2. Referee Clinic Level II Referee on the Water Referee Commission, 2005

3. Slide 2 Thank You! The Referee Commission wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following referees who generously donated their time and expertise to compile this presentation. Robert Appleyard, Lombard, Illinois Terry Ryan, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Larry Tolle, Atlanta, Indiana Nikola Vajda, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

4. Slide 3 About This Presentation  This presentation is one of a series being developed for Referees.  These presentations are an effort on the part of the Referee Commission to expand the available training materials currently available to Referees.  These presentations are developed for the purpose of Referee education; they may be duplicated and distributed freely for the use of referees and any other member of the rowing community.  The Referee Commission hopes to continue to develop additional presentations.  We welcome your input and comments on this, as well as all other, presentations. Please contact your regional representative or your nearest clinician with your comments.

5. Slide 4 Clinic Presentation Level This Clinic illustrates the proper skills the Referee must use at all rowing events

6. Slide 5 Agenda Attributes of a Competent Referee Safety & Fairness In-Between Races At the Start General Guidelines for the Referee Launch Positioning At the Finish Protest

7. Slide 6 Referee Mission (rule 2-104)  The Referee has general supervision of the race and follows the race from start to finish.  The Referee ensures that crews and competitors comply with the Rules of Rowing and have a safe and fair race.

8. Slide 7 Developing competency as a Referee  All sports officiating is more craft than science, but none more so than rowing.  While characterized by a fairly stable set of activities, crew officiating is not readily analyzable.  Crew officiating requires extensive training and experience.

9. Slide 8 Developing competency as a Referee —continued  Referees are asked to respond to intangible factors in developing situations based on wisdom, intuition, and experience  No where is this more evident than on-the water  No where is the old adage ‘experience is the best teacher’ more true  On the Water skills are best learned in the Referee launch

10. Slide 9 Developing competency as a Referee —continued The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the principles and guidelines that collectively define the duties and responsibilities of an “On-the-Water” Referee

11. Slide 10 Attributes of a Competent Referee R  Awareness –As the race unfolds, a competent referee is fully aware of what is happening from moment to moment  Anticipation –A competent referee develops the ability to anticipate what will be happening a few strokes further into the race  Knowledge and Understanding – All decisions and actions made by the referee should be based upon the principles of safety and fairness  Decisiveness – Based upon his or her awareness of the moment, coupled with anticipation of what shall unfold, a competent referee will – Make decisions – Take appropriate actions

12. Slide 11 Referee Attributes  First & foremost: Develop a practical and working understanding of the principles of safety and fairness  Maintain good familiarity with the USRowing Rules of Rowing  Have at least some technical understanding of rowing, and competitive race strategies  Become comfortable and confident in your judgment and decision making

13. Slide 12 Referee Attributes —continued  Possess an appropriate knowledge of the mechanics for each of the following tasks: Traversing the race course before and after the race Duties and responsibilities while following the race Communicating with the crews Launch positioning guidelines Stopping a race At the finish

14. Slide 13 Referee’s Position (2-403) Take whatever position places you to best protect 1) Safety 2) Fairness of competition Don’t wake crews (fairness) unless higher consideration (safety) requires

15. Slide 14  Referees must be concerned with the safety of all crews within the designated boundaries of the race course and training areas  Concern for safety extends to the individual athlete  While safety is a primary concern of all officials, responsibility for safety rests with the individual crews and athletes  Regatta safety extends to posted crew practice sessions prior to race day - requires safety monitors (Chief Referee consideration) Safety The Deciding factor (rule 2-101)

16. Slide 15 Safety The Deciding factor (rule 2-101)—continued  The Referee: Prevents accidents from occurring, whenever possible Serves as the “first-responder” to an athlete or crew in distress Serves as the “primary observer” for unsafe conditions Serves as the “primary advocate” for safety to regatta organizers (LOC) An obligation to safety requires that referees remain attentive the entire time they are on the water

