2023 Icf Competition Rules Marathon Final

I NTERNATIONAL CANOE FEDERATION
CANOE MARATHON
C OMPETITION R ULES
2023
Taking effect from 1 January 2023

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide the rules that
govern:
a) Canoe Marathon
b) The organisation of Canoe Marathon competitions
LANGUAGE
British English is the recognised language for all
communication relating to these competition rules and
the conduct of all canoeing international competitions.
Any word which may imply the masculine gender also
includes the feminine.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright belongs to the ICF.
These rules may be photocopied.
The original version of this rule book can be found on the
ICF website www.canoeicf.com.
RULES STRUCTURE
ICF Sport Governance Rules

• Common Rules applicable to all disciplines
[CR]
• Exactly the same wording contained in the first
chapter of each rule book
ICF Principle Rules

• The principle is applicable to all disciplines
[PR]
• Rules tailor made for each discipline
• The principle affects all NFs to a high extent
ICF Sport Rules

• Competition and Field of Play rules [SR]
• All technical aspects specific to the disciplines

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RULES DECISION PROCESS
ICF Sport Governance Rules [CR]
Board of Technical National

Congress
Directors Committee Federations
Proposal X X X
Drafting
X
Wording
Discussion X
Vote X
ICF Principle Rules [PR]

Congress
Proposal X X X
Drafting
X
Wording
Discussion X
X X
Vote Overall policy Final wording
and direction after congress
ICF Sport Rules [SR]

Congress
Proposal X X
Drafting
X
Wording
Discussion X
Vote X

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PROCEDURE FOR REVIEW OF ICF RULES
The year prior to the Congress
Consultation with all stakeholders

May to November (e.g., athletes, coaches, officials)
about rule changes needed.
December to Rule proposals by National Federations

s
First (1 ) of March and ICF Technical Committees.
Analysis of all proposals by

March
ICF Technical Committees.
First (1st) ICF Board Vote of the sport rules [SR].

of Directors
meeting Assessment of sport governance rules
The year of the Congress
in March / April [CR] and principle rules [PR].
Publication of the approved sport rules

At least three (3) [SR] by the ICF Board of Directors.
months
prior to the Publication of the assessed sport
Congress governance rules [CR] and principle
rules [PR].
Vote of the sport governance rules

[CR].
ICF Congress
November /
Vote of the main policies and
December
directions concerning the principle
rules [PR].
Board of Directors
meeting after the
Congress Vote of the principle rules [PR].
November /
December
First (1s) of January Publication and application of the

After the Congress approved rule changes.

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GLOSSARY
The sport is canoeing, kayaking and all paddling
Sport
activities.
National Member National Federation of the International

Federation Canoe Federation.
A discipline is a branch of a sport comprising one

Discipline (1) or several events (e.g., Canoe Sprint, Canoe
Slalom…).
The competition runs from the start of the first

event to the completion of the last event of a
Competition
discipline, excluding the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies.
Athlete or Male or female athlete.

player In Canoe Polo refer to a player.
Gender Men or Women
A boat/board is the watercraft used to practice

canoeing (e.g., canoe, kayak, SUP):
• A single boat/board: a boat/board with
only one (1) place for an athlete (e.g.
Boat/board kayak single);
• A crew boat/board: a boat/board with
more than one (1) place for an athlete
(e.g. canoe four).
e.g., junior, under 21, under 23, masters

Age group
depending on each discipline
A category is defined by a boat/board and a

Category
gender (e.g., Men Kayak, Mixed Canoe).
A class is defined by a category and the number

Class of places in a boat/board (e.g., men kayak
double; women canoe four).

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An event is a contest in one (1) discipline
resulting in the award of medals.
An event is defined by at least a class and
depending on the competition and the discipline
Event
with the additional optional information: a
distance and / or an age group (e.g., junior
men’s kayak double 500m, under 23 women’s
kayak single, men’s canoe double classic).
• Individual events: A boat/board

comprised of one (1) or more athletes
competing against other boats/boards.
Type of event
• Team events: two (2) or more
boats/boards competing together against
other teams.
A stage of competition (e.g., preliminaries,

Event Phase
heats, semifinal, final).
Run or race or The basic unit of an event phase (e.g., heats 1st
match run, semifinal, final).
Competition
The list of events included in a competition.
programme
Competition The complete list of events and their different

schedule phases with the time at which they will be held.
International
Technical Oversee the operation of the competition.
Official
The host organising committee can be a National

Host
Federation or a subsidiary or a third party
Organising
organisation specialising in competition
Committee
management.
• may: optional
Definition of
• should: recommendation
meaning
• must: mandatory / compulsory
A Sport Class is a category defined by ICF
Sport Class Paracanoe in the Classification Rules, in which
(only Athletes are grouped by reference to the impact
paracanoe of an eligible impairment on their ability to
book) execute the specific tasks and activities
fundamental to the sport.

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ICF International Canoe Federation
NF National Federation
CAMC Canoe Marathon Committee
ICF HQ International Canoe Federation Headquarters
CR Sport Governance Rules
PR Principle Rules
SR Sport Rules
HOC Host Organising Committee
ITO International Technical Official
DNS Did Not Start
DSQ Disqualified for the event
DNF Did Not Finish

Disqualified for the whole competition for
DQB
Unsportsmanlike Behaviour
WADA World Anti-Doping Agency
LAP Lapped
IWGA International World Games Association

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - SPORT GOVERNANCE ..................................... 11
International competitions [CR] ............................................... 11
International competition calendar [CR] .................................... 11
Athlete eligibility for ICF competition (level 1 to 3) [CR] ............... 12
Age group [CR] ................................................................... 13
Athlete sporting nationality change [CR] .................................... 13
Entries process [CR] ............................................................. 14
Validity of a competition [CR] ................................................. 16
ICF World Championships (level 1) [CR] ..................................... 17
Masters World Championships (level 4) [CR] ................................ 18
Anti-doping [CR] ................................................................ 18
Appeal to the ICF Board of Directors [CR] ................................. 18
Disqualification for serious unsportsmanlike behaviour [CR] ........... 19
Results [CR] ..................................................................... 19
Trademarks and advertising [CR] ............................................ 20
International Technical Official (ITO) – examination [CR] .............. 21
ITO – nomination for ICF competitions [CR] ............................... 22
CHAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION ............................................ 23
Objective [PR] .................................................................... 23
International competitions [PR] ............................................... 23
CHAPTER 3 - ATHLETE EQUIPMENT .................................... 24
Boats specifications [PR] ....................................................... 24
Construction [PR] ................................................................ 24
Kayaks [PR] ..................................................................... 24
Canoes [PR] ..................................................................... 24
Pumps [SR] ..................................................................... 25
Safety equipment [SR] .......................................................... 25
Identifications and Advertising Trademarks [PR] .......................... 25
CHAPTER 4 - COMPETITION PROGRAMME ............................. 26
Boats and distances [PR] ...................................................... 26
CHAPTER 5 - COMPETITION FORMAT .................................. 27
Format [SR] ..................................................................... 27
Portages [SR] ..................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 6 - INVITATIONS AND ENTRIES .............................. 28
Invitations [PR] ................................................................... 28
Entries [PR] ..................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 7 - COMPETITION OFFICIALS ................................ 29
Competition officials [SR] ...................................................... 29
Duties of the Competition Committee [SR] ................................. 30
Duties of the officials [SR] ..................................................... 31
CHAPTER 8 - FIELD OF PLAY ............................................ 35
Courses [SR] ..................................................................... 35
Marking signs [SR] ................................................................ 35
CHAPTER 9 - PRE-COMPETITION ........................................ 35
Duties of the Host Organising Committee [SR] ............................. 35
Team Leader [PR] ................................................................ 36
Instructions for Team Leaders and athletes [PR] .......................... 36
Team Leaders Meeting [PR] ................................................... 36
Alteration of entries and withdrawals [PR] ................................. 36
Alteration at the order of events [PR] ....................................... 37
Pre-race boat control [SR] ..................................................... 38
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Boat and personal Competition numbers [SR] .............................. 38
CHAPTER 10 - COMPETITION ............................................ 39
Means of propulsion [SR] ...................................................... 39
Start [SR] ........................................................................ 39
Start methods [SR] ............................................................. 39
Start procedure [SR] ........................................................... 40
Multi-stage races [SR] ......................................................... 42
Passing course markings and turns [SR] .................................... 42
Group racing and overtaking [SR] ........................................... 43
Portages [SR] .................................................................... 43
Assistance [SR] .................................................................. 44
Safety measures [SR] ......................................................... 45
Finish [SR] ..................................................................... 45
Disqualifications and penalties [PR] ....................................... 45
CHAPTER 11 - POST-COMPETITION .................................... 48
Protest [PR] ..................................................................... 48
Results and reports [PR] ...................................................... 49
CHAPTER 12 - WORLD GAMES ........................................... 50
Organisation [SR] ............................................................... 50
QUALIFICATION SYSTEM – PRINCIPLES [SR] ................................. 50
COMPETITION FORMAT [SR] .................................................. 50
Entries and Competition schedule [SR] ..................................... 50
Boats and equipment control [SR] ........................................... 50
Field of play [SR] .............................................................. 51
ITOs [SR] ........................................................................ 51
CHAPTER 13 - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ............................... 52
Organisation [PR] ............................................................... 52
Competition programme [PR] ................................................ 52
The course [SR] ................................................................. 53
Invitations, entries and competition schedule [PR] ...................... 54
Starting positions [PR] ......................................................... 55
International Technical Officials [PR] ..................................... 56
Team Leaders Meeting [PR] .................................................. 56
Boats and equipment control [SR] ........................................... 57
Paddling on the course [SR] .................................................. 57
Appeal to the Jury [PR] ..................................................... 58
Awards [PR] .................................................................... 58
Nations cup ranking [PR] .................................................... 59
Master World Championships [PR] ......................................... 60
CHAPTER 14 - ITO – TRAINING PATHWAY ............................. 61
Examination [PR] ............................................................... 61

