Every call below is grounded in a specific World Aquatics article. Tap any card to ask the AI for the full ruling.
01 — COURSE
Missing a turn buoy
An Athlete must follow the course and swim the course line around all turn buoys in the correct order and direction. If an Athlete misses a turn buoy, they may return to swim the correct course only if all four conditions are met: (1) it is safe to do so, (2) the action does not interfere with any other Athlete, (3) the correction is made before reaching the next turn buoy, and (4) no unfair advantage has been gained. If any condition is not satisfied, the Athlete is disqualified.
OW 4.1.2 / OW 4.1.2.202 — COURSE
Exceeding course boundaries
'Course boundaries' includes the outside limits of the course, the safety boundaries, and swimming through any Intermediate Gate (if used) and the finish funnel. Any Athlete who exceeds or does not respect the course boundaries may be disqualified from the event.
OW 4.1.2.103 — CONDUCT
Walking, running, or jumping during the race
During the race, an Athlete must swim the course and must not walk, run, or jump. Standing on the ground below the water is permitted, but using the bottom to walk, run, or push forward is a disqualifiable offence.
OW 4.1.3 / OW 4.1.404 — UNSPORTING CONDUCT
Intentional pushing, pulling, or holding
Intentional pushing, pulling, or holding by an Athlete of another Athlete during the competition is defined as Unsporting Conduct. If the Chief Referee or a Referee determines such conduct has occurred, the Athlete is immediately disqualified from the event. A red flag is raised and a card bearing the Athlete's number is displayed.
OW 4.2.4.2 / OW 4.2.2.605 — PACING
Slip streaming an On-water Craft
The pacing or slip streaming of an Athlete by any On-water Craft is not permitted. Race Judges will instruct any Athlete taking unfair advantage in this way to move clear. If the Athlete continues to breach the rule after being instructed, a yellow flag is issued. A second infringement during the race results in disqualification.
OW 4.1.6 / OW 4.1.7 / OW 4.1.7.106 — SWIMWEAR
Wetsuit required below 18.0°C
When the water temperature is below 18.0°C, an Athlete must wear a wetsuit, and only one swimsuit may be worn underneath. Between 18.0°C and 20.0°C, the Chief Referee may require all Athletes to compete in wetsuits on the recommendation of the Safety Officer and Medical Officer if conditions are deemed hazardous. The race is not held below 16.0°C or above 31.0°C.
OW 10.2 / OW 10.3 / OW 12.2.307 — TRANSPONDER
Finishing without at least one transponder
Each Athlete must start the race with two microchip transponders, one on each wrist. If an Athlete loses one during the race, replacement is only obligatory if both have been lost. Any Athlete who does not finish the race with at least one transponder still on their wrist is disqualified from the event.
OW 4.1.8 / OW 4.1.908 — FEEDING
Carrying gels or packaged nutrition
Athletes must not carry gels or any other packaged nutrition during the event, including inside their swimwear. Sustenance must be received at a feeding platform or from an Escort Craft, in a biodegradable container, by hand or by feeding pole. Per Appendix 7, this infraction results in a yellow flag warning.
OW 4.4.1 / OW 4.4.2 / OW Appendix 709 — FINISH FUNNEL
Pushing another Athlete into the buoys
Any intentional physical action by an Athlete that pushes another Athlete against the buoys or markers defining the finish funnel is Unsporting Conduct, and results in immediate disqualification. The same applies to any action that impedes or prevents another Athlete from touching the finish plate.
OW 4.2.4.3 / OW 4.2.4.410 — FINISH
Not touching the finish plate
If a finish plate is used, each Athlete must finish the race by touching it. An Athlete who does not touch the finish plate is disqualified. If no finish plate is used, placing is determined with reference to the first part of each Athlete's body to cross the finish line.
OW 5.3 / OW 5.4