17. Slide 16 The Chief Referee has many safety considerations:  Equipment: Launch design. – Reliability & maneuverability – Capacity for additional passengers – Capability to approach a shell – Capability to recover someone from the water – Water displacement/wakes Safe for the Referee? Supplies for the launch: – PFDs – Paddle Supplies: – Extra water – Blankets -Regatta Heat Bag Safety considerations (rules 2-203, 2-204, 2-205, 2-206, 2-207)

18. Slide 17  Race Course: Traffic patterns; warm-up/warm-down areas Proper course markings; buoys Obstacles on or near the racecourse, or in training areas Currents and local water conditions Safety considerations —continued (rules 2-203, 2-204, 2-205, 2-206, 2-207)

19. Slide 18  Logistics How many referee launches are there? Are there support personnel or safety marshals? Are there rescue/safety boats (in addition to referee launches)? Is the race course open or closed to other boat traffic? How good is the communication system? What are the on-shore emergency and medical assistance capabilities and procedures?  Weather Wind, rough water, and storms Heat or cold Contingency plans Safety considerations —continued Logistics and Weather

20. Slide 19  Referees have an obligation to provide direct assistance to rowers or crews in distress  First Evaluator/Second Evaluator system: First evaluator takes charge, provides direct assistance or coordinates assistance Second evaluator acts as “administrative assistant”  Rower(s) in Water : Stay with boat, near seat position Athletes first, Equipment second Weather conditions? – Temperature transfer of water is 20 times greater than that of air – Spring - out of water – Fall - keep in water – Always use Regatta Heat Bag or body wrap Incident Response

21. Slide 20 Incident Response  Alert other officials via radio: What happened? What is the location? What type of assistance is needed?  Follow-up—Immediate: Medical assistance is implemented, if needed Equipment is accounted for What about the race?  Follow-up—Long Term Chief Referee and/or Regatta Director is briefed Notes made and reports filed (if needed) Check with coach or team representative Attend to your own needs Note accidents on USRA Safety Form

22. Slide 21  The only factors that should determine the outcome of any one race, or group of races within an elimination class (heats, reps, or semis), are the skill and abilities of the athletes and crews  At the same time, all crews should have “equal chances” as they progress through an individual race, as well as, through any system of elimination races to reach a final  In general, conditions and circumstances between lanes within a given race, as well as between races within an elimination class must remain “equally fair” or “equally unfair” Each referee must develop an intuitive sense of what constitutes “fairness” What Constitutes “ fairness ”?

23. Slide 22 Referee determines fairness of race (rule 2-404)  Two standards can be applied to judge whether or not the fairness of the race has been compromised or invalidated: Was a crew disadvantaged relative to the others in the race, for reasons outside of their own skill and ability? Did a crew gain an unfair advantage over others in the race?  The Referee’s sense of fairness must apply equally to all crews within a race Any form of assistance that is provided to an individual athlete or crew should be readily available to all athletes and crews within a race  A “bad break” to an individual athlete or crew does not necessarily constitute a breach of fairness

24. Slide 23  “Interference” is any outside circumstance acting within a crew’s protected water (i.e. lane) that hinders its progress relative to other crews in the race Interference by another crew: – wake or wash – clashing or interlocking oars – collision between boats Collision with an obstacle: – flotsam and jetsam (geese, sailboards, paddle boats, and the like) Unfair conditions within a lane, relative to the other lanes: – wind or current – waterfowl, swimmers – seaweed, etc. Defining “fairness” while on the water: Interference (rule 2-404)

25. Slide 24 Defining “fairness” while on the water: Unfair Advantages  An “unfair advantage” is typically viewed as one crew rowing a shorter distance, or taking advantage of favorable water or conditions, relative to the other crews Pre-established criteria : – doglegs – current – lee shore Dynamic conditions: – wind – shifting advantage currents

26. Slide 25 The Referee is to “protect the fairness” of the race  The Referee must think and act proactively The Referee’s responsibility is to anticipate and attempt to prevent interference from negating a crew’s equal chances, as well as one crew from gaining an unfair advantage over the others.

