The professional riders would like to maintain consistency across UST Events. With the VIC being part of the United Skim Tour, the professional riders would like to encourage VIC organizers to adhere to the following rules. All other events on tour in 2022 have adhered to the rules listed below: 

1) 3 wave count
2) No left right rule
3) Priority and interference enforced

Further explanation on each point below:

3 wave count: After reviewing both the 5 wave scores and 3 wave scores, we find very little difference in preventing tie breaks. The 5-wave rule pushes riders to focus on getting their wave scores in, instead of focusing on the best waves. The three-wave places an emphasis on quality over quantity, leading to a higher level of riding and a more exciting competition. It also reduces pressure for the judges as riders are less likely to run for as many waves.

The Left/Right Rule: While the left/right rule has always been a classic Vic rule to encourage variety, professional skimboarders have reached a level where they are going to choose the best scoring opportunities regardless of the direction of the wave. The pros in particular have a very diverse set of tricks regardless of direction. While we still want to encourage variety, we believe this is best done through judging. Judges should be encouraged to reward riders who complete unique tricks different from other riders or from their own earlier rides. 

Priority: A dedicated priority/interference judge helps clarify priority situations and deter riders from interfering with one another on the same wave. Ideally, priority should be enforced by a dedicated priority judge using paddles or flags to indicate priority and call interference when necessary.