Stopping the Race

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If the Race Umpire needs to stop the race, e.g. following a foul (clash), or because the course has become blocked, then the same procedure is used as for a False Start, i.e.: Ring the bell, Wave the Red Flag in a vertical semi-circular arc from shoulder to shoulder, Verbally instruct the crews to stop racing.

Assuming the race has had a fair start, races are only stopped if there has been a foul, or there is some other serious problem which would affect either safety or the fairness of the race. The reason for stopping the race may not be immediately obvious to the crews (e.g. the course ahead of the race has become blocked), so it is essential that when instructed to stop rowing, the crews involved must respond immediately to the instruction.