Who decides that a swimmer has false started?
Rule- South Africa
- Swimming South Africa
- World Aquatics rules
- Starters
- All ages
- 2025/26
- Officials
Under World Aquatics rules (Part Two, Article 2.3.6), the Referee disqualifies a swimmer for starting before the signal when the early start is observed and confirmed by both the Starter and the Referee.
- When automatic officiating equipment is available, the Referee reviews the footage to verify the disqualification.
- The Starter reports any false start or other breach observed to the Referee.
Added 22 Oct 2026