

2. Adjourning the start for 5 (white flag with red point) or 15 minutes (white flag with blue edges).

ARTICLE 13 - START / GOAL

1. STARTING LINE:

The starting line is a line resulting of the line between two marks and it must be possible to pass the line by the wind or abeam reach. The pilot must always cross the line against the wind. The head judge leader can decide the direction of how to cross the line. The pilot takes responsibility to avoid collisions and dangerous situation.

2. 15 MINUTES BEFORE START SIGNAL

The signal for the pre starts takes place after a briefing or between two rides, exactly 15 minutes before the starts. The briefing flag comes down and the white flag with the blue edges is hoisted, an acoustic signal follows.

3. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE START SIGNAL

Five minutes before start an acoustic signal announces the start and a white flag with a red point is hoisted. From this point on the starting line cannot be passed anymore.

4. ONE MINUTE SIGNAL

Acoustic signal together with the red flag and a call announce one minute before start. Now the rider must move.

5. TEN SECOND SIGNAL- SIGNAL

The head judge leader counts down the last 10 seconds before starts. The red flag is in horizontal position.

6. STARTSIGNAL:

The start signal is given 15 minutes after the 15 minutes before start signal. The red flag comes down. An acoustic signal is optional.

7. EARLY START:

When parts of the equipment pass the starting line before the red flag comes down it is not counted as start. The pilot cannot cross back the starting line and must return avoiding other pilots and re cross the starting line. If the pilot is not aware of the early start the first round is not counted.

8. GOAL LINE

The goal line is a line between a turning point and a mark and not necessarily the starting line. When the finishing flag is hoisted for the pilot the race is finished and the rider must give room to the following riders.

ARTICLE 14 – VALIDITY

1. VALIDITY:

A competition is invalid when one of the following terms is not fulfilled:

Wind speed:

A competition cannot start when 5 minutes before the start over two third of the kites cannot fly due to not enough wind. After the start only the head judge leader can decide upon the use of the yellow flag.

Medical assistance:

Medical assistance is granted or can be required by phone. Emergency call: 144

2. ANNULATION:

Only the head judge leader can do an annulation of the head judge leader. He can cancel a competition with the yellow flag. After the competition only the jury can cancel a race. The jury cannot count the results of an invalid race. The jury must explain its decision and declare the decision on the black board.

ARTIKEL 15 – DRIVING AND REPAIRS

1. DRIVE:

The rider is not allowed to push his vehicle. Walking or skating counts as pushing. The following exceptions are valid: 1) security cannot be granted b) kite got lost. Penalty points are given when rule is broken.

2. REPAIRS:

In case of a break down the pilot can help themselves as long as they do not keep repeating the action. The riders can carry repair material and can also be towed away as long as they garantue a safe competition.

ARTICLE 16 – ADJOURNING THE COMPETITION

1. In case of an impossibility to ride the competition it is adjourned before the end of the time. The competition is only valid when a minimum of two third of the time has passed. After the green flag is hoisted to announce the early end the finishing line is passed with the finishing flag. The competition is cancelled when less than two third of the time has passed. The yellow flag shows the cancellation.

ARTICLE 17 - RANKING

1. RANKING OF A COMPETITION:

For every competition the pilots receive a ranking depending on the rounds. In order to receive a ranking the rider must ride at least one round.

2. POINTS:

Valid pilots: the first pilot gets 0 points for each round. Every other pilots receives points depending on his placements. When the round is not finished they receive points depending on the rounds and the finishing time. When two riders pass the line at the same time they receive the same points.

In valid pilots: disqualified pilots, pilots who did not start and pilots who did not complete the minimum amount of rounds receive a number of 1 plus the total of all riders.

3. TOTAL POINTS:

When there are three or less competitions the total points of all competitions are added. When there are more than three rounds the rider can cancel his worst round. When there are more than seven rounds the two worst rounds are cancelled. Penalty points are added to these points. The pilot with the least points is the winner. Placement of the other riders is according to their points.

4. TOTAL RESULT:

Winner is the rider with the least points. The other riders are placed according to their points. When two riders have equal points the amount of penalty points counts. If there is still equal points the higher amount of second placed is valid. If necessary the cancelled races can be counted too. If there is still equality the two riders share them same placement.

5. PUBLISHMENT:

The results must be published daily on the black board after the race also showing the time of the publishment. The pilots can protest 30 minutes after publishment.

ARTIKEL 18 - OFFENCE

1. PENALTY POINT:

During the competitions offences will be considered with penalty points. The first offence will bring one point, the second two points, the third with three points,… An offence leading to an accident or endangering the total result has to be punished with the double penalty points or disqualification of the competition. The head judge leader decides upon the penalty points.

2. DISQUALIFICATION OR START BAN FOR ONE COMPETITION

In addition to the penalty points in article 24 / 1 the following articles lead to disqualification of start ban when not followed

3. >> Article 2

>> Article 4

>> Article 5

>> Article 6 passage 2

>> Article 9 passage 4

>> Article 11 passage 2

>> Article 13 passage 1- 4

>> Article 15

4. MANNERS:

The jury and the head judge leader can ask for correct manners. If riders do not conduct properly they can disqualify the rider from the one race or the total competiton. The decision has to be explained in written form.

5. BAN:

A pilot can be banned based on a report of an organizer at the SKA for one or more international competitions. The decision of the SKA has to be presented in written form.

