Rule of the Week - Article 207 - Flags

Article 207 - Flags

1. Completely red flags and completely white flags should be used to mark the following details of the course:

1.1. the starting line; it is obligatory to place also a marker S (Art 204.6);

1.2. the limits of the obstacles; the flags may be attached to any part of the wings of the obstacles. They may also stand independently. One red flag and one white flag must be placed at vertical obstacles and at least two red and two white flags to define the limits of spread obstacles. They must also be used to mark the limits of the obstacles provided in the schooling areas (Art 201.3) or of the practice obstacle in the arena (Art 202.4); in the schooling area it is also allowed to use wings/uprights with a red or white top, instead of flags;

1.3. compulsory turning points;

1.4. the finishing line; it is obligatory to place also a marker F (Art 204.6);

2. At the obstacles, the starting and finishing lines and at the compulsory turning points, the athlete must pass between the flags (red on his right and white on his left). Flag poles defining the limits of the landing side of the water jump must be made of material that cannot shatter or splinter and must bend when hit; flags must have no sharp points or corners.

3. If an athlete passes the flags on the wrong side, he must retrace his steps and pass them on the correct side before continuing his round. If he does not correct this mistake, he will be eliminated (Art 220.1.2 and 220.1.3).

4. Knocking down a flag anywhere in the arena does not incur a penalty. If a flag marking the limits of an obstacle or compulsory turning point or the finishing line has been knocked down following a disobedience / resistance, (without passing these lines) or as a result of unforeseen circumstances, the flag will not be replaced immediately; the athlete must continue his round and the obstacle /compulsory turning point will be judged as if the flag was in its original place. The flag must be replaced before the next athlete will be given the signal to start.

5. However, if a flag defining the limits of the water jump or of a natural obstacle has been knocked down following a disobedience or as a result of unforeseen circumstances and in all cases where the nature of the obstacle is changed by knocking down the flag, the Ground Jury will interrupt the round of the athlete. The clock must be stopped while the flag is replaced and a time correction of 6 (Six) seconds will be applied in accordance with the procedure provided for in article 232.

6. In certain special competitions, the starting and finishing lines may be crossed in both directions. In this case the lines must be provided with four flags; a red and a white flag at each end of these lines.