DRAGON BOAT

COMPETITION RULES

2009

Taking effect from 1 January , 2009

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide the rules
that govern the way of running Dragon Boat ICF
competitions.

LANGUAGE
The English written language is the only acceptable
language for all official communications relating to
these Competition Rules and the conduct of all Dragon
Boat ICF competitions.
For the sake of consistency, British spelling,
punctuation and grammatical conventions have been
used throughout.

Any word which may imply the masculine gender, also

includes the feminine.

COPYRIGHT
These rules may be photocopied. Great care has been
taken in typing and checking the rules and the original
text is available on the ICF website www.canoeicf.com.
Please do not re-set in type without consultation.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article Page
CHAPTER I – GENERAL REGULATIONS ...............6
1 AIM ..................................................... 6
2 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS .................... 6
3 COMPETITORS ......................................... 7
4 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDAR ....... 8
5 MINIMUM PARTICIPATION ........................... 8

CHAPTER II - CATEGORIES, BOAT CONSTRUCTION

AND TRADEMARKS ......................................9
6 CATEGORIES ........................................... 9
7 COMPOSITION OF THE CREW ........................ 9
8 SPECIFICATION OF THE CATEGORIES .............. 9
9 REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL DRAGON
BOAT COMPETITIONS ............................... 10
10 THE DRAGON BOAT AND ITS ACCESORIES ........ 10
11 THE PADDLE .......................................... 11
12 BOAT AND PADDLE CONTROL ...................... 11
13 TRADEMARKS ......................................... 12

CHAPTER III - ORGANISATION OF THE

COMPETITIONS ........................................ 13
14 OFFICIALS ............................................. 13
15 INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS......................... 14
16 DUTIES OF THE COMPETITION COMMITTEE ...... 15
17 DUTIES OF THE OFFICIALS .......................... 16
18 INVITATIONS .......................................... 19
19 ENTRIES ............................................... 19
20 ACCEPTANCE OF ENTRIES AND PROGRAMME .... 20
21 ALTERATIONS OF ENTRIES AND WITHDRAWALS . 21
22 ALTERATIONS IN THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS .... 21
23 RACE COURSE / TECHNICAL INSTALLATIONS .... 21
24 SAFETY REGULATIONS .............................. 23

CHAPTER IV - RACING REGULATIONS ............. 24

25 MEANS OF PROPULSION ............................. 24
26 BOARDING PHASE .................................... 24
27 STARTING PHASE .................................... 24
28 RACE PHASE .......................................... 25
29 INTERRUPTION ....................................... 26
30 FINISH PHASE ......................................... 26
31 EXTERNAL HELP ...................................... 27
32 WARNINGS ............................................ 28
33 DISQUALIFICATIONS ................................. 28
34 PROTEST .............................................. 29
35 APPEAL ................................................ 30

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

3
CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS ...................................... 31
36 ARRANGEMENTS ..................................... 31
37 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS ........................... 31
38 INVITATION, ENTRIES AND PROGRAMME ......... 32
39 JURY, COMPETITION COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS .
......................................................... 33
40 PROTEST .............................................. 34
41 APPEAL ................................................ 35
42 AWARDS ............................................... 35
43 ANTI-DOPING ......................................... 35
44 RESULTS AND REPORTS ............................. 36

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

4
 List of Abbreviations:

ICF International Canoe Federation

NOC National Olympic Committee

DRBC Dragon Boat Committee

General Rules (can only be changed by

GR
ICF Congress)
Technical Rules (can be changed by ICF
TR
Board of Directors)
All World Championships, all
COMPETITION
International competitions

CATEGORY Dragon Boat men, women, mixed

CLASSES 20 paddlers and 10 paddlers

Each Class in each distance and in each

EVENT
age group
Made up of the athletes in a boat and
CREW
steerer/drummer
National Delegation made up of the
TEAM crews which are participating and
officials

STEERER Helmsperson who is steering the boat

DRUMMER The drummer is beating the drum

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

5
 CHAPTER I - GENERAL REGULATIONS

1 AIM [GR]

1.1 The aim of a Dragon Boat competition is for people

to race each other in dragon boats over a clearly
defined unobstructed course in the shortest possible
time according to the rules.

2 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS [GR]

2.1 All competitions announced as international are to

be held in accordance with the regulations of the ICF.
Competitions arranged by the national federations or
their clubs are considered international if competitors
of a foreign country are invited to participate.

2.2 These competitions must be supervised or managed

by at least one accredited official in possession of a
valid International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat
Official card.

2.3 The official events recognised by the ICF are the

following:
For Men’s Teams (only men), Women’s Teams (only
women), Mixed Teams (minimum 8 women), in the 10
boat classes minimum 4 women.

2.4 The official distances of races recognised by the ICF

are the following: 200 or 250 meters, 500 meters and
2000 meters. Further the 2000 Meters shall be
conducted as a pursuit race, achieved in the 500 meters
race course by three turns in two laps.

2.5 Special events of competitions may be organised

after approval and under the supervision of the ICF
Dragon Boat Committee.

2.6 There are World Cup competitions, the number of

these competitions and the venue are proposed by the
ICF Dragon Boat Committee and agreed by the ICF
Board of Directors.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

6
 3 COMPETITORS [GR]

3.1 Only the members of clubs or associations affiliated

to an ICF Member Federation have the right to
participate in an international competition.

