The Starter is responsible for bringing up and aligning the dragon boats.
Short Version:
- Follow the start script. Practice a 30 second countdown with the Finish Line before the festival.
- Always check if the Finish Line is ready before starting a race (and get confirmation).
- Start a backup stopwatch at the start line when the start horn goes off. This may require another person, depending on your set up.
- Make sure you hold the radio transmit button down firmly while lining up the boats until the start horn is released and the race starts. Usually 20+ seconds, but at least 10 seconds.
- Confirm that the Finish Line has captured the start before stopping the stopwatch.
More Details:
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the Finish Line is ready for the upcoming heat before lining up the boats.
- Following the Start Script.
- Taking control from the chase boat/water referee once all dragon boats are ready.
- Managing the start area (keeping the boats behind the start line, maintaining order and proper separation).
- Bringing the boats forward slowly and together.
- Providing loud, clear, and concise directions.
- Using the proper start sequence commands.
- Ensuring the boats are aligned for a fair start.
- Sounding the horn.
- Signaling any false starts or fouls within 50m (3 horns).
- Ensuring the Finish Line has captured the Start.
The Finish Line team relies on the Starter to follow the Start Script. Key points to remember:
- Always verify the Finish Line is ready for the next race.
- If there is a delay (missing boat, or all boats backing it down for re-alignment), inform the Finish Line.
- Hold the radio channel open for the last 10 seconds before the start. Keep the radio antenna high (shoulder level) with an unobstructed view to the timing tent.
- Also use the backup radio (unless it is given to the water referee).
- Press the Push-to-Talk button firmly.
- Start the stopwatch at the gun. Be careful not to release the Push-to-Talk button when starting the stopwatch. Let it run until the Finish Line acknowledges they have captured the start.
- If a 30 second countdown is needed, count from 25 to 30. Same if 60 or 90 second countdown needed.
Starter tips:
- Anchor and find a visual in the distance as your reference point for the start line.
- Hold all boats at a marker significantly behind the start area until all are present.
- Align all boats 20m behind the start line, with proper separation.
- If there is a cross wind or current, instruct all boats to turn slightly into the wind so that they can paddle into their lanes. Also have them "load high" into their lane (if the wind is left to right, load into the far left so they drift sideways to the center of the lane).
- All boats must slowly approach the start line together, at the same time. Otherwise, early boats will drift out of their lane by the time late boats arrive.
- Sound the start horn quickly once you have alignment. Otherwise, boats will lose alignment.
- Be pleasant but firm.