False starts
World Rowing · 2025A crew commits a false start when its rowers begin rowing and its boat crosses the start line after the red flag or red light is shown but before the start command. The Judge at the Start identifies the crew or crews responsible; merely reacting to another boat does not automatically determine who is sanctioned.
The rule
A crew commits a false start when its rowers begin rowing and its boat crosses the start line after the red flag or red light is shown but before the start command. The Judge at the Start identifies the crew or crews responsible; merely reacting to another boat does not automatically determine who is sanctioned.
In practice
The race is recalled and the responsible crew receives a yellow card. A further yellow card applying to the same race, whether for another false start or a different infringement, brings a red card and exclusion from the event. On recall, stop and return as directed; the warning remains relevant to the restarted race.
Sources & approach ↗