What gets a crew disqualified in canoe sprint, and can a team protest?
A · Advanced · The competition · 3 of 4Breaking the rules before, during or after a race: a second false start, leaving the lane, outside help or a boat that fails inspection. The crew is out of that race and goes no further in the event. A protest must be in writing, within 20 minutes of the decision being posted, with a fee of 75 euros.
How it works
- The general rule: an athlete who breaks the rules before, during or after a race "must be disqualified from that race and will not progress further in that event".
- Boat control: a crew that finishes in a boat that fails the post-race inspection is disqualified from that race.
- During the race: a second false start, leaving the lane, being accompanied by another boat or helped by something thrown on to the course.
- In writing: every penalty or disqualification is confirmed by the competition committee in writing, with reasons.
- Behaviour: the committee may discipline any athlete or official whose behaviour harms the good order of the competition, and may disqualify them for that competition.
- Protest during the competition: written, addressed to the chief official, handed to the competition committee.
- Time limit: not later than 20 minutes after the decision has been posted on the notice board.
- Fee: 75 euros, refunded if the protest is upheld.
- Against an entry: a protest against a crew's right to compete must be in at least one hour before the first race of the competition.
- Seeing it: the team leader of the crew protested against is shown the protest.
The glossary has the irregular ranking marks entry, staying in lane and the false start (sprint) entry.
Tricky cases
A crew is disqualified in its heat. Can it race the B final?
No. A disqualified crew does not progress further in that event.
Does a disqualification in one event stop an athlete racing another?
No, not a DSQ. It applies to that race and that event. Being disqualified from the whole competition is a separate decision.
The team leader was never handed the written notice. Is the disqualification void?
No. Failure to deliver the copy does not invalidate the disqualification.
Can a 10-second collision penalty in the 5000 metres be appealed?
No. Time penalties decided by the chief official are not subject to appeal.
Why the rule exists
Most sprint offences cannot be undone with a time penalty: a boat that jumped the start or rode a rival's wave has changed the race for everyone. Removing the boat is the only remedy. The short deadline for protests lets the next round be drawn while everyone is still at the course.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ICF rules | As above | SP 10.8; SP 11.2 |
| Not starting without a valid reason | Out of the remaining races of the competition | SP 10.2.14 |
| Canoe slalom | A free enquiry comes first, then a protest with a 75 euro deposit | ../slalom/ set |
From the rule book
International Canoe Federation, Canoe Sprint Competition Rules 2025, Articles 10.2.11, 10.2.14, 10.3.3, 10.5.4, 10.8.1 to 10.8.7 and 11.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Canoe Sprint Competition Rules (PDF).