27. Slide 26 The Referee is to “protect the fairness” of the race —continued  If interference or outside circumstances impact a crew during a race, the referee must render an immediate judgement as to whether or not the crew’s equal chances to have been negated If the impact is minimal, take no action If the crew’s “equal chances” have been compromised or eliminated, the referee must determine: –whether actions can be taken to restore equal chances to the crew, without having to stop the race –whether the competitive value of the race has been eliminated, in which case the race should be stopped

28. Slide 27 The Referee is to “protect the fairness” of the race —continued Unlike other sports, the primary focus of the rowing referee is not to call fouls and penalties; Rather, we are called upon to play an active role to ensure that each crew experiences a safe and fair race.

29. Slide 28 Launch Team Driver and Referee Key topics to review with your driver at the beginning of your ‘relationship’  Hand Signals  Launch position at Start  Race Position  Return to Start procedures

30. Slide 29 Why Hand Signals  Minimize Referee presence  Maximize race contact  Build Team work

31. Slide 30 Straighten out.. Slow Down. Stop. Move in that direction. O.K. Keep that position. Hand Signals

32. Slide 31  Be with the crews in the start area five minutes early  Monitor the traffic pattern around and on the course  Help position the crews into the platform or stakeboats, if needed and requested by starter: Be patient! Use proper instructions and tone of voice  Identify each crew in the race  Double-check the progression of the upcoming race  Watch the crews, listen to commands  Check your equipment  Check with other referees Referee At The Start Preparing for the race

33. Slide 32  Stand up in the launch  Stopwatch, flags, megaphone, launch, and driver all ready  Watch crews and hands (bow or cox?) Referee At The Start Two minutes to go

34. Slide 33  “The clock is running…”  Hand up at start/did not start  Watching the Judge-at-Start; False starts  Collisions or major interference  Rower in the water or overturned boat Referee At The Start Attention, Go! -- The first 100 meters

35. Slide 34 Breakage (rules 2-311 and 2-407(d))  If a boat stops rowing within 100 meters of the start, STOP THE RACE ! First 100 meters (AKA the breakage zone) are : Marked with flags at the side of the course or Change in bouy colors or Defined as the first 20 seconds of the race  Approach the boat to determine if they have breakage  What does not constitute breakage? Failure of the Cox-box or other rowing aids Breakage due to crabs or jumped slides Equipment failure due to poor maintenance

36. Slide 35 Breakage (rules 2-311, 2-406, 2-405)  Check boat for broken equipment. The affected crew may restart with no penalty if there was legitimate breakage The crew may be penalized (e.g. warning) if they stopped with no breakage Inform the Starter ASAP

37. Slide 36 Primary Duties of the Referee once the race is underway (rules 2-403, 2-404)  Maintain the safety and fairness of the race: Safety: always Fairness: maintain and protect “equal chances” for all crews in the race  Warn crews to: Prevent interference Prevent a crew from gaining an unfair advantage Prevent an accident  Do not steer the crews !! Proper steering is part of the skill of racing  Mentally record a factual record of the race

38. Slide 37  Each crew has the right to an unobstructed use of its own lane  Each crew is responsible for its own steering  Each crew may leave its lane if.... It does not interfere with another crew that is within its own lane It does not gain an unfair advantage; slack water, etc It does not violate traffic rules of the course; e.g. cross into warmup lane It does not create a safety issue Rights and Responsibilities of crews during the race (rules 2-401, 2-402, 2-404)

39. Slide 38  What does the Referee communicate to a crew? For one crew to move either port or starboard, to avoid interference For two crews to keep apart For one crew to stop rowing to avoid interference or an accident For all crews to stop rowing  The Referee uses both verbal and visual indications when communicating with a crew: The verbal command is to get the crew’s attention The visual command gives the indication for what action the crew should take Communicating with crews during the race

40. Slide 39 Megaphone and flag use (rule 2-407)  For one crew to move either port or starboard, to avoid interference: Get the crew’s attention by calling its name while holding the white flag vertical Direct the crew to move to the port or starboard by holding the white flag in that direction  For two crews to keep apart: Get crews’ attention while holding the white flag vertical While still holding the white flag vertical, announce to the crews: “Keep apart !”

