Section M - The Umpiring Process

TR CALL M10

Rule D1.1, Changes to the Rules of Part 2
Rule D2.3, Penalties Initiated by an Umpire

Question 1

The sailing instructions state that rule D1.1(d) applies requiring clear and repeated arm signals, in addition to hails. If there is an arm signal but no hail from Y, what action should the umpires take

a) if B protests?

b) on their own initiative?

Answer 1

a) When the umpires are certain that no hail for room to tack was made, then the signal for room to tack has not been made. (The umpires may be certain there was no hail if they have had no difficulty hearing other calls from a similar position.) For the purpose of the rules of Part 2 they should act as if there has been no signal.

b) The umpires may decide that Y has broken rule D2.3(g) and penalize her. They could also, in an extreme or repeated case, display a black and white flag to report the incident to the protest committee.

Question 2

If there is a hail but no arm signal, is the answer the same?

Answer 2

Yes