FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / NEW RACER INFO
What do I need to start racing jetskis?
Requirements include:
Coast Guard Approved Flotation Device (life vest)
DOT Approved Helmet, most racers use motocross helmets
Back Protector (ski classes only)
Personal Watercraft built in alignment with class rules
Race numbers displayed on each side of the watercraft
Flexible tow loop attached to bow
Recommendations:
Gloves
Goggles
Wetsuit for additional protection from the elements
What are the different Racer Classifications, and what do they mean?
Rider/Racer Classifications are listed below:
Beginner
The Beginner class is provided as an entry-level class for new riders who wish to experience the fun of racing. It is open to all Novice competitors who have competed in three or fewer races. In the case of a series, riders may compete in the entire series prior to moving to the Novice class. Otherwise, in a rider’s fourth race, he/she must compete in the Novice class.Novice
Novice competitors are those with minimal racing experience. First-time competitors must participate in the Novice or Beginner class. Novice-class riders may reclassify themselves as Expert at their own discretion. Novice-class riders may also be reclassified as Expert-class riders at the discretion of the Great Lakes WatercrossAmateur
The Amateur class is comprised of Novice- and Expert-level riders. Limitations may be placed on experienced competitors being allowed to participate in Amateur classes.Expert
Expert-class riders are those who demonstrate a skill level that has exceeded beyond that of a Novice-class rider.Pro
Pro riders are those who have substantial racing experience and have advanced competition skills.Pro-Am
The Pro-Am class is comprised of Expert- and Pro-level riders.Veterans
The Veterans Ski class is open to a riders who are 35 years of age or older. The Veterans Sport and Runabout classes are open to riders 35 years of age or older.Master
The Masters Ski class is open to riders who are 45 years of age or older. The Masters Sport and Runabout classes are open to riders 45 years of age or older.Women
Women’s classes in Novice, Expert and Pro categories are for naturally born female riders who elect to compete in them, generally for separate points, awards and/or purse.
What are juniors eligible to race, and what are the age limits?
Great Lakes Watercross welcomes junior competitors, with classification determined by skill level to ensure safety and fair competition. As a general policy, riders must be at least 16 years old to participate in most competition classes. Exceptions are made for junior-specific categories, such as Junior 10-12 Ski, Junior 13-15 Ski, Junior Rec Lites, and other designated classes for racers under 16.
Junior racers demonstrating skills comparable to amateur, expert, or pro-level riders may be permitted to compete in higher-level classes. This eligibility must be discussed and approved during registration. Proof of prior race history may be required to confirm readiness for advanced competition.
To verify age, a birth certificate or passport must be presented at registration. Junior racers benefit from opportunities to advance based on ability, ensuring a dynamic and supportive environment for all participants.
What are the starting procedures for the races?
Pre-Race Lineup and Lane Selection
1. Lineup and Split Start:
- Racers will be lined up at the starting gate by a race official.
- A split start will be utilized.
2. First Moto Lane Selection:
- Racers will draw a ping pong ball from a bucket to determine their starting position.
- Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.) correspond to the inside lane, while even numbers (2, 4, 6, etc.) correspond to the outside lane.
- Example: Position #1 is the inside pole position, Position #2 is the outside pole position.
- Inside and outside lanes may vary depending on the course setup:
- Left lane is the inside lane on a left-handed course.
- Right lane is the inside lane on a right-handed course.
3. Second Moto Lane Selection:
- Finishing positions from the first moto will determine the order of lane picks for the second moto.
- Racers will choose their lane in order and a race official will record their choices.
- Once a lane is chosen, it cannot be changed.
Starting Procedure
1. Starting Signal:
- The flagger in the scoring tower will use a card and light system to start the race.
2. Engine Start:
- The flagger will hold up a "2" card to signal racers to start their engines.
- Simultaneously, the light system will display flashing red lights.
3. Readiness Check:
- The flagger will lower the "2" card and run down the line, pointing to each racer.
- Racers must nod to indicate they are ready.
- If a racer is not ready, they can call for a 2-minute hold (each racer is allowed one 2-minute hold).
4. Final Countdown:
- Once the flagger reaches the end of the line and all racers are ready, the light will turn to a solid red.
- No more 2-minute holds will be allowed after the light turns solid red.
- 0-3 seconds after the light turns solid red, the lights will turn green, signaling the start of the race.
Starting Rules
1. Stand-Up Racers:
- Must have both feet on the ground until the band snaps.
- Penalty will be given if a racer has a knee in the tray (exception for juniors who may start kneeling in the tray).
2. Runabout Racers:
- Must not drag their holders.
- Even if the runabout does not go past the starting poles, pulling holders will result in a rolling start penalty.
By following these procedures and rules, the race will commence smoothly and fairly for all participants.
What do the flag colors mean?
🟩 Green Flag
Indicates race in progress
🟨 Yellow Flag
Caution, hazard on the course. Riders may continue racing but need to be aware of their surroundings and understand there is a hazard on the course.
⬜ White Flag
This indicates the last lap of the race
🟥 Red Flag
Race is being immediately stopped. May be due to a false start, hazard on the course, a buoy coming loose, or any other reason determined by the race director.
🟦 Blue Flag
Lap traffic, as they say - if you see a blue flag being waved at you, this means there is a race going on and you are not in it. Please move out of the way of racers behind you.
🏁 Checkered Flag
Signifies completion of the race, riders should finish racing through the checkered buoys and safely slow down to return to tech or their pit area.
When happens when a race is red flagged?
