Section M - The Umpiring Process
TR CALL M2
Rule D2.2, Protests by Boats
Question 1
There is a possible incident between boats B and Y, neither of which protest at that
time. Another boat on B’s team shouts 'Protest! Go ahead and protest!' As a result of
that advice, B protests. Is this protest valid?
Answer 1
No. Signal ‘No penalty’. In order to comply with rule D2.2(a), a boat intending to
protest must hail the other boat and conspicuously display a red flag at the first
reasonable opportunity for each. If the protest is made in response to the advice from
another boat on her team, it is not at the first reasonable opportunity for each.
Question 2
A boat intends to protest, but fails to follow the correct procedure. She then continues
to hail 'Umpire', seeking a decision to the invalid protest. What action should the
umpires take?
Answer 2
Signal ‘No penalty’. Even though no valid protest has been submitted, it is appropriate
to signal clearly to the competitor that no penalty will be given.