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CHAPTER 1 - SPORT GOVERNANCE
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS [CR]
1.1.1 - All competitions announced as international must

be governed by the rules of the ICF.
1.1.2 - Competitions organised by a National Federation,
or its affiliated associations are regarded as international
if foreign athletes / teams are invited.
1.1.3 - Canoeing competitions in regional, continental,
and multi-sport Games must be organised under the ICF
rules for World Championships for that discipline.
1.1.4 - The Olympic events should be used as a base for
the competition programme in continental games.
1.1.5 - The organisation and programme of canoeing in
multi-sport games on a world level must be approved by
the ICF and for continental level by the relevant
continental association.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDAR [CR]
1.2.1 - The international competition calendar of each

discipline is organised in four (4) levels:
Type of
Competition
competition
Level 1 ICF World Championships
ICF
Level 2 ICF World Cups
competition
Level 3 ICF World Ranking competitions
• International competitions
Level 4 • Masters or open competitions
• Invitational competitions
1.2.2 - Only a National Federation, associate member,

their clubs, or a continental association of the ICF may
apply for a competition level 4 to be entered into the ICF
calendar.
1.2.3 - A calendar application for an international
competition level 1 and level 2 is outlined in the ICF
statutes.

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1.2.4 - A calendar application for an international
competition level 3 (if applicable) and level 4 can be
made by the following process:
1.2.4.a - A calendar application is made directly into
the ICF database;
1.2.4.b - The deadline for calendar applications for
international competition level 3 is First (1st) of
September the year before the competition;
1.2.4.c - The deadline for calendar applications for
international competition level 4 is three (3) months
before the competition.
1.2.5 - Calendar publication
1.2.5.a - The calendar of ICF competitions level 1
and level 2 will be published by 1st January the year
before the competitions;
1.2.5.b - The calendar of ICF competitions level 3
will be published by First (1st) of October the year
before the competitions;
1.2.5.c - The calendar of international competitions
(level 4) will be published immediately after
approval by the ICF.
ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY FOR ICF COMPETITION

(LEVEL 1 TO 3) [CR]
1.3.1 - Only athletes who are members of clubs or

associations affiliated with a National Federation have
the right to participate in an ICF competition.
1.3.2 - An athlete having satisfied 1.3.1. and having first
obtained the (written) consent of the athlete’s National
Federation, is permitted to compete individually in an
ICF competition.
1.3.3 - Each National Federation must ensure that their
athletes are in a good state of health and fitness which
allows them to compete at a level commensurate with
the level of the particular ICF competition.
1.3.4 - Each National Federation must ensure that their
athletes, team officials, as well as the National
Federation itself, carry appropriate health, accident,
and personal belongings insurance.

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AGE GROUP [CR]
1.4.1 - The first year an athlete can compete in an ICF

competition (level 1 to 3) or an international competition
(level 4) is the year of their 15th birthday.
1.4.2 - An athlete starting from the year of their 13th
birthday can compete in an international competition
(level 4) in a specific age group event with a suitably
adapted competition format / rules defined by the HOC.
1.4.3 - The last year an athlete can compete in the U16
age group is the year of their 16th birthday.
1.4.4 - The last year an athlete can compete in the junior
age group is the year of their 18th birthday.
1.4.5 - The last year an athlete can compete in the under
21 age group is the year of their 21st birthday.
1.4.6 - The last year an athlete can compete in the under
23 age group is the year of their 23rd birthday.
1.4.7 - An athlete can compete in a masters’ event in the
year that they reach the lower limit of the age group.
The masters’ age groups are defined by each discipline
with a minimum age of 35 years.
1.4.8 - To enter in an event with a specified age group
an athlete or the National Federation must produce
documentary proof such as passport, identity card or
similar document with a photograph, confirming the age
of the athlete.
ATHLETE SPORTING NATIONALITY CHANGE [CR]
1.5.1 - An athlete who has competed internationally at

any level in the last three (3) years requires authorisation
from the ICF with the approval of the two (2) National
Federations involved to change sporting nationality.
1.5.2 - For an athlete to be eligible for a change of
sporting nationality he/she must have lived in that
country for the last one (1) year or hold the nationality
of the new country.
1.5.3 - An athlete who is aged 18 or under can change
sporting nationality with the approval of the two (2)
National Federations involved. He/she is not required
to fulfil the one (1) year residency rule.

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1.5.4 - The request for the change of sporting nationality
must be made to the ICF by the new National Federation
no later than 30th of November the year before the
athlete wants to compete.
1.5.5 - For the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the
Olympic and Paralympic Charter rules will be applied for
nationality issues.
1.5.6 - For an athlete to gain an Olympic or Paralympic
quota place in canoeing they must hold
citizenship/nationality of the National Federation they
represent.
1.5.7 - An athlete cannot compete for more than one (1)
National Federation in any calendar year in canoeing.
1.5.8 - UN Refugee athlete.
1.5.8.a - An athlete that has no recognised country
of sporting nationality and has official UN Refugee
status can compete in ICF competitions. The request
to compete in ICF Competitions must be sent to the
ICF Headquarters who will decide if the entry can be
accepted in conjunction with the Technical Chair of
the discipline;
1.5.8.b - The Refugee athlete will hold the same
status as a national team member from other
countries in the ICF competition and abide by ICF
Statutes and Competition Rules;
1.5.8.c - The Refugee athlete must be allowed to
compete in the National Championships in the
country where he/she obtained UN Refugee status;
1.5.8.d - Changes to the athletes UN Refugee status
or that the athlete obtains a sporting nationality will
activate the ICF rules for sporting nationality.
ENTRIES PROCESS [CR]
1.6.1 - ICF competitions (level 1 to level 3).

1.6.1.a - Nominal entries for ICF competitions will
only be accepted from National Federations which
are current members of the ICF;

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1.6.1.b - An entry must contain:
• Name of the National Federation to which the

athlete(s) belongs;
• First and last name for the athlete(s);
• The country of birth of the athlete(s);
• The gender of the athlete(s);
• Date of birth of the athlete(s);
• The ICF number of the athlete(s) (if known);
• The events in which the athlete(s) or team(s) wish
to take part;
• The first, last name(s) and the e-mail address of the
Team Leader.
1.6.1.c - Nominal entries must be made on the ICF
online entry system;
1.6.1.d - A receipt for the nominal entry will be
available via the ICF online entry system;
1.6.1.e - The deadline for nominal entries is 10 days
before the first day of competition or classification
for paracanoe;
1.6.1.f - In extraordinary circumstances, an
application can be made to the Technical Chair for
the acceptance of late nominal entries from National
Federations. It is the Technical Chair’s discretion to
accept or decline a late entry. Late entries to the
competition will incur a fee of 50 euros per athlete
in addition to the participation fee (late entries and
withdrawals from events are described in chapter
13);
1.6.1.g - In crew boats the names of the athletes
must be in the order that they compete in the boat.
The first name must be the athlete at the front of
the boat.
1.6.2 - International competition (level 4).
1.6.2.a - Nominal entries for international
competitions (level 4) will be accepted from
individuals or National Federations;
1.6.2.b - Entries must be in writing or online in
accordance with the regulations given by the HOC;

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1.6.2.c - An entry must contain:
• The sporting nationality of the athlete;

• First and last name(s) for the athlete;
• The gender of the athlete;
• Date of birth of the athlete;
• The events in which the athlete(s) or teams wish to
take part.
1.6.2.d - The HOC must acknowledge in writing or
electronically the receipt of each entry within two
(2) days.
VALIDITY OF A COMPETITION [CR]
1.7.1 - World Championships (ICF competition level 1).

