Racing and the Rules
Tips from Sail Canada certified Judges for ABYC members
Topic #17 - How to file a protest
Sailboat racing is one of the few sports that place an obligation on the participants to both obey and enforce the rules. Some sailors look at the protest process as adversarial but it doesn't have to be that way. Others are reluctant to file a protest because they are unsure of how to proceed. In this article we will look at the racing and how they apply to club racing.
In future we will explore who can file a protest against whom. For now we will only consider the boat on boat protest.
To file a valid protest there are a few requirements to keep in mind. If you get the details wrong at the outset you may not get a chance to present your case in the protest room. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Informing the Protestee.
At the earliest opportunity you must notify the other boat by hailing hail "protest" and flying a red flag. If the incident results in damage or injury that is obvious this requirement is waived but you still need to advise the other boat on shore within the protest time limit.
Tip 1. If the other boat is not within hailing distance you need not hail but you must inform them at the first reasonable opportunity. Shouting "You fouled me, do your circles!" or some other variation doesn't satisfy this requirement. You must use the word "protest".
Tip 2. Flying a red flag is mandatory. A Mount Gay hat, a red t-shirt, or any other red object is not good enough. If you race make sure you have a proper protest flag on board.
Tip 3.
You need to hail and fly the protest flag as soon as possible. If you have to search below to find a flag the protest may be deemed invalid. Have the flag readily available in the cockpit and display it conspicuously as soon as possible. You can also assign the flag to your tactician or crew member.
Filing a Protest.
A written protest must be filed within the time limit stated in the sailing instructions. Follow these tips to ensure you meet this requirement.
Tip 4. ABYC provides protest forms in the Communication room next to the official notice board. This form is recommended but a protest does not need to be filed on the form to be valid. Any scrap of paper will be adequate in a pinch. The protest form need only identify the incident including when and where it occurred. Once that basic requirement is met the additional details can be added later. Don't get bogged down with details and miss the deadline.
Tip 5. Timing is critical. Club racing protest must be filed within 30 minutes of the RC boat docking. As soon as you get back to the dock go file the written protest first with the Duty Judge. Protest forms are located in the Communication room right behind the door. Once that is done you can take care of flaking sails and stowing gear. A time extension may be granted if there is a good reason but it is best to get it in on time.
Tip 6. Finding the Duty Judge. A certified club judge is on duty every Tuesday and Thursday. They will have a red binder and will be located on the main floor or close to Duffy's lounge.
Once a protest is filed it will be heard at the next pre-scheduled protest hearings. These dates are shown in the events book calendar. You will have lots of time to prepare your case which we will consider in future articles
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Racing and the Rules will be an ongoing series addressing practical and theoretical issues related to racing at ABYC.
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Next Article: What happens in the Protest Room
Drew Robertson
Certified Club Judge & ABYC Protest Coordinator
[email protected]