Official Competition Rules

 

1. Purpose of Competition Rules

These rules govern all Aruba Bodyboard Association (ABA) sanctioned competitions. Their purpose is to ensure:

  • Fair judging

  • Athlete safety

  • Professional conduct

  • Consistent event standards

  • Respect for the ocean and community

* All competitors must read and agree to these rules before participating.

 

2. Eligibility & Registration

  • All competitors must be registered ABA members in good standing.

  • A signed waiver is required for every event.

  • Junior competitors must provide parental consent.

  • Entry deadlines must be respected. Late entries may be denied.

  • Contest organizers reserve the right to limit field size.

 

3. Competition Divisions

Events may include the following divisions:

  • Junior (13 – 17 years)

  • Open/Pro Division

  • Dropknee Division

  • Women’s Division

  • Masters (35+)

Divisions may be adjusted based on participation.

 

 

4. Heat Format

  • Heats consist of 2–4 riders.

  • Heat duration: 15–25 minutes.

  • Each rider may catch unlimited waves.

  • Only the best two waves count toward final score.

  • Ties are broken by the third-best wave score.

 

5. Scoring Criteria

     Each wave is scored from 0.0 to 10.0.

 

Judges evaluate:

  • Commitment and risk

  • Degree of difficulty

  • Innovation and progression

  • Speed, power, and flow

  • Variety and combination of maneuvers

  • Control and completion

  • Incomplete maneuvers receive reduced scores.

 

6. Priority & Right of Way

  • The rider closest to the breaking section has priority.

  • Snaking (paddling around another rider to gain position) is prohibited.

  • Dropping in on a rider with priority is interference.

 

* Judges determine priority based on wave position and intent.

 

7. Interference Penalties

Interference occurs when a rider:

  • Blocks a scoring ride

  • Drops in on another rider’s wave

  • Causes a rider to fall or pull out

  • Prevents completion of a maneuver

 

Penalty:

  • Loss of highest scoring wave

  • Second interference = disqualification

  • Intentional interference may result in suspension

 

8. Equipment Requirements

  • A leash is mandatory at all times

  • Approved bodyboard fins only.

  • Unsafe or damaged equipment is prohibited.

  • Helmets recommended in heavy surf.

  • Judges may disqualify riders for unsafe gear.

 

9. Start & End of Heat

  • Riders must enter the water before the horn.

  • Waves caught after the final horn do not count.

  • Riders interfering after the horn may still be penalized.

  • Missed heats result in automatic elimination

 

10. Contest Director Authority

The Contest Director has final authority to:

  • Change heat duration

  • Restart heats

  • Pause competition

  • Cancel due to unsafe conditions

  • Enforce disciplinary action

* All contest decisions are final.

 

11. Athlete Conduct

Athletes must:

  • Respect judges and officials

  • Respect fellow competitors

  • Avoid abusive language or behavior

  • Follow beach and safety rules

  • Represent ABA professionally

 

Penalties may include:

  • Score deduction

  • Heat loss

  • Disqualification

  • Event suspension

12. Safety Regulations

  • First aid personnel must be present.

  • Lifeguards or rescue support required.

  • Dangerous surf may suspend competition.

  • Athletes compete at their own risk.

  • Medical emergencies override competition rules.

 

13. Environmental Responsibility

All competitors must:

  • Dispose of trash properly

  • Respect dunes and reefs

  • Avoid damaging natural areas

  • Support clean beach practices

Environmental violations may result in penalties.

 

14. Protests & Appeals

  • Protests must be filed within 15 minutes of heat end.

  • Appeals must be submitted in writing.

  • Head Judge reviews all disputes.

  • Final ruling is binding.

Judging scores themselves cannot be protested.

 

15. Awards & Rankings

  • Points awarded based on placement.

  • Rankings accumulate across the season.

  • Champions recognized annually.

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may void points.

 

16. Force Majeure

ABA is not responsible for cancellations due to weather, ocean hazards, or public safety concerns.