3.2 A competitor(s) or a team is always allowed to take

part individually in an international competition but
must in each case obtain special permission from its
National Federation.

3.3 A competitor may take part on behalf of the

Federation in a foreign country, if he/she obtains the
authorisation of his/her Federation of origin. This
authorisation has to be sent before 31st December prior
to the year concerned to the ICF Headquarters with a
copy to the Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Committee.

3.4 If he/she has lived for 2 (two) years or more in this

foreign country, the approval of his/her Federation of
origin is no longer required.

3.5 A competitor may not compete for more than one

Federation in any calendar year in the sport of
canoeing. This rule does not apply in the case of a
competitor who leaves his/her country of origin to
marry and live in another country. He/she can, in this
case compete for his/her new Federation without
awaiting the delay of 2 years.

3.6 The first year a competitor can compete in a junior

category is the year that his/her 15th birthday falls in
and the last year he/she can compete as a junior is the
year that his/her 18th birthday falls in.

3.7 The first year a master competitor can compete is

the year that his/her fortieth (40th) birthday falls in.

3.8 Each National Federation shall ensure that their

competitors are in a good state of health and fitness
which allows them to compete at a level commensurate
with the competition level of the particular event and
ensure each competitor, team official and the member
federation carries appropriate health, accident and
property insurance covering their persons, equipment
and property.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

7
 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
4 [GR]
CALENDAR

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDAR

is different to the
ICF COMPETITION CALENDAR (ICF events only)

4.1 Only a National Federation may apply an event to

enter the International Competition Calendar.
Only members of the ICF may apply for of events to the
Calendar.

4.1.1 An application will be made using a form

established by the ICF and published on the ICF
website.

4.1.2 By the 1st of January the year before, the

calendar of ICF Competitions (WCh and WCup) will be
published. The deadline for applications for
international events will be the 1st of March the year
before (2 months after the publication of the ICF
Competition Calendar).

4.2 The Competition Commission will approve the

complete calendar of competitions. Once approved the
Calendar will be final.

5 MINIMUM PARTICIPATION [GR]

5.1 To be recognised as an International event a

minimum of 3 crews from 2 Federations must
participate.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

8
 CHAPTER II - CATEGORIES, BOAT
CONSTRUCTION AND TRADEMARKS

6 CATEGORIES [GR]

6.1 The official events recognised by the ICF are the

following:

Men Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40+

Women Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40+

Mixed Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40+

7 COMPOSITION OF THE CREW [TR]

7.1 A Dragon Boat crew of boats with 20 paddlers is

composed of:
• the paddlers (minimum 18, maximum 20),
• the drummer,
• the steerer,
• 4 substitute paddlers in the respective classes
starting.

7.2 A Dragon Boat crew of boats with 10 paddlers is

composed of:
• the 10 paddlers,
• the drummer,
• the steerer,
• 2 substitute paddlers in the respective classes
starting.

8 SPECIFICATION OF THE CATEGORIES [TR]

8.1 The crews of the Men or Women’s boats may only

be composed of competitors of the respective gender.

8.2 Mixed Teams must include a minimum number of 8

women (boat with 20 paddlers) or 4 women (boat with
10 paddlers) respectively.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

9
8.3 In the age category of Masters, all members of the
crew must have reached the Masters age.

8.4 The drummer can compete in this year that his/her

fifteenth birthday falls in. The drummer need not be of
the same gender or age of the respective category.

8.5 The steerer can compete in this year that his/her

eighteenth birthday falls in. The steerer need not be of
the same gender or age of the respective category.

REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL

9 [TR]
DRAGON BOAT COMPETITIONS

9.1 The National Federation hosting the international

competition is in charge of providing two boats for each
lane established at the race course and two substitute
boats. For international competitions ICF standard class
boats are not required.

9.2 The National Federation hosting the event has to

take care and guarantees, that the same type of boats
is provided for all crews and the difference of weight
between the boats utilised in a race may not exceed
3%.

9.3 The National Federation hosting the event has to

take care that sufficient repair material for the Dragon
Boats included to the boat pool is provided.

THE DRAGON BOAT AND ITS

10 [TR]
ACCESSORIES

10.1 The limitation of the measurement of “ICF

standard class” boat is:
Length: 12.19 m without head and tail
Width: 1.16 m measured from the outer margin
Height: 0.55 m measured from the middle of the boat
The tolerance for length; width and height will be 5%
Tolerance for weight remains 3%.
The specifications for the 10-paddler boat are the
decision of the organiser provided they maintain 3%
tolerance.

10.2 The standard weight amounts 250 kg minimum

without drum, drum chair, steering paddle, dragon
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
10
head and dragon tail. Equalisation weights must be
attached in the boat in the case of weight differences
from the minimum weight of dragon boats.

10.3 Modifications regarding the form and measures of

the Dragon Boat are not allowed.

10.4 The “ICF standard class“ boat is existing as a one-

piece and two-piece version.

10.5 A Dragon Boat in principle is wearing the

Dragonhead, the Dragon tail, the drum and the drum
chair. Exemptions i.e. due to technical reasons on the
race course must be applied for by writing to the ICF
Dragon Boat Committee and approved at least 4 weeks
prior to the start of the competition.

