Rule 61.1(a), Protest Requirements: Informing the Protestee
Discussion of the word ‘flag’.
Question
What is the test of whether an object is a flag within the meaning of rule
61.1(a)?
Answer
In the context of rule 61.1(a), a flag is used as a signal to communicate the
message, ‘I intend to protest.’ Only if the object used as a flag communicates
that message, with little or no possibility of causing confusion on the part of
those on competing boats, will the object qualify as a flag. A flag must be
seen primarily to be a flag.
