2026 Rules Governing SSA National & Regional Competitions

The 2026 Rules Governing SSA National and Regional Competitions has now been posted at: members.ssa.org in the Contest Rules and Process Section.

There is also a document posted that explains changes involving how handicaps will be assigned for gliders flying in handicapped classes that allow water ballast (this is most commonly referred to as a Mixed FAI Class but also applies to Standard Class and 20M Class).

Pilots who have already registered a motorglider in one of these classes should edit and resubmit their registration to select the appropriate “FAI” motorglider type.

CDs, CMs or Scorers may want to verify that this has been done for all motorized gliders flying in one of these classes prior to the first contest day. This will result in a slightly improved handicap (identical to non-motorized variants) to account for the weight of the propulsion system which should not count towards the handicap in a class that allows water ballast.

The posted document fully explains the rationale and procedures for this change.

– The SSA Contest Rules Committee.