What can the Starter and Check Starter do?

The Starter, with the Check Starter, has sole jurisdiction over competitors for the start, including any briefing on course conditions and the number of competitors to qualify for future rounds. The Starter:

• is elevated or positioned to best see that starting conditions are fair and the Check Starter's signal can be seen
• gives an appropriate signal that a start is imminent
• recalls competitors by whistle signal, second shot of the gun or another means if the start was unfair in their or the Check Starter's opinion
• has the power to disqualify or eliminate a competitor for breaking the start, wilfully disobeying orders, or any other obstruction during the start
• notifies the Sectional Referee of all disqualifications
• makes sure competitors, water safety, duty boats, judges, equipment and (in IRB events) patients are correctly positioned before starting
• refers questions about event conditions to the Referee

The Check Starter, if appointed, works with the Starter, signals when competitors are in line and ready, and is also responsible for recalling competitors if the start conditions were breached or the start was unfair. They can be called on to act as Course Judges, for example for relay baton changeovers, equipment replacement and gear positioning in team events.

A start decision by the Starter or the Referee (or their delegate) is not subject to protest. The Manual strongly recommends ear protection while starting.

Source: SLSA Surf Sports Manual, 38th Edition, clauses 13.23, 13.24 and 14.3.2(a).