Friday 16 May 2008

How to limit the number of Protests

In many of the bigger events the number of protest can be overwhelming, because according to the rules, sailors need to request redress for every scoring error.

Since a couple of years at grade one events they have found that most errors in scoring are due to simple typing or communication errors and can easily be resolved by bringing the case to the attention of the Race Committee. There's actually no need to involve the Protest Committee at all. According to RRS A5 the RC can correct any scoring error, without the need for a request for redress.

For that purpose a special form is available on which the sailor can state his or her case and the RC can respond according to there findings.

You can download the CYA-version here: Scoring Review Request Form

There's only one snag. If the sailor fills in the form and hands it in, the RC in all likely hood will need some time to sort it out. Check the pin-end finishing list, talk to the scribe or listen to a finishing tape. By the time they've done that and the answer is not what the sailor expects or wants, the time to hand in a request for redress will have passed.

Therefore you need to add a couple of sentences to the Sailing Instructions:

  • The time limit for a scoring review request is the time limit of rule 61.3 or within (one) two hours after publication of the results, whichever is later.
  • The time limit for a request for redress for a rejected scoring review request is (one) two hours after publication of that rejection.

If you use this form (in one way or another) the number of protest will drop by 30%.

Returning to the harbour

Sailors can use this form at any event, even without the extension of time limits in the Sailing Instructions. But make sure you then also request for redress at the same time, by handing in a protest-form as well.

In the description of the incident you can simply refer to the scoring review request form. Eight out of ten times it will never come to a hearing, and you can always withdraw you're request for redress.

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