41. Slide 40 Megaphone and flag use (rule 2-407) —continued  Racing cadence: Get the crew’s attention by calling its name while holding the white flag vertical Announce “race cadence!” to the crew while continuing to hold the white flag vertical

42. Slide 41 Megaphone and flag use (rule 2-407) —continued  For one crew to stop rowing: Get the crew’s attention by calling its name while holding the white flag vertical Announce “Stop rowing!” to the crew while continuing to hold the white flag vertical  For all crews to stop rowing (stopping the race): Raise red flag Sound wistle, horn or bell Use verbal commands to “Stop rowing !”

43. Slide 42 To Avoid unsafe conditions (2-408)  Previously known obstacle: Name crew, call “Obstacle” or “Stop”, no steering  Previously unknown: Name crew, call “Obstacle” or “Stop”, indicate direction to alter course, restore “opportunity”  Return to lane crews seeking sheltered water or otherwise gaining advantage

44. Slide 43  The objective is to give a clear and unambiguous indication to just the particular crew that the Referee is attempting to warn  Proper launch positioning is the key to achieving this objective “Getting the crew’s attention” means getting the stroke to look up at the Referee Crew(s) must be able to clearly see the Referee, before any indications are given  Always minimize the disturbance to other crews in the race.  In some situations, non-verbal commands can be given to an individual crew: “Private” communication between the Referee and one particular crew means that other crews can concentrate fully upon their own race This requires good launch positioning, coupled with appropriate “body language” from the Referee Effective communication

45. Slide 44 Summary: Referee’s Instructions (2-407)  Alter course: white straight up, call crew, move flag in direction sought  Keep apart: white flag straight up, call crews, “Keep Apart”  Crew(s) to stop rowing: White straight up, “Stop”; resume has white straight up, “Resume rowing”, drop flag forward  All Crews stop: Red straight up, “Stop”, sound

46. Slide 45  Experience hones sense of anticipation How well will the crews respond? –novices and juniors –seasoned racers –masters Are all boat classes the same? –infamous straight pairs –everything else What type of a race are you following? –Heats versus finals –progression system Where in the race are you? –straight ahead at the start –mid-race power 20s –do or (and) die sprint to the finish Strategic Launch Positioning

47. Slide 46  Anticipation is the name of the game ! Get into position before something happens Don’t get boxed into one location Strategic Launch Positioning

48. Slide 47  Effective communication with your driver: Change lanes Slow down or speed up Everything OK Position relative to specific crews or lanes  There is no “out-of-bounds” for the referee launch The Referee is always in control of the Launch (rule 2-403)

49. Slide 48  Never follow directly behind blind boats (1x, 2x, 4x)  A good practice is to always stay alongside a buoy line Launch position within the lane

50. Slide 49  Know the priorities of each race: The type of race (heat, rep, semi, final) determines the “key place” Be aware of “races within a race” between trailing crews Launch position relative to crews in the race

51. Slide 50  Look at the other Referee  Always work as a Referee team!  Take advantage of the extra help to fully cover the race Launch position relative to another Referee

52. Slide 51  Keep“appropriate” distance between yourself and the crews: Don’t get so close so as to disturb the rowers concentration and focus Don’t trail so far back that the race gets away from you  Make lane changes crisply Don’t wander all around behind the field Changing launch position

53. Slide 52  Surfin’ wakes sometimes solves the problem Launch Positioning: Avoid Waking the crews

54. Slide 53  Sometimes, it has to be done: There is no rule that prohibits the Referee from passing a crew within a race However, pass crews only when the priorities of the race dictate that this must be done Launch Positioning: Waking a crew (rule 2-403)

