BACKGROUND

After the formation of the International Formula Windsurfing Class in December 2000,the elected Committee set to work identifying the priorities ahead .Youth and junior policy was just such a priority ,and a paper outlining the strategy for 2001 and 2002 was published .

Some fundamental principles outlined then, remain true today :

– “open class”-meaning you choose the board and rig that meets your body weght and size ;

– multi-manufacturer-ensuring world wide availability and competitive pricing ;

– modern designs -but durable construction;

· limitations on the amount of equipment -2 sails and 2 fins .

The 2002 AGM voted to freeze class rules ,ushering in a period of stability and sustainable growth for the class. The structure now in place for 2003/4 will encourage national authorities ,national windsurfing organisations and cliubs to ivest in ” formula ” racing . Inevitably the decision on the choice of Olympic equipment for 2008 will have an effect on policy from 2005 onwards .

During this intervening period the IFWC will seek to guide and inform young sailors , and parents ; maximize the opportunities for advancement ; continue to provide quality championship events ; encourage the development of fw racing worldwide .

SIMPLY —provide a stable platform for the future.

DIVISIONS

Age Groups:

YOUTH – is a boy or girl who is less than 19 years old .

JUNIOR- is a boy or girl who is less than 17 years old .

Competitors must not be older than the maximum age limit for that division by the 31 st December in the year of competition.

Junior sub divisions – an under 15 category may be included in the championship programme.

EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS

Class Rules.,Additional Restrictions:

1) BOARDS.

Only ISAF approved Production Boards listed as FW YOUTH Boards by January 1 st (in the year of competition) shall be eligible to compete in FW YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

2) SAILS.

Youth (and Junior) competitors shall be permitted to register only TWO sails for a competition.

3) FINS.

Competitors shall be permitted to register only TWO fins for a competition.During a series of races -a regatta -not more than one board ,2 sails and 2 fins may be used . You will be required to list the equipment to be used on a Measurement Form ,before racing starts -to complete registration. Furthermore -only one board ,one sail and one fin shall be used during a race . Limited equipment cannot be altered in any way, without the permission of the JURY. Should you damage your (limited) equipment during an event ,and it cannot be repaired ,the Jury may permit substitution of the damaged equipment on a “like for like” basis.

OTHER CLASS RULES -you should know:

MAXIMUM SAIL SIZES :

– for Youth is 11.0 sq.m..

– for junior is 8.5 sq.m..

An additional restriction of 6.5 sail max. may apply to an under 15 subdivision -and will be included in the notice of race .

BOARD REPAIRS: you are permitted to make normal repairs to a damaged board so long as the board keeps its original shape and characteristics .Major changes to the underside ,and deliberate removal of the finishing coat(s) are NOT permitted.

SAIL NUMBERS: you must carry identification on your sail ; that is your national Letters (3 letters) and National number; in a single colour (black) ; on both sides of the sail ; firmly attached; and clearly legible .Details of size ,spacing , type of lettering ;and positioning are clearly illustrated in Appendix 2.

CHAMPIONSHIPS /TITLES and EVENTS

As an ISAF approved International Class FW has additional ” WORLD ” TITLES -which are allocated to YOUTH – Youth Boy and Youth Girl.

The IFWC YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is incorporated into a FESTIVAL of FORMULA RACING ; with divisions for Junior ; Espoir and Masters; competing for Class Titles and Prizes .

When the FW Youth Worlds and Festival takes place outside Europe , a separate European Youth Championship and Festival will be scheduled .

Outside of EUROPE other Continental Championships will include divisions for Youth and Junior (espoir and masters) ;and where possible have separate fleets and starts.

YOUTH and Junior Championships shall remain “open ” entry events for the period of this policy -it is not thought necessary to impose a Qualification System .

IN CONCLUSION.

TIMING of Championships -whenever possible the Continental events will take place during the first half of the year ; and the YOUTH WORLDS and Festival during July /August.

This will help with planning -and ensure that the views and concerns are carried forward to the all important Annual General Meeting ,held during the Class WORLD Championships -scheduled for the latter part of the year (sept . to November )

YOUTH FORUM – will be conducted during the Youth Championships, giving the opportunity for sailors ,parents and coaches to debate with class officials any aspect of formula racing .

COACHING/ SKILLS CLINICS – not everyone has access to coaching . TOP formula racers and coaches will be invited to share their knowledge and experience with you at Festival Events .

ENTRY FEES – as a member of the IWA ,a fee structure has been agreed that will be applied across the classes . This includes reduced fees for Youth and Junior categories . From 2003 ,Fw fees will fall in line with those of IMCO and MJOD -you will be paying LESS -for MORE !

Any areas of uncertainty you have ,comments you wish to make , questions you want to ask :

CONTACT – fw@internationalwindsurfing.com