CONTEST
RULEBOOK
1
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Competition Rules
A. Age categories
B. Surfboards
C. Contest Infrastructure and Staff
D. Contest Rules
E. Judging Criteria (longboards, bodyboards, big wave riding, etc)
F. Anti Doping Policy
G. Discipline
3. Appendices
1. Staff Remunerations 2012
2. Beach Marshal Information Sheet
3. Tag Team Rules
4. Surfers Code of Conduct
1. Introduction
The ISA rule book can be found on www.isasurf.org
This is slightly different to the WSL rule book found on http://www.worldsurfleague.com/
The ISA rule book is used at the World Surfing Games, the World Junior Surfing Games, the European
Surfing Federation and for the ISA Judges Course.
The WSL rule book is used by the UK Pro Surf Tour and WSL Europe, for contests such as the WSL
European Junior events, as well as Star, Prime and WT events.
Both rule books are relevant, and both should be used as long as it is made clear at the outset as to
which rule book an event is working under.
To clarify the common ground a brief outline of the generic key points in the rule books be published
by Surfing England and that this be known as the Surfing England Rule Book. This will act as a guide
to Clubs, Coaches/parents and Surfers but not replace the ISA/ WSL rule book – which will still be the
final authority.
2
Surfing England Surfing Competition Rules
A. Age groups
Open: Male or Female of any age.
Women: Female of any age
Grom: Under 16
Junior: Boy or Girl Under 18
Pro Junior: Boy or girl under 20
Pro Junior Girls: Female under 20
Senior: Male or Female 28 years and older
Master: Male or Female 35 years and older
Master Women: Female 35 years and older
Grandmaster: Male or Female 45 years and older
Legends: Male or Female 55 years and older
* Ages are taken from January 1st in the year of participation.
Example: A Junior surfer must be under 18 years ON JANUARY 1ST IN THE YEAR OF COMPETITION.
B. Surfboards
Shortboard requirements;
1. These can be any of dimensions and use any fin combination but must be consistent with
standard acceptable equipment normally used.
2. The use of Longboards should be discouraged in the shortboard categories.
Bodyboard Requirements:
1. Will be flexible and shall include some portion of soft exterior skin.
2. Shall not exceed 5 feet in length.
3. The use of fins is optional.
Longboard Requirements:
1. Length is a minimum of 9 feet from the tip of the board in a straight line along its length.
Width dimensions to be a minimum aggregate of 47 inches. That is the total of the widest
point, plus the width 12 inches up from the tail and the width 12 inches back from the nose.
Kneeboard Requirements;
1. Kneeboards are a maximum of 6 ft. in length and must be consistent with standard
acceptable equipment normally used.
NB. The use of paddles is not allowed at a surfing event.
C. Contest Infrastructure and Staff
3
Essential (these are the minimum standards required to be a Surfing England sanctioned event)
1. Admin/ tabulating/ check-in area with ample supply of drinking water for staff and access to
staff toilet.
2. A separate, weather proof, quiet and private judging area with clear view of competition
area.
3. Beach Marshal area with contest disc, horn and competition vests (at least three sets per
peak using distinct colours i.e. RED, WHITE, YELLOW & BLUE. Disc must be clearly visible
from the sea.)
4. Nearby car parking for competitors or a secure competitor’s area with view of competition
area with notice board and within earshot of the PA. NB. Notice board to contain up to date
running order and heat draw.
5. Commentator’s area with view of competition area.
NB. Other useful items: Contest paperwork, clipboards, pens, pencils, stapler, scissors, stopwatch,
binoculars, cable ties, internet connection etc
Staff
Contest Director – has overall control and is responsible for running event. Contest Directors
decision is final.
Technical Director – responsible for seedings, draw and progression and supervises tabulator.
Tabulator(s) – responsible for correlating heat scores, working with TD and updating notice board.
Head Judge – responsible for organising the judging panel and supervising them, has control of heat
timings.
Judging Panel – minimum of four suitably qualified judges selected by HJ and CD working on rotation
in a three judge panel.
Beach Marshal – the contest interface with the competitors; responsible for issuing vests, turning
completion disc, sounding horn, issuing protest forms and disseminating information to competitors.
Commentator – provides information to competitors and public.
Lifeguard(s) – provides a clear contest area (working with commentator) and responsible for event
safety with CD.
Other staff (depending on size/needs of event)
Spotter – assists the judges with identifying competing surfers.
Beach Manager – responsible for contest infrastructure, works with CD to build and maintain site.
Beach Riggers – work under the direction of Beach Manager.
Contest Photographer – delivers brief supplied by CD (and Media Rep if appropriate).
Media Rep. – liaise with event sponsors and other media to maximise the event exposure.
Runner(s) – carry out tasks as requested by CD/ HJ/ TD.
Catering Manager – provides food and drink for contest staff.
D. Contest Rules
1. Heat Draw, Beach Marshal Information and Running Order will be posted on the notice
board at least half an hour before the event is scheduled to start.
2. The first heat may paddle out when they have collected their contest vest and ride practise
waves before the days competition starts.
3. All other competitors to start by standing at the waters’ edge, knee depth maximum and
must not infringe on the contest area during allotted paddle out time.
4. Heats will be started on a single horn blast.
4
5. Heats will end with two horn blasts. There will be a minimum of 30 seconds between
heats. The head judge will indicate when a heat is to commence.
6. A disc system will also be used, the disc must be at least 1 metre in diameter. It must
have a green or yellow light colour on one side and a darker red or orange colour on
the other. The light colour indicates that the heat is in progress. The red side is
shown to indicate that the heat is in its last 5 minutes. At the end of the heat the disc
is turned edge - on to the sea so that no colour is visible.
