Organising authorities of major events need to weigh up whether to have a jury or whether to allow for the possibility of appeals. 

Having a ‘jury’ is a terrific service for competitors. In short, it denies the right to appeals and everyone leaves the event with certainty who won. A jury also assures that the people hearing requests for redress and protests or performing on-water judging have had an appropriate level of training to do what they do. 

However, it is not mandatory to have a jury in except but a few cases. If the event is a World Sailing class association’s World Championship, then yes, it is mandatory to have an international jury. Certain other World Sailing events carry the same stipulation. For other big events, or national and state championships, it’s a matter of policy decided by the event owner, typically the class association, sometimes a club, but ultimately put in place by the organising authority. 

For the latter, we can look at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. As a matter of policy, the CYCA has decided to have an international jury. This achieves two things. First, the trophies are awarded at the presentation with certainty. Second, and possibly more importantly, it is treating the competitors, many of whom are from overseas, with the respect deserved. It is a big event with the world watching. Hamilton Island Race Week has been known to take a similar position. But in neither case, are they compelled to. 

For domestic championships, it may come down to budget and whether it really matters whether hearing decisions are appealed. An appeal can take a month or two to be decided. But there have been a few appeal decisions that have led to place getters, even first, handing a trophy back because scores were overturned. Whether this possibility really matters is something for the class association or club to decide. 

Other things that can reduce the risk of appeals sit within how an organising authority sets up the event in the first place. These are: 

• Making sure the race documents are in good order 
• Using a well-qualified race officer and support them with an experienced team 
• Appoint a technical committee in place to do event equipment inspection and measurement 
• Getting an experienced judge to chair the protest committee 

Whilst denying the right of appeal is a service which provides immediate closure of scores, doing so is not always necessary as there are other ways of making sure competitors leave the event happy and confident in the outcome. Well, maybe happy, depending on how they went. 

Information about jury approvals is here.
For the Racing Rules of Sailing, click here. 

By Melanie Peasey.