1.7.1.a - In the Olympic and Paralympic events, a
valid World Championship is held only if at least six
(6) National Federations from at least three (3)
continents start in the event. If during the
competition some National Federations drop out or
do not finish, the validity of the Championships is not
affected;
1.7.1.b - For the non-Olympic and non-Paralympic
events, a valid World Championship is held only if at
least six (6) National Federations in each event and
at least three (3) continents start OVERALL in the
competition. If during the competition some
National Federations drop out or do not finish, the
validity of the Championships is not affected.
1.7.2 - World Cup (ICF competition level 2) and ICF
competition level 3:
1.7.2.a - A valid World Cup is held only when there
is a minimum of five (5) National Federations from
at least two (2) continents start in the competition;
1.7.2.b - To be recognised as a valid event at least
three (3) boats/boards or three (3) teams from two
(2) different National Federations start in that
event;
1.7.2.c - For the validity of the event it is not
necessary for all three (3) boats/boards or all three
(3) teams finish.

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1.7.3 - To be recognised as an international competition
(level 4) at least an invitation must be distributed to
National Federations or to foreign athletes.
ICF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LEVEL 1) [CR]
1.8.1 - World Championships are only organised upon the

authority of the ICF Board of Directors and only in the
events given in the competition programme.
1.8.2 - Changes to the organisation of the World
Championships may only be made by the process
documented in the contract between the ICF and the
HOC.
1.8.3 - The ICF Board of Directors will determine the
competition programme, based on the recommendation
of the concerned Technical Committee.
1.8.4 - The competition schedule is the responsibility of
the ICF. The ICF will consider the broadcasting needs
and / or other external factors affecting the schedule.
1.8.5 - Jury.
1.8.5.a - During the World Championships, the
supreme authority rests with the Jury;
1.8.5.b - The Jury consists of three (3) persons;
1.8.5.c - The ICF Board of Directors appoints the
members of the Jury;
1.8.5.d - One (1) of these members is named Chair
of the Jury.
1.8.6 - Awards.
1.8.6.a - The awards are given according to the ICF
protocol guidelines;
1.8.6.b - The medals are awarded as follows:
• 1st place: a gold medal

• 2nd place: a silver medal
• 3rd place: a bronze medal
1.8.6.c - In the crew boat/board events or team
events, each athlete will receive the appropriate
medal;

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1.8.6.d - To maintain the formality of the ceremony
the athletes receiving medals must wear their
national team uniforms.
1.8.7 - Nations Cup.
1.8.7.a - The Nations Cup will be awarded to the
National Federation at the World Championships
with the best overall performance;
1.8.7.b - The ranking list will be produced according
to the system defined for each discipline.
MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LEVEL 4) [CR]
1.9.1 - Masters World Championships can be organised in

each discipline.
1.9.2 - The ICF Board of Directors will determine the
events based on the recommendations of the concerned
Technical Committee.
1.9.3 - Individual and National Federations entries will
be accepted.
ANTI-DOPING [CR]
1.10.1 - Doping as defined in the World Anti-Doping Code

and the ICF anti-doping rules is strictly forbidden.
1.10.2 - The anti-doping programme must be conducted
in accordance with the ICF anti-doping control
regulations under the supervision of the ICF medical and
anti-doping committee.
1.10.3 - Athletes and support personnel, entered in any
ICF competition or continental championships must
complete the ICF’s anti-doping education programme or
equivalent before competing or risk being denied entry
to the competition.
APPEAL TO THE ICF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

[CR]
1.11.1 - A participating National Federation can appeal

to the ICF Board of Directors if, after the end of the
competition, new facts become known that would
substantially affect a decision made at the competition.
1.11.2 - Matters of fact during the competition cannot
be contested in an appeal.
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1.11.3 - An appeal to the ICF Board of Directors must be
submitted within 30 days following the end of the
competition accompanied by a fee of 75 Euros. The fee
will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.
1.11.4 - The ICF Board of Directors makes its decision and
addresses it in writing to the National Federation.
DISQUALIFICATION FOR SERIOUS

UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOUR [CR]
1.12.1 - Disqualified for Serious Unsportsmanlike

Behaviour (DQB)” indicates a disqualification due to a
serious breach of the applicable rules or regulations
issued by the ICF or the governing body responsible for
the competition, or a violation of the World Anti-Doping
Code.
1.12.2 - For DQB, the ICF has complete discretion
regarding whether an Athlete/Team will be disqualified
from one, several or all of the events entered at the
competition, regardless of whether they are scheduled,
in progress or already completed.
1.12.3 - For disqualification after competition caused by
doping or ineligibility the following must be completed:
• Deletion of all achieved results and rankings of

boat(s) /board(s) (DQB);
• Re-calculation of all results accordingly;
• Production of the revised version of all affected
outputs (results, summaries, medals).
RESULTS [CR]
1.13.1 - For ICF competitions (level 1 to 3) an electronic

copy of the detailed official results must be provided to
the ICF in a specified format within seven (7) days of the
end of the competition. Electronic results must be kept
online for historical purposes.
1.13.2 - For international competitions (level 4) an
electronic copy of the detailed entries and official results
should be sent to the ICF in pdf format for publication on
the ICF website within seven (7) days of the end of the
competition.

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TRADEMARKS AND ADVERTISING [CR]
1.14.1 - The advertising of tobacco smoking and strong

spirit drinks is not permitted.
1.14.2 - Boats/boards, accessories and clothing may
carry trademarks, advertising symbols and written text.
1.14.3 - Images, symbols, slogans and written text
unrelated to sport funding or any political messages are
not permitted.
1.14.4 - All advertising materials used should be placed
in such a way that they do not interfere with athletes’
identification and do not affect the outcome of the race.

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INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL OFFICIAL (ITO) –
EXAMINATION [CR]
1.15.1 - Examination calendar.

1.15.1.a - Each year the calendar of official
examinations is published for each discipline
following proposal from each Technical Chair;
1.15.1.b - Continental associations or National
Federations are entitled to apply to hold an
examination to the concerned Technical Chair. In
this case, this organising entity has to cover the
examination organisation costs including the full
board and travelling expenses of the examiners.
1.15.2 - Candidates’ application.
1.15.2.a - Only National Federations are entitled to
nominate candidates for examination at least 30
days before the examination;
1.15.2.b - The applications must be sent to the ICF
headquarters on the form designed by the ICF and
published on the ICF website;
1.15.2.c - The ICF headquarters will forward the list
of candidates to the concerned Technical Chair;
1.15.2.d - For every candidate applying for the
examination, the National Federation will be
charged 20 euros;
1.15.2.e - The final invoice will be sent to the
National Federation in the period between 30th of
October and 30th of November;
1.15.2.f - National Federations are financially
responsible for their Officials.
1.15.3 - Conduct of the examination.
1.15.3.a - A sub-committee, appointed by the
concerned Technical Chair, will administer the
examination;

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1.15.3.b - The examination will be carried out in
English for officials who wish to be considered as
officials for ICF competitions and will be based on
their knowledge of the ICF statutes and the ICF rules.
Each discipline may add a practical assessment or
minimum experience requirement;
1.15.3.c - If candidates take the examination in any
other official language, they may not be considered
for officiating at ICF competitions.
1.15.4 - Officials’ card
1.15.4.a - After completion of the examination the
concerned Technical Chair completes the ICF official
examination report and sends it to the ICF
headquarters, where the officials’ cards for those
who passed the exam are issued and sent to the
National Federations;
1.15.4.b - The officials’ cards expire after four (4)
years;
1.15.4.c - If an official’s card is expired, lost, or
destroyed a 20 euro fee for renewal will be charged;
1.15.4.d - A renewed official’s card will be issued
starting from the previous expiry date;
1.15.4.e - If an official’s card has been expired for
more than two years, the ITO must complete the
examination again.
ITO – NOMINATION FOR ICF COMPETITIONS

[CR]
1.16.1 - Only National Federations are entitled to

nominate ITOs for ICF competitions level 1 and level 2.
1.16.2 - The deadline for submitting ITO proposals for
each discipline is the 31st of December the year prior to
the competition.
1.16.3 - The nominations are submitted to the respective
Technical Chair (with a copy to the ICF headquarters).
1.16.4 - The Technical Chair will present a list of Officials
to the ICF Board of Directors for their approval at the
latest by 1st of March.

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CHAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVE [PR]
2.1.1 - The aim of a Canoe Marathon competition is for

competitors to race each other in kayaks and canoes over
a designated course.
2.1.2 - The athlete must take the water as it is found and
be prepared, if it is necessary, to carry their boats
around impassable obstacles, or between two (2)
waterways.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS [PR]
2.2.1 - Types of international competitions:

Type of
Competition Entries
Competition
ICF World Championships 2 boats per

LEVEL 1 ICF Junior and U23 World event per
Championships NF
ICF
competition LEVEL 2 ICF World Cups
ICF Canoe Marathon World To be

LEVEL 3 determined
Ranking Competition
by the
International competitions organiser
International Masters competitions
LEVEL 4
competition Masters World Championships
Invitational competitions
2.2.2 - These competitions must be supervised or

managed by at least one (1) accredited official in
possession of a valid ICF Marathon Official card.

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CHAPTER 3 - ATHLETE EQUIPMENT
BOATS SPECIFICATIONS [PR]
Boats K1 K2 K4 C1 C2
Max. length (cm) 520 650 1100 520 650
Min. weight (kg) 8 12 30 10 14
CONSTRUCTION [PR]
3.2.1 - All kinds of building materials are permitted.

3.2.2 - The boats (kayaks and canoes) must have only one
(1) hull (monohull construction) and only a single keel
line. Multihull and Catamaran styles boats are not
allowed.
3.2.3 - All boats must be built symmetrically upon the
axis of their length.
3.2.4 - No foreign substance may be added to the surface
of the boats, which can give athletes an unfair
advantage. The use of hull lubricants is not permitted.
KAYAKS [PR]
3.3.1 - Steering rudders are allowed.

3.3.2 - The maximum thickness of the rudder blade must
not exceed 10 mm for K1 and K2 if the rudder blade forms
an extension to the length of the kayak.
3.3.3 - Kayaks will be allowed weed deflectors in front of
the rudder. Weed deflector can be maximum 20 cm long
and cannot be deeper than the rudder.
CANOES [PR]
3.4.1 - Steering rudders or any guiding apparatus

directing the course of the canoe are not allowed.
3.4.2 - A keel, if any, must be straight, should extend
over the whole length of the canoe and should not
project more than 30 mm, below the hull.

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3.4.3 - The C1 and C2 may be entirely open. The
minimum length of the opening must be 280cm. The edge
of the side of the boat (gunwale) can extend a maximum
of five (5) cm into the boat along the whole defined
opening. The boat can have a maximum of three (3)
strengthening bars with a width a maximum of seven (7)
cm each.
3.4.4 - Removable spray decks may be used.
PUMPS [SR]
Only manually operated pumps or bailers may be fitted

in both canoes and kayaks.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT [SR]
Each boat must carry sufficient buoyancy, either in the

construction of the boat or fixed subsequently, to keep
the boat floating level when filled with water.
IDENTIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISING

TRADEMARKS [PR]
3.7.1 - Requirements for advertising on equipment and

clothing for ICF Marathon competitions are detailed in
the ICF Guidelines for Advertising Trademark
Identification on Equipment Manual.
3.7.2 - Any boat, accessory or article of clothing which
does not comply with the above-mentioned conditions
will be ineligible for use during the competition.
3.7.3 - Teams are responsible for their own equipment.

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CHAPTER 4 - COMPETITION PROGRAMME
BOATS AND DISTANCES [PR]
4.1.1 - The official boats recognised by the ICF are:
Boats
K1 Kayak single
K2 Kayak double
K4 Kayak four
C1 Canoe single
C2 Canoe double
SUP Stand Up Paddling Board
4.1.2 - Canoe Marathon races may be run in the following

classes:
K1 K2 K4 C1 C2
Men
K1 K2 K4 C1 C2
Women
K2 C2
Mixed
SUP
Men
SUP
Women
4.1.3 - Distances
4.1.3.a - Long distance marathon races are races
minimum 10km long and no upper limit.
4.1.3.b - Short distance marathon races are races
between 3,4 km and 10km long.

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CHAPTER 5 - COMPETITION FORMAT
FORMAT [SR]
5.1.1 - Races may be run:

5.1.1.a - In one (1) stage
or
5.1.1.b - Several stages over one (1) or several days.
The final result being based on total racing time.
5.1.2 - Turning points must be negotiated as directed.
5.1.3 - Where shallow water is encountered, it is
permitted to disembark in the water and drag or carry
the boat into deeper water.
5.1.4 - Marathon races may contain portages.
PORTAGES [SR]
5.2.1 - All athletes (and their designated helpers where

approved) must disembark in the defined area, carry
their boat around the portage and embark in the defined
area.
5.2.2 - Athletes may only portage at points designated by
the race organisers.

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CHAPTER 6 - INVITATIONS AND ENTRIES
INVITATIONS [PR]
6.1.1 - Invitations should be sent minimum two (2)

months before the competition.
6.1.2 - Invitations to an international competition must
contain the following information:
6.1.2.a - Date and place of the competition;
6.1.2.b - Situation and plan of the course(s);
6.1.2.c - Proposed events;
6.1.2.d - Competition programme;
6.1.2.e - Nature of the course, water conditions and
degree of difficulty;
6.1.2.f - Conditions/terms of participation;
6.1.2.g - Address to which entries should be sent;
6.1.2.h - Entries deadline;
6.1.2.i - Safety requirements.
ENTRIES [PR]
6.2.1 - Details of the entries process and forms are

described in article 1.6.
6.2.2 - In addition to nominated crews, participating NFs
are allowed to enter unlimited number of substitutes in
every race.
6.2.3 - Other than for World Championships it is not
necessary to specify the names of substitutes on the
written entry.
6.2.4 - When making their entries NFs must give the
colours of the clothing worn by the athletes, and these
colours must not be changed during the competition.
6.2.5 - The Host Organising Committee (HOC) will accept
the entries in conformity with the conditions/terms of
participation. Therefore, the HOC can reject or delete
the entry of the participants who fail to observe the
conditions/terms of participation.

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CHAPTER 7 - COMPETITION OFFICIALS
COMPETITION OFFICIALS [SR]
7.1.1 - International competitions are to be supervised

by following International Technical Officials (ITOs):
• Chief Official
• Deputy Chief Official
• Safety Officer
• Competition Manager
• Competition Secretary
• Starter(s)
• Aligner(s)
• Chief Course Umpire
• Course Umpire(s)
• Chief Finish Line Judge
• Finish Line Judge(s)
• Timekeeper(s)
• Boat Scrutineer
• Raft Marshall
• Commentator
• Sport Presentation Officer
7.1.2 - If circumstances permit, one (1) person may
function in more than one (1) of the above positions.
7.1.3 - Officials’ obligations –
7.1.3.a - To perform their tasks in conformity with
the ICF rules;
7.1.3.b - Every judge will have the obligation to
check their equipment necessary to perform their
tasks is in working order. In the case any shortcoming
is found, it is reported to the Chief Official or
Competition Manager;
7.1.3.c - Unauthorised persons must not enter any
Officials area, unless are called for by either the
competition committee or the Jury.
7.1.4 - All communications between the Competition
Officials and the athletes and the Team Leaders must be
in English language. In the case of a translator being
needed, this must be provided by the team.

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DUTIES OF THE COMPETITION COMMITTEE [SR]
7.2.1 - ICF competitions are to be managed by a

Competition Committee consisting of:
7.2.1.a - Chief Official
7.2.1.b - Safety Officer
7.2.1.c - Chief Course Umpire
7.2.2 - Minimum two (2) members of the Competition
Committee must be in possession of a valid International
Canoe Marathon Official card.
7.2.3 - The Competition Committee will:
7.2.3.a - Direct and supervise the competition;
7.2.3.b - Postpone the competition and decide on
another time when it may be held, or abandon the
competition, or, if the competition has already
begun, abandon, curtail or reschedule the
competition, in the event of inclement weather or
other unforeseen circumstances which make it
impossible to carry out or finish the competition;
7.2.3.c - Decide on matters concerning
disqualifications in cases where the rules have been
broken during the competition;
7.2.3.d - Hear any protests that may be made and
settle any disputes that may arise;
7.2.3.e - Make decisions based on the ICF Canoe
Marathon Rules;
7.2.3.f - Penalties in accordance with the ICF
Statutes may also be imposed;
7.2.3.g - May disqualify any athlete who behaves
improperly or who by his/her conduct or speech
shows contempt towards the officials, other athletes
or onlookers;
7.2.3.h - Hear the opinion of the Official(s) who
controlled the race in which the infraction was said
to have occurred, before any decision is made
regarding an alleged infraction of the rules.

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7.2.4 - A member of the Competition Committee may not
participate in a judgment connected with an incident
directly involving or a disqualification of an athlete from
his/her own NF.
DUTIES OF THE OFFICIALS [SR]
7.3.1 - The Chief Official, who is also the Chair of the

Competition Committee, will decide on all matters
arising during the actual competition, which are not
dealt with in these rules.
7.3.2 - The Deputy Chief Official will:
7.3.2.a - Cooperate closely with the Chief Official
and the Competition Manager and handle the
administrative tasks of the competition;
7.3.2.b - Check the personal identification
documents of the athletes and their age, if
necessary;
7.3.2.c - Collect the notes from the Team Leaders of
the participating countries on the changes notified
before the beginning of the Team Leaders Meeting
and put them in order according to the races;
7.3.2.d - Keep in contact with the responsible IT
person in case of computer data processing;
7.3.2.e - Check the results race by race during the
competition;
7.3.2.f - Maintain a written record of the decisions
of the Competition Committee passed relating to any
protests. and is responsible to have them recorded.
7.3.3 - The Safety Officer is responsible for advising the
Competition Committee of the safety measures required
and for seeing that these are implemented.
7.3.4 - The Competition Manager is responsible for the
preparation and running of the competition.
7.3.5 - The Competition Secretary must:
7.3.5.a - Record the results and prepare lists of prize
winners;
7.3.5.b - Keep the minutes of the proceedings of any
protest meetings;

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7.3.5.c - Provide the Press Official with all necessary
information regarding the running of the event or
the results.
7.3.6 - The Starter(s) will:
7.3.6.a - Decide all matters concerning the start of
the races;
7.3.6.b - Be solely responsible for false start
decisions;
7.3.6.c - Ensure that the starting signal equipment is
in working order;
7.3.6.d - Utilise English in all communications with
athletes;
7.3.6.e - Order the athletes to their places and carry
out the start in accordance with the Canoe Marathon
Rules.
All decisions of the Starter are final.
7.3.7 - The Aligner(s) will:
7.3.7.a - Bring the boats to the starting line with the
least possible delay;
7.3.7.b - Utilise English in all communications with
athletes.
7.3.8 - The Chief Course Umpire will:
7.3.8.a - Ensure that during a race the rules are
complied with;
7.3.8.b - Appoint officials to supervise the control
points along the course and maintain contact with
all such officials throughout the competition;
7.3.8.c - Decide, in discussion with relevant
officials, any time penalties that are appropriate in
response to minor infractions and communicate
these to the officials responsible for managing the
penalties;
7.3.8.d - Report any major infractions to the Chief
Official, if the rules are broken in a way which may
lead to a disqualification, who, in turn, should refer
it to the Competition Committee.