10.6 The ICF is providing an authoritative technical

specification sheet of the Dragon Boat.

11 THE PADDLE [TR]

11.1 The paddle must fit the respective ICF norm

provided in the authoritative technical specification
sheet of the paddle.

11.2 The paddles of all competitors must fit the ICF

paddle standard.

11.3 The length of the paddle amounts to between min.

105 cm and max. 130 cm.

11.4 The material of which the paddle is made may be

chosen freely (wood, carbon etc.).

11.5 Snatch bands and edge protection made of

adhesive tape are allowed, also the adaptation of the
shaft to the body height.

12 BOAT AND PADDLE CONTROL [TR]

12.1 The boat and paddle control shall be conducted by

the Boat Measurer as mentioned in the list of officials
prior to the competition. Only equipment approved by
this official may be used in the competition.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

11
 13 TRADEMARKS [GR]

13.1 Boats, accessories and clothing may carry

trademarks, advertising symbols and written text.

13.2 All advertising material should be placed in such a

way that it does not interfere with competitors’
identification and does not affect the outcome of the
race.

13.3 The advertising of tobacco smoking and strong

spirit drinks will not be accepted.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

12
 CHAPTER III - ORGANISATION OF THE
COMPETITIONS

14 OFFICIALS [GR]

14.1 Officials:

International competitions are to be supervised by:

1) Chief Official
2) Technical Organiser
3) Competition Manager
4) Boat Marshal
5) Starter/s
6) Aligner/s
7) Course Umpire/s
8) Turning Point Umpire/s
9) Finishing Line Judge/s
10) Timekeeper/s
11) Boat Measurers
12) Announcer
13) Medical Officer
14) Media Officer

14.2 If circumstances permit, one person may function

in two of the above positions.

14.3 Unauthorised person must not enter any official's

area unless the Competition Committee or the Jury
sends for officials or team officials in order to solve
problems.

14.4 Competition is managed by a Competition

Committee consisting of:

Chief Official
Competition Manager
One additional person

14.5 The additional person may be one of the officials

listed in 14.1 providing their duty is at or near the
finishing line at all times. This person is appointed by
the Competition Manager. Two members of the
Competition Committee must be in possession of a valid
International Dragon Boat Official card.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

13
15 INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS [GR]

Procedure for becoming an ICF Dragon Boat Official:

15.1 Examination:
1. Examination Organization
- Officials Examination is organised at every World
Championships if there is sufficient interest.
- In case out-of-World Championships examinations,
only Continental Associations or National Federations
are entitled to apply to hold an examination. This is
done together with the application for the Competition
Calendar using a form established by the ICF and
published on the ICF website.
Application deadlines are the same as for the
International Competition Calendar. The Examination
Calendar is published on the same date as the
International Competition Calendar.
2. Examination Candidates
Only National Federations are entitled to nominate
candidates for examination at least 30 days before the
examination.
The applications must be sent to the ICF Headquarters on
the special form designed by the ICF and published on
the ICF website. ICF Headquarters is forming a database
and forwarding the list of names to the Respectful
Committee Chair.
3. Examination Procedure
A sub-committee consisting of two members, appointed
by the ICF Technical Committee Chair, will hold this
examination.
The examination will be carried out in English language
for officials who wish to be considered as officials for ICF
Competitions and will be based on the knowledge of the
ICF Statutes, the ICF Competition Rules and practical
experience.
If people take the examination in one of the other
official languages, they may not be considered to
officiate at ICF Competitions.
4. Officials' Cards
After completion of the examination the Respective
Chair completes the ICF Official Examination Report and
sends it to the ICF Headquarters, where the Official's
cards for those who passed the exam are issued and sent
to the National Federations.
5. Validity and Renewals
Validity and renewals are subject to the Technical
Chairs’ criteria.
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
14
15.2 Financial Responsibility
National Federations are financially responsible for their
Officials (before and after the examination).
For every candidate applied for the examination, a
National Federation will be charged 20 €. Total Invoice
will be sent to a National Federation in the period
between 30 October and 30 November for the current
year.
If a National Federation is applying for an examination
out of World Championships, the Federation concerned
will cover the examination organization costs including
living and travelling expenses of the examiners.

15.3 Nomination and Appointment of the Officials for

ICF Events
Only National Federations are entitled to nominate
Officials for ICF Events.
The deadline for submitting proposals is the 1st of
January in the year of the event.
The nominations are submitted to the Respective
Technical Committee Chair (with a copy to the ICF
Headquarters). The Chair will present a list of Officials to
the Competition Commission for their approval by the 1st
of March.

DUTIES OF THE COMPETITION

16 [TR]
COMMITTEE

16.1 The Competition Committee must:

a) supervise the competition,
b) in the event of inclement weather or other
unforeseen circumstances which make it
impossible to carry out the competition,
postpone the competition and decide on
another time when it may be held,
c) hear any protests that may be made and
settle any disputes that may arise,
d) decide matters concerning disqualification
in cases where the regulations are broken
during a race,
e) base its decisions on the ICF Dragon Boat
Rules,
f) before any decision is made regarding an
alleged infraction of the rules, hear the
opinion of the Umpire who controlled the
race in which the infraction was said to
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
15
 have occurred. The Committee is to seek
the opinion of other officials supervising the
race, if it is felt to be of importance in
clearing up the alleged offence.

