Page 3 - World Sailing Misconduct Guidance

INTRODUCTION

Dealing with misconduct is probably the least pleasurable part of the work of race officials but an important
part that must not be ignored. There is considerable evidence that misconduct in the form of bad behaviour
has a detrimental effect on our sport, even causing some to choose another way to spend their time. I believe
it is very important for our sport that we deal with misconduct promptly, fairly and following established rules
and practices. I believe also it is important for all officials to support those who find themselves needing to
manage such issues. There is a lot of help available beyond this Guidance, please ask.

This guide is not just for international race officials but is for all of those who find themselves with a
misconduct problem to solve. It will also be of value to our sailors and support persons as it tells them what to
expect from race officials dealing with these issues.

While a significant effort has been made to make the guide as comprehensive, accurate and useable as
possible, it is inevitable that it will evolve over time. Please do not hesitate to contact World Sailing if you have
ideas how that might be achieved.

World Sailing wishes to express its appreciation to the Royal Yachting Association for its use of its Misconduct
Guidance in the preparation of this guide.

John Doerr
Chairman

World Sailing Joint Working Party
on Rule 69 & Judicial Matters

This guidance is intended as a complete reference work for all race officials – in particular, judges and protest
committees. It is based on the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing 2017 – 2020.

There is no substitute for knowing the procedures in the rules and knowing when to act to confront
misconduct, but this guidance and the advice in it is a useful starting point. You should also be aware of the
new World Sailing Cases on misconduct introduced since 2017.

This guidance has been produced and will be maintained by the World Sailing Office in consultation with a
joint working party of the World Sailing Constitution, Race Officials and Racing Rules Committees.

Any comments and feedback are gratefully received.

Jon Napier
Director of Legal Affairs & Governance

June 2017

2 World Sailing Misconduct Guidance