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.