Page 19 - Judge Manual 2017

Judges should use the vocabulary of the rules throughout the hearing and when
communicating the facts found, conclusion and decisions. This will avoid
misunderstanding

A younger sailor may not have a full understanding of the terminology, rules
and procedures. For example, it may be appropriate to ask questions that using
defined terms and giving their meaning as well. “Was your spinnaker ahead of
the other boat’s rudder?” may be a better question than, “Were you
overlapped?”

Anticipate and arrange for interpreters prior to hearings between sailors with no
common language. Where possible, have a judge who speaks the same
language as the competitor(s) act as an interpreter. Otherwise, qualified
coaches and other team supporters may be used as interpreters.

D.7 Observers

Observers at hearings should be encouraged, especially at junior regattas.
Besides coaches and parents, it is may also be beneficial for other sailors to
observe the process; but exclude any person who will be a witness in the
hearing. The chairman and organizing authority must arrange to have a room
available that will accommodate the number of observers allowed. When the
protest committee secretary is scheduling the hearing, the parties should be
made aware that observers are welcome.

The normal rules for observers found in Section K7 will apply. Make the
observers aware of these rules prior to the hearing starting.
D.8 Use of the Protest Flag

The racing rules do not require a protest flag for some classes of boats that
junior sailors sail. Be aware of the class rules regarding protest flags and any
special procedures that a class might have.

D.9 Reporting to the Race Committee at the Finish

Some class associations require that the sailing instructions contain the
additional requirement that immediately after finishing the boat informs the race
committee of her intention to protest and identify the boat protested. This is
simple for a race recorder to do, and it avoids the risk of a coach or parent
prompting protests after the sailors return to shore.

D.10 Arbitration

Some class associations use arbitration with RRS Appendix T at junior events.
For a simple boat on boat protest, arbitration provides a process for the parties
to resolve protests in a simpler manner and in less time. Provide interpreters,
who could be the arbitration judge, as necessary to ensure due process.
Observers may be allowed, especially in cross-cultural settings, unless they will
be witnesses in any subsequent hearing of the protest.