N.B. The start of the horn blast signifies the start or end of the heat. The flags or
disc are for guidance only.
7. Heats will normally be of 15-25 minute duration and finals 20-40 minutes duration.
The Contest Director and Head Judge will determine heat times. Any alterations will
be announced before a heat commences. A heat cannot be extended while in
progress.
8. The Contest Director and Head Judge will decide how many waves will count towards
a surfers score and the wave maximums. NORMALLY it will be best2 waves, max 15.
9. A surfer who has ridden more than 15 waves may be liable to an interference penalty
if they remain in the water and interfere in any way with the other competitors in that
heat.
10. When the air horn sounds for the end of a heat a surfer must be clearly in possession
of the wave (e.g. for board riders hands having left the rails) for a ride to be scored.
11. When heats are in progress, and at the beginning of the days surfing, any surfer in the
defined competition area may be penalised. The penalty will be immediate
disqualification.
12. Contestants are to check in with the Beach Marshall at least 5 minutes prior to the
start of their heat. Contest vests must be worn both from and back to the Beach
Marshall and must be returned immediately after the heat has been concluded.
13. At the completion of each heat, surfers will return to the beach in a prone position. A
surfer may incur an up-after interference penalty if he/she stands up after the end of
their heat and remains standing into the next heat and interferes with another surfer.
If a surfer stands up before the end of their heat they may finish their ride and be
scored for it even if it ends after their heat has ended.
14. Judges and tabulators sheets will be available for scrutiny by competitors, but must
not be removed from the contest control area.
15. Anyone who is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct may be liable to disqualification at
the discretion of the Contest Director, Head Judge and Surfers Representative.
16. Heats will normally be made up from a maximum of four surfers, although five man
heats may be used. A minimum of 50% of the surfers from a heat will normally
advance.
17. Surfers will remain available to give interviews or talk to the media for a maximum of half an
hour after the heat has finished.
18. Protests should be made in writing (on a form available from the Beach Marshal) and
delivered to the Contest Director.
E. Judging Criteria
WSL Judging Key Points (Oct 2011)
Surfers must perform to the WSL judging key elements to maximize their scoring potential. Judges
analyze the following major elements when scoring waves.
- Commitment and degree of difficulty
5
- Innovative and progressive manoeuvres
- Combination of major manoeuvres
- Variety of manoeuvres
- Speed, power and flow
NOTE: It’s important to note that the emphasis of certain elements is contingent upon the location
and the conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions during the day.
NOTE: The following scale may be used to describe a Ride that is scored:
0–1.9 = Poor; 2.0–3.9 = Fair; 4.0–5.9 = Average;
6.0–7.9 = Good; 8.0–10.0 = Excellent
ISA Judging Criteria
“The surfer must perform radical controlled manoeuvres in the
critical sections of a wave with speed, power and flow. Innovative/Progressive surfing as well as
the Combination and Variety of Repertoire (of MAJOR manoeuvres) will also be taken into
consideration when rewarding points for a surfers performance. The surfer who performs to the
criteria above, exhibiting the maximum Degree of Difficulty and Commitment on the waves shall
maximize his/her scoring potential.” (amended July 2010)
WSL Longboard Judging Key Points (Oct 2011)
A surfer must perform to the WSL Judging panel key elements to maximize their scoring potential.
Judges analyse the following major elements when scoring waves however it is important to note
that the emphasis of certain elements is contingent upon the conditions during the day.
a) Commitment and degree of difficulty
b) Variety of Traditional and Modern Manoeuvres
c) Use of foot work on the Board
d) Speed, Power, Style and Flow
e) Combination of major manoeuvres
NOTE: The following scale may be used to describe a Ride that is scored:
0–1.9 = Poor; 2.0–3.9 = Fair; 4.0–5.9 = Average;
6.0–7.9 = Good; 8.0–10.0 = Excellent.
European Surfing Federation Longboard Judging Criteria
“Longboards will be judged on a combination of traditional and modern manoeuvres with control
being the major factor” (Surfing England Rule Book amended Feb 2011)
Big Wave Judging Criteria
“The surfer who demonstrates the most commitment on the largest waves in the most controlled
manner will receive the highest score.” (World Big Wave Tour)
Aerial Manoeuvres Competition Criteria
When scoring air competition, competitors will be scored on completed AIRS only - (must land and
ride out for 3 seconds). If an AIR is 90% completed (landing and fumbling recovery), the head judge
may rule a score, but with a major deduction. The head judge will make a final ruling on judgment
6
calls. Competitors will be scored on their top one or two AIRS depending on conditions, competitors
best AIR will be scored double the points. The competition director or contest director will
determine the number of AIR manoeuvres to be scored before each event and this will be posted at
the marshal area. If conditions change during the event the contest director in consultation with the
head judge may change the number of manoeuvres to score, however, no change is to occur in the
middle of a round. (SurfUSA.org rulebook)
F. Anti Doping Policy
Surfing England complies with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) policies and actively promotes an anti-doping
in Surfing.
Surfing England endorses both the WSL and ISA AntiDoping polices in the way they apply to both
Competitors and Officials at Surfing England events.
G. Discipline
The Contest Committee (Contest Director, Head Judge & Surfers Rep) shall act to sanction any surfer
found guilty of misconduct. Examples of misconduct can be found (but is not limited to) the
following list. Sanctions available range from disqualification, withdrawal of prize money, and fines
to Surfing England membership cancelation and life time bans.





















