(a) Competitors shall take up their positions as drawn at the marshalling line under the direction of the Marshall.
(b) No starting blocks shall be permitted, but competitors may create holes and/or hillocks in, and of sand, to aid their start. Competitors using any material other than sand to aid their start shall be disqualified.
(c)he wearing of footwear shall not be allowed unless permitted by the Referee due to the prevailing beach surface conditions.
(d) Competitors are permitted to flatten, level and/or mark the sand in their lane but must comply with the directions of the Referee or Sectional Referee.
(e) The Starter is in complete control of the start. A Check Starter may be appointed. When appointed, the Check Starter shall have the authority to assist the Starter by calling breaks using a whistle. Both the Starter and Check Starter shall position themselves to ensure a fair start is given.
(f) On the words of command from the Starter “on your marks”, the competitor shall move forward from the marshalling line and assume a comfortable steady position on the starting mark. If a competitor disregards the Starter’s command and delays the start by taking an unnecessary long time they shall be disqualified.
(g) On the command “set” the competitors shall assume a steady posture in the “set” position on the starting mark. If a competitor disregards the Starter’s command and delays the start by taking an unnecessary long time they shall be disqualified.
(h) These commands shall be followed by a pistol shot, whistle blast or other acoustic signal.
(i) If, for any reason, the Starter has to speak to any competitor after either command, they shall order all competitors to stand up and, the start shall be recommenced.
(j) If a competitor moves or leaves their mark with hand or foot after the word “set”, but before the start is given, it shall be considered a starting break infringement and a false start declared.
(k) With the exception of competition up to and including the U11 age category the first competitor who breaks shall be disqualified. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.
Note: In competition up to and including the U11 age category one false start shall be permitted. The first competitor who breaks after the first false start has been declared shall be disqualified. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.
(l) If in the opinion of the Starter or the Check Starter the start was not fair because of a technical defect or other matter not caused by competitors the Starter must recall the competitors and recommence the starting process. In such circumstances any false start error by a competitor shall be expunged.
(m) Competitors are required to finish the event on their feet. The finish is judged only on the chest of the competitor when crossing the finish line on their feet.
Note 1: Falling across the line is not deemed to have finished the event.
Note 2: Competitors who attempt to record a timing gate finish result by deliberately using their arms or another part of their body other than their chest to record a finish result may be disqualified.
(n) Any competitor who crosses into the lane on either side of them may be disqualified.