American Water Ski Association

Level 10 and Rule 3.03 FAQ

BACKGROUND: AWSA made modifications to rule 3.03 that creates a new Level 10 rating. The Skiers Qualification Committee (SQC) determines the ratings cutoffs for L10. Previously 3.03 governed Level 9, which was a level where a skier could optionally enter elite division competition (open or masters).  Level 10 creates a level of performance, that when achieved, mandates that a skier compete in their elite division for the remainder of that ski year.

When the term “ski year” is used below, it means from Nationals to Nationals. The ski year starts the day after one Nationals and goes through the end of the next Nationals.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Throughout the ski year, starting after Nationals, the computer scans the adult divisions looking for skiers who have a score that equals or exceeds the ratings cutoffs DURING the current ski year – 2020. A skier who matches or exceeds the L10 ratings cutoff scores will be added to the L10 list for that event or overall and must ski in their elite division for the remaining ski year (up till Nationals)
2. On the first Thursday of July, you will, or will not, be in L10 for the remainder of the ski year i.e. through Regionals/Nationals.
3. The day after Nationals the whole process starts over for the following season.

L10 Ratings for 2020

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Which events/divisions does L10 apply to in 2020?
Answer: OMS, OMT, OMJ, OWS, OWT, OWJ, MMS, MMT, MMJ, MWS, MWT, MWJ

Question: If I achieve the L10 rating on July 20, 2020, do I have to ski elite division at Regionals and Nationals?
Answer: No, after the first Thursday of July if you are not in L10 at that point you can ski in your age division at the upcoming Regionals/Nationals.

Question: Does my score have to be in a record event to count toward L10?
Answer: No, all class C scores count toward L10 ratings

Question: Last July 1, 2019 I skied 116 buoys in Men 1, do I have to ski Open in 2020?
Answer: Not until you achieve the L10 rating in the 2020 ski year.

Question: Let’s say I have 2 scores in Women 2 slalom and then my third score of the season puts me into L10, will my scores remain in Women 2 rankings?
Answer: No, once you achieve L10 status, your scores go with you into your elite division

Question: What’s the difference between L9 and L10?
Answer: L9 is elite division optional, L10 is mandatory elite