16.2 The Competition Committee may impose penalties

in accordance with the ICF Statutes i.e. disqualification
for a longer period than the duration of the competition
in question.

17 DUTIES OF THE OFFICIALS [TR]

17.1 The Chief Official, who is also the Chairperson of

the Competition Committee, decides on all matters
arising during the actual contest, which are not dealt
with in these rules. The chief official is appointing the
chief positions of officials prior to the competition.

17.2 The Technical Organiser deals with the complete

technical electronic equipment of the Regatta-Course.
(Automatic start system / Photo/Timing system /
Scoreboard / Radio connections / Boat traffic before
and during the races / Boat checking, etc.)

17.3 The Competition Manager supervises the races and

is responsible for ensuring that the programmes are
followed without unnecessary delay. He/She shall
inform the officials concerned punctually before a new
race starts. He/She has to deal also with the good
function of the competition administration of the races.
(programme, drawings results, technical documents,
boat control, press, protests, etc.) He/She shall make
certain that the announcer gives all necessary
information about the races such as the start order, the
name of any competitor failing to start and the results.

17.4 The Boat Marshal is dividing the crews into the

respective boats and announcing the race lanes. He/She
ensures that the teams are directed to enter the boat
at least at the end of the deadline prior to the start of
the respective race as fixed on the day prior to the
competition by the competition committee and
published officially to the team leaders and are
undocking.

17.5 The Starter decides all questions concerning the

start of the races, and is alone responsible for decisions
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
16
as to false starts. His/Her decision is final. He/she will
communicate in the English language. He/She shall see
that the starting equipment is in good working order.
He/She shall communicate with the Competition
Committee and after having received a signal from
them that all is ready, he/she shall order the
competitors to their places and carry out the start
according to the racing rules.

17.6 The Aligner brings the boats to the starting line

with least possible delay, to check the competitor's
attire and the competition number of the boats. When
all boats are aligned he/she shall notify the starter by
raising a white flag. He/She will communicate in the
English language.

17.7 The Course Umpire supervises the compliance of

the rules during the race. If the rules are broken, the
Umpire shall report immediately the infraction to the
Competition Committee.
a) If the Umpire has to report an infraction of
the rules he/she shall show a red flag after
the race and shall make a written report
before the next race takes place. In such a
case, the Competition Committee shall
make known its decision about a
disqualification immediately and before the
result of the race is announced.
b) If there is no infraction to report, the
Umpire shall show a white flag.
c) In races of 200m, 250m, 500 m and 1000 m
the Umpire shall follow the race in a
motorboat.
d) In case of hindrances, the Course Umpire
must stop the competition passing all boats
in the race and waving the red flag or using
a sound signal until all boats have stopped
paddling. After this all boats shall return to
the start. The Course Umpire shall report
immediately the infraction to the
Competition Committee.

17.8 Turning Point Umpires : when a race is run along a

course with one or more turning points, one or more
umpires and one recorder must be stationed at every
turning point where they gain the best view of the turn.
The Turning Point Umpire shall see the boats turn
according to the rules. The recorder shall make a list of
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
17
all who pass the turning point
Immediately 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.

17.9 Finishing Line Judges decide the order in which

the boats have passed the finishing line. The judges
shall be placed in a position where all lanes at the finish
line can be clearly seen.
If the judges differ regarding the placing of two or more
boats, the dispute, in the absence of photo finish, shall
be decided by a simple majority. In the case of equal
voting, the Finishing Line Chief Judge has the casting
vote.
When a photo finish is used the result determined by
the Finish Line Judges shall be compared with it, with
the photo finish or video-finish being decisive. Video
films are not a substitute for photo finish or video-
finish.

17.10 The Timekeepers are responsible for recording

the times. This shall be done by means of stopwatches
or suitable electronic equipment.
a) It is the responsibility of the Chief
Timekeeper to ensure that the timing
equipment is working correctly. The Chief
Timekeeper shall divide the work amongst
the timekeepers.
At the end of each race, he/she shall
compare the official times with the other
Timekeepers and immediately inform the
Competition Manager on them.
b) Timekeepers may also officiate as Finish
Line Judges.

17.11 The Boat Measurer shall assist the Technical

Organiser prior to the start of the competition to test
the boats taking part in the races. Should any of the
boats not fulfil the ICF requirements concerning
classification, they shall be excluded from the
competition. He/She is responsible to oversee that the
boats are in proper condition during the competition
and conduct the boat and paddle control during the
competition.

17.12 The Announcer shall, on the instructions of the

Competition Manager, announce the start of each race,
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
18
the order of starting and the position of the competitors
during the race. After the race is finished, he/she will
announce the results.

17.13 The Media Officer must supply all necessary

information to the representative of the media about
the races and its progress. He/she is authorised
therefore to ask information from the different officials
who must also procure for him/her as soon as possible
copies of the official results and official
communications.

17.14 The Medical Officer supervises the Anti-Doping

procedures during the competitions and is responsible
for medical matters occurring during the competitions.

17.15 In World Games and World Championships all

officials must be recognised International ICF Dragon
Boat Officials, with valid Dragon Boat International
Official card.

