disqualification. If, within 100 meters, there
is legitimate equipment breakage, there will be
a restart.
Crews may move anywhere within the course
during the race as long as they do not impede
another crew. If a crew starts in lane 1 and is
in lane 3 by the 500 meter mark, continues
heading out and ends up crossing the finish
line in lane 5 without interfering with the
progress of any other boat, the race is fair.
Beginning in 1995, FISA upped the minimum
weight for coxswains; men must now weigh at
least 121.2 pounds (55 kg) and women cannot
weigh less than 50 kg (110 pounds). Coxswains
who weigh less than the minimum are forced to
carry additional weight. In international
competitions, coxswains must be the same gender
as the crew.
There is an international rule requiring all
members of the crew to wear the same headgear
and uniform.
Flags are the referees' way to signal crews.
Red means stop and is used to start the race.
White flags signal a fair race and direct a
crew headed for trouble.
Lightweight events indicate the weight of the
rower, not the boat. Lightweight women average
57 kg (125 pounds) with no individual over 59
kg (130 pounds). Lightweight men average 70 kg
(155 pounds) while the maximum for any
individual is 72.5 kg (160 pounds). All rowers
weigh in each day they race. The window of
opportunity for weigh ins is not more than two
hours and not less than one hour before their
first race of the day.
FISA allows only amateur rowers to compete in
its events. Only one sponsor name is allowed on
the shaft of an oar; one on the clothing (50
sq. cm) and no more than one company repeated
four times on each side of an eight; twice on a
four or quad and once on each side of a pair,
double or single skull.
Substitutions in crews are allowed up to one
hour before the first heat. However, no more
than 50 percent of the crew can be changed from
the official entry. If someone becomes injured
or ill, he or she can be replaced, yet can
return to the crew later at a world
championship.
Crews must be ready at the start two minutes
prior to race time. Late arrivals may be
assessed a false start.
Use of electronic devices to coach from shore
are not allowed.