Facts for Question 1
In a fleet race for one-design boats, boat A uses tactics that clearly interfere with and hinder boat B's progress in the race. While using those tactics, A does not break any rule, except possibly rule
2 or rule
69.1(a). B protests A under rule
2.
Question 1
In which of the following circumstances would A's tactics be considered unsportsmanlike and a breach of rule
2 or of rule
69.1(a)?
(a). The protest committee finds that there was a reasonable chance that A's tactics would benefit her final ranking in the event.
(b). The protest committee finds that there was a reasonable chance that A's tactics would increase her chances of gaining selection for another event, but would not benefit her final ranking in the event.
(c). The protest committee finds that there was a reasonable chance that A's tactics would increase her chances of gaining selection to her national team, but would not benefit her final ranking in the event.
(d). The protest committee finds that A and a third boat, boat C, had agreed that they would both adopt tactics that benefited C and that there was a reasonable chance that A's tactics would benefit C's final ranking in the event.
(e). The protest committee finds that A was attempting to worsen B's race or series score for reasons unconnected with sport.
Answer 1
In circumstances (a), A would be in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
In circumstances (b) and (c), A would break rule
2, and possibly rule
69.1(a).
In circumstance (d), both A and C would break rule
2, and possibly rule
69.1(a). In addition, by receiving help prohibited by rule
41 from A, C would also break rule
41.
In circumstance (e), A would break rule
2, and possibly rule
69.1(a) because, with no good sporting reason, her actions would clearly break recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
Question 2
Would Answer 1 be different if the boats had been racing under a handicap or rating system and if A had been faster or more manoeuvrable than B?
Answer 2
No.
Question 3
Would Answer 1 be different if, while using tactics that clearly interfered with and hindered B's progress in the race, A had intentionally broken a rule?
Answer 3
Yes. Whenever a boat intentionally breaks a rule, she also breaks rule
2, and possibly rule
69.1(a).
USA 1991/282, revised extensively by World Sailing 2009, 2013 and 2018