Section M - The Umpiring Process
MR CALL M4
Rule C8.3(c), Penalties Initiated by Umpires (breach of sportsmanship)
Question
After the umpires signal their decision in response to a boat displaying flag Y, a
competitor on one of the boats make it clear that they are unhappy with the decision.
Should the umpires impose a penalty under rule C8.3(c) for a ‘breach of
sportsmanship’?
Answer
This depends on the words, the manner in which they are spoken, and any other
related actions of the crew of the boat. If they merely express unhappiness or
disappointment, or that in their opinion the decision was wrong, then a penalty is not
appropriate. However, if the total effect is to convey that the umpires are
incompetent, or are prejudiced against the penalized boat, a penalty may be justified,
whether the meaning is directed only at the umpires or also to others nearby. If the
meaning is clearly insulting to the umpires, a penalty should be imposed.