18 INVITATIONS [GR]

18.1 An invitation to an international competition shall

contain the following information:

a) Time and place of the competition

b) Situation and plan of the course(s)
c) Classes, categories, events and distances of
races
d) Sequence and starting times of races
e) Minimum depth of water
f) Address to which entries should be sent
including electronic mail contacts
g) Last date for receiving preliminary and
nominated entries
h) Information about accommodation
opportunities including costs
i) Information about registration fee

18.2 An invitation shall be sent two (2) months before

the competition the latest.

19 ENTRIES [GR]

19.1 Entries for an international competition can only

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
19
made through the National Federation in accordance
with the regulations given in the invitation.

19.2 An entry shall always contain the following

information:
• the name of the club or National Federation to
which the competitor/s belong,
• the classes, categories, events and distances in
which the team proposes to compete
• first name and surname of each competitor
together with the date and place of his/her
birth and his/her nationality. On the entry form
for Junior Championships in addition to the
name and surname, nationality, sex, also the
date and place of birth, name of his/her club
must be given by the team leader who must
produce documentary proof such as passport,
identity card or similar document with
photograph, confirming the age of the
competitor.

19.3 All entries should be in writing.

19.4 Late entries cannot be accepted.

19.5 When making their entries Federations must give

the colors of the clothing worn by the competitors and
these colors must not be changed during the
competition.

ACCEPTANCE OF ENTRIES AND

20 [GR]
PROGRAMME

20.1 Applications for entry must be answered within 48

hours of receipt.

20.2 The entry is valid only if the payment of the entry

fee is received until the deadline set.

20.3 No later than 24 hours before the first race of the

competition, the programme shall be available at the
competition venue, including the names of the crews,
the starting time and order, the race schedule and the
division system.

20.4 At least 12 hours before the first race of the

competition, the team leader’s meeting is to be held.
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
20
The organisers will describe the competition course and
all other arrangements, which should be adhered to for
the duration of the competition. The Chief Official will
describe the competition programme and ask for any
changes to the entries.

20.5 After the team leaders’ meeting has been closed

no modifications in the final entry list including the
names of the competitors including the names of the
substitutes will be allowed.

ALTERATIONS OF ENTRIES AND

21 [TR]
WITHDRAWALS

21.1 The composition of the crew may be chosen from

the final entry list without any restrictions during the
competitions in this category.

21.2 The withdrawal of an entry is allowed at least

during the team leaders meeting and is considered final
and no renewed entry of the same crew is allowed. The
entry fee will not be reimbursed in the case of
withdrawal.

ALTERATIONS IN THE SEQUENCE OF

22 [TR]
EVENTS

22.1 The sequence of races given in the invitation, and

the intervals between the races as given in the racing
Programme, are binding on the organisers. In
international competitions alterations cannot be made
unless the Chief Official, then competition committee
and respective team managers or national
representatives at the competition give their consent.

22.2 Alterations during World Championships and World

Games rest within the authority of the ICF jury.

RACE COURSE / TECHNICAL

23 [TR]
INSTALLATIONS

23.1 The race course:

For races up to 1000 meters, the course shall be

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
21
 straight and in one direction.
The depth of the water at the entire course shall
be at least two (2) meters.
The width of the lanes shall be minimum 9 meters,
maximum 13.5 meters.
There must be a number of 6 lanes.
An area minimum 10 meters to both sides must be
included.

23.2 The race course must be marked by a clear

routing. The marks (balloons, buoys etc.) must not
exceed a distance of 50m. The last respective mark
must be set at or at and 1m behind the finish line and
marked especially (e.g. flag or great buoys). Both start
and finishing lines shall be marked with red flags at the
two sides.

23.3 In the 200m, 250m, 500m and 1000 meters races,

the lanes shall be marked with buoys or floats. The
distance between the buoys along the length of the
course shall not exceed 25 meters.

23.4 The last buoys must be marked from No 1 to 6

from left to the right as seen in the direction of the
race, with the number placed on the buoy in such a way
as to be clearly visible from the finish tower. The
numbered buoy is to be on the corresponding
competitor's right hand side as he/she passes it and also
clearly visible to him/her. The buoys should be fixed no
closer than 1 meter and not further than 2 meters
behind the finish line

23.5 The start and finish lines must run at 90 Degrees

to the lanes.

23.6 The National Federation hosting the competition

must take care that all technical installations for the
competition committee and their supporters are
available and serviceable.

23.7 The race course and its installations must be

checked two days prior to the competition at latest by
the chief official or a representative appointed by the
ICF Dragon Boat Committee and a member of the ICF
Dragon Boat Committee.

23.8 There must be start pontoons occupied with

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
22
starting assistants’ boat holders. Alternatively there
may be fixed starting cords or starting pontoons to be
held by the steerer.

24 SAFETY REGULATIONS [TR]

24.1 Rescue boats occupied with qualified rescue

professionals must be present supervising the race
course during the complete competition.

24.2 The entrance and exit on the catwalks must be

designed in that way that any risk of injury is excluded.

24.3 During the competition one physician minimum

with emergency education and ambulance vehicles with
respective rescue staff regarding the number of
participants must be present.

24.4 During the event an ambulance station must be

prepared and manned permanently.

