How do finish judges decide the finishing order?

Finish Judges help set up the courses, determine the finishing order of competitors, and report any breach or infringement to the Chief Judge or the Sectional or Area Referee.

• Position: they stand on either side of the finish line, away from the finishing poles or markers, to get the best uninterrupted view of the finish.
• Judging aids: they refer to SLSA judging aids (for example video) if necessary to determine a finish.
• If judges disagree: a majority decision is taken under the supervision of the Referee or the Chief Judge.
• Reporting: they note the results and advise the Chief Judge or Referee, and where required, once results are determined, authorise the issue of placing indicators to competitors.
• Reviews and protests: a protest or appeal directly challenging a Finish Judge's decision cannot be accepted. However, on request and at their absolute discretion, officials may review their order-of-finish decisions before finalising a result.
• Electronic devices: where appointed, Electronic Device Specialist Judges (video, finish gates, cameras, drone operators and so on) may be used to judge and confirm placings. The surf lifesaving authority nominates at its discretion which source or sources determine the final decision.

Source: SLSA Surf Sports Manual, 38th Edition, clauses 13.22.3, 13.22.7 and 14.3.2(b).