Waterski homologation is the official certification of a competition’s results and conditions by the sport’s governing body.
Officials check that the course, equipment, timing, and judging meet the required rules. Once approved, the scores can count as official records, rankings, or qualifying results
- Course Measurement: The slalom, trick, and jump courses are surveyed and measured using precision tools like theodolites (polar or prismless) or RTK GPS coordinates to ensure exact buoy and ramp placement within strict rule tolerances.
- Boat and Speed Control: Approved tow boats and speed control systems (such as Zero Off) are checked and mapped to guarantee exact timing, acceleration, and speed maintenance.
- Homologation Software: Specialized programs like Waterski Homologation Software process survey data, calculate real versus expected buoy positions, and generate official digital dossiers.
- Performance Listings: Results from homologated events are submitted for ranking lists, standing lists (L), or world/national record (R) recognition depending on the level of certification.
General Homologation Guidelines:
a) The Homologator must complete the applicable step(s) of the Electronic Dossier checklist and must verify that the homologation requirements have been satisfied prior to the event.
b) The Homologator must be present during the entire competition.
d) For the duration and the validity of an homologations refer to art. 25.02 a) and art. 25.04 a).
e) The survey date and re-verification data shall be documented in the Homologation Dossier.
g) Site Code allocations: Areas with more than one lake (connected or adjacent) shall be treated as one site with one unique site code if owned or controlled by the same entity. Site Codes are approved by the World Waterski Council. The World WSC may consider exceptions to this rule. h) The completed Electronic Dossier checklist shall be submitted within 15 days by uploading it to http://www.iwwfed.com via the Submit Homologation Dossier function.
i) For World and Confederation Titled Events the Homologation Noticed must be posted before the competition starts.
Slalom Survey
Individual Anchor Slalom Courses must be surveyed (full survey) within 90 days of the event and validated (G1– G4 and S1 – S6) by the Homologator within 10 days of the event. It is the responsibility of the Homologator to ensure that the buoys have not moved prior to the event. If there is any doubt the Homologator should make another full survey prior to the event. 3) A floating cable slalom course (approved single line, four-line, cross course) must be surveyed (full survey) within 10 days of the event and validated (G1–G4 and S1–S6) by the Homologator within 3 days of the event. It is the responsibility of the Homologator to ensure that the buoys have not moved prior to the event. If there is any doubt the Homologator should make another full survey prior to the event.
Slalom General
All skier buoys and end gates must be verified (diameter and height) (8.07).
2) All boat guides must be verified (diameter and height) (8.07).
3) All boat guides must be visually verified straight.
4) Buoys should be bright, distinct, and clearly visible.
5) Cameras and video capture devices meets the requirements (25.06).
6) The ropes should be stretched or used in practice.
7) Ropes and competition handles must be inspected and measured (5.09).
8) Personal handles shall be measured by the Jetty Marshall under the responsibility of the Homologator, immediately after the skier skis (8.01).
9) When using Video Base BPMS, the Homologator should record static pictures of the slalom end course for later reference if required.
10) Ensure any additional boat weight meets requirements (5.06).
11) Ensure Speed Control System meets technical requirements (5.03, 5.04, 5.07).
12) Records to be submitted using the IWWF Record application and data/video submitted (Rule 23). 25.03:
Tricks Homologation Guidelines:
a) Verify Trick Course meets requirements (9.02, 9.23).
b) Establish a place to measure all trick rope releases (9.13).
c) Ensure proper additional skier weight is available (9.14).
d) Trick Timer Program – video with a free running clock embedded on the screen with a display of at least 1/100 second resolution.
e) Verify that the video input (live/captured video) and trick timer program is correct (20 seconds) by comparing it to a videoing (live/input) electronic timer (digital clock).
f) Ensure Speed Control meets technical requirements (5.03, 5.04, 5.07).
g) Records to be submitted using the IWWF Record application and data/video submitted (Rule 23). 25.04:
Jump Homologation Guidelines:
a) Jump Survey 1) Survey methodology and equipment – See technical specification (25.05).
2) A jump course must be surveyed (full survey) within 10 days of the event and validated by the Homologator within 3 days of the event. It is the responsibility of the Homologator to ensure that the buoys have not moved prior to the event. If there is any doubt, the Homologator should make.
3) The Course X Axis is a straight line that runs through the 15ST buoy and the 15MT buoy.
4) The Course Y Axis is a perpendicular line to the Course X Axis passing through the 15MT buoy (0,0).
5) The boat path centreline is a parallel line 2 meters from course X Axis (17 meters from the ramp).
6) The 15ET buoy and 15EC buoy must be within +/- 4cm of Course X Axis (15ST-15MT) and must visually be straight.
7) The 19ST, 19MT, 19ET and 19EC are parallel to the Course X Axis, must be visually straight and should have a width of 4m +/- 5cm to appear visually straight.
8) In instances where the jump course and the slalom course are integrated, it is suggested they are parallel.
9) Reference 10.16 for Jump Course Tolerance.
There are2 components to successfully completing the course and becoming an official homologator.
The first step is the successful completion of the online Homologation Exam. To achieve this, you will need to achieve a pass mark of 85% or greater in the exam. The exam can be taken multiple times.
The key information source for the online exam is the World Waterski Rules specifically Rule 5, Rule 23, Rule 24 and Rule 25.
The link to the exam and other associated relevant information which might be helpful is below.
Once you have successfully completed the online exam you will need to undertake a full site survey and appropriate documentation under the supervision of an approved H1 or H2 homologator.
This assessment will include a demonstration of your ability to compete the following processes.
1. Survey the site with sure-path
2. Upload sure-path to the Homologation program (this needs to be downloaded from the USA Waterki website)
3. Fill out and compete the Homologation Dossier.
4. Enter the jump coordinates into splasheye or USA jump program and verify the grid.
5. Measurement of all ropes and handles used in the tournament (Tournament provided and individually supplied).
Once the exam and supervised survey are completed you will become a H2 Homologator and will be able to undertake Homologation at Australian Tournaments up to and Including L rated and N rated tournaments.