What are the main race rules on starts, fouls and disqualification?

Question

Accepted Answer

From the CKC Sprint Racing Discipline Competition Rules 2024-26 (June 2025 edition):

False start: a competitor who starts paddling after "SET" and before "GO" (or the shot or powerful sound) has made a false start. The Starter gives a loud sound signal, all athletes stop, and the offending athlete(s) and boat(s) are warned before the new start.
Second false start by the same athlete or crew: the boat is disqualified (DSQ) from the race and must leave the starting area and course immediately.
Foul: it is a foul if, after the race starts, a competitor's paddle, canoe or person contacts another competitor's paddle, canoe or person, or a competitor deliberately steers into another crew, unless a Referee decides the contact is so slight it did not influence the race.
Referee powers: a Referee may stop the race and disqualify the offending crew(s), in which case the other crews paddle it again, or may let the race continue and disqualify a crew at the time of the infraction.
Failing to follow a Starter's or Referee's instructions could lead to further disciplinary action, including disqualification for the rest of the competition.
Boats: a boat that does not meet the length, width and weight specifications is disqualified for that race, and competitors may not be tied, strapped or secured to the boat (except Paracanoe athletes with a signed CKC Strapping Waiver).