How is a dragon boat race finished?
I · Intermediate · The race · 4 of 4A boat finishes when its foremost part, dragon's head included, crosses the line with the same number of crew as started. If two boats tie in a final they share the place. In earlier rounds both go through if there is room; otherwise they may race off, or earlier times may decide. Crews return straight to the pontoon afterwards.
How it works
- Finish: foremost part of the boat, dragon's head included.
- Full crew: the same number of racers as at the start.
- Dead heat in a final: the same place.
- Dead heat in a heat or semi-final: both go through if the programme allows.
- No room: a race-off, if both agree and time allows.
- No race-off: earlier race times may be used.
- Photo finish: the chief judge decides with it when in use.
- Disembarking: return at once to the marshalling area.
The glossary has the finish, the dead heat, the photo finish, the disembarking, the start and finish lines and the crew.
Tricky cases
A paddler falls overboard short of the line. Does the boat finish?
Not as a finish: it must cross with the same number as started.
Two boats tie for the last final place. What happens?
Both go through if the programme allows; if not, they may race off.
Is the dragon's head always fitted?
Not always; when it is, it counts as part of the boat.
Can a crew stay out on the water after the race?
No. It must return to marshalling and stays under the marshals' direction until it leaves.
Why the rule exists
Requiring the full crew at the finish stops a boat lightening itself by dropping paddlers. Sharing places in finals avoids an arbitrary decision.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Final | Shared place | RR 8.2 |
| Earlier rounds | Both through, or race-off | RR 8.2; CR 10.7 |
| Over 2000 m | Gross race time and time bonuses | RR 10 |
From the rule book
IDBF, Rules of Racing (Part 2 of the Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing, Edition 9.0, 2025), rules 3.4, 8.1 to 8.3, with IDBF, Competition Regulations (Part 1, Edition 9.0, 2025), regulation 10.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IDBF Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing.