Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 False Start Penalties
- First offense: yellow card (warning). The race is restarted.
- Second offense by the same crew: exclusion from the race (red card).
- Under quick-start protocol at World Championships and Olympics: any false start after the collective warning results in immediate exclusion.
7.2 Lane Encroachment
- Warning (white flag) for drifting into another lane without interference.
- Exclusion (red flag) if encroachment causes material interference with another crew's racing line or oar clearance.
7.3 Equipment Violations
- Boat under minimum weight: exclusion from results.
- Missing or non-compliant bow ball: crew may not start until corrected.
- Advertising or markings exceeding World Rowing specifications: warning, then exclusion if not rectified.
7.4 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Verbal abuse, deliberate obstruction, or intimidation of other crews results in a warning or exclusion at the umpire's discretion. Serious offenses (e.g., intentional collision) may result in suspension from the entire regatta.
7.5 Doping
World Rowing enforces WADA anti-doping rules. In-competition and out-of-competition testing is conducted. Violations result in suspension and potential disqualification of results.