(a) The starting of events is a three step process commencing with a signal or command that indicates “Take Your Mark” followed by a signal or command that indicates “Set” and then followed by a start signal or command that indicates “Go”.
- (i) Competitors may be advised of the start commands to be used prior to the commencement of the first round of each event.
- (ii) Care must be taken not to elongate the start process with unnecessary delays or by adding additional steps.
- (iii) For events such as a surf race with an on-sand start a verbal command such as “Competitors place your toes on or behind the line” is equivalent to “Take your Mark”. The next verbal command may be “Set” or “Face the Water”, or “You are in the starters hands”, or similar. The “Go” command may be given using a starting gun, air horn, whistle, or other appropriate means. The starter holding the gun or horn in the air, or placing in the whistle in their mouth also provide a visual cue that a start is imminent.
- (iv) For in-water events starts for events ach a s surf ski race the verbal command directing “Competitors to enter the Water” is the equivalent to “Take your Mark”. The next verbal command may be “Set” or “You are in the Starter’s Hands” or similar and/or an official holding a signal flag aloft to indicate that a start is imminent. The “Go” command may be given using a starting gun, air horn, whistle, or other appropriate means. The starter holding the gun or horn in the air, or placing in the whistle in their mouth may also provide a visual cue that a start is imminent.
- (v) If, for any reason, the Starter has to speak to any competitor after either command, the start process shall be recommenced.
(b) Whilst every endeavour should be made by the Starter to affect a fair and even start the decision to “go” on the start signal rests with the competitor or team. If there is no recall by the Starter or the Check Starter(s) or the Referee, no protest shall be allowed on the start.
Note: If in the opinion of the Starter or the Check Starter, the start was not fair to any competitor because of a technical defect, surf conditions, or other matters not caused by competitors, the competitors should be recalled, and the starting process recommenced.
(c) The first competitor to leave their position on the starting line mark after the command “Take Your Mark” and before the signal to commence shall be considered to have made a starting break infringement and a false start declared.
(d) The first competitor who breaks In competitions for the U12 age group and older shall be disqualified except in beach flag events where that competitor shall be eliminated. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.
Note: If in the opinion of the Starter or the Check Starter, the false start was caused because of a technical defect, or other matters not caused by competitors, the competitors should be recalled, and the starting process recommenced.
(e) In competitions from age U8 and up to and including the U11 age group, one false start per race shall be allowed. The first competitor who breaks after the first false start has been declared shall be disqualified except in beach flags events where that competitor shall be eliminated. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.
Note: If in the opinion of the Starter or the Check Starter, the false start was caused because of a technical defect, or other matters not caused by competitors, the competitors should be recalled, and the starting process recommenced.
(f) Start lines may be established in the following manner and competitors must cross the start line to commence their race:
- (i) A designated line marked by a cord between two poles and/or with flags.
- (ii) A designated line drawn on the sand between two poles.
- (iii) A line of sight between two poles or straight line on the beach (e.g., IRB start), or as determined by the Starter or the Check Starter.
- (iv) A line of sight between two poles or straight line in the water (e.g., ski start), or as determined by the Starter or the Check Starter.
(g) In events where a line is drawn or a cord is used competitors’ toes shall be on or behind the line but parts of the body may overhang the line.
(h) In events where a beach sprint type is utilised a line is drawn (e.g., Beach Sprint), toes and fingers shall be on or behind the line except where an upright starting position is adopted. In such circumstance the competitors’ toes shall be on or behind the line but parts of the body may overhang the line.
(i) In board events where a line is drawn or a cord is used, and the board is held by the competitor, a part of the craft may be over the line but must be at right angles to the line or at an angle to accommodate prevailing conditions. In events where a Board is placed on the beach it shall be placed flat on the beach (i.e., no mounds underneath the Board) at 90 degrees and with the nose of the Board on the shoreward side of the start or change-over line.
(j) In surf boat and/or ski events, where a line of sight is used with the craft in the water, the bow/nose of the craft shall be on or behind the line, and at 90 degrees to the line or at an angle to accommodate the prevailing conditions.
(k) Competitors entering the water in swim, craft and multi-discipline events may do so at their own discretion providing there is no interference to other competitors. The competitor entering the water in second or subsequent legs shall be deemed to be at fault if the progress of a competitor coming from the water is impeded.