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7.3.9 - Each Course Umpire will supervise the control
point(s) to which they have been assigned along the
course and will report to the Chief Course Umpire in case
of infringements of the Canoe Marathon Rules.
7.3.10 - Finish Line Judges will:
7.3.10.a - Be placed at the finish line;
7.3.10.b - Decide the order in which the boats have
crossed the finish line;
7.3.10.c - Use a simple majority to decide a dispute
in the absence of a Photo Finish System and where
the Finish Line Judges differ regarding determining
the places of two (2) or more boats. In the case of
equal voting, the Chief Finish Line Judge has the
casting vote.
The decisions of the Finish Line Judges are final.
7.3.11 - Chief Finish Line Judge, who will:
7.3.11.a - Divide the work amongst the Finish Line
Judges;
7.3.11.b - Compare the official times with the other
Finish Line Judges at the end of each race and
immediately inform the Deputy Chief Official on
them.
7.3.12 - The Timekeepers are responsible for recording
the times. Before each race the Chief Timekeeper should
establish that the stopwatches or other time-keeping
equipment are working satisfactorily.
7.3.13 - The Boat Scrutineer is responsible after the
race to check the dimensions, equipment and weight of
the boats to ensure they comply with the ICF Canoe
Marathon Rules. Should any boat not comply then the
athletes will be referred to the Competition Committee
for disqualification.
7.3.14 - The Raft Marshall will:
7.3.14.a - Confirm that the boat and equipment and
clothing of the athletes complies with the
requirements of the competition rules and that were
confirmed at the Team Leaders meeting;
7.3.14.b - Dispatch the boat to the starting place
when the boat, equipment and clothing is
approved;
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7.3.14.c - Check identity of the athletes and confirm
that boat numbers and body numbers are correct;
7.3.14.d - Report the required information about the
participants in each event to the Chief Official.
7.3.15 - The Commentator will:
7.3.15.a - Announce the start of each race, the order
of starting and the placing of the athletes during the
race on the instructions of the Competition Manager;
7.3.15.b - Announce the results after the race is
completed.
7.3.16 - The Sports Presentation Officer is responsible
for ensuring the following when appropriate:
• Commentary;
• Sound facilities;
• TV and web TV;
• Web and social media service;
• Public announcement and web-publishing of results
in co-ordination with the results team;
• Spectator facilities;
• Marketing of the competition;
• Media facilities;
• Information provision to the ICF Office prior to,
during and after the event.

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CHAPTER 8 - FIELD OF PLAY
COURSES [SR]
8.1.1 - Course types:

8.1.1.a - River and canal courses without obstacles,
or interruptions;
8.1.1.b - River and canal courses with obstacles such
as locks, weirs, rocks or shallows involving obligatory
or optional portages;
8.1.1.c - Open water courses on lakes, estuaries or
the open sea;
8.1.1.d - Any combination of the above.
MARKING SIGNS [SR]
8.2.1 - Flags marking:

8.2.1.a - Portage limits should be marked with flags,
diagonally divided with one half (1/2) in red and the
other half (1/2) in yellow;
8.2.1.b - Both starting and finishing lines (other than
pontoon start) must be marked with red flags/buoys
at the points where these lines intersect the outer
limits of the course.
CHAPTER 9 - PRE-COMPETITION
DUTIES OF THE HOST ORGANISING COMMITTEE
[SR]
9.1.1 - The HOC is responsible for the preparation and

running of the competition.
9.1.2 - The HOC must, in particular:
9.1.2.a - Make available a suitable venue and
technical equipment conforming to the present
Canoe Marathon Competition Rules;
9.1.2.b - Fix the date and the competition
programme in agreement with the ICF;
9.1.2.c - Draw up and distribute the competition
programme including the date and time of the
Teams Leaders meeting. It must be distributed in
advance of the competition.
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TEAM LEADER [PR]
9.2.1 - The Team Leader will:

9.2.1.a - Represent his/her team;
9.2.1.b - Be the main contact with the Chief Official
and the HOC throughout the competition, but he/she
cannot disturb their work;
9.2.1.c - Submit any changes or comments in
relation to the competition;
9.2.1.d - Arrange to submit the protest or appeal as
stipulated if necessary.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEAM LEADERS AND

ATHLETES [PR]
9.3.1 - Documentation should be available for each Team

Leader before the beginning of the Team Leaders
meeting, containing the following information:
• Detailed information on the course and their

markings;
• Detailed competition schedule;
• Starting line;
• Finishing line;
• Obligatory safety equipment requirements;
• Time and place of the awards ceremony.
TEAM LEADERS MEETING [PR]
9.4.1 - The Team Leaders Meeting must be held between

three (3) and 30 hours before the first start. The meeting
determines, amongst other things, the final entry details
and confirm details of the course and the time schedule.
9.4.2 - After the meeting the definitive Competition
Schedule must be available at the course, giving names
and NF of the athletes and the revised start list.
ALTERATION OF ENTRIES AND WITHDRAWALS

[PR]
9.5.1 - The Chief Official may in exceptional

circumstances accept written replacement of named
athletes by named reserves up to one (1) hour before
the start of the first race.

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9.5.2 - The Chief Official's decision as to what constitutes
an exceptional circumstance is final and is not subject to
appeal.
9.5.3 - The withdrawal of an entry is considered final and
no renewed entry of the same athlete/crew is allowed.
Entry fees will not be refunded.
ALTERATION AT THE ORDER OF EVENTS [PR]
9.6.1 - The sequence of races given in the invitation, and

the intervals between the races as given in the
Competition Programme, are binding on the organisers.
9.6.2 - Alterations cannot be made unless the respective
Team Leaders at the Team Leaders Meeting give their
consent.
9.6.3 - Extraordinary alterations can be done by the
Competition Committee when the circumstances can
endanger the safety of the athletes. Any such changes
must be communicated to all Team Leaders as early as
possible

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PRE-RACE BOAT CONTROL [SR]
9.7.1 - The HOC must provide for boat control two (2)
certified weighing and measuring devices.
9.7.2 - Teams are responsible for pre-competition boat
control.
BOAT AND PERSONAL COMPETITION NUMBERS

[SR]
9.8.1 - All boats should carry a boat number, which

should be attached to them as instructed by the race
organiser.
9.8.2 - The personal numbers (bib) will be provided by
the HOC and should be placed on the back and/or on the
front of the athlete as required by the HOC. The title or
main sponsors name may be shown on the front side with
the personal numbers.

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CHAPTER 10 - COMPETITION
MEANS OF PROPULSION [SR]
10.1.1 - Kayaks must be propelled solely by means of a

double-bladed paddle.
10.1.2 - Canoes must be propelled solely by means of a
single-bladed paddle.
10.1.3 - The paddles must not be attached to the boat in
any way.
START [SR]
10.2.1 - The Start Line must be marked by two (2) red

flags or two (2) red buoys or a combination of both.
10.2.2 - Athletes must be at the start at the time
specified in the Competition Schedule.
10.2.3 - The start must commence without reference to
any absentees.
10.2.4 - The classes should start in order as determined
by the Competition Committee.
START METHODS [SR]
10.3.1 - The method of starting should be one of the

following and should be decided by the HOC and included
in the information booklet distributed beforehand:
10.3.1.a - Stationary Start
• The position of the boats at the start is such that

the bows of the competing boats are on the starting
line(s). The boats must be stationary. The boats
may be held at the stern or blocked at the front by
an automatic start system;
• Wherever possible all boats in a class should line up
at the starting line and use the stationary start.
Where this is impossible or impracticable owing to
lack of space, or water or weather conditions, the
following alternative simultaneous starting
procedures may be employed.

