From https://lsv.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Event-Rule-Descriptions-Summer.pdf

BEACH FLAGS – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Equipment Required

Batons

Length: 300mm
Diameter: 25mm
Material: Flexible (e.g., flexible hose)

Additional Items

Marbles/markers for position draws
Marshalling sheets
Highlighter pen
Clipboard
List of events

Safety Requirements

Course Setup

Distance: 15m (U8-U14 and Masters) or 20m (U15-Open)
Maximum competitors: 16 for first round (10 recommended for better management)
Baton spacing: 1.5m apart

Safety Checks

Clear arena of all hazards (sharp shells, etc.)
Ensure even beach area
Ensure setup is square
Check competitors for sharp jewellery (must be removed)

Marshalling Activities

Pre-Event Preparation

✓ Have marshalling sheets (if produced)
✓ Have highlighter pen
✓ Have clipboard
✓ Have list of events

Marshalling Procedure

In heats, minimum of 4 competitors must progress to next round
Ensure even number of competitors per race (heats)
Line each race up behind the previous race
Confirm if race is male or female

Starting Activities

Starting Commands

“Ready” (On your mark)
“Heads Down” (Set)
Whistle blast (Go)

Starter Considerations

Starter must be positioned so competitors cannot see the starter giving the command
Starter to watch for competitors’ heels together
Check-Starter to watch for chin on hands

Competition Method

Elimination Rules

There shall always be 1 baton less than competitors
The competitor(s) that does not gain a baton is eliminated

Elimination Limits

In heats: No more than 2 competitors eliminated per run-through
In quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals: No more than 1 competitor eliminated per run-through

Starting Position

Competitors must:

Lie face down with toes on start line
Head facing in the opposite direction to the batons
Heels or any part of feet together and visible
Hands placed fingertips to wrist, one on top of the other
Elbows extended with head up
Hips and stomach must be in contact with the sand

On “Heads Down” Command

Competitors place chin upon hands
Maintain straight head alignment with body

On Whistle Blast

Competitors get to their feet
Turn towards the batons
Run and attempt to gain a baton

False Starts

Competitors moving before the ‘go’ command shall be considered a ‘break’ and a false start declared
U12 and older: First competitor who breaks is eliminated
U8-U11: One false start per run-through is permitted; first competitor who breaks after the first false start is eliminated

Finishing Activities

Finish Judge Positioning

Finish Judges must stand 5m from and in line with the finishing flags
Must be able to see competitors as the race is finishing

Finish Judge Duties

Ignore the sounds of the crowd
Concentrate on competitors running close together
Reclaim the batons from successful competitors
Set up the batons for the next run-through

Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Distance	15m (U8-U14, Masters) / 20m (U15-Open)
Max Competitors (First Round)	16 (10 recommended)
Baton Spacing	1.5m apart
Eliminations (Heats)	Maximum 2 per run-through
Eliminations (Finals)	Maximum 1 per run-through
Minimum Progression	4 competitors from each heat
Batons vs Competitors	Always 1 less baton than competitors

Extract from full manual. Beach Flags section

https://www.manula.com/manuals/slsa/surf-sports-manual-37th-edition/1/en/topic/9-4-3-competing-for-flags-deliberate-impedance

9.4 BEACH FLAGS

9.4.1 The Course

(a) The course shall be as detailed in the diagram.

(b) The course shall be rectangular and “squared” to ensure that all competitors run the same distance and shall be designated by four distinctly coloured 2m poles.

9.4.2 General Conditions

(a) In Beach Flags events there shall always be less batons set down than the number of competitors starting or remaining in the event. A competitor who fails to gain a baton in a run-through is thereby eliminated from the competition.

(b) With the exception of disqualifications or break eliminations no more than two competitors shall be eliminated in each run-through of the first and second rounds of competition. In subsequent rounds and at all quarter-final, semi-final and final stages of competition, no more than one competitor shall be eliminated in any one run-through.

Note: Whilst the above provides for a maximum of two eliminations per run-through, wherever practicable competition should proceed with a maximum of one elimination per run-through in all rounds.

(c) The Beach Flags (batons) shall be approximately 250mm to 300mm in length with an external diameter of approximately 25mm to 40mm and made of flexible material (e.g., flexible hose).

(d) There shall be a preliminary draw for positions and further draws after each round. In semi-finals and finals there shall be a draw after each run-through takes place.

(e) If it is apparent that a flag has been “lost” (in the sand) to competitors, the finish judge shall signal that the flag is lost and that the run through is finished. This signal shall be given either by whistle signal or by word. A run-off shall then occur only between the competitors involved in the search for the flag.

(f) If two or more competitors hold the same baton and the finish judges are not able to determine which competitor’s hand grasped the baton first, the finish judges shall advise the Sectional Referee who shall decide whether there shall be a run-off between the competitors involved. If, after one run-off to determine who progresses in an event or to determine a final placing result and the competitors still cannot be separated, run-offs shall be continued until an elimination and/or placing result is achieved.

(g) Each run-through or run-off shall be judged as a separate segment of this event and an infringement in one run-through or run-off shall not be carried over and counted against a competitor in a subsequent run-through or run-off.

(h) If heats are conducted in Beach Flag events a minimum of four competitors must progress from each heat into each subsequent round of the event unless there is a disqualification or elimination of more than one competitor in the last run-through of the round.

9.4.3 Competing for Flags/Deliberate Impedance

(a) A competitor may otherwise use their body to improve their position to compete for a flag. A competitor may negotiate the shoulder and/or body in front of an opponent, but may not use hands, arms, feet, or legs to obtain or remain in this position. If a competitor legally obtains this front position and maintains normal running action, the competitor behind is obliged to go around the competitor in front. A competitor may cross over in front of a slower competitor.

