Dragon Boat

Participants

A team constitutes of 10 or 20 paddlers according to the event i.e. either of 10 or 20 seater paddler boat race along with 4 and 2 substitutions respectively. The paddlers sit in pairs side-by-side anduse a single-bladed paddle. Both the classes have a drummer and a steerer with everyone in the boat paddling to the rhythm of the drum.,

Playing Area

The boats are raced on flat water, free from obstacles at a predefined distance according to the event.,

General Rules

Means Of Propulsion

The dragon boats must be propelled solely by a single bladed paddle only.

 

Starting Phase

All the participants i.e. all the crews must arrive at least five minutes before the starting time in the range of vision and earshot to the starter and on instruction bring the boat to the starting position.

They must follow the instructions of the starter and shall not delay the start. If delayed, they will be warned and then disqualified by the starter.

 

Race Phase

This phase includes the passing of the race course from the starting line up to the finish line.

The crews must keep the centre of the lanes. They will be called to order twice and then finally be warned if there is a strong deviation from the course. If the team is not coming to the actual course after the final warning the respective team may be disqualified by the Competition Committee after receiving the report by the course umpire.

 

Interruption

The Course Umpire has the right to intervene a correctly started race if unpredicted obstacles arise. Such an obstruction may be effected by the course umpires with a red flag and sound signal. Competitors must immediately stop paddling and wait for further instructions.

 

Finish Phase

• The boat is said to cross the finish line when the dragonhead crosses the finish line along with all the crew members in it.
• The crossing of the finish line must be indicated by an audial signal.
• If two boats arrive to the finish line at the same time then they will be awarded the same classification in the final.

 

Disqualification

A competitor or crew who or which attempts to win a race by any wrongful means, or is violating the racing regulations, or is disregarding the honorable nature of the racing regulations shall be disqualified for the duration of the event concerned.

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Officials

Chief Official

Decides on all the matters in the international level competitions.

 

Technical Organiser

Managed the technical part i.e. the radio, television, electronic equipment, Photo/Timing System, etc.

 

Competition Manager

Supervises the races and sees that the event has been followed without unnecessary delay.

 

Boat Marshal

Divides the crews and announces the race lanes.

 

Starter/S

Responsible for decisions as to wrong start. His decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

 

Aligner/S

Brings the boat to the start without delay. Responsible for checking participants equipment, clothing, gears etc. 

 

Course Umpire/S

Supervises that the rules of the sport are adhered during the race. If broken, the Umpire shall report immediately the infraction to the Competition Committee

 

Turning Point Umpire/S

When a race is performed on a course that consists of one or more turning points then, one or more umpires and one recorder must be placed at every turning point from where they have the best view of the turn. 

• The Turning Point Umpire shall adhere that the competitors turn as per the rules. The recorder’s duty is to make a list of all who have passed the turning point
• Soon after race, the Turning Point Umpire shall report to the Competition Committee as to who has turned and if any infraction of the rules has taken place.

 

Finishing Line Judge/S

He decides the order in which the competitors have crossed or passed the finishing line.

 

Timekeeper/S

Responsible for recording the times.

 

Boat Measurers

They assist the Technical Organiser before the commencement of the competition to test the boats taking part in the races are according to the norms laid down by the ICF.

 

Announcer

As the name suggests the announcer will, upon the order of the Competition Manager, announce the start of each race, the order of starting and the position of the competitors during the race. After the race is finished, he will announce the results.

 

Medical Officer

Looks after the Anti-Doping procedures during the competitions and is responsible for medical matters that occur during the competitions.

 

Media Officer

His duty is to supply all relevant and necessary information to the press, radio and television representative about the races and its progress.

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Events

Men's Event

 

Women's Event

 

Mixed Event

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Techniques

Get To Know Your Boat As Well As Your Team

Have a clear picture of the seating arrangement of the paddlers and the rest of the crew.

 

Paddling Or Oaring

The dragon boat are not oared but paddled as only one side paddle is allowed in competitive dragon boat racing and should be paddled according to the rhythm of the drum beats.

 

Command The Team

There are many terms used in dragon boat racing. The team’s captain as well as the crew must be well versed with all such terms so as while instructing all of them should understand those jargons so as to make the team work efficiently.