Competitors, parents, coaches, and support persons sometimes demonstrate behaviour that is below the standard expected of participants in sailing. What to do about it though? 

The old saying that “prevention is better than a cure” certainly applies to misconduct, and there are many ways we can all help improve behaviour in our sport. 

Things you can do about it include: 

Set expectations. 

Whether it’s the competitors’ briefing before a national championship or the pre-season race information evening, it’s important to clearly set behavioural expectations from the outset. Explain that inappropriate behaviour like abuse, bullying, harassment, excessive swearing will not be tolerated, and action will be taken. 

Model good behaviour. 

People model their own behaviour on what they see from others—especially those they respect or admire. So, it’s important to hold yourself to the highest standards, because you never know who’s watching. 

Report to the protest committee. 

The Racing Rules of Sailing include a robust and well-defined process for dealing with misconduct that occurs during or connected to an event. Misconduct is defined as “conduct that is a breach of good manners, a breach of good sportsmanship, or unethical behaviour; or conduct that may bring, or has brought, the sport into disrepute.” 

As a competitor or event organiser, you should promptly report any misconduct to the protest committee. The protest committee will then investigate the report, determine whether misconduct has occurred and, if so, decide what penalty should be imposed. 

To read more about misconduct under the Racing Rules of Sailing, click here.
To read more about integrity generally, click here. 

By Michael Arnold.