What is safe at a sprint start?
Contact and safety · Rule 10.4, 10.22
At the opening sprint, players must keep control of their kayaks and avoid dangerous contact. The ICF clarification distinguishes a late arrival causing contact from two players fairly reaching the ball together with only incidental contact.
How it works
At the opening sprint, players must keep control of their kayaks and avoid dangerous contact. The ICF clarification distinguishes a late arrival causing contact from two players fairly reaching the ball together with only incidental contact. Incidental low-impact kayak contact when both arrive together is normal play; a late dangerous contact can be penalised with a card.
In a game
One player reaches the centre ball first; the other steers away from their body.
Remember
Incidental low-impact kayak contact when both arrive together is normal play; a late dangerous contact can be penalised with a card.