Wild Water Canoeing

Windwater Canoeing Rules

Start

Starts may be directly upstream or downstream. A competitor is on the course of the competition area after he leaves the starting position. Each boat must be retained at the starting position until the assistant gives a start to the paddler. The start will be shown by an audible signal.

Start Order:-

Wild Water Canoeing Sprint - For each Wild water Canoeing Sprint events, each category will have a definite start time for each run. The individual start times within each category will be variable and as directed by the starter at the time of starting.
Wild Water Canoeing Classic- In individual categories, the starts are separated by at least 30 seconds. In team categories, starts are separated by at least 1 minute. The start intervals are normally the same for the entire competition. Intervals may be varied to accommodate Television live coverage etc.

Finish

The finish line must be marked very prominently on both the sides. A competitor's run is completewhen he crosses the finish line. He must not cross the finish line more than once at the risk of disqualification. In the team event, all three boats must cross the finish line within 10 seconds of each other. If the team does not pass the finish line within 10 seconds, they will be disqualified for that run.

Disqualification

If a paddler starts in a boat that does not comply with the rules, then, in that case, the competitor is disqualified from the race. Accepting the assistance outside the competition norms also amounts to disqualification.,

Officials

Chief Official

Directs the competition according to the rules.

Technical Organiser

Responsible for local preparations for the conduct of the whole competition.

Chief Judge

Ensures that the competition is run smoothly and according to the norms.

Assistant Chief Judge

Co-operates closely with the Chief Judge and assists with the admin related tasks.

Section Judge

Responsible for the portion of the course to which they are assigned. 

Start Judge

The Starter ensures that the competitors are in the correct order and gives permission to start. He can refuse to start a competitor if he/she:

• Fails to respect the safety rules.
• Fails to present him at the start at the moment indicated after having been called.
• Is not properly dressed, has no start number or does not follow the Starter's orders.
• Pre-Start Controller- Assures that both the competitor's boat and personal attire meet the safety rules (safety helmet, buoyancy jacket and boat).

Finish Judge

Decides when a competitor has finished the course and co-ordinates with the Starter.

Boat Controller

Makes sure that the dimensions and the weights of the boats in the competition adhere to the rules.

Safety Officer

He/She along with the rescue squad and according to the circumstances, rescues the competitors who have capsized.