Page 17 - Misconduct a Reference for Race Officials

Novices
A novice, even if an adult, will not be as aware of the potential dangers, and may
not be able to recognise deficiencies in the boat (including its equipment) in
which it is intended to race. Race organisers and fleet captains should bear this
in mind and, where practicable, warn novices of the possible risk of taking part
on a particular day.

Changing weather conditions
Changes in weather conditions and sea states are often a contributory cause of
incidents. When deteriorating weather could cause race organisers to shorten or
abandon a race (if that is part of the organiser’s understood method of working)
the organiser should monitor, as far as reasonably practicable, the weather and
weather forecasts. The race organiser should be prepared to take appropriate
action. Some race organisers may choose to adopt weather limits on their races.

Unseaworthy boats
There is no legal obligation on race organisers to impose any equipment
inspection system to ensure that boats are correctly equipped to take part in an
event. However, where organisers do decide to institute such a system, whether
on a random or comprehensive basis, the system should be applied consistently.

The inspection should be made before the start of the event or before the first
race in a series. The organisers only have the power under the Racing Rules of
Sailing to stop a boat from competing if they do so before the start of the first
race.

Whatever system the race organiser decides to adopt must then be applied
consistently. When considering whether to impose particular rules about the
carrying of safety equipment, weather limits, screening of boats or crews, or any
other rules or practices, each race organiser must also consider whether it is
realistic to expect participants to accept, agree and comply with those rules, and,
equally importantly, whether there will be sufficient individuals in the future who
are ready, willing and able to play their part in policing those rules. A race
organiser which adopts a particular regime which is then ignored and not policed
is likely to be in a weaker position, following an accident, than if the regime had
not been adopted at all.

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