Page 27 - Judge Manual 2017

E.5 Approval by a National Authority of the Composition of the
International Jury

Some national authorities, under their Prescriptions, require approval for the
appointment of an International Jury. When approval is required, the organizing
authority is usually required to submit details of the event with the names of the
proposed chairman and members of the jury.

RRS N1.8 requires that when the national authority prescribes that its approval
is required for the appointment of an International Jury (see RRS 91(b)), notice
of its approval shall be included in the Sailing Instructions or be posted on the
official notice board.

E.6 Approval by World Sailing of a Three-Person International
Jury

In limited circumstances under rule N1.7, World Sailing may authorize an
international jury of only three persons, all of whom are international judges,
from three different national authorities (two, in Groups M, N and Q). Application
is made to World Sailing based on Regulation 25.8.13.

E.7 Responsibilities

The main duty of the appointed protest committee or International Jury is to
conduct hearings for protests, requests for redress, to write allegations under
rule 69, and to hold hearings under rule 69. Sometimes its responsibilities are
extended to include on-the-water judging of rule 42 (Propulsion) and monitoring
rule compliance. Often protest committee will provide advice to the race
committee or the organizing authority, when requested, and help resolve
problems that occur at regattas.

E.7.1 Additional Responsibilities of International Juries

Although technically there is no difference between the duties of a local protest
committee and one formed by members of an International Jury, in practice the
higher the regatta the more pressure on the judges, organizers, and
competitors. Since there is no right of appeal, from a protest committee formed
by an International Jury, the reputation of sailing rests upon the regatta’s
International Jury making correct and fair decisions.

When asked by the organizing authority or race committee, an international jury
has the responsibility to advise and assist them on any matter directly affecting
the fairness of the competition. At these events the International Jury are often
asked to decide questions of eligibility, measurement, boat certificates, and to
authorize the substitution of competitors, boats, sails, and equipment (see rule
N2).
E.8 Procedures

Protest Committee decisions are reached by a majority vote. If there is no
majority, the Chairman of the hearing may cast an additional vote.