Downwind Foil World Tour – Rulebook
Scope:
This rule book aims to give guidance for event organizers by setting out minimum expectations and standards that an event should maintain in order to be considered a part of the Downwind Foil World Tour (DFWT).
This is to ensure that the quality of the tour events are maintained and to ensure a consistent value proposition for riders in attendance.
This document covers the following:
1. Tour Framework
1.1 Ranking methodology
1.2 Points
2. Event Guidance
2.1 Event Safety
2.2 Race Briefing
2.3 Timing & Tracking
2.4 Protests
1. Tour Framework
This section outlines how riders will be ranked for their performance at DFWT events across the season.
1.1 Ranking methodology
Athletes will be ranked based on points accumulated across the events in a season. The season will be defined by the calendar year.
As the majority of athletes are unable to attend every stop on the tour, an athlete’s best four results are taken for their ranking at the end of the season.
In the event of a points tie between athletes (also needs to be made clear). Their event placing will be compared with the rider with the higher average finishing position ranking higher. If this outcome is also equal, then events will be assigned a weighting based on attendance.
1.2 Points
Points are awarded based on an athlete’s placing in each event.
The points system is not linear in order to reward performance.
The points system is based on a power law. The points per position are calculated as follows: 100 ÷ √(place)
Therefore the points table looks as follows (only up to 10th place for illustration):
| Placing | Calculation | Points |
| 1 | 100 ÷ √(1) | 100.0 |
| 2 | 100 ÷ √(2) | 70.7 |
| 3 | 100 ÷ √(3) | 57.7 |
| 4 | 100 ÷ √(4) | 50.0 |
| 5 | 100 ÷ √(5) | 44.7 |
| 6 | 100 ÷ √(6) | 40.8 |
| 7 | 100 ÷ √(7) | 37.8 |
| 8 | 100 ÷ √(8) | 35.4 |
| 9 | 100 ÷ √(9) | 33.3 |
| 10 | 100 ÷ √(10) | 31.6 |
In the event of a DNF – the equivalent points for 400th place (arbirtarily assigned to be significantly lower than last place) – 5 points will be assigned.
2. Event Guidance
The following section outlines minimum expectations for an event that is part of the DFWT.
2.1 Event Safety
The DWFWT does not have prescribed safety requirements but it is the responsibility of event organizers to ensure the basic safety of competitors is maintained in accordance with local legislation.
2.2 Race Briefing
Events shall have a dedicated race briefing in which the following items are clearly communicated to the riders:
Course
- The start and finish gates / points shall be clearly explained to the athletes along with a description of the course if there are any things to note.
Schedule / Logistics
- Race timings and transport timings should be clearly communicated to athletes.
- If equipment is to be transported to the start of the race it should be clearly communicated to the athletes if there are any equipment limitations (e.g. number of boards, planes etc) that can be transported.
Start Sequence
- An event shall have a clear start protocol and the briefing should make clear which visual or auditory signals (or both) will be used.
- Recommended best practice for a start sequence based on rider feedback is:
- Paddle in the air / Trigger in the air – can’t paddle / trigger in the air
- Flag in the air and then “go” when the flag drops.
- Visual cues are recommended over audible cues as audible cues are difficult for the whole fleet to hear.
- Note that for large fleets (and also in general), flying starts are difficult to regulate as an organiser and difficult to have covered with event insurance.
Safety requirements
- Mandatory requirements: If the event requires mandatory equipment (PFD, leash etc) this must be indicated in advance of the event and reiterated during the briefing.
- Communications / escalation protocols should be shared with riders (possible examples include: phone number to call, signal for help, SOS button on Dot Vision trackers)
- DWFWT recommends the following as minimum safety requirements as best practice:
- Individual equipment: Life Jacket, Leash, Communication device.
- Water safety: Some means of water safety to assist riders in need
- Check in / check out system: In order to ensure all athletes are accounted for
2.3 Timing & Tracking
An event shall have an adequate means whereby athletes times can be tracked accurately to ensure an accurate results list can be published.
It is recommended to use a GPS tracking system (for example “Dot Vision”) to verify timings and to facilitate discussion around incorrect results / protests from riders using GPS data as evidence.
2.4 Protests
In the event of a protest (rider infringement by another rider or event support boat) or incorrect race results – athletes should be able to challenge / protest. In the absence of GPS data to verify it is up to the race directors discretion how to resolve the protest. If GPS data is available, this can be used to review with the relevant athletes
