(a) The starting of events is a three step process commencing with a signal or command that indicates “Take Your Marks” (“On your Marks” for Beach Sprint, Beach Run and Beach Relay events) 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 foot on or behind the line” is equivalent to “Take your Marks”. The next verbal command will be “You are in the starters hands”, or “Face the Water”, or “Set”, 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 provides 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 Marks”. 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.
Note: See also this section and the individual event descriptions for specific events such as IRB, surf boat, beach sprint, beach flags, and board riding etc.
(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 Marks” 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:
- (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 (other than the Beach Sprint) where a start line is drawn or a cord is used the competitors’ front foot shall be on or behind the line but parts of the body may overhang the line.
Note: The definition of a foot includes any part of the foot, heel and/or toes.
(h) For Beach Sprint events, 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 with the hull 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 events may do so at their own discretion and do not need to cross the start line unless otherwise prescribed 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.
(i) For Starts and starting disqualifications in Pool Rescue Events refer to the ILS Competition Rulebook