Season’s Greetings!

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s also the perfect moment to look ahead with excitement to a brand-new waterski season. Your National Board and SCR Board are already gearing up for the annual Mid-Winter Meetings in January.

As area coordinators begin organizing their tournaments, this is also a great time for both aspiring and current officials to make sure they’re up to date on their requirements. Good news—it’s now easier than ever! A new Official Dashboard has been created just for you. Simply visit the website, log in to your membership page, and click the “My Official Dashboard” button. We encourage you to review your dashboard to confirm that all credits earned this past season are accurately recorded.

There’s also an exciting proposal on the table: adding TC and Safety awards to the Judges, Scorers, and Drivers awards presented at Regionals for officials. With technology evolving and performance standards rising, these additions feel timely and well-deserved. This recommendation will be brought forward to the council at the Mid-Winter Meeting.

Speaking of which—the Mid-Winter Meeting is right around the corner! Mark your calendar for January 17, 2026, in Bryan, Texas, at the Best Western Premier. The meeting kicks off at 9:00 a.m., and discounted room rates are available for those arriving Friday evening or staying through Saturday. Please call the hotel and use the code American Water Ski Association to secure the discount. For those unable to attend in person, I have good news! A live webcast will take place so all can log in and follow along while waxing the boat or traveling to faraway places. Details will be forthcoming.

In other news, the SCR Council has thoughtfully shifted the SCR Championship one week later than usual to avoid overlapping with the Senior Worlds competition in Calgary, Canada. The event will now take place July 31 – August 2, 2026.

“But where?” you may ask. A fair question—because we are still seeking bids to host Regionals. Why no bid yet, you say? Mr. Bruce Butterfield has submitted a proposal for the region and council to review at the Mid-Winter Meeting. This proposal would significantly reshape long-standing regional traditions, moving to a multi-round,  Class C tournament with a $60 entry fee. The host LOC would determine the event format, and accommodations would be provided only for the Chief Judge, Chief Driver, and Chief Scorer. All other appointed officials would receive one complimentary entry. Full details can be found on pages 2 and 3 here: Proposed 2026 SCR P and P Update for Class C Regionals R0.

So potential bidders wait to see where the dust will settle.  What usual expenses and traditions will the council be willing to forgo in this proposed Retro age return-to-C-class concept? It’s an important conversation—and your voice matters. Be heard in the winter meeting or add your feedback here. SCR P & P update for a Class C Regionals

So don’t miss out! Book your room for the Annual Mid-Winter Meeting and take part in what could be a pivotal moment for our region as we consider stepping away from tradition and embark on a less expensive Retro Regionals.