55. Slide 54  Wake a crew only once !! The wake should pass once through the crew Don’t cause a crew to surf in your wake for any distance  Warn the Crew Be considerate, but don’t loose control of the race As the launch turns call the name the crew and call Wake! - no flag Launch Positioning: The Right Way to Wake a crew

56. Slide 55 Common Launch Positioning Errors  Getting into position too slowly after the start  Not watching the entire race  Focusing on just a single boat  Blocking the view of boats that are racing  Not watching or working with the other Referee  Loosing contact with the medal or advancing crews  Drifting back as the finish approaches

57. Slide 56 Unfair conditions during the race: Interference (rule 2-404)  Prevent by instruction before interference happens  Interference can’t happen unless a crew enters another crew’s water  Consists of Physical contact Washing Causing course alteration to avoid contact

58. Slide 57 Unfair conditions during the race: Interference (rule 2-404) —continued  A crew is outside of its allowed water when any part of the boat or oars crosses the lane boundary  Interference includes both physical contact, and forcing another crew to change course to avoid collision  If both crews are out of their lanes, always act to prevent an accident, and a crew cannot be blocked from returning to its proper lane

59. Slide 58 Reacting to Interference  Always anticipate before the foul is committed!  Instruct the offending crew to alter course to prevent interference  Instruct the offending crew to stop only when absolutely necessary

60. Slide 59 Resolving the consequences of Interference (rules 2-406, 2-602)  Interference has occurred whenever a crew in contention has been unfairly deprived of its chance to place or advance  If the purpose of the race has been irretrievably compromised due to interference, the Referee should stop that race  Penalties are imposed after the race has been stopped or has reached the finish  The goal of any actions or decisions by the Referee is to restore the opportunity of the aggrieved crew to place or advance

61. Slide 60 Penalizing Interference (2-406)  The Rules state that the presumed penalty is exclusion  However, what if… Interference slight (no lost opportunity) Interference severe or intentional (DQ) Interference occurred before instruction Interference @ start (maybe warn)

62. Slide 61 Unfair conditions during the race: Obstacles (rules 2-405, 2-407, 2-408)  Always protect the safety of the crews  In general, crews are not to be steered around known obstacles on the racecourse for example: a bridge abutment  Crews may be given assistance if the obstacle was unknown before the race For example: a dock breaks loose and floats into one of the lanes  If the obstacle was not identified before the race, the opportunity for a crew to place or advance should be protected and restored  Crews must not gain an unfair advantage by being steered around an obstacle

63. Slide 62 Unfair conditions during the race: Race Cadence (rule 2-409)  Limited Application: This rule applies to heats with a repechage and row- overs  The purpose of this rule is fairness, to ensure that all crews face similar conditions as they advance towards a final  A minimum cadence (stroke rate) should be announced to all crews before the race starts  This rule applies specifically to crews which do not advance or win Advancing or winning automatically indicates that the race cadence was acceptable

64. Slide 63 Unfair conditions during the race: Outside Assistance (rule 2-410)  Other than shouting from the shore (with the unassisted voice) crews may not receive coaching or outside assistance during a race  Coaches or other team members may not follow a race in a launch  Race commentary which is audible to the crews shall be stopped during the last 250 meters

65. Slide 64  A race should be stopped for one of two reasons: Conditions become unsafe: –When there is concern over the safety or health of an individual rower –When unsafe conditions occur for one or more crews The race becomes unfair –Opportunity to win, place, advance affected –No further competitive value in continuing  Practical considerations: Distance into the race; 500 m. vs. 1500 m The type of race; heat versus final Options for remedying the situation; advance crew to lane 7 instead of a rerow Stopping a race (rule 2-405)

66. Slide 65  Be Certain! There is no going back (usually) once the red flag is waved!  Be Decisive! Don’t waste the crew’s energy if the race should be stopped Stopping a race (rule 2-405) —continued

67. Slide 66 Returning to the start between races  Low speed approach: Used when there are sufficient referees and/or long race centers Staggered return to start, usually with several intervening races Allows for safety and backup coverage along the entire racecourse Sometimes called the “FISA return system”

