Page 5 - Judge Manual 2017

Case Book (the “Cases”)

World Sailing publishes interpretations of the racing rules. The Case Book and
recognizes them as authoritative interpretations and explanations of the rules.
They are based upon appeals and questions submitted to the Racing Rules
Committee. They clarify the meaning of a rule or answer questions about
conflicting interpretations.

The rules, changes to the rules, and Cases are adopted by the World Sailing
Council, based upon the recommendation of the Racing Rules Committee.
Regulation 28.3 indicates that the Racing Rules of Sailing and World Sailing
Cases are authoritative interpretations and explanations of the rules for all
racing. Judges are required to follow World Sailing rules and Cases when
interpreting the rules.

Question and Answer (Q&A)

The World Sailing Racing Rules Q&A are published on the World Sailing
website as a joint responsibility of the Racing Rules Committee and Race
Officials Committee.

The answers are prepared by experienced Race officials and are intended to
provide a service to Race Officials, Member National Authorities and World
Sailing Class Associations whereby they may submit questions through World
Sailing concerning the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS).

The answers are not authoritative interpretations and explanations of the RRS
but nevertheless represent an important service by providing carefully
considered opinions of experienced Race Officials.

It is intended that these Q&A are further considered for inclusion in the World
Sailing Case Book/Call Books (Match and Team Racing).

This service is not to be used as a ‘substitute’ appeal process, but is simply to
provide considered opinions on questions on the RRS

World Sailing

The international body governing the sport of sailing is World Sailing. It
comprises member national authorities, class associations, and other affiliated
organizations. Among the many responsibilities and programs of World Sailing
is the training and certification of International Race Officials which include
International Judges, Umpires, Race Officers, Measurers, Classifiers and
Technical Delegates.

National Authority

The national authority is the organization that governs the sport of sailing within

© World Sailing Judges Manual July 2017 A - 2