Kyōtei employs the flying start system of beginning races. Once competitors receive the signal to pit-out of the docks, they will maneuver their boats in an effort to secure a starting position while a large clock situated at the start/finish line begins a one-minute countdown. Starting positions are usually established with 30 seconds before the clock reaches zero, and with about 12 seconds remaining the boats begin to race up towards the start line at full speed. Boats must cross the start line within one second after the clock reaches zero. If a boat crosses the line too early - a , or crosses too late - called a , it is scratched from the race and bets on that boat are refunded. The Japanese term for this exclusion is . In a sense, the flying start system can be compared to the mobile start used in harness racing.
