How is the beach sprint started and judged?

Distances (approximate):

Course: rectangular and squared, marked by four coloured 2 m poles. At least 8 lanes (10 preferred), separated by ropes, 1.8 m wide where possible (1.5 m minimum). There is a marshalling line 5 m behind the start and a run-off area of at least 20 m.

Start: the Starter stands on the seaward side and the Check Starter on the shoreward side, 5 m towards the finish (this can be swapped for wind). The commands are "On your marks", "Set", then a pistol shot or whistle. Toes and fingers must be on or behind the line. Competitors may shape sand holes or mounds, but no blocks or other materials. Leaving the mark with a hand or foot after "Set" and before the start is a break, which means disqualification. So does not being stationary after "Set" (an involuntary twitch doesn't count) or deliberately delaying. If the Starter speaks to a competitor after a command, everyone stands up and the start is redone.

Judging: placings go by any part of the chest crossing the line, on the feet and upright. A competitor who doesn't cross correctly may recover and re-cross, and is placed on the re-cross. Crossing into a neighbouring lane means disqualification. Competitors return to the finish line in their lane and keep their caps on until their placing is recorded. Lane Judges check that the course is run correctly.

Rounds: 50% go through from each run-off, using a "snake" line, until about 16 remain for the semi-finals and 8 for the final. There is a new draw for the final.