Catch more than maximum allowable waves
Failing to attend awards presentation
Surfing during next/previous heat
Failing to attend post-heat press conference
Stay in water after 2 interference
Failure to pay membership fees on time
Verbally abusing contest staff
Equipment abuse (person’s own equipment) in event and compound areas
Failing to attend events entered
Damage to event property
Damage to property in event locality
Knowingly wearing event vest incorrectly
Not wearing vest from and returning to beach marshal
Free surfing in competition area during heats
Ripping up judging sheets
Writing on judging sheets
Swearing loudly in official area
Verbally abusing media
Physically assaulting media
Rude gestures to judges
Swearing out load at judges
7




Unsportsmanlike conduct (includes, but is not limited to rude gestures, water splashing, foul
language directed toward another competitor, a judge(s), the crowd or a spectator(s).
Surfers should be fully aware that the definition of unsportsmanlike conduct is broad and
they must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner
Damage to surfing image caused by misbehaviour (Does not have to be at an event venue
site)
Assaulting a judge or event staff
Physically assaulting other competitors inside the event area
NOTES
8
Appendix 1
Staff Renumerations 2012
To work on a Surfing England event per eight hour day (normally 24 heats) plus expenses for
travel outside of a 20 mile radius. The following Daily Rates are a guide:
Contest Director £150
Head Judge £110
Judge Grade 3 £85
Judge Grade 2 £75
Judge Grade 1 £65
Technical Director/ Senior Tabulator £85
Tabulator £75
Beach Marshal £75
Runner £60 (Under 18 £40)
Appendix 2
BEACH MARSHALL INFORMATION SHEET
HEAT LENGTH:
20/15
Minutes (please confirm with Beach Marshall)
HORNS: One to start the heat and two to finish. There will be a gap of at least 30 seconds
between each heat.
DISC: Green at the start of the heat, then Red for the last five minutes.
No disc between heats.
DISC POSITION: If you are not sure of the position of the timing disc, please ask the Beach
Marshall to show you.
WAVE MAXIMUMS: Best
2
waves are scored from a maximum of 15.
If you ride over the wave maximum you will be penalised.
9
Please confirm the wave maximums from the Beach Marshal prior to your heat as they could
change due to conditions. If possible we will endeavour to inform surfers when they have
surfed their penultimate and ultimate waves but we can make no guarantees - IT IS UP TO
THE SURFER TO COUNT HIS/HER OWN WAVES.
PADDLE OUT TIME: 5 minutes before the end of the heat in the water. During the
paddle out: Keep well clear of the surfers competing or you could be called for
interference.
VESTS: You must wear your heat vest in the correct way i.e. the right way round, from the
Beach Marshall’s area and keep your vest on until you return at the end of your
heat.
Please be prompt in returning your vest.
INTERFERENCE: As per the ASP rulebook, i.e. surfer on the inside has unconditional
right of way. Prone in at the end of the heat. Please note all interferences will be called.
CADDIES: No caddies in the water. Caddies only allowed when a surfer loses or breaks a
board.
POST HEAT PRESS CONFERENCES: Please remain available to talk to the media
after your heat if asked to do so by the Beach Marshall. The maximum time this should
take will be 30 minutes, thank you for your co-operation.
Appendix 3
Tag Team Rules














