Leaving before Tree question

[Lenny5160]

Originally Posted by voltdr

This is from the 2019 NHRA Rulebook.

SINGLE RUNS
In situations where a driver is making a single run, he or she
is considered the winner once he or she stages and receives
the start signal or is declared the winner by the official starter.
If a competitor crosses the boundary line on a single run, the
elapsed time is voided for lane-choice determination.

I don't know that this rule clears anything up. I assume the start signal is one (or more) of the amber lights flashing on the tree, but the 'or' muddies it all up. It basically is just the starter's call but there is no basis given for how the starter would decide that.