24.5 The team leaders undertake to pass the safety

instructions received during the team leaders meeting
to the members of their teams and take care of their
observation.

24.6 The athletes are responsible themselves to fit

sanitarily the sport-specific requirements of the
competition.

24.7 Participants who have not yet reached the age of

18 years must present a written declaration of
agreement of the legal guardian and a medical
certificate of their health. The respective heads of
delegation are responsible for that.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

23
 CHAPTER IV - RACING REGULATIONS

25 MEANS OF PROPULSION [TR]

25.1 Dragon Boats shall be propelled solely by means of

single bladed paddles.

25.2 The paddles may not be fixed on the boats in any

way except the rudder-paddle at the helm of the boat.

25.3 A Dragon Boat must be paddled in a sitting

position.

26 BOARDING PHASE [TR]

26.1 After the call of the chief boat marshal but 20

minutes prior to the official starting time the team
must notify to the chief boat marshal.

26.2 After this timeline each team must stand prepared

for attendance and ID control by the boat marshal.

26.3 The teams must make their appearance in equal

sports clothing.

27 STARTING PHASE [TR]

27.1 The starting phase includes the justification of the

boats up to the starting signal and confirmation of the
correct start by aligner or the starter.

27.2 Each crew must arrive at least five minutes prior

to starting time in the range of vision and earshot to
the starter and on instruction bring the boat to the
starting position.

27.3 To control the presence of the teams by the

starter the teams must attract attention to themselves
by raising the hand of the respective steerer.

27.4 The crews must follow the instructions of the

starter.

27.5 The crews must not delay the start. In other cases
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
24
they will be warned and then disqualified by the
starter.

27.6 The starting command sounds: Attention, Go".

Alternatively to "Go" there may be used a starting pistol
or horn.

27.7 If a crew for technical reasons is not ready for the

start, the drummer must signalise this by waving both
arms with the drumming sticks. The starter will decide
about a delay of the start.

27.8 Beginning to paddle prior to the complete ending

of the start command is considered to be a false start.
In principle such a race must be stopped and re-started
again.

27.9 If a race is stopped this must be shown obviously

by several signal tones. In addition the judges’ boats
will across the race course as long as all boats have
stopped.

27.10 The crews must immediately paddle back to the

start in the case of a race having been stopped and
prepare themselves for a new alignment.

27.11 After a false start every crew of the respective

heat will be warned. If there is a second false start in
the same heat, any crew causing this second false start
will be disqualified. If a crew is causing a second false
start in the next heats of the respective race it will be
disqualified.

27.12 A proper start will be signalised by the starter by

raising a white flag.

27.13 Two substitute paddles may be carried and be

substituted during the race.

27.14 The steerer has the duty to check in the

marshalling area prior to the race the helm. Damages of
the helm must be reported to the chief boat marshal.

28 RACE PHASE [TR]

28.1 The race phase includes the passing of the race

course from the starting line up to the reaching of the
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
25
finish line.

28.2 The course umpires are controlling the race

progress.

28.3 All races must be supervised followed by two

umpire boats minimum.

28.4 The crews must keep the center of the lanes. The
crew will be called to order two times and then finally
be warned if a strong deviation from the course occurs.
If the team is not correcting the course after the final
warning the respective team may be disqualified by the
Competition Committee after receiving the respective
report by the course umpire.

28.5 The Competition Committee will decide in the

case of collisions of two or several boats during a race
about non-certification or new start and/or
disqualification of one or several crews. In principle
every race must be finished as long as there is no
danger for the participants.

28.6 A crew must conduct and finish its race in the

same lane in which it started.

28.7 During the race the drummer has to actively beat

the drum.

29 INTERRUPTION [TR]

29.1 The Course Umpire has the right to interrupt a

correctly started race if unforeseen hindrances arise.
Such an interruption may be effected by the course
umpires with a red flag and sound signal. Competitors
must immediately stop paddling and await further
instructions.

29.2 The Competition Committee shall decide about

the starting time of the new race.

30 FINISH PHASE [TR]

30.1 The boat has finished the race when its

dragonhead crosses the finish line with all crew
members in it.
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
26
30.2 The chief finish judge evaluates the order of the
finish running in.

30.3 The crossing of the finish line must be signalised

by an acoustic signal. The correct race will be
confirmed by the course umpires by raising a white flag.
The incorrect race will be signalised by the red flag.

30.4 If two or more boats reach the finishing line at the

same time they are awarded the same classification in
the final. In case of a dead heat finish for any position,
which determines the advance to the next level of the
competitions, the following rules will apply:

30.5 Whenever there are sufficient number of lanes

available in the next level of the competitions, drawing
of lots will determine to which race these boats will
advance. If it is possible it may use also the outside
lane.

30.6 Wherever there are not enough lanes available

there will be a re-race between the boats.

30.7 In case of a dead heat in a re-race, drawing of lots

will determine the outcome.

30.8 The exit of the complete crew must be in the

marshalling area.

31 EXTERNAL HELP [TR]

31.1 External help may not be used during a race.

Processing the race with external help may lead to
disqualification.

31.2 Pace making services may not be used during a

race. They may lead to disqualification. A Pace making
services is considered to be the use of electronic
amplifiers from landside (e.g. megaphone). In addition
the connection by voice radio is not allowed. An
intercom connection within the boat is allowed.