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10.3.1.b - Grid Start
• National teams equally represented in each rank of

the grid with the positions being determined by a
draw. National teams take precedence over club
teams.
10.3.1.c - Bank Start
• The boats are lined up on the bank in an order

determined by a draw.
10.3.1.d - Rolling Start
• Where strong currents render a stationary start

difficult, a rolling start may be used. The boats are
allowed to drift towards the start line with a view
to crossing at the time of the signal.
10.3.1.e - Interval Start
• Where a simultaneous start is impracticable or

undesirable, an interval start may be used, the
order being determined by a draw;
• A list of athletes with their starting times must be
issued to the Team Leaders and pinned to a notice
board at the start at least three (3) hours before
the start of competition;
• It is also possible to have an interval start in groups.
10.3.2 - In all cases athletes must be called to the water
at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start, or in the
case of a Bank Start given a 10-minute warning.
START PROCEDURE [SR]
10.4.1 - The following procedures will then apply for the

respective starts:
10.4.1.a - Stationary start and Grid start
• The Starter must ensure all boats are stationary on

the starting line or grid line;
• When the Starter is satisfied the line(s) are
stationary will give the signal or "Ready" followed
by a shot, starting horn, or the word "Go";
• If an athlete commences paddling after the word
"Ready" and before the start signal has been given,
he/she has made a false start;
• An athlete who attempts to start before any
instruction is deemed to have made an unfair start;
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• An athlete who attempts a false or unfair start will
be warned;
• A second warning will result in the imposition of 30
seconds time penalty;
• A third warning will result in the athlete's
disqualification from the event;
• A disqualified athlete must leave the water
immediately.
10.4.1.b - Bank start
• Athletes must stand stationary on the starting line.

The Starter, when satisfied the athletes are
stationary, will say "Ready" followed by a shot or
the word "Go";
• If an athlete or athletes commence running before
the shot has been fired, the Starter will declare a
false start and warn the offending athletes;
• An athlete who attempts to start before any
instruction is deemed to have made an unfair start;
• An athlete who attempts an unfair start will be
warned;
• A second warning will result in the imposition of a
30 seconds time penalty;
• A third warning will result in the athlete's
disqualification from the event;
• In a Bank Start, no athlete should tackle, block,
hinder or obstruct another athlete running to
his/her boat.
10.4.1.c - Rolling start
• The boats should bunch up well before the start line

and drift towards the Starter;
• The Starter must ensure the line is as straight as
possible and that no athlete will obtain any undue
advantage as a result of the start;
• When the Starter is satisfied, should let the line
drift to within 10 meters of the start line and give
the signal "Ready" followed by a shot, a starting
horn or the word "GO";
• If an athlete commences paddling after the word
"Ready" and before the shot is fired, he/she has
made a false start;
• An immediate time penalty of 30 seconds must be
imposed upon the athlete making a false start.

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10.4.1.d - Interval start
• Athletes should be called into their starting position

in the predetermined order. Athletes must be
advised five (5) minutes, two (2) minutes and one
(1) minute prior to their designated start time;
• The Starter must ensure that each athlete or group
of athletes is stationary and lined up;
• An athlete crossing the start line prior to the ten-
second warning must be recalled with the elapsed
time taken from the designated starting time; an
athlete commencing paddling between the ten-
second warning and the shot or starting command
must incur an immediate 30 seconds time penalty.
10.4.2 - Any penalty imposed under this rule must be
notified to the Team Leader of the offending athlete by
the Competition Committee. Whenever possible, advice
of any time penalty should also be given to the offending
athletes at the first available checkpoint.
MULTI-STAGE RACES [SR]
10.5.1 - Where a race is divided into several stages, the

starts of the second and subsequent stages should be
carried out individually, or in groups as determined by
the organiser, and advised to the Team Leaders at the
Team Leaders Meeting.
10.5.2 - If carried out individually the athletes will leave
the stage start in the order of arrival from the previous
stage and at the same intervals of time.
10.5.3 - If in groups, these should also take into account
arrival from the previous stage, and time differences
recorded.
10.5.4 - Timing will be cumulative, and the winner being
the athlete/crew having taken the shortest time over the
whole course, making due allowance for any time
penalties awarded by the officials. The restart of the
second or subsequent days may utilize any of the initial
or stage start methods described in article 10.3.1.
PASSING COURSE MARKINGS AND TURNS [SR]
Course markings including turning points must be passed

according to the course description confirmed at the
Team Leaders Meeting.

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GROUP RACING AND OVERTAKING [SR]
10.7.1 - When a canoe or kayak is overtaking another

canoe or kayak, it is the duty of the overtaking boat to
keep clear of other boats at all times.
10.7.2 - When athletes are racing in a group, it is duty of
all the athletes in the group to avoid colliding with other
athletes at all times.
10.7.3 - A collision will be an event where an athlete or
any part of their boat or paddle touches another
athlete’s boat or paddle in a way that disadvantages
another athlete.
10.7.4 - A collision can happen at any manoeuvring
within the group and is applicable for all parts of the
course including the portages and turns.
PORTAGES [SR]
10.8.1 - Athletes may only portage at points designated

by the race organisers.
10.8.2 - At official compulsory or optional portage
points, the limits of the section of the river to be
portaged must be clearly marked by flags showing the
start and end of the disembarkation area and the start
and end of the embarkation area. The flags marking the
portage should be diagonally divided in red and yellow.
10.8.3 - Any water after the end of the disembarkation
area and before the start of the embarkation area is out
of bounds.
10.8.4 - Organisers must aim to provide enough bank
space to allow at least four (4) K2s to be portaged
simultaneously.
10.8.5 - An athlete making a portage at a point other
than the designated portage area along the course must
not gain any advantage unless directed by the
Competition Committee.
10.8.6 - Under no circumstances may a portage be used
with an effect of shortening the course of the race.

43 of 61
ASSISTANCE [SR]
10.9.1 - An athlete may not be accompanied along the

course or assisted in any way by other canoes/kayaks not
entered in the event or by any vessel (e.g., runabout).
10.9.2 - An athlete may receive assistance from bank
support crews, as long as it does not impede other
athletes, but may not gain any advantage. All assistance
must be given from the bank, except for safety reasons.
Such assistance is limited to first aid services, provisions
of food, drink and clothes, replacement of faulty
equipment including paddles and help with repairs.
10.9.3 - For level 1 and level 2 competitions, in addition
to the support provided for in 10.9.2, teams will be
allowed to provide feeding and drink support plus any
necessary repairs in a designated area on the portage.
This area will be clearly marked, and behaviour will be
monitored by the officials on the portage. Bibs will be
made available for the appropriate number of supporters
from each team to wear so they can be identified whilst
providing support.
10.9.3.a - Any supporter who obstructs competitors
from other teams on the portage or who provides
support outside of the designated area will be
warned for the first breach of the rules and if
necessary, a second time;
10.9.3.b - If a supporter breaches the rules for a
third time the individual concerned will not be
allowed to provide support in the portage for the
remainder of the championships and their bib will be
withdrawn for the remainder of that race only.
10.9.4 - In case of a capsize, an athlete may receive
assistance with emptying his/her boat and restarting (or
resuming) his/her paddling position, but must no
advantage be gained from the assistance in any way.
10.9.5 - An athlete suffering from a lower-body disability
may, by prior agreement from the Competition
Committee, receive assistance at a portage, from
designated helpers. Provided no advantage is gained
from the assistance and provided the athlete leaves or is
lifted from his/her canoe/kayak before the helpers carry
the boat.

44 of 61
10.9.6 - No exchange or substitution of boats is
permitted, even with other athletes from the same
team.
SAFETY MEASURES [SR]
10.10.1 - If the organisers so decide for safety reasons,

additional buoyancy must be fitted to each boat such
that it will give support to the paddlers when in the
water and/or every athlete must wear a buoyancy aid
and/or other specified equipment. Such requirements
must be written in on the entry form.
10.10.2 - Any athlete failing to observe the safety
requirements will be refused the right to start. If they
have started, they will be disqualified.
10.10.3 - Athletes participate at their own risk. Neither
the organisers nor the ICF can be held responsible for
accidents or material damage which may occur during a
race.
10.10.4 - Every official is required to observe that the
safety measures are being adhered to and to prevent
athletes from starting or continuing if they fail to meet
the requirements laid down in the race instructions.
10.10.5 - Canoe Marathon may involve participants in
dangerous situations. It is a requirement that any
athlete, seeing another in real danger should render all
assistance in his/her power. Failure to do so may lead to
a disqualification.
FINISH [SR]
10.11.1 - The boat has finished the race when its bow
crosses the finish line with all crew members in it.
10.11.2 - If two (2) or more boats cross the finish line at
the same time they receive the same classification.
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES [PR]
10.12.1 - Any athlete who attempts to compete in a race

by any other than honourable means or who breaks the
racing rules, or who disregards the honourable nature of
the racing rules will be penalised or disqualified for the
duration of the race concerned.

