Finishing and dead heats
World Rowing · 2025A crew finishes when the bow reaches the finish line. A coxed boat finishing without its coxswain is excluded, even though an otherwise incomplete crew can produce a valid finish. The umpire’s confirmation determines whether the race was in order; crossing the line alone does not settle every possible objection.
The rule
A crew finishes when the bow reaches the finish line. A coxed boat finishing without its coxswain is excluded, even though an otherwise incomplete crew can produce a valid finish. The umpire’s confirmation determines whether the race was in order; crossing the line alone does not settle every possible objection.
In practice
If the finish cannot be separated, a dead heat is declared. In a final, tied crews share the placing and subsequent places are skipped; extra medals are provided when needed. Earlier-round ties follow progression rules, which can involve previous-round results or a re-row. Identical displayed times do not by themselves override a distinguishable finish order.
Sources & approach ↗