31.3 Any other noise devices eg whistle shall not be

allowed.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

27
 32 WARNINGS [TR]

32.1 Warnings are valid for the complete competition

but only for the race distance in which the warning was
allocated.

32.2 Warnings are allocated in the case of:

- crews showing up to the start too late,

- crews leaving their lane during the race,
- crews not observing the instructions of the
Officials,
- crews causing a false start,
- crews disturbing the process of the race by un-
sports manlike or hindering behavior
- crews not correcting their course after two calls
to order,
- crews falling short of the minimum distance
between two boats.

32.3 A crew receiving the second warning during a race

will be disqualified.

33 DISQUALIFICATIONS [GR]

33.1 Any competitor or crew who or which attempts to

win a race by any other than honorable means, or who
or which is breaking the racing regulations, or who or
which is disregarding the honorable nature of the racing
regulations shall be disqualified for the duration of the
race concerned.

33.2 Should a competitor or crew have completed a

race in a Dragon Boat, which is shown upon inspection
not to conform to the ICF classifications he/she or they
shall be disqualified from the race in question.

33.3 It is prohibited to receive external assistance

during a race.

33.4 No crew may be accompanied along and adjacent

to the race course by other boats while the race is in
progress.

33.5 No crew may receive assistance by using objects

thrown into the course. Any of the above infractions
will result in the disqualification of the competitor(s)
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
28
concerned.

33.6 The Competition Committee may discipline any

competitor, crew or official whose behavior is
detrimental to the good order and conduct of the
competition. The Competition Committee may after
repeated action by the offender disqualify him/her or
them for that competition.

33.7 All disqualifications by the Competition Committee

have to be confirmed in writing immediately with the
reasons. The team leader has to acknowledge the
receipt of a copy with the exact time, which is the start
of the protest time.

33.8 In case of disqualification of a competitor due to a

doping offense the complete crew shall be disqualified.

34 PROTEST [GR]

34.1 A protest against a crew to compete in a race shall

be advised to a member of the Competition Committee
no later than one hour before the start of the race. A
protest made later - within 30 days from the date when
the race in question was held - is only permitted if the
officials of the association making the protest can prove
that the facts on which the protest is based came to
their knowledge later than one hour before the start of
the race.

34.2 A late protest shall be referred to the ICF Board of

Directors accompanied by the prescribed fee (see
below).

34.3 A protest made during a competition must be

addressed to the Competition Committee no later than
20 minutes after the publication of the unofficial result
or after the team leader has been informed on the
decision against his/hers competitor or team and has
signed the receipt.

34.4 All protests shall be made in writing and be

accompanied by a fee of 25 Euros (or unequal amount in
the currency of the country in which the race is
arranged). The fee will be refunded if the protest is
upheld.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

29
34.5 When a protest or a report is made against an
athlete or a team, the team leader of the athlete/team
in question shall be presented the protest or report to
read.

35 APPEAL [GR]

35.1 Competitors have the right to appeal against a

decision of the Competition Committee to the ICF
through their National Federations against a decision of
the Competition Committee, within 30 days from the
date when the race was held.

35.2 The appeal shall be accompanied by a fee of 25

Euros. The fee will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.
The ICF Board of Directors shall pronounce the final
decision.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

30
CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS

36 ARRANGEMENTS [GR]

36.1 World Championships may only be organised by

National Federations affiliated to ICF. The National
Federation must enter a contract with ICF regarding the
provisions of the organisation to be eligible to be
awarded the hosting of the World Championships. The
National Federation must establish an Organising
Committee and ensure that the OC may be controlled
by the National Federation.

36.2 World Championships may be arranged every

second year with the consent of the ICF Board of
Directors, at the place and time decided and in
accordance with the ICF Dragon Boat regulations.
Championships shall be open only to National
Federations, which are members of the ICF.

36.3 The races shall be held on up to four (4)

consecutive days, and entries for all events shall be
limited to one per National Federation.

36.4 A valid World Championship is held only if there

are at least six (6) Federations in each event AND there
must be at least three (3) Continents starting OVERALL
in the competition. If during the course of the event
some Federations drop out or do not finish, the validity
of the Championships is not affected.

37 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS [GR]

37.1 World Championships shall be held in the race

distances of 200 or 250 meters, 500 meters and 2000
meters for the following events:

Men Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40-

Women Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40-

Mixed Juniors 15-18 Seniors Masters 40-

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

31
 INVITATION, ENTRIES AND
38 [GR]
PROGRAMME

38.1 Invitations to World Championships shall be issued

by the organising National Federation and shall be made
in accordance with the ICF rules and regulations.
Invitations shall be sent out at least six (6) months
before the first day of the championships.

38.2 Entries for World Championships can only be made

through the National Federation in accordance with the
regulations given in the invitation.
Numerical entries: at least 45 days before the first day
of the competition
Nominal entries: at least 14 days before the first day of
the competition

38.2.1 The entries will only be accepted from fully paid

up members of the ICF.

38.2.2 Entries for all World Championships will be done

on the form designed and provided by the ICF, which
will be available on-line for each discipline. The form
for each discipline is designed in agreement with the
respective discipline Committee.