 

ARTICLE 19 – PROTEST

1. OBJECTION:

In case of an objection the rider can submit a written protest.

2. COURSE OF ACTION:

The protest must arrive at the jury within an hour after the end of the competition. Every case must be listed separately. The rider must pay a caution of SFR 40.000. This is paid back when the jury decides in favour of the protestant. He must fill out an A4 form including his name, the happening, place and article is claims. The onus of proof is within the protestant.

3. DECISION OF THEJURY:

Decisions cannot be made without calling the involved persons for a defence. The decision of the jury must be declared on the same day. The decision must be explained in written form and published on the black board. If a member of the jury does not agree with the decision it can demand a second and last vote. The decision of the jury is based on the valid articles of the rules. A simple majority.

ARTICLE 20 – TO APPEAL AT SKA

1. A participant can appeal against the SKA under the following circumstances: He must pay a caution of SFr 40.000. This is paid back when the SKA accepts the appeal. The appeal must arrive at the secretary of the SKA in written from within 8 days after the protest date. In this case the president will consider the appeal within 2 months. If the president is part of the competition team the board of management designates an unbiased team. The SKA decides without the possibility of appealing.

SKI - / SNOWBOARD – SPECIFICATIONS

1. Ski (General)

• 1a. Definition

Skis consists of two identical parts and are a vehicle to be used to be dragged over snow or ice by a kite.

• 1b. The pilot

The pilot has to wear one ski on each foot.

• 1c. Exeptions

So called skiwall or mono skies are defined as skis even though they only consits

of one part.

2. Specifications of the skis

• 2a. length

Maximum length is 250 cm, minimum length is optional.

• 2b. width

The width of the skis is optional

• 2c. waist

The waist of the skis is optional

• 2d. Additional weight

It is not allowed to carry additional weight.

3. Kite and leashes

• 3a. Definition of leashes

Leashes combine the kite with the bar.

• 3b. Length of leashes

The maximal length for the leases is 35m, measured between the connecting lines and pigtails.

• 3c. Material

Flying lines made of Kevlar, metal or similar material are not allowed. Only one strong connecting line between bar and connecting point is allowed no Kevlar, metal or similar material.

4. Equipment of the pilot

• 4a. The harness system must be an open system ( wind surf hook) if not it must be equipped with a safety system.

5. Start numbers

• 5a. The starting numbers have to be worn visibly during the competition.

• 5b. Starting numbers must clearly show the starting number on the back and in the front. There is no advertising other than the one from the organisers allowed.

6. Snowboard (General)

• 6a. Definition

Snowboards consists of one parts and are a vehicle to be used to be dragged over snow or ice by a kite.

• 6b. Exceptions

So called skwall or mono skies are defined as skis even though they only consist of one part.

• 6c. Innovations

Innovations and technical improvements are welcome but need approval of the head judge leader.

7. Specifications of the snowboards

• 7a. Length of the snowboards

The minimum length is optional, the maximum length is 250cm.

• 7b. Width of the snowboards

The minimum width is 14cm, the maximum width is optional.

• 7c. Waist of the snowboards

The waist of the snowboard is optional.

• 7d. Additional weight / It is not allowed to carry additional weight.

 

 

CLASS 8 SPECIFICATIONS (11/99)

1. The buggy (General)

o 1a. Definition

A buggy is a vehicle with a minimum of 2 wheels operated with a kite. The kite is being controlled by the pilot and must not be fixed to the buggy.

o 1b. The pilot

The pilot must sit or lay on the buggy and pilot ot. The pilot cannot be fixed to the pilot. Strapes are allowed but must be made of flexible material. The end of the strapes must be round and have no sharp edges.

o 1c. The brakes

It is forbidden to use brakes on the buggy. Braking or slowing down has to be done with the kite.

2. Specifications of the buggy

o 2a. Length

Maximum length over all is 3,5m.

o 2b. Width

Maximum width over all is 3m.

o 2c. Wheels

The maximum diameter of the wheels is 26 inches and 2 bar. Width of the whees are optional. Spoked wheels must be covered with fixed material from both sides. The maximum diameter is 70cm and 2 bars.

o 2d. Steering angle

The steering angle is not limited.

o 2e. Additional weight

Maximum 20 kg additional weight is allowed on the buggy. Edges must be round and not sharp and fixed on the buggy. Additional weight on the buggy is not allowed.

3. Kite and lines

o 3a. Definition of lines

Flying lines are leashes connecting the bar or handles with the kite.

o 3b. Adapter

No adapter is allowed between the handles and the flying lines.

o 3c. Length of lines

The maximum length of the flying lines is 30m measured between the handles and the pigtails of the kite.

o 3d. Material

Flying lines made of Kevlar, metal or similar material are not allowed. Only one strong connecting line with a maximum length of 1m between bar and connecting point is allowed no Kevlar, metal or similar material.

4. Equipment of the pilot

The harness system must be an open system ( wind surf hook) if not it must be equipped with a safety system.

5. Start numbers

Starting numbers must be on both sides of the buggy and on the back in the middle.

They must be at least 14cm high, 5 cm wide and 2 cm strong. They must be black on

white background and the letter of nationality has to be at the beginning. (Switzerland

SUI)

Changes of rules:

Version 1.1 to version 1.2

• Article 10 / tow new flags

• Article 12.2 / new flags

• Article 13.2, 13.3 and 13.3 / change of the starting procedure with new flags.

• Article 17.5 / Adaption of the time instead of one hour to 30 minutes.