Information from the Jury

This document does not in any way modify or replace the rules of the competition.

Protests by the Jury for Incidents on the Water

The jury will not usually protest for a breach of a rule of Part 2 unless they observe an apparent breach of good sportsmanship (RRS 2). Examples of breaches, where the jury will consider protesting, include:

• deliberately or knowingly breaking a rule without justification for exoneration and not taking the appropriate penalty;
• intimidating other boats, often evidenced by unnecessary shouting or foul language;
• team tactics, sailing to benefit another boat to the detriment of your own position;
• reckless sailing that results in, or is likely to result in, damage or injury.

Outside Help

RRS 41 applies from a boat’s preparatory signal (see RRS 41 and the definition Racing). A boat shall not receive instructions or exchange sailing gear with a coach or support boat after the preparatory signal.

Propulsion

The ISAF RRS 42 Interpretations 2013-2016 are on the links below and we have also linked the Rule 42 Common Breaches for 420, Laser and Optimist Classes

In addition to the ISAF Rule 42 Interpretations and Common Breaches for 420, Laser and Optimist Classes linked below, the following points may help you to understand the application of RRS 42:

• The Sailing Instructions have deleted rules P2.2 and P2.3 so first and subsequent penalties will be two turn penalties.
• Although judges will signal a RRS 42 penalty as soon as possible, this might be after the boat has crossed the finishing line. Unless she is required to retire, she must complete the penalty, return to the course side of the finishing line and then finish.
• A boat may only be granted redress when a judge’s action failed to account for a race committee signal or a class rule (see RRS P4)

The judges will be happy to explain any penalties after the completion of the race or onshore.

Requests for Redress, Claiming RC Error in Scoring a Boat OCS, UFD or BFD

Boats sometimes want to challenge the race committee’s decision to score them OCS, UFD or BFD by requesting redress under RRS 62.1(a).

Competitors are advised to consult the race officer prior to a hearing, to learn the race committee’s evidence that the boat was OCS, UFD or BFD. Evidence beyond a video or the relative positions of two boats that are scored differently is usually needed for the jury to find that the race committee made an error in scoring the boat OCS, UFD or BFD and to award redress

Video and Tracking Evidence

A party wishing to bring video evidence to a hearing is responsible for providing the equipment required to view the evidence. Internet connection will not be generally available during a hearing. It should be possible for all parties and the panel to view the evidence at the same time.

Tracking system information, if available, may be presented, but is of limited accuracy. The images produced are enhanced from the actual data as an aid to the viewer. The system may be used to get an indicative position of the boats for visualization, but it is not sufficiently precise to be used for race management purposes or for jury decisions that require exact positioning information.

Requests for Redress or Requests for Reopening

It is the intention of the Jury to hear requests for redress or requests for reopening as soon as possible, especially between stages of the event. Competitors involved in such requests should be prepared to proceed on schedule.

Observers at Hearings

Observers are welcome to attend at a hearing, unless the jury panel decides in a particular case that it is inappropriate. Observers must sign and comply with the requirements in the document titled Information for Observers.

RRS 69

Any form of cheating, including not telling the truth in a hearing is a breach of sportsmanship and may result in a hearing under RRS 69 and a very heavy penalty.

Questions on Jury Procedure and racing rules 

Competitors, team leaders and coaches are welcome to discuss procedure and racing rules with the jury.