Forum: Protest Hearing Procedures

Observers at hearing

David Brunskill
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • National Judge
Would be grateful for a copy of a document setting out behaviour expected of observers at hearing
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:27

Comments

Chris Watts
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • International Judge
  • National Race Officer
0
https://members.sailing.org/tools/documents/JuryPolicies2021July-[27405].pdf
Section B Point 3.
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:38
Tim Hohmann
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Umpire In Training
  • Regional Judge
0
Judges Manual section K7 lays out the rules and guidelines for observers. I've seen a form used which observers were required to sign prior to being admitted to the hearing but don't have a copy. But the rules aren't very extensive so it should be easy to make one.
Created: 22-Apr-25 18:51
Aslan Ozcakir
Nationality: Türkiye
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • National Race Officer
0

Attached is a bit dated but I believe it would help.
Here is a link in case the attachment does not work.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4b4236ve8e2jap/30%20Information%20for%20Observers.doc?dl=0

Cheers,
Aslan


Created: 22-Apr-25 19:30
David Brunskill
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • National Judge
0
Thanks everybody.  

I now have enough to keep me happy. 

  
Created: 22-Apr-25 20:00
Tim Hohmann
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Umpire In Training
  • Regional Judge
0
One thing I didn't see addressed in any of the documentation. Under what circumstances, if any, should observers be allowed to leave the hearing before the jury has completed taking evidence?

If observers are allowed to leave, should the observer form remind them of their obligation not to discuss anything they heard or saw in the hearing room with anyone until a decision has been published, or words to that effect?

I think I'd be concerned about an observer leaving the hearing midway and having a chat with or being overheard by a potential witness.
Created: 22-Apr-25 20:40
David Brunskill
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • National Judge
0
Good point Tim 
Observers briefing witnesses is definitely a risk.  
It hasn't happened in any of the "observer present" hearings i've been involved with over the years but its certainly something to watch out for.
Created: 22-Apr-26 11:57
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