The Start Rule has been amended and starts at the comp will be according to the IMGA 2020 Rule Book. Attention in particular to:
CR22.2 – The Referee blows the whistle to let
riders know that the arena is prepared for the start. The
Referee raises the flag. The riders are called forward,
they will then pause and be prepared to stand behind the
Start line and the race is started by the drop of the flag.
CR22. 8 – Once the flag is raised it’s the rider’s responsibility to be facing the right way. No more raising their hand to hold the start unless it is for pony welfare.
The start
CR22.1. The Referee alone decides whether the start is fair. If it is
not, the Referee blows the whistle and the race is
restarted.
CR22.2. All riders and ponies must be behind the Penalty line for
the start of the race. The Referee blows the whistle to let
riders know that the arena is prepared for the start. The
Referee raises the flag. The riders are called forward,
they will then pause and be prepared to stand behind the
Start line and the race is started by the drop of the flag.
CR22.3. Any pony which crosses the Start line before the flag is
dropped is sent back behind the Penalty line by the
Referee.
CR22.4. If a pony which has been sent back crosses the Penalty
line before the start of the race they may be eliminated at
the end of the race.
CR22.5. A pony or rider is deemed to have crossed the start or
penalty line if any one of their feet are above, on or over
the start finish line.
CR22.6. A rider crossing the Penalty line before the start may
correct this error as with any other line fault.
CR22.7. If the Referee orders a pony to be sent back for causing a
false start, the Team Trainer has the opportunity to
replace that pony with another member of the team or
pair. However, the rider must still start from the Penalty
line. If a race is re-run or restarted any teams, pairs or
individuals who have been sent back to the Penalty line
by the referee must still start from the Penalty line.
CR22.8. If a rider is not ready, he/she may raise his/her hand. A
referee will not raise the flag if a rider has his/her hand
raised. Once the flag is raised however and the riders are
under starter’s orders, only the referee will decide when
to start the race and it is the responsibility of the rider to
ensure they are facing forwards and ready to start.