How do you protest a dragon boat result?
A · Advanced · Long races and discipline · 3 of 4A crew manager may protest another crew's conduct within 15 minutes of the race, or a result within 15 minutes of it being posted. At championships, protests are in writing with a 50 USD fee, refunded if upheld. An appeal against the decision goes to the jury within 20 minutes, with 100 USD; at championships the jury's word is final.
How it works
- Who: the crew manager, through race administration.
- Deadline: 15 minutes after the race, or after the result is posted.
- Fee: 50 USD at championships; refunded if upheld.
- Decision: the competition committee, normally within 30 minutes.
- Evidence: timing, live stream and drone footage may be used.
- Appeal: to the jury within 20 minutes, with 100 USD.
- Championships: the jury's decision is final.
- Other events: a further appeal to the IDBF Executive Committee within 30 days.
The glossary has the protest, the jury and appeals, the crew manager and boat captain, the race officials, the disciplinary code and the regatta.
Tricky cases
Can a protest be made verbally?
At championships, no; at other events, yes, at the chief official's discretion.
When does the appeal clock start?
When the crew manager signs for the written decision.
Can a crew appeal after a championship ends?
No. The jury's decision is final there.
Who handles a dispute between two member federations?
The chief official, with the competition committee, as for a protest.
Why the rule exists
Short deadlines let regattas keep to their tight schedules. Fees deter frivolous protests, and refunds protect crews with a real case.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Championships | Written protest, 50 USD | RR 9.3 |
| Other events | May be verbal | RR 9.3 |
| Appeal | 100 USD at championships | RR 9.9 |
From the rule book
IDBF, Rules of Racing (Part 2 of the Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing, Edition 9.0, 2025), rule 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IDBF Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing.