Before Going Afloat

PROTESTS

(some guidance)

Before going Afloat

· Alternative penalties? / · Protest validity
· Report to RC
· Red Flag / · Penalty acceptance declaration / · Protest time limit.

At The Incident

· Hail “Protest” / · Response to “Protest”? / · Flag? / · Witnesses
· Identify other boat / · Risk Management?

During the Race

· Concentrate on racing – not the protest

At The End Of The Race

· Race committee? / · Notify protestee / · Witnesses / · What are key issues?

Immediately Arriving Ashore

· Protest time limit / · Protest form / · Notice board / · Witnesses
· Check for damage / · Video / · Risk Management / · Notify protestee

Completing Protest Form

· Read rule book first / · Clear writing / · Use words from rules / · Few words
· Single position diagram / · Risk management / · Submit early

Preparation

· Obtain copy of protest / · Read rules, mark / · Note rule numbers / · Make step diagram
· Determine key facts / · Run through / · Witnesses / · Anticipate other points

Before The Hearing

· take: - Rule book; (Case book maybe); protest forms; preparation notes; preparation diagram; notebook and pencil; something to pass the time.
· think about - food; drink; warm and dry; boat; being left alone to wait; other things for tomorrow;
· make friends with opponents / · Observers, may be allowed / · Risk management

During The Hearing

· Talk clearly, concisely, confidently / · Focus on key facts / · Don’t interrupt others / · Question without threat
· Let jury control hearing, but ask? / · Listen for useful opponents words / · Don’t ask for repetition / · Note key points for summary

Summarising

· Only repeat key facts / · Use your opponents words / · State rules you think apply / · State why decision should go your way
· Any relevant cases / · “Thank you”

Decision

· Listen and make notes / · Ask for copy of decision / · Shake hands with opponent / · “Thank you”
· Remember next time

After The Hearing

· Thank witnesses / · Consider options
· Reopening
· Appeal / · Review the case – from the start
· What would you do the same
· What would you do differently
· Refocus on tomorrow