Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up LiveHeats for an Accredited Waveski Event with World Waveski Surfing Association Rulebook Compliance

This guide outlines the process for setting up LiveHeats for an organization hosting an accredited waveski event where points are allocated to the World Waveski Surfing Association (WWSA), adhering to the WWSA rulebook for seeding and flow, with approval from the International Contest Director.

Step 1: Understand WWSA Rulebook Requirements

Objective: Ensure compliance with WWSA rules for seeding, flow, and event structure.

Actions:
– Review the WWSA rulebook (available at www.worldwaveski.com) for event standards, including seeding, heat progression, and points allocation.
– Confirm the event is registered with the WWSA to ensure points contribute to WWSA rankings.
– Note key requirements for sanctioned events, such as accredited venues, certified judges, and adherence to competition formats (e.g., Open, Women’s, Junior, Masters divisions).

Key WWSA Rules:

Seeding: Competitors are grouped by skill level and/or WWSA world rankings, with top-ranked waveski athletes seeded to avoid early matchups in heats.

Flow: Events typically include preliminary heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, with 3–5 competitors per heat, judged on wave performance (e.g., maneuver quality, wave selection, flow, and difficulty).

Points Allocation: Results from sanctioned events contribute to WWSA world rankings, requiring accurate scoring and submission to the WWSA.

Step 2: Obtain WWSA Committee Approval

Objective: Secure sign-off from the WWSA Committee to validate event compliance.

Actions:
Prepare a detailed event plan, including:
– Event date, location (beach/venue), and expected number of competitors.
– Proposed schedule, divisions (e.g., Open, Women’s, Junior, Masters), and heat structure. (find these on the websites Downloadable resources)
– Seeding plan based on WWSA rankings and rulebook guidelines.
– Confirmation of WWSA-accredited judges, safety measures (e.g., lifeguards), and equipment (e.g., waveskis, safety gear).
– Submit the plan to the WWSA committee via email (e.g., itcd@worldwaveski.com & info@worldwaveski.com).
– Address any feedback or required changes promptly to obtain approval.
– Retain documentation of the signed-off plan for reference during event setup.

Step 3: Set Up LiveHeats Event

Objective: Configure LiveHeats for the waveski event.

Actions:
– Create Event: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025346252-Creating-an-event
– Specify that the event is WWSA ACRREDITED.
– Select divisions (e.g., Open, Women’s, Junior, Masters) per WWSA rules.
– Event Settings: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360031921752-Customising-the-event-settings-for-your-event
– Select series (WWSA Leaderboard 2025/2026)
– Hide Athletes names from Judges and Head Judge
– Drop Highest and Lowest, when judge panel exceeds 3 judges.
– Head Judge must approve scores
– Ranking points Multiplier must be set at 0.5
– Setting Jersey Colour: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039387311-Setting-jersey-colours-or-allocating-bib-numbers
– Define round structure: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025858291-Drawing-heats-and-customising-the-draw
– Flow must be adjusted manually, to match the excel document signed off by ITCD. https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360029695392-Customising-seeding-progression-or-advancement-within-a-round
– Set heat durations in LiveHeats https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360029551731-Setting-and-customising-heat-duration
– Configure advancement rules: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037084312-Configuring-custom-progression-rules-from-a-round
– Use LiveHeats’ “Advancement” settings to automate progression (minimum of 50 percent progression). – – Follow WWSA rulebook guideline
– Publishing your event result to the federation’s rankings: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/360060630151-Publishing-your-event-result-to-the-federation-s-rankings
– Event status: https://support.liveheats.com/hc/en-us/articles/12070274577684-Managing-the-status-of-your-event
– Event Status must be set to published for points to be allocated to WWSA leaderboard rankings.

Step 4: Post-Event Evaluation

Objective: Assess the event’s success and gather feedback for improvement.

Actions:
– Conduct a debrief with staff, judges, and volunteers to evaluate LiveHeats performance and WWSA compliance.
– Collect feedback from competitors via surveys (use LiveHeats’ survey feature or external tools).
– Review any issues (e.g., seeding errors, technical glitches, wave condition challenges) and document solutions for future events.
– Submit a post-event report to the WWSA, including attendance, results, and any deviations from the approved plan.

Additional Notes

• Contingency Planning: Prepare for potential issues (e.g., poor wave conditions, internet outages) by having backup score sheets and a weather contingency plan.
• Accessibility: Ensure the venue meets accessibility requirements (e.g., beach access for spectators with disabilities) per WWSA’s inclusive standards.
• Timeline: Begin planning at least 60 days in advance to allow time for WWSA approval, venue confirmation, and LiveHeats setup.

By following these steps, your organization can host a WWSA-sanctioned waveski event using LiveHeats, ensuring accurate seeding, smooth flow, and proper points allocation, with full approval from the WWSA Committee.