d. Siren or horn blasts must be used to start and finish heats (one to start, two to finish).
A five minute visual and PA warning is to be given prior to the finish of each heat. The
official timing of all heats is to be done by the Head Judge. A large disc/flag system
at least 1 metre square must also be used. Green will signify the start and yellow/
orange for the last five minutes. The disc/flag must be in a neutral position once the
commentator reaches zero in his countdown. The commentator must give a five-second
countdown before the start and end of the heat, when the countdown reaches zero the
heat ends. The first of two sirens must blow immediately as the commentator reaches
zero. The end of the heat is the start of the first decibel of sound from the siren.
e. Any surfer standing up and riding a wave before or after their heat may be fined $100
per wave ridden.
f. At the beginning and during the heat, the surfer must be clearly in possession of the
wave on the wave face, making a movement to stand, his hands having left the rails (rail
grabs excluded) for the wave to be scored.
g. No automatic starts will be allowed. If the Event Director wishes to use the minimum
time delay between heats, of 10 seconds, he/she must provide a marshalling area in
the water outside of the lineup.
h. Time delays between heats once a heat has paddled out must be no more than 2
minutes unless due t