(a) Competitors take their allotted positions, a minimum of 1.5 m apart at the start line.
(b) When directed by the Starter, competitors shall lie face down with their toes on the start line, with heels or any part of the feet together and visible.
(c) The body’s mid-line should be 90 degrees to the start line and the competitor’s hips and stomach must be in contact with the sand. The elbows and shoulders are to be symmetrical and square to the body and positioned parallel to the start line.
The elbows are to be bent to enable the forearms and hands also to be symmetrical and square to the body and positioned parallel to the start line.
The hands are to be placed on top of each other with the bottom hand flat on the sand, the top hand placed flat on the bottom hand, and with fingertips to wrists.
Note 1: Competitors may level, flatten, and compress their starting area prior to the signal to lie on the sand. Competitors are not permitted to create mounds or unreasonably alter the incline of the sand to assist the start.
Note 2: Competitors may dig their feet and/or toes into the sand at the start line by digging with their hands or feet before lying on the sand or with their feet after lying on the sand. However, if toes and/or feet are dug into the sand some part of both feet must be visible to the starter and they must be together as described.
Note 3: Dependent on the personal preference the elbows and shoulders do not need to be in complete vertical alignment i.e. the elbows and shoulders may be independently symmetrical provided that they are square to the body, and both positioned parallel to the start line.
Note 4: Competitors must comply with the direction of officials without delay. A competitor who causes unreasonable delay to the start of a run-through may be eliminated from the event.
(d) The competitors shall then await the command “competitors ready” from the Starter.
(d) The Starter shall then give the set command “heads down”. The competitors shall place any part of the chin on any part of their hands, whilst maintaining a straight head alignment with the rest of the body and maintaining the body and limb positions detailed in paragraph (b). The competitors shall then await the start.
(e) At the Starter’s whistle blast the competitor shall get to their feet as quickly as possible, run to the finish line and attempt to obtain a baton.
(f) Any competitor picking up two batons shall be disqualified from the event.