Rules Were Made for ... Changing 
Wendy Rutherford

At one time, slalom was scored in full points only ... you either made
it all the way around or you scored zero on that buoy.  Now slalom is
scored in 1/4 points.

Time was you had to start at 30mph and ski through 32, 34 and  36 (and
even 38mph at one point) before moving on to short line, starting with
15 off.  Since lots of skiers were making it into short line, slalom
events were long and tedious ... and somewhat risky, as George Athans
found out at the 68 Nationals.  After finishing his 36 mph pass, he
decided to try a wake 360 on his slalom ski - unsuccessfully - ending
his performance and his almost sure gold medal!  Now skiers can choose
what speed and rope length they want to start at.

What happened in each case?  Someone recommended a rule change.

The current Water Ski Canada (WSC) rule book has evolved as competitive
water skiing has evolved.  Every two years, the rules are examined and
refined, adding innovations, clarifying other rules and deleting those
deemed obsolete.

The technical committee (TC) performs this function, making
recommendations for approval by the congress at WSC's Annual General
Meeting, but any member can recommend a change.  The proposed rule
change must be made in writing to WSC's  National  Office prior to
August 31st of even-numbered years.  The TC reviews all rules changes
and attempts to provide a written critique of each prior to the annual
congress.   Every proposal is considered and presented.

So if you believe something's not right, or you think you have an idea
to improve the sport, go ahead ... write it down and send it in.   Who
knows, you might plant the seed that sparks a new evolution for
competitive skiing.

At the very least, you'll be taking action on something you believe in
and not sitting complacently by, complaining.