What is a false start, and when is a crew excluded?

A crew has made a false start if its rowers begin rowing and its boat crosses the start line after the Starter has shown the red flag (or the red light is shown) and before the start command is given. The crew is shown a Yellow Card. If more than one boat false starts, only the crew or crews the Judge at the Start decides actually caused it get a Yellow Card.

A crew that causes two false starts, or receives two Yellow Cards in the same race for any infringement, is awarded a Red Card and is excluded from the event.

Crews must also be attached to their starting positions at least two minutes before the designated start time.

Source: Rowing Australia Rules of Racing (2025 Edition, updated January 2026), Rules 75, 76 and 77.