Page 39 - Judge Manual 2017

F 4.2.1 Additions to the Notice of Race

Radio Sailing is sailing under Appendix E of the Racing Rules. This fact
should be stated in the Notice of Race, as there are many rules which are
changed for this type of racing. Mention should also be made of other
documents that may govern the event, including IRSA Addendum Q when
racing is to be umpired, SYRPH and the Accelerated Protest Procedure.

IRSA has published a Notice of Race Guide.
F 4.2.2 Additions to the Sailing Instructions

Appendix E requires certain details to be specified in the Sailing Instructions,
for example, whether there will be a defined Control Area, a defined
Launching Area and how it may be used.
In addition, the Sailing Instructions should set out how observers will be
appointed for each heat, and any penalties for not carrying out observer
duties.
IRSA has published a Sailing Instructions Guide

F4.3 Umpiring

For a major event, seven judges should be appointed. Four judges umpire
each heat. The three others hear any protests as a panel under Appendix
N1.4(b).

It is possible to umpire a race with fewer umpires. However, the more boats an
umpire is required to follow, the more incidents will go unobserved. Umpire
teams work well when each umpire handles 6 boats per umpire

Each umpire works in close partnership with a competitor observer. Umpires
may base their decisions on information provided by an observer, even if they
themselves have not seen part or all of the incident.

F4.4 Equipment
Little equipment is needed. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as
umpires may walk up to 15 km per day. Observers are provided with paper
and a clipboard to make note of incidents. Judges should also have a means
of recording incidents.
Signals are verbal, as the judges are very close to the competitors controlling
their boats. Strong clear voice sounds must be made to ensure that all the
competitors hear the hail at the moment. At some events, umpires are
provided with microphones and hails are broadcast over the public-address
system. At international events umpires should take into consideration that
many competitors will not have English as their primary language. Judges
should use a minimal number of standard hails. In particular, sail numbers
must be hailed, under RRS E2.1(b) using single digits (e.g. 15 is one five,
and not fifteen).