16 surfers in 4 teams of 4 surfers, with one team member from each team only in the water at
one time.
Team order of surfing once given, prior to the heat start, cannot be changed
Each team must be provided with an area approx. 4 metres square near the shoreline and all
areas to be next to each other
Teams must stay in their boxes until the end of the heat, unless allowed to leave by the
referee.
Referee checks order of surfing, tags and controls other on-beach aspects of the tag Team
event
Heat length to be 40/ 60 minutes, depending upon conditions and to be decided by CD and
HJ
Each surfer must catch 2/ 3/ 4 waves each, with each one counting, dependant on above
Tabulation of final results is achieved by adding all the four surfers counting waves together
The heat starts with all the surfers inside the team box. Subsequent tags must be made inside
the box
The tag involves changing competition vest and physical contact between surfers
Surfers must return to the box carrying their own surfboard
Interference is per rule book for 4 man heats
Each team is allowed one ‘double whammy’ surfer, this surfer will have one of his waves
score double points
The ‘double whammy’ surfer must raise both arms immediately at the completion of the ride to
have it score double points, even if it is the last ride.
10


The team must complete their wave count and have all their surfers back in the box within the
time period
If a surfer needs to change surfboards /leash during a heat, one member of the team may
take him a replacement board, after the referee grants permission
Penalties:
2 point deduction from total score







Surfer competes out of turn
Surfer leaves boxed area
Surfer catches more than wave maximum (2 points per wave)
Surfer completes tag outside of box
Surfer does not complete tag
Surfer returns without surfboard
Surfer does not carry board back to box
5 point deduction for


Interference
Team does not complete wave count within time
Appendix 4
Code of Conduct for Surfers
1. Safety and Etiquette

Always consider other water users

All surfers should be able to swim at least 50 metres in open water.

Always wear a leash as your uncontrolled board can be a danger to other water users but
can save you from drowning.

Keep your surfing equipment in good condition, especially your leash.

Always return to the beach before nightfall.

Never surf under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Always wear a wetsuit when surfing in Britain, it acts as a floatation device and prevents cold

Know your entrance and exit points before entering the water.

Find two reference points to check your location in the water.

Watch the surf for at least 10 minutes to check the where to paddle out, catch waves and
avoid rips.

Check conditions with the lifeguards and never surf between the red and yellow flags.

Obey the lifeguards’ instructions and be prepared to assist them if required.

Never surf alone
2. Paddling Out
11

When paddling out avoid other surfers who are riding waves, If you are caught inside paddle
towards the white water.

If a collision is about to happen, stop paddling to allow the rider to avoid you.
3. Catching a wave

When taking a wave see that you are clear of other surfers. Remember, if someone else is
already riding the wave you must not take off. The surfer on the inside has priority.

Always communicate, such as calling the direction you intend to go ‘Right or Left’.

Keep control of your board at all times.
4. Remember

You will learn a lot quicker and have more fun by taking part in a surfing lesson by a qualified
Surfing England instructor.

For your own peace of mind and others ensure that you are covered by Public Liability
Insurance (This is free when you join Surfing England).

Be environmentally friendly. Always leave the beach and other areas as you would wish to
find them.
12
13