Page 22 - World Sailing Misconduct Guidance

37.1.5 The competitor is a youth or junior

The chairman should inform the competitor's parents or guardians of the hearing,
preferably in person.

The chairman must make sure the competitor and parents understand the nature of the
hearing and why it is occurring. Representation by a parent or other adult who can ask
questions and speak for the competitor is necessary.

If the person representing the competitor is not a parent, the parents should be invited
as observers.

The committee must take into account the age and experience of the competitor during
their questioning. It may be appropriate to change the layout of the committee room
from the usual 'courtroom' style.

Appendix L contains further information about dealing with misconduct in youth and
juniors.

37.1.6 The competitor becomes upset or emotional

The chairman should allow the competitor a short break and then ask if they are happy
to continue. If they say yes, this should be recorded.

It is important that the protest committee allows the competitor a fair hearing. In the
unlikely event the competitor cannot continue for good reason, then the hearing must be
adjourned and rescheduled.

If the competitor is unrepresented and finds the process hard to cope with or
understand, the protest committee should insist they bring someone to support them to
the hearing.

37.1.7 The competitor is disruptive and behaves unreasonably at the hearing

The chairman must control the proceedings and explain to the competitor that the
committee is not prepared to tolerate unacceptable behaviour.

If the competitor asks lengthy and irrelevant questions, the chairman should warn the
competitor that only succinct and relevant questions should be asked. However, the
committee must remember that not all competitors will be able to articulate themselves
as well as would be preferred and allowances must be made.

If a competitor persists in dragging the hearing out, the chairman should impose a time
limit by which the competitor must conclude his/her questions.

37.1.8 It is alleged the procedures in rule 69 have not been followed or there is some other
allegation of procedural impropriety

21 World Sailing Misconduct Guidance