e. Any interfering surfer must be penalised and an interference decision once made is
irrevocable. The judges and/or Tour Manager/Rep will not enter into any discussion
over the interference call. All discussion must be directly with the Head Judge, if they
wish to discuss the situation.
f. The rider, who is interfered with, will be allowed an additional wave, beyond their original
wave maximum, set within the prescribed time limit. Exception to this is a double
interference where neither surfer gets an extra wave. An extra wave or heat delay
as decided by the Head Judge at the time will also apply to interference from water
photographers, water security personnel or other outside interferences.
g. Where any surfer incurs 2 or more interference penalties they must immediately leave
the competition area. Failure to do so will result in a fine and/or disqualification.
In addition, a surfer who remains in the water after their maximum number of waves will
be penalised for interference if:
1. A surfer rides any extra waves that obviously deprive another competitor of an
available ride.
2. A surfer interferes with any other competitor by paddling, positioning or some other
reason.
7. RIGHT-OF-WAY IN PRIORITY ONE-ON-ONE HEATS
a. In a priority one-on-one heat the priority disc system will determine wave possession.
The surfer with priority has unconditional right-of-way for both directions on the wave
they select.
The second surfer cannot takeoff on the same wave as the priority surfer, regardless of
direction or the distance between them, unless the surfer does not hinder the scoring
potential of the surfer with priority.
b. As soon as the priority surfer begins to stand on their chosen wave the second surfer
must stop paddling at that point and give way. If a surfer continues to paddle or ride the
same wave as a priority surfer, they will be called priority interference, unless the surfer
does not hinder the scoring potential of the surfer with priority.
c. If they incur an interference penalty they will also lose priority.
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SURFING AUSTRALIA RULE BOOK