45 of 61
10.12.2 - Should an athlete have failed to follow the
correct course of the race (for example missed a turning
buoy) the athlete has broken the racing rules will be
subject to a penalty:
10.12.2.a - If the Race Umpire believes the athlete
has gained a small advantage on other athletes:
Time penalty of 15 seconds will be given;
10.12.2.b - If the athlete has gained a major
advantage a disqualification (DSQ) will be imposed;
10.12.2.c - Should a buoy be missed as a result of a
collision in group racing during a turn this will be
investigated and the boat that caused the collision
will be penalised or disqualified (DSQ), see article
10.12.3. The athlete who missed the buoy due to
collision will not be penalised.
10.12.3 - Collision or damage:
10.12.3.a - Any athlete who is considered by a
Course Umpire or Race Official to have been
responsible for a collision, or who damages the
canoe or kayak or paddle of another athlete or
unnecessarily deviates from the direct racing line or
deliberately blocks the path of an athlete may be
penalized or disqualified;
10.12.3.b - A collision will be considered to be an
event where an athlete’s boat or paddle touches
another athlete’s boat or paddle in a way that
disadvantages another athlete;
10.12.3.c - If it is considered that other paddlers
have only had some minor disadvantages compare to
other athletes as a result of the incident the
responsible athlete will get a time penalty of 30
seconds;
10.12.3.d - If it is considered that the incident has
given other paddlers a major unfair disadvantage the
penalty will be disqualification (DSQ).
10.12.4 - Boat scrutineering infringement:
Should an athlete/crew have completed a race in a boat
which is shown upon inspection does not conform with
the ICF rules will be disqualified (DSQ) from the race.

46 of 61
Any athlete who is accompanied along the course by
other boats which are not in the race will be disqualified
(DSQ) from the race.
10.12.5 - Handling of penalties:
10.12.5.a - Time penalties as decided by the Chief
Course Umpire are not subject to appeal and must
be taken at the earliest opportunity during the race;
10.12.5.b - Time penalties must be executed in a
designated area at the portage and supervised by a
Race Official or will be added to the athletes
finishing time if a time penalty stop is not used in
the competition;
10.12.5.c - Disqualifications are decided by the
Competition Committee and are subject to an
appeal.
10.12.6 - If an athlete is observed by an International
Official to throw a drink bag or other plastic items which
then goes into the water, they will receive a 30 second
penalty. The decision is to be confirmed by the Chief
Course Umpire and cannot be the subject of an appeal.
10.12.7 - All penalties or disqualifications must be
confirmed by the Competition Committee in writing
immediately, giving the reasons. The Team Leader of the
athlete/team must acknowledge the receipt on the
notice copy with the exact time, which marks the start
of the protest time.
10.12.8 - Failure to deliver the copy confirmation of the
disqualification to the Team Leader does not invalidate
the disqualification.

47 of 61
CHAPTER 11 - POST-COMPETITION
PROTEST [PR]
11.1.1 - A protest against the right of an athlete/crew to

compete in a race must be addressed to the Chief Official
and handed to the Competition Committee, not later
than one (1) hour before the start of the race of the
competition.
11.1.2 - A protest made during a competition must be in
a written form, addressed to the Chief Official and
handed to the Competition Committee not later than 30
minutes after the last of the athletes involved in the
incident have:
11.1.2.a - Completed the course;
or
11.1.2.b - Retire from the race.
11.1.3 - The organisers should be permitted to
commence issuing preliminary results and carry out
award ceremonies after the first three (3) athletes of the
class have completed the course.
11.1.4 - If the protest is against a decision of the
Competition Committee, the protest must be received
not later than 30 minutes after the Team Leader is called
to attend the Competition Committee to receive the
written disqualification.
11.1.5 - The Competition Committee must note the time
that the Team Leader is called to attend the Competition
Committee on the written disqualification.
11.1.6 - All protests must be accompanied by a fee of 75
Euros (or an equal sum in the local currency). The fee
will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
11.1.7 - Should an incident be witnessed by Race
Officials and action is being considered there should be
a public announcement as soon as possible to notify
teams and spectators of the situation.
11.1.8 - The decision of the Competition Committee on a
protest should be reported to the Team Leaders
concerned within 30 minutes of the protest being
received.

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11.1.9 - When a protest or a report is made against an
athlete or a team, the Team Leader of the athlete/team
in question should be presented the protest or report to
read.
RESULTS AND REPORTS [PR]
After the ending of World Championships and all

International Canoe Marathon competitions, listed in the
ICF Competition Calendar, two (2) copies of the results,
protests and appeals must be posted by the HOC to the
ICF Headquarters (ICF HQ), one (1) to the Technical
Chair, as well as displayed electronically on official
websites.

49 of 61
CHAPTER 12 - WORLD GAMES
Refer to the International Competition Rules and Special
Rules for World Championships except as amended in this
Chapter.
ORGANISATION [SR]
12.1.1 - Applications, entries, and programme for World

Games must be in accordance with the IWGA Rules.
12.1.2 - Any rule not regulated by the IWGA is subject to
the relevant ICF rule.
12.1.3 - Where ICF rules are applicable they may be
subject to IWGA rules related to the World Games.
QUALIFICATION SYSTEM – PRINCIPLES [SR]
12.2.1 - The International World Games Association

(IWGA) in consultation with the ICF will agree the events
and the number of athletes per event.
12.2.2 - Eligible National Federations will be invited
based on the qualification system, published by the ICF
after agreement with the IWGA, before the qualifying
period begins.
COMPETITION FORMAT [SR]
The IWGA in consultation with the ICF will agree the

competition format.
ENTRIES AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE [SR]
12.4.1 - Entries for World Games can be made only

through the NF in accordance with the regulations given
in the invitation.
12.4.2 - The competition schedule will be agreed
between the ICF, IWGA and the host organising
committee.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT CONTROL [SR]
National Federations are responsible for

ensuring their own equipment meets these rules and
regulations.

50 of 61
FIELD OF PLAY [SR]
The use of existing facilities by the IWGA may necessitate

variation to the field of play regulations.
ITOS [SR]
12.7.1 - The ICF Canoe Marathon Committee will invite

an appropriate number of ICF ITOs based on, continental
and country representation, recent refereeing history
and location of the World Games.
12.7.2 - It may be necessary to impose a fee on
participating teams to cover the costs of any ITOs
invited.
12.7.3 - Details of fees and associated regulations for
World Games will be communicated by the ICF.

51 of 61
CHAPTER 13 - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Refer to the International Competition Rules except as
amended in this Chapter.
ORGANISATION [PR]
13.1.1 - World Championships may be arranged every

year with the consent of the ICF Board of Directors at a
place and time approved by it and in accordance with the
ICF Canoe Marathon Rules.
13.1.2 - World Championships can be run up to a
maximum of 6 (six) days.
13.1.3 - Entries must be limited to two (2) boats per NF
per class.
13.1.4 - All officials must be recognised International
Canoe Marathon Officials holding a valid Canoe Marathon
card.
COMPETITION PROGRAMME [PR]
13.2.1 - World Championships are restricted to the

following classes:
13.2.1.a Long distance:
Men K1, K2, C1, C2
Women K1, K2, C1
Under 23 Men K1, C1
Under 23 Women K1, C1
Junior Men K1, K2, C1, C2
Junior Women K1, K2, C1
13.2.1.b Short distance:
Men K1, C1
Women K1, C1

52 of 61
13.2.2 - The program of events should be arranged by the
Canoe Marathon Committee in a schedule which will
allow for the separation of the classes when necessary to
facilitate fair racing and minimize interference between
classes.
13.2.3 - The exact order and time schedule may vary at
different World Championships.
13.2.4 - At least seven (7) days before the competition
information should be sent to all entered NFs and should
be available on the event website, containing the
following information:
• Detailed information on the course and their

markings;
• Starting times and procedures;
• Starting line;
• Finishing line;
• Preliminary start list;
• Obligatory safety equipment requirements.
13.2.5 - There will only be one (1) race for each age
group on any particular day of the competition.
THE COURSE [SR]
13.3.1 - The course for a World Championship should be

of a type within the normal and general experience of
the HOC.
13.3.2 - The course must be a lap format with the start,
finish and portage in the same area.
13.3.3 - Long distance:
13.3.3.a - The recommended distance should be
such that the winner of each open class should
record a time of approximately two hours fifteen
(2h15’) minutes for seniors;
13.3.3.b - The junior distance will be controlled by
the number of laps described in 12.3.3.c;
13.3.3.c - The recommended number of laps is:
• Eight (8) laps for kayak senior men;

• Seven (7) laps for kayak senior women, canoe
senior men, kayak U23 men;
• Six (6) laps for canoe senior women, kayak U23
women, canoe U23 men, kayak junior men;
53 of 61
• Five (5) laps for kayak and canoe junior women,
canoe junior men.
13.3.3.d - The exact number of laps and the number

of portages may vary if required because of specific
circumstance at the course;
13.3.4 - Short Distance:
13.3.4.a - The recommended format is three (3) laps
and two (2) portages;
13.3.4.b - The recommended distance is 3.4km;
13.3.4.c - Distance between the turns of
approximately 500m;
13.3.4.d - The first portage is after approximately
one (1) km;
13.3.4.e - The distance may vary due to
circumstances of the course.
13.3.5 - Recommended course for Masters:
13.3.5.a - Masters men in kayaks in their 64th year
and younger will race five (5) laps of the course for
the Long distance World Championships events;
13.3.5.b - Masters Women and all Canoe classes in
their 64th year and younger will race four (4) laps;
13.3.5.c - Masters in their 65th year and older will
race one (1) lap less than the younger Masters and
will not be required to do portages.
13.3.6 - Federations wishing to arrange a World
Championship and a World Cup must have submitted the
proposed course and technical arrangements for the
inspection of the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee and
received its approval before submitting their application
to the ICF Board of Directors.
INVITATIONS, ENTRIES AND COMPETITION

SCHEDULE [PR]
13.4.1 - Invitations for World Championships will be

issued by the organising NF (or HOC) and must be in
accordance with the ICF rules. Invitations should be sent
out at least nine (9) months before the first day of the
Championships.

