What do DNS, DNF, DSQ and DQB mean? What happens in a tie?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 5 of 7DNS is did not start, DNF did not finish, DSQ disqualified for that run and DQB disqualified for the whole competition. Paddlers with the same result share the place. Two golds mean no silver is awarded. Three or more golds mean no silver or bronze.
How it works
- DNS: did not start.
- DNF: did not finish, for example crossing the finish line upside down.
- DSQ: disqualified for a particular run.
- DQB: disqualified for the whole competition. No classification is recorded.
- Order without a result: in the heats, DNF is listed above DSQ. In a semi-final or final the order is DNF, DSQ and then DNS.
- A DNS in a later phase: the paddler keeps a ranking from the phase they completed.
- A tie for a qualifying place: all the tied paddlers go through, with the higher-ranked placed first.
- Two share gold: no silver.
- Three or more share gold: no silver or bronze.
- Two or more share silver: no bronze.
- Two or more share bronze: all receive a bronze.
- Posting: each result is posted with the start number, the penalty seconds and the time.
The glossary has the result calculation (slalom) entry and the penalty.
Tricky cases
Two paddlers have the same total in the final. Is there a run-off?
No. They share the place and the medals are awarded by the tie rules.
Two paddlers tie for the last place in the final. Do both go through?
Yes. In a tie for a qualifying position the tied athletes progress.
Does a DSQ in the final wipe out the semi-final result?
No. DSQ applies to that run. The paddler is still ranked among the finalists, below those with a result.
What is the difference between DSQ and DQB?
DSQ removes one run. DQB removes the boat from the whole competition, and it is not ranked.
Why the rule exists
Times are taken to a hundredth of a second, and with penalties in whole seconds two totals can match. The rules let the tie stand: there is no second run to split two paddlers who were equal on the day.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ICF rules | As above | SL 10.17; SL 10.18 |
| Olympic heats | A tie on the best run is split by the other heat run. If still level, both progress | SL 12.5.5.f |
| Kayak cross | The order is fault, ranked as lower, DNF, DSQ, DNS | SL 16.27.4 |
From the rule book
International Canoe Federation, Canoe Slalom Competition Rules 2025, Articles 5.1.3, 10.17.2 to 10.17.10, 10.18 and 12.5.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Canoe Slalom Competition Rules (PDF).