38.3 Entries will contain unique identity number of

competitor according to following formula:

DIS NOC G ddmmyyyy 01

DIS - abbreviation of the discipline (CSL, CSP, CAM,

WWC, DRB, CFR, CAP, CSA)
NOC – National Olympic Code
G – Gender: 1 for Male, 2 for Female
ddmmyyyy – Date of Birth (date, month, year)
01 - Number of athletes born on the same day in the
same country

38.3.1 In crew boats the names of the competitors

must be in order that they race in the boat. The first
name at the top must be the competitor at the front of
the boat (except for Dragon Boat).

38.4 All entries should be made using the on-line

system approved by the Technical Committee and
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
32
provided by the competition organiser. In any case the
entry form provided must be completed and sent
through the on-line system, e-mail or typed form by fax
(handwriting not accepted).

38.5 Late entries or entries that are not on the official

entry form cannot be accepted.

38.6 A Programme giving the starting time for each

race and the names of the Federations entering in each
event must be forwarded to each Federation concerned
at least one month before the first day of the
Championships.

38.7 At least 3 days prior to the Championships a

Programme must be issued containing the following
details:
a) The starting time for each race.
b) The name of the crew in each race.

38.8 World Championships shall be held under the

direction of a Chief Official appointed by the ICF Board
of Directors with other officials as required.

JURY, COMPETITION COMMITTEE

39 [GR]
AND OFFICIALS

39.1 During the World Championships the supreme

authority rests with the Jury.

39.2 The Jury consists of up to five persons, including a

member from the organising Federation. These are
appointed by the ICF Board of Directors.

39.3 One of these persons, a member of the ICF is

named Chair of the Jury. Subordinate to this Jury are
the Chief Official and other officials and proposed by
the Dragon Boat Committee for the approval by the
Board of Directors.

39.4 The Competition Committee shall consist of three

officials who shall be in possession of a valid
International Official cards. They shall belong to
different National Federations. They shall be called
Chief Official (Chair of the Dragon Boat Committee or
his/her deputy from the Dragon Boat Committee),
Deputy Chief Official (from the Dragon Boat
ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009
33
Committee), Competition Manager (from the Organising
Federation).

39.5 The maximum number of officials (excluding the

Jury and Competition Committee) to officiate at the
World Championships shall be:

Technical Organiser 1
Starters 3
Boat Marshal 12
Aligners 2
Course Umpires 4
Finishing Line Judges 3
Boat Measurers 2
Medical Officer 1
Media Officer 1

40 PROTEST [GR]

40.1 A protest made during the competition must be

handed to the Competition Committee not later than 20
minutes after publication of the unofficial result.

40.2 The Chief Official must notify immediately all

parties involved in the protest. After 20 minutes the
Chief Official closes the case and starts the deliberation
on the protest. The decision of the Competition
Committee on the protest must be confirmed in writing,
not later than 10 minutes after closing of the protest,
giving reasons for the decision. The decision must be
handed to the team leaders by the Chair of the
Competition Committee. The team leaders must
acknowledge receipt of it by signing the Competition
Committee's copy and recording the time for the case of
any further appeal.

40.3 All protests shall be made in writing and be

accompanied by a fee of 25 Euros (or equal amount in
the currency of the country in which the championships
are arranged). The fee will be refunded if the protest is
upheld.

40.4 When a protest or a report is made against an

athlete or a team, the team leader of the athlete/team
in question shall be presented the protest or report to
read.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

34
 41 APPEAL [GR]

41.1 An appeal against a decision of the Competition

Committee must be addressed to the Chair of the Jury
in writing and be accompanied by a fee of 25 Euros (or
equal amount in the currency of the country in which
the championships are arranged). The appeal must be
handed to the Chair of the Jury no later than 20
minutes after the team leader has been informed with a
written communication of the decision against the
competitor or team and has signed the receipt given.
The fee will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.

41.2 The decision of the Jury is final.

42 AWARDS [GR]

42.1 The championships medals shall be given

according to ICF protocol.

42.2 The championships medals shall be given in three

values, golded, silvered and bronze and shall be
furnished by the ICF at the expenses of the Organising
Federation.

42.3 Four cups will be awarded as follows:

One for Men
One for Women
One for Mixed
One for “Over-All” winning Federation
Cups will be awarded to the Federation according to the
point system defined by the Dragon Boat Committee.
In case of a tie the Federation with the highest
individual position will win the cup in that event.

43 ANTI-DOPING [GR]

43.1 Doping as defined in the Olympic Movement Anti-

Doping Code is strictly forbidden. Anti-Doping control
shall be conducted in accordance with the ICF Anti-
Doping Control Rules under the supervision of the ICF
Medical & Anti-Doping Committee.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

35
 44 RESULTS AND REPORTS [GR]

44.1 The results of World Championships must be sent

to the ICF Secretary General and the participating
National Federations by the organising National
Federation no later than 30 days after the end of the
championships races. Report of any protest made and
other documents concerning the races must be sent by
the organising National Federation to the ICF Secretary
General.

ICF Dragon Boat Competition Rules 2009

36
 ICF Headquarters
Maison du Sport International
Avenue de Rhodanie 54
CH—1007 LAUSANNE
Switzerland

Phone : +41 21 612 02 90

Fax : +41 21 612 02 91
www.canoeicf.com