New Surf-off Rules for SLSA Competition Ties Proves Popular with Surfers

submitted by the roving reporter

 During the off season, the SLSA Board approved a single wave surf-off for ties in the semi-final rounds of SLSA competitions. This rule replaces the previously-used complex and little understood formula that was in place to settle ties. The surf-off rule had its first test Saturday in semi final heat number one at SLSA's Round 2 event at Mori Pwani. In the closely contested heat, surfers Jac Mornington and Colleen Brennan ended up locked in a tie. Both surfers were summoned back to the beach for a very exciting one wave surf-off to determine who would advance to the final round. Brennan managed to eek out a win by the slimmest of margins in the surf off, but both Mornington and Brennan stated approval for the new format.

Brennan stated, "The new rule adds to the excitement of the day. The only bad part is going head to head against a friend I am usually rooting for. I definitely like this new rule a lot better. Both surfers know what is at stake and get to determine their own future based on their performance in the surf-off. I was extremely nervous and just did my best to give Jac a challenge. I knew I had to do my best because he was on fire and really ripping up the waves all day."

Mornington also expressed approval for the surf-off noting that, "It adds to the level of excitement, takes very little time, and is more fair than the old formula rule." He also suggests that the Board should consider adopting the same rule throughout all levels of the competition.

Currently, if there is a tie for second in the preliminary and first round heats, both competitors advance. The surf-off tie breaker comes into place starting in the semi-final rounds. Interestingly, the "new" rule calling for a surf-off is actually a return to the SLSA's original format for settling ties. The formula rule last season was put in place prior to the adoption of the new competition format which features a by-week for the top 20 ranked surfers and an unlimited Open Invitational round for all other SLSA members.

As noted by Brennan, a Director on the SLSA Board at that time, "Our league was going through growing pains and searching for any and all ways to time manage competitions. We even had to cap the amount of surfers allowed to surf on a first come, first served basis. The formula for settling ties was only supposed to be a temporary measure. It should have disappeared when we adopted the new format, but unfortunately it over-stayed its welcome. I am happy the Board made a change this season. The big flaw in the old formula method is that it simply went back and decided based on highest scored wave in the heat between the tied surfers. Of course at the time, neither knew what was at stake and the rule seemed to 'penalize' a consistent good performance in favor of perhaps one spectacular wave." She added, "Under the surf-off tie breaker rule, both surfers know exactly what is at stake and get to lay it all on the line and fight for the prize head to head."

Judging by the reaction of the surfers involved in the surf-off, as well as many of the spectators, it seems that the Board made a popular decision by returning to a surf-off to break ties. SurfWatch will follow up on whether the SLSA Board will consider Mornington's suggestion that it be extended to all levels of the competition and will keep you posted on this exciting development in SL competition surfing.

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