What are the contest vest rules, and what fines can I get?
Rule- South Africa
- Surfing South Africa
- SSA Rulebook 2025
- ISA judging criteria
- Surf competition
- All ages
- 2025
- Surfers
Contest vests (SSA Rulebook 2025, Section 2.7): wear the official vest from when it's issued until you return it to the beach marshal after your heat (and at prizegiving if asked). You're responsible for wearing the right colour; if you don't and the judges can't tell your rides apart, you can't protest.
Technical infringements (maximum fines):
| Infringement | Penalty |
|---|---|
| No-show at an event | R1,500 |
| Knowingly wearing the vest incorrectly | R250 |
| Taking the vest off before handing it to the beach marshal | R200 |
| Surfing in the contest area during heats | R1,500 fine and/or disqualification |
| Surfing before, during or after a heat (no "dead time" unless the contest is on hold for a long time) | R1,000 fine and/or disqualification |
| Your caddie rides a wave | R200 per wave |
General infringements range from R1,000 (abusing your own equipment) and R1,500 (abusing contest equipment) to R2,000-R4,000 for unsporting conduct, R6,000 for abuse or swearing at officials or others, and R10,000, disqualification and suspension for assault.
The Contest Director may give a yellow card (suspended penalty) first; further infringements get the maximum (red card). Fines double each time another is imposed on the same person. At team events your district pays; in non-team events you (or your parent or guardian if you're 18 or under) pay, and you can't surf any contest until it's paid.
Added 22 Oct 2026