Page 47 - Judge Manual 2017

If the question is not complicated, the answer is straightforward, and the judge
is confident of the answer, the judge should answer the question.
• However, the judge should emphasize that the opinion expressed is his own
opinion and the opinion of the protest committee might be different. If the
competitor wishes an official answer to the question, he should submit it in
writing and the Jury’s answer will be posted on the Official Notice Board.
• If the answer is not clear to the judge, he should say so and ask for the
question to be submitted in writing in order for an answer from the protest
committee to be provided.
• If the judge thinks that other competitors might have the same question, then
the competitor should submit the question in writing to the Jury. The Jury will
post the question and their answer on the Official Notice Board.

Fairness and impartiality should be maintained with even the most difficult
competitors. The tone used should be patient but firm. If the competitor begins
to debate the answer, avoid an argument, and ask for the question or questions
to be provided in writing. Individual judges should never act alone with a difficult
competitor. If you are alone and an argument seems likely, delay any
discussion until another member of the Jury is present or request that the
competitors’ question be put in writing.

H.1.2 Protest Committee Policy on Protests Initiated by the Protest
Committee

The protest committee should discuss and agree on guidelines for protests
initiated by the committee when they observe an infringement (e.g. rule 31).
Generally, the judge who has knowledge of the incident discusses it with the
chairman. They decide whether or not to lodge the protest. It is important to not
discuss the incident with the other members of the protest committee, so that
they may judge the matter at the hearing without prior knowledge from any
discussion. Although it is the protest committee as a body which brings a protest
against a boat, the duty of filing the protest form is delegated to individual
protest committee members.
H.2 Pre-Race Meeting with Race Committee Chairman, Principal

Race Officer and Other Officials

A meeting should be arranged before racing begins between the jury members
and the chairman of the race committee, the principal race officer and other key
personnel, e.g. safety officer. The objective of this meeting is to develop a spirit
of cooperation as well as a level of mutual understanding and respect. The
chairman or representative of the jury also should meet with the measurement
personnel and review the wet clothing control equipment and equipment
weighing procedure if being used.

The protest committee should communicate with the race committee only
through the chairman or his appointee. The chairman should speak to the race
committee only through its principal race officer or someone delegated by him.
This helps to avoid competitors receiving conflicting instructions and reduces
the possibility of a request for redress under rule 62.