(b) Deliberate impedance is defined as “the deliberate use of hands, arms, feet or legs to impede another competitor’s progress”.

(c) Any competitor who commits deliberate impedance on another competitor will be eliminated from the event. If two or more competitors are guilty of deliberate impedance, the competitor who first deliberately used arms, shoulder, hands, legs, or feet will be eliminated.

(d) If it is deemed that a competitor has breached the relevant SLSA Code of Behaviour and/or Competing Unfairly clauses contained in Section 2 the competitor(s) involved may be disqualified.

9.4.4 Effect of Elimination and Disqualification

(a) Any competitor eliminated from the event shall retain the point score and/or placing as at the time in the event.

(b) Any competitor who is disqualified from the event shall lose all standing from the event. In the event of disqualification from a medal or points round the competitor(s) eliminated from the event immediately prior to the disqualification shall be awarded that placing (except if that competitor’s elimination was the result of a disqualification in which case the next prior competitor eliminated from the event through natural attrition will be awarded the medal or points).

(c) In Beach Flags events a protest against an elimination must be lodged within 5 minutes or before the next run through of an event begins (whichever occurs first). If a Beach Flag elimination protest occurs the Referee will immediately consider the protest without delay before proceeding with the event. There will be no Appeal permitted on Beach Flag elimination protest decisions of the Referee.

Note 1: A Referee is also authorised to refer a Beach Flag elimination protest directly to an on-beach Appeals Committee representative for decision on the basis of the processes and timings detailed above. No paperwork is required nor is a fee payable if this occurs.

Note 2: A competitor is permitted to protest and/or appeal against a disqualification decision in Beach Flag events provided that correct processes are followed as detailed in Section 14 of this Manual.

9.4.5 Procedure

(a) Competitors take their allotted positions, a minimum of 1.5 m apart at the start line.

(b) When directed by the Starter, competitors shall lie face down with their toes on the start line, with heels or any part of the feet together and visible.

(c) The body’s mid-line should be 90 degrees to the start line and the competitor’s hips and stomach must be in contact with the sand. The elbows and shoulders are to be symmetrical and square to the body and positioned parallel to the start line. The elbows are to be bent to enable the forearms and hands also to be symmetrical and square to the body and positioned parallel to the start line. The hands are to be placed on top of each other with the bottom hand flat on the sand, the top hand placed flat on the bottom hand, and with fingertips to wrists.

Note 1: Competitors may level, flatten, and compress their starting area prior to the signal to lie on the sand. Competitors are not permitted to create mounds or unreasonably alter the incline of the sand to assist the start.

Note 2: Competitors may dig their feet and/or toes into the sand at the start line by digging with their hands or feet before lying on the sand or with their feet after lying on the sand. However, if toes and/or feet are dug into the sand some part of both feet must be visible to the starter and they must be together as described.

Note 3: Dependent on personal preference the elbows and shoulders do not need to be in complete vertical alignment; i.e., the elbows and shoulders may be independently symmetrical provided that they are square to the body and both positioned parallel to the start line.

Note 4: Competitors must comply with the direction of officials without delay. A competitor who causes unreasonable delay to the start of a run-through may be eliminated from the event.

(d) The competitors shall then await the command “competitors ready” from the Starter.

(e) The Starter shall then give the set command “heads down”. The competitors shall place any part of the chin on any part of their hands, whilst maintaining a straight head alignment with the rest of the body and maintaining the body and limb positions detailed in paragraph (b). The competitors shall then await the start.

(f) At the Starter’s whistle blast the competitor shall get to their feet as quickly as possible, run to the finish line and attempt to obtain a baton.

(g) Any competitor picking up two batons shall be disqualified from the event.

9.4.6 The Start

(a) The Starter must position themselves so that they cannot be seen by the competitors when they place the whistle in their mouth.

(b) Any competitor who continues to disregard the Starter’s commands or instructions and delays the start by taking an unnecessarily long time to prepare their start area, lie correctly on the sand, or by not putting their head down on the “heads down” shall be eliminated.

(c) Any competitor lifting or moving after “heads down” and prior to the start signal has made a starting break infringement.

(d) The first competitor who breaks in beach flag competitions for the U12 age group and older shall be eliminated. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.

Note 1: In competitions from age U8 and up to and including the U11 age group, one false start per run through shall be permitted in beach flag events. The first competitor who breaks after the first false start has been declared in a run-through shall be eliminated. If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows is not deemed to have false started.

Note 2: If an error by an official or starting apparatus causes or precedes a false start by a competitor the fault of the competitor shall be expunged, and the starting process recommenced.

(e) Should a competitor be disqualified or eliminated, the remaining competitors and batons shall be realigned with no re-draw of positions. The run-through is to continue (with the current starting infringement in force for competition up to the U11 age category) until a fair start is effected or until the quota of competitors needed for the next round is achieved. Should the disqualification or elimination occur for first place in the event there is no requirement for the remaining competitor to complete the run-through.

9.4.7 Judging

(a) The Sectional Referee or their appointee shall position themselves to maintain overall supervision.

(b) The Starter, Check Starter, finish and/or course judges shall be positioned to undertake their respective duties.

(c) The finish judges shall reclaim the batons from the successful competitors and then set up the batons for the next run-through.

FIGURE 44 – BEACH FLAGS (ONE ELIMINATION PER RUN-THROUGH)

(Distances approximate only)

[Figure to be inserted]

FIGURE 45 – BEACH FLAGS (TWO ELIMINATIONS PER RUN-THROUGH)