What is the start procedure, and how are false starts handled?

Question

Accepted Answer

Countdown: the Starter calls exactly "5 minutes to start", "3 minutes to start" and "1 minute to start". Crews not in their starting positions when the published time is complete are not permitted in the race by the Referee unless the Chief Official instructs otherwise. The start procedure goes ahead without reference to absentees. Alignment: the Referee(s) space crews behind the start line with bows on the line and boats stationary. The Referee furthest from the Starter says "Starter, the race is yours", and the Starter replies "Thank-you, Referee." (The Officials Manual adds that at three minutes the Referee asks crews to align 50 m to 100 m behind the line.) Commands: "READY - SET - GO" ("Go" can be a shot or strong sound signal). At "READY" competitors prepare to paddle. At "SET" they place paddles in the catch position and must not paddle forward or the boat must not move forward. They may only paddle on hearing "GO" and may not anticipate it. For PaddleAll and Unified races the command is a verbal "READY-SET-GO". False start: any competitor who starts paddling ahead after "SET" and before "GO". The Starter immediately gives a loud sound signal and all athletes stop and follow the Starter's instructions. The Starter identifies the offending athlete(s) and boat(s) and warns them before the new start. A second false start by the same athlete or crew means disqualification (DSQ) from the race, and the boat must leave the starting area and course immediately. Final: the Starter's decision on a false start is final and cannot be protested. Recall: if the Starter is not satisfied with the line-up they call "Stop" and hand the race to the Referees. Referees can raise a red flag and say "Starter, I have the race", then raise a white flag when satisfied. They can also recall a race after it starts with a short powerful sound if alignment or spacing jeopardized a fair start. Paddle breakage: if a paddle breaks within 25 m of the start line and the Starter or Referee decides it is not intentional, the race is stopped and restarted after a replacement paddle is obtained. Starter's duties are not complete until the sterns of all boats have cleared the 25 m marker, and the Starter reports false starts, disqualifications and absentees to the Chief Official. Source: CKC Sprint Racing Discipline Competition Rules 2024-2026 (June 2025), rules 4.04 to 4.07, 5.20(h); Officials Manual section 14.2.