Page 105 - Misconduct a Reference for Race Officials

Example: Low point system, one discard.

Race No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total Reordered counting scores Discard

Boat A 3 4 1 6 2 7 16 1 2 3 4 6 7
Boat B 4 3 2 1 6 6 16 1 2 3 4 6 6
Boat C 1 2 7 3 3 14 16 1 2 3 3 7 14

This rule (A8.1 – frequently known as the ‘most firsts rule’) breaks the tie in favour of Boat C.
The tie between Boats A and B cannot be broken by this rule because it does not use the
discarded races’ scores. [It would be broken in favour of Boat B on the basis of the scores in
the last race].

If, after applying rule A8.1, some boats remain tied, that tie is broken in favour of the boat(s)
with the better score(s) in the last race, even if that is a discarded score in the series total.
Should that not break the tie(s) the scores in the next-to-last race are used, and so on until
all ties are broken (rule A8.2).

Example: Low point system, one discard.

Race No. 1 2 3 4 Total Reordered counting scores Last race score Ranked

Boat A 3 4 5 10 12 3 4 5 10 4
Boat B 11 3 4 5 12 3 4 5 5 3
Boat C 5 15 3 4 12 3 4 5 4 2
Boat D 4 5 6 3 12 3 4 5 3 1

Normally the last-race scores will break all remaining ties. However, it is possible that two or
more boats may have equal scores in the last race because some boats have received a
scoring penalty – hence the provision to use earlier races’ scores until all ties are broken.

As Appendix A is open to amendment by sailing instructions, it is possible to have alternative
tie-breaking procedures if required.

Results

It is good practice to publish the results and scores of races and the series-to-date as soon
as possible after each race. Such results should be annotated ‘provisional’ or/and ‘subject to
protest’ and show the date and time at which they were published. The advantage to the
race committee in publishing the results and scores promptly is that it enables competitors to
view them as soon as possible and query any scores with which they take issue. Rule
90.3(c) provides that when the race committee determines that it has scored a boat
incorrectly it shall correct the error and publish the revised results and scores without the
matter having to go to a redress hearing. Many events include a ‘scoring query’ procedure in
order to deal with such matters quickly.

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