Disqualifications and protests
The most common disqualifications are false starts, starting from the wrong position, impeding another competitor, not completing the course and being absent at the start (§4.8). A protest is made verbally to the Chief Referee within 15 minutes of the result, then in writing within a further 15 minutes (§9.2.2); beach flags eliminations have a two-minute window and no appeal (§9.2.3).
DQ, DNF and elimination
- Disqualified (DQ): you lose your place in the race; everyone behind moves up (§4.2.20). In a team event the whole team loses its standing (§2.11.3).
- Did not finish (DNF): you crossed the line incorrectly and did not re-cross, so you get no placing or points (§4.2.18).
- Eliminated (beach flags only): you are out but keep the placing you reached (§4.5.3).
Common reasons for disqualification
- Being late to marshalling or absent from the start (§4.8, codes 3–4).
- Starting before the signal, or ignoring the Starter's commands (codes 7–8).
- Starting from the wrong position or lane (code 10).
- Not completing the course as set (code 12). A missed buoy or flag can be corrected by going back (§4.2.17), and a fall at the line can be fixed by re-crossing on your feet.
- Competing unfairly: impeding or obstructing others, outside help, racing twice in one event or in two teams, or impersonation (code 2).
- Abuse of officials, damage to property, or breaching the code of conduct can mean disqualification from the whole competition (§4.2.20).
Losing your cap after the start is not a disqualification if officials can still identify you (§2.8.3).
What you can't protest
The Finish Judges' order of finish, the Starter's decisions on starts, and incidents caused by the surf and conditions ("luck of prevailing conditions") are not open to protest (§9.2.2a, §4.2q–r). Protests about a course must be made before that race starts (§4.2j). You can only protest another competitor's actions if you were in the same race and directly interfered with (§9.2.1b).
How to protest and appeal
- Tell the Chief Referee verbally within 15 minutes of the result being posted or of being told of the decision (§9.2.2c).
- Hand in the written protest form within 15 minutes of the verbal protest. There is no protest fee (§9.2.3f).
- The Chief Referee decides, or passes it to the appeals committee (§9.2.4).
- To appeal a Chief Referee's decision, lodge it with the appeals convenor within 30 minutes, with the appeal fee; the fee is returned if you win (§9.2.4d, §9.3.2).
- The appeals committee's decision is final (§9.3.2d).
Video can be used, but the person protesting must supply it and a screen of at least about 9 inches to view it on (§9.2.4e).
Common questions
What are the most common disqualifications in surf lifesaving?
False starts, starting from the wrong position, impeding another competitor, not completing the course and being absent from the start (LSA Competition Manual §4.8).
What is the difference between a DQ and a DNF?
A DQ is a penalty for breaking a rule; a DNF means you did not finish correctly, for example by not crossing the line on your feet, and you get no placing (§4.2.18, §4.2.20).
How long do you have to lodge a protest?
15 minutes from the result being posted or from being told of the decision, verbally to the Chief Referee, then the written form within another 15 minutes (§9.2.2c).
Does it cost money to protest?
No protest fee is charged; there is a fee to go to the appeals committee, returned if the appeal is upheld (§9.2.3f, §9.3.2b).
Can you protest the finishing order?
No. The Finish Judges' order-of-finish decisions cannot be protested (§9.2.2a).
Is a lost cap a disqualification?
Not if the cap is lost after the start and officials can identify that you completed the course correctly (§2.8.3i).
Sources
Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.