68. Slide 67  Stay in the agreed upon pattern; don’t all bunch up at one spot  Monitor progress of starts and races visually and via the radio  NO wakes (exhaust, noise, etc.) when a race passes by  Stay awake! Stay alert! Low speed Return: How to

69. Slide 68 Returning to the start between races —continued  High speed approach: Used when there are short race centers and/or not enough Referees Depending upon the rotation: May need to return all the way to the start (next race) Return part-way, then wait for next race to pass by Creates potential wake problems: Minimized by following proper procedures Watch for crews to side of course

70. Slide 69  Don’t plow through the water, try to plane your launch  Always move up a center lane in a direction that is parallel to the lanes  Monitor start zone activity (visual and radio)  There is only one correct way to stop and leave the course  Be sure to take the weight off the launch before the turn ! High speed Return: How to

71. Slide 70 Is the Referee “off duty” in-between races?  No! Duty of the Referee in-between the races is to : Inspect the course Monitor traffic patterns off the course Monitor race in progress Always be prepared to become backup referee or safety/rescue boat Always stay engaged while on the water! Returning to the start between races —continued

72. Slide 71 At the finish of the race  Time the first place crew  Wait for all crews to cross the finish line  Check condition of all crews  Check for coxswain or boat weights  Secondary Referee signals to Primary if it is a fair race Referee at the finish (rules 2-501, 2-502, 2-503)

73. Slide 72 Referee at the finish (rules 2-501, 2-502, 2-503) —continued  Anticipate protests! Check once more  Signal the race status to Chief Judge as appropriate white flag red flag red flag followed by white flag  Report time to Chief Judge  Wait for acknowledgement from Chief Judge (white flag)

74. Slide 73 Finishing the Race (rule 2-504)  Crews that do not finish are not placed Unless excused from finishing by the Referee  Crews must finish with their coxswain  Monitor traffic around the finish area  Stop your launch before crossing the finish line, and wait for all crews to go past  Distribute water if no finish line Marshal

75. Slide 74 Finishing the Race (rule 2-504) —continued  Record a factual account of the race and the finish on your heat sheet Always record the winning time And the boat ID, if you know it Note any crews that did not finish Note any accompanying Referees Note any incidents which occurred during the race

76. Slide 75 Handling a Protest at the Finish of a Race The first step is to listen to the complaint  Approach the crew with a neutral posture and appearance  Position your launch so that you and the crew member you are speaking to can comfortably look at one another  Avoid unnecessary yelling - it is much better to speak in a natural tone and volume  If possible, turn off the engine on the launch, especially if it is belching out fumes and exhaust  Momentarily turn down the volume on your radio

77. Slide 76 Handling a Protest at the Finish of a Race —continued  Allow only one spokesperson - normally the Coxswain or Captain  Your objective is to listen to the specifics of the crew’s complaint What happened? Where or when did the incident occur? How did the incident affect the crew?  Ascertain specifically what is the protest  Do not coach the crew!

78. Slide 77  First and foremost, don’t enter into an argument!!  Ask questions to clarify your understanding of what the crew has just told you It may be helpful to summarize to the crew what you heard them say  Now (and not before) is the time to weigh in with your own observations If you disagree with any portion of the crew’s factual account, clearly state the discrepancy If you agree with their factual account, say so  If you cannot render a definitive assessment because you require additional information from other officials, say so Perhaps confer, but don’t convene a jury meeting on the water  Think fast, but with clarity and wisdom! Initial Response (rules 2-603, 2-604)

79. Slide 78 Judging the validity of protest (rule 2-604)  “Race awareness” is critical! Do you agree with the facts reported by the crew? The Referee’s findings of fact are final and are not subject to protest or review (rule 2-604c)  Was the crew unfairly disadvantaged by the claimed incident? This is typically a “judgement call” that must be made by the Referee

