Two aspects to consider in this rule
UK C19.8 After their run a Competitor MUST stay in their boat within sight of the finisher, or (if defined) within a clearly indicated distance from the finish, until the next, and next but one Competitor has finished, in case they are called upon to act as rescue boat, UNLESS the Organiser, having made other rescue arrangements, has specifically indicated that this is not required or the paddler has arranged an alternate to provide this safety cover. This regulation applies equally to team events. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from that run (DSQ-R).
a) Is the Competitor required to stay in the sight of the finisher, or where the Competitor can see the finisher? Very different prospects
b) Should we extend the rule to include any paddler behaviours that are included in the safety plan? E.g. at Grandtully the suggestion was that three paddlers should stay at the finish, despite the rules. At Lee Valley we may decide that staying by the finisher is not required, but staying above the lake bridge is sufficient. Similarly if the safety plan excludes access from an area, or requires behaviour above start, there is currently no sanction, short of complete disqualification from the competition, and using that rule requires interpretation.
Propose changing the rule to read:
UK C19.8 After their run a Competitor MUST stay in their boat within the sight of the finisher, or (if defined) within a clearly indicated distance from the finish, until the next, and next but one Competitor has finished, in case they are called upon to act as rescue boat, UNLESS the Organiser, having made other rescue arrangements, has specifically indicated that this is not required or the paddler has arranged an alternate to provide this safety cover. This regulation applies equally to team events. Competitors must comply with any aspects of the safety plan published at competition control. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from that run (DSQ-R).