54 of 61
13.4.2 - Entries:
13.4.2.a - Entry process is described in article 1.6;
13.4.2.b - Teams must provide a photo(s)/ drawings
of National racing uniform(s) that will be used during
the competition;
13.4.2.c - Only those substitutes named on the
entries are allowed to replace the nominated
athletes. Notification of such alterations must be
given at the Team Leaders Meeting;
13.4.2.d - The deadline for the numerical entries is
45 full days and for nominal 10 full days before the
first day of the competition.
13.4.3 - The preliminary Competition schedule must be
available at least three (3) days before the
Championships and must contain the following details:
13.4.3.a - The starting time of each race;
13.4.3.b - The names and NF of the athletes in each
race;
13.4.3.c - Full instruction on the course and training
arrangements.
STARTING POSITIONS [PR]
The drawing of lots for the starting position in each class

should be carried out under the control of an ICF official.
For single events will be based on the results of previous
World Championships.

55 of 61
INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL OFFICIALS [PR]
13.6.1 - Each team attending the World Championships

will pay an administration fee (set by the CAM) to share
the travel costs of the ITOs to officiate at the World
Championships. The travel costs will be divided over all
athletes equally, based on the nominal entries, so that
every National Federation pays the same amount per
athlete.
13.6.2 - The expenses (room and board) for all ITOs
during the competition period are the responsibility of
the HOC.
TEAM LEADERS MEETING [PR]
13.7.1 - The Team Leaders meeting must be held

between 24 and 36h before the first start.
13.7.2 - The Team Leaders must use the English language
in the Team Leaders meeting and if necessary, provide a
translator.

56 of 61
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT CONTROL [SR]
13.8.1 - Prior the competition the HOC must provide a

certified weighing device in a suitable place so the teams
may check the weight of their boats.
13.8.2 - At the end of the each race the first four (4)
boats and other at random will be checked by the boat
controllers using regulated equipment.
13.8.3 - All the boats must have the athlete’s country
code stickers on each side of the boat and perfectly
visible and readable.
13.8.4 - All participants from each nation must wear the
same national uniform at the same start. Variation of the
sleeves and shorts is permitted. If this is not complying,
the athletes will not be allowed to take the start, and
they will be disqualified.
PADDLING ON THE COURSE [SR]
13.9.1 - Athlete must not wash riding an athlete in

another class.
13.9.2 - Wash riding on an athlete in another class is a
violation of the racing rules and will be subject to a
penalty. If an athlete is observed to be wash riding the
athlete will receive a first warning and a time penalty of
30 seconds. If the athlete receives a second warning or
has gained major advantage, then he/she will be
disqualified (DSQ) from the race.
13.9.3 - Athletes who have been lapped will end their
race before they have completed the full race distance.
Once the leading boat has completed their final portage
all boats will complete the final short lap after their next
portage and will proceed to the finishing line where their
time will be recorded. Paddlers will then be included in
the results according to the number of laps they have
completed, and the time taken.

57 of 61
APPEAL TO THE JURY [PR]
13.10.1 - Team Leaders or other NF representatives have

the right to appeal to the Jury against a decision of the
Competition Committee on behalf of their athletes.
13.10.2 - The appeal must be handed to the Chair of the
Jury in writing with reasons, not later than 20 minutes
after the Team Leader is called to attend the
Competition Committee to receive the written
disqualification.
13.10.3 - The Competition Committee must note the
time that the Team Leader is called to attend the
Competition Committee on the written disqualification.
13.10.4 - An appeal must be accompanied by a fee of 75
Euros (or an equal sum in the local currency). The fee
will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.
13.10.5 - On receipt of the appeal, the Chair of the Jury
must advise the relevant Team Leader and indicate
arrangements for hearing the appeal.
13.10.6 - The appeal must be heard as soon as possible.
Witnesses may be called.
13.10.7 - The decision of the Jury is final.
13.10.8 - Final results should be prepared, and medals
and trophies presented after the Jury's decision is
announced or the time limit for appeals to the Jury has
expired (whichever is the latter).
AWARDS [PR]
13.11.1 - The medals will be awarded in accordance with

article 1.8.6 and must on no account be presented to any
other persons than those who have won championship
races.
13.11.2 - Only medals, to the exclusion of all other
prizes, are to be presented at the official ceremony.

58 of 61
NATIONS CUP RANKING [PR]
13.12.1 - Nations Cup ranking is in accordance with

article 1.8.7.
13.12.2 - Only the best ranked boat per NF will placed in
the Nations Cup points ranking.
13.12.3 - In case of a tie the NF with the highest
individual position will win the cup in that event.
13.12.4 - The ranking will be calculated as follow:
Classes eligible for MK1; MK2; WK1; WK2;

points MC1; MC2; WC1
Position Points
1st 21
2nd 19
3rd 18
4th 17
5th 16
6th 15
7th 14
8th 13
9th 12
10th 11
11th 10
12th 9
13th 8
14th 7
15th 6
16th 5
17th 4
18th 3
19th 2
20th 1

59 of 61
MASTER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS [PR]
13.13.1 - There is no limit to numbers of boats per class

per NF.
13.13.2 - In K2 and C2 events the age of the youngest
competitor will determine the age group in which a crew
can compete.
13.13.3 - The World Championships are restricted to the
following classes:
Men K1, C1, K2, C2 all age groups
Women K1, C1, K2, C2 all age groups
Mixed K2 in two (2) age groups 35-49 and 50+
13.13.4 - Athletes in team boats can be from different

countries.
13.13.5 - The Masters World Championships will be
held in accordance with a Master guidelines document
published by the CAMC.

60 of 61
CHAPTER 14 - ITO – TRAINING PATHWAY
Procedure for becoming an ICF Canoe Marathon
International Technical Official:
EXAMINATION [PR]
14.1.1 - Officials Examination may be organised:

14.1.1.a - At every World Championships if there is
a sufficient interest;
14.1.1.b Out-of-World Championships examinations.
14.1.2 - 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.
14.1.3 - In Canoe Marathon ITO examination is linked
with a seminar. NFs are entitled to apply to hold together
a seminar and an examination.
14.1.4 - Examination Procedure
14.1.4.a - A sub-committee consisting of two (2)
members, appointed by the Technical Chair, will:
• Run an ICF Official Seminar containing theory and

practise sessions at an international level
competition;
• Hold the examination after as per article 1.15.

61 of 61

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I NTERNATIONAL CANOE FEDERATION

Taking effect from 1 January 2023

ICF Sport Governance Rules

ICF Principle Rules

ICF Sport Rules

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

Board of Technical National

ICF Principle Rules [PR]

Board of Technical National

ICF Sport Rules [SR]

Board of Technical National

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

Consultation with all stakeholders

December to Rule proposals by National Federations

Analysis of all proposals by

First (1st) ICF Board Vote of the sport rules [SR].

in March / April [CR] and principle rules [PR].

Publication of the approved sport rules

Vote of the sport governance rules

First (1s) of January Publication and application of the

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

National Member National Federation of the International

A discipline is a branch of a sport comprising one

The competition runs from the start of the first

Athlete or Male or female athlete.

Gender Men or Women

A boat/board is the watercraft used to practice

e.g., junior, under 21, under 23, masters

A category is defined by a boat/board and a

A class is defined by a category and the number

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

• Individual events: A boat/board

A stage of competition (e.g., preliminaries,

Competition The complete list of events and their different

The host organising committee can be a National

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

CAMC Canoe Marathon Committee

ICF HQ International Canoe Federation Headquarters

CR Sport Governance Rules

HOC Host Organising Committee

ITO International Technical Official

DNS Did Not Start

DSQ Disqualified for the event

DNF Did Not Finish

IWGA International World Games Association

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

1.1.1 - All competitions announced as international must

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDAR [CR]

1.2.1 - The international competition calendar of each

1.2.2 - Only a National Federation, associate member,

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY FOR ICF COMPETITION

1.3.1 - Only athletes who are members of clubs or

ICF Canoe Marathon Competition Rules 2023

1.4.1 - The first year an athlete can compete in an ICF

ATHLETE SPORTING NATIONALITY CHANGE [CR]