In the event of a false start, the race will be red flagged and restarted. The competitor / competitors who are at fault for the red flag will be required to start with a dead engine and their lanyard on their head. A false start may be called for various reasons, including but not limited to: jumping the band, rolling start, knee(s) in the tray, tampering with lanyard, not holding line, pushing another competitor outside of race area, etc.
In the event a race is red flagged more than once every competitor that was penalized with a dead engine start will be required to continue to start with a dead engine.
If a race is red flagged due to safety, weather or any other reason, the race will be re-started only if less than half the specified laps were completed. If the race was red flagged and more than half the laps were completed, the race will be deemed as complete and will be scored how competitors placed on the last recorded lap.
How do points and scoring work?
Round results are determined by adding the finishing positions from each of the motos together. The rider with the lowest sum will receive the higher ranking. In case of a tie, the rider with the better finish in the final moto will receive the higher ranking.
Example:
John's Moto Finishes are: 1, 3
Jane's Moto Finishes are: 2, 1
Jack's Moto Finishes are: 3, 2
Overall Results would be:
1. Jane (2+1= 3)
2. John (1+3=4)
3. Jack (3+2=5)
Season points utilize standard Closed Course point system. At the end of each round participants will be issued points for their overall finish at that round. Points are added up from all rounds to determine the Series/Tour Champion.
Points are distributed as follows:
1st - 60 points
2nd - 53 points
3rd - 48 points
4th - 43 points
5th - 39 points
6th - 36 points
7th - 33 points
8th - 30 points
9th - 27 points
10th - 24 points
11th - 22 points
12th - 20 points
13th - 18 points
14th - 16 points
15th -14 points
16th - 12 points
17th - 10 points
18th - 8 points
19th - 6 points
20th - 4 points
Who gets trophies or awards?
The top 3 competitors from each class determined by the overall results will be awarded with a trophy/plaque for each round. The overall series champions finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will receive a Series trophy/plaque for the year.
Cash purses will be determined for each event, deciding factors will include class size, competition class level, and race location. Cash purses may be announced on social media, onsite at the event, and during riders meeting.
No on site bets or contingencies will be allowed. Anyone wishing to create a cash pot for a race must contact and organize through Great Lakes Watercross.
What are the requirements for Race Numbers on my jetski?
To ensure accurate scoring, all racing numbers must meet the following guidelines:
Numbers must be at least 18 cm (7 inches) tall and spaced a minimum of 13 mm (0.5 inches) apart.
Only standard block-style numbers are allowed, without shading or outlines.
It is the rider's responsibility to make sure their numbers are clearly visible from the scoring tower. If the numbers are not readable, the racer will not be scored for that moto.
If two or more riders have the same number in a single class during an event, all but one will need to add a temporary letter suffix to their number. Please address this issue with the registration or scoring team as needed.
Clear and compliant numbers are essential for ensuring fair and accurate results.
What is tech inspection and where do I do that?
Pre-race technical inspections are mandatory at all races. Pre-race inspections do not certify that the watercraft is qualified or constituted as legal for class participation.
A designated area will be specified at each event for Tech Inspection, typically this will be near the registration trailer/area. All racers will need to have each of their watercrafts inspected for safety features at tech in the morning prior to beginning any races. The tech inspector will look for the following, and if approved a decal will be placed on the watercraft indicating approval:
An approved personal flotation device
An approved helmet
Approved Back Protection (*Required only for all Ski Classes)
Overall inspection for cracks/damages on watecraft making it unsafe for racing
Flexible bow loop attached
Check that the lanyard stop switch is functioning properly and the lanyard is in good condition
Hose clamps must be secure
Post-race technical inspections determine machine qualification. All rider equipment, including helmet and personal flotation device, must be available for technical inspection.
The Technical Director reserves the right to inspect any part of any personal watercraft entered in any class. A rider refusing to cooperate with technical inspection procedures may be penalized by the Race Director.
What is the Participant Code of Conduct?
Great Lakes Watercross (GLW) enforces a strict Participant Code of Conduct to maintain fairness, safety, and sportsmanship. The Race Director or designated officials have the authority to disqualify, exclude, or remove a rider, their team, sponsors, or pit crew members for any of the following violations:
Use of vulgar or offensive language, or unsportsmanlike behavior directed at officials, spectators, or other participants.
Failure to adhere to race rules or comply with watercraft requirements.
Acts of fraud or attempts to deceive event administrators.
Non-compliance by pit crew members with event regulations.
Consumption of intoxicating beverages or use of drugs during the competition.
Refusal to accept an official’s decision.
Verbal or physical abuse of any event official.
Participation in an event without valid credentials or using another individual’s credentials.
Providing false or inaccurate information on official GLW documents.
Disciplinary actions may include immediate ejection from the event, fines, loss of points, suspension, disqualification, or a combination of these penalties. Decisions regarding discipline are final and not subject to appeal.
Assumption of Risk
By signing the event entry/release form, riders and their pit crew acknowledge and accept all known and unknown risks associated with participating in GLW events. They release the organization, its officials, sponsors, property owners, and associated personnel from any liability for injury, property damage, or reputation harm arising from their participation.
Rider Responsibility
Riders are responsible for ensuring that their watercraft complies with all class rules and regulations. This includes maintaining watercraft condition and compliance even when the watercraft is owned or sponsored by someone else. Riders found in violation of class rules will face penalties, which may include disqualification.
In addition, riders are accountable for their personal conduct and the conduct of their team, sponsors, pit crew, and family members. It is their responsibility to ensure that all associated individuals adhere to event regulations and conduct themselves appropriately.
What does a race course look like?
Here is an example of a closed course track:
CONTACT
Please send any questions, comments or concerns via email: info@greatlakeswatercross.com