Beach flags rules

Course

• Nippers (all ages): 15 m (§4.5.3).
• Juniors and seniors: 20 m.
• Masters: 15 m.

Batons are flexible tubes 250–300 mm long and about 25 mm across (§10.3).

How it's run

Up to 16 start a heat and 8 contest the final (§4.2.9). In early rounds the Chief Referee may take out up to three per run-through; from later rounds, and in quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, only one goes out each time (§4.5.3). At least four competitors progress from each heat, and positions are redrawn after every run-through in semi-finals and finals.

A "snake" system may be used instead of heats: competitors line up, the first 16 race, and those holding batons rejoin the back of the line.

If two athletes hold the same baton and the judges can't separate them, they run off; a baton lost in the sand also leads to a run-off between those searching for it.

The start

1. Lie face down on the start line, about 1.5 m apart: toes on the line, heels together, hands stacked, head up. You may flatten and firm the sand but not dig or build mounds (§4.5.3).
2. On "competitors ready" hold still; on "heads down" rest your chin on your hands.
3. On the whistle, get up, turn and race for a baton. The Starter stays out of sight while putting the whistle in their mouth.

Eliminations and disqualifications

• Moving after "heads down" and before the whistle: eliminated (not disqualified). Only the first to break goes; those who follow are not penalised (§4.5.3).
• Deliberate impedance — using hands, arms, feet or legs on another athlete — is an elimination. Using your body or shoulder to take the inside line is allowed.
• Taking two batons, or lying on or covering a baton, is a disqualification (§4.5.3, §4.8 code 11).
• Repeatedly delaying the start: eliminated.
• No eyewear or jewellery in beach flags (§2.8.6, §2.8.13).

An eliminated athlete keeps their placing; a disqualified athlete loses all standing in the event (§4.5.3).

Protests

A protest against an elimination is made verbally within two minutes, or before the next run-through starts if sooner. The Chief Referee decides on the spot and there is no appeal; disqualifications follow the normal protest route (§9.2.3). See disqualifications and protests.