80. Slide 79 Judging the validity protest (rule 2-604) —continued  Did the incident have any consequence or bearing upon the final outcome of the race? This is also a judgement call The nature of the race is a critical factor; e.g. a heat versus a final  Is the complaint valid within the context of the Rules of Rowing (rule 2-604a)? The fairness of the race must have been compromised There must have been a violation of one or more specific rules

81. Slide 80 Matters Subject to Protest  The race was not fair or was not properly conducted  The “Rules of Rowing” or the Regatta Rules were not followed  The opportunity for winning was unfairly denied

82. Slide 81 Matters Subject to Protest —continued  The protest must affect the “substantial rights” of the crew; i.e., arguably affected their final placement in the race  Harmless errors that did not impact the outcome of the race are to be ignored

83. Slide 82  Findings of fact by the Referees Whether or not a crew was in its correct lane Whether or not the start of the race was fair The final order of finish as determined by the Chief Judge Matters Not Subject to Protest (rules 2-603, 2-604)

84. Slide 83 Rendering assessment concerning protest (rule 2-606)  If you concur with the crew: Say so (“I agree with what you have just said …”) Inform the crew what recommendation you will offer to remedy the situation Report your finding and assessment to the Chief Referee  If you do not concur with the crew: Say so (“I do not believe this warrants any actions …”) Explain (succinctly!) the basis for your assessment Ask the crew if they nevertheless intend to file a protest on shore Advise the crew on procedures for filing a protest

85. Slide 84 Rendering assessment concerning protest (rule 2-606) —continued You agree with the crew, but do not believe that any actions should be taken to alter the order of finish, to penalize another crew, or to declare the race invalid Inform the crew that you agree with their factual account of the race Explain the reasons why you think that no actions should be taken

86. Slide 85 Considerations for responding to a Protest  First listen -- what is the nature of the protest?  Does the crew’s account agree with your own observations from the race?  Was the crew disadvantaged?  Did the incident have any consequence upon the final outcome of the race?  Is the protest valid?

87. Slide 86 Considerations for responding to a Protest —continued  How could fairness be restored? Change the order of finish? Exclusion of the offending crew? Recommend advancement to “lane 7”? Re-row the race?  What instructions should be given to the crew?  When necessary, consult with the Chief Referee  Always inform the Chief Judge and Chief Referee

88. Slide 87 Considerations for responding to a Protest —continued  The objective is to state clearly and without ambiguity your assessment concerning the validity of the complaint just lodged by the crew  Referees MAY NOT discourage a crew from exercising their rights within the Rules to make and file a protest  However, the Referee should strive to ensure that only valid complaints and protests are brought to the shore for jury consideration

89. Slide 88 Penalties (rules 2-601, 2-602)  The focus of any penalty is restoring a crew’s opportunity to win or advance Reprimand is an informal caution, but if the action is repeated it may be treated as flagrant or intentional Warning is a formal penalty, two warnings in a race result in exclusion of the crew, regardless of the reason for the warning. Warnings carry over to rerows 88

90. Slide 89 Penalties (rules 2-601, 2-602) —continued Exclusion removes the crew from the event, but the crew may compete in other events Disqualification removes the crew or competitor from the regatta –Assumed where crews act flagrantly or intentionally in violation of rules related to safety or fairness –Does not extend beyond the duration of the regatta –Chief Referee must report to the Referee Commission 89

91. Slide 90 Penalties (rule 2-603)  Restoring the opportunity to win by altering results, consult with the Chief Referee Order a rerow of a race with some or all of its original participants Advance the aggrieved crew into an extra lane in a semifinal or final Place a crew guilty of interference behind the crew they interfered with in the order of finish Declare (Chief Judge) a dead heat between the crew interfered with and the crew immediately in front of them in the order of finish 90

92. Slide 91 Developing competency as a Referee  The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the principles and guidelines that collectively define the duties and responsibilities of an “On-the-Water” Referee  It is only a starting point The Referee launch is the best classroom On-the water experience is the best teacher