Yes, the retrieval rope is part of the mark as it is an object intentionally attached to the mark. That said, it might be worth putting the minds together to see if there's an alternate method of retrieval that doesn't affect the racing. For instance, I like to use retrieval lines, but loop them to the top of the mark. Maybe you could have a small float on the retrieval line, then have a weight in the middle of the retrieval line that sinks it enough that the float rides against the mark, but is still easy to grab with a boat hook. 

...or I would think you could make a note in your SI's that the rope is not part of the mark?

if the mark has handles, it seems to me that a retrieval line should be unnecessary.  Ditto for using a boat hook - just hook the rode itself.

Although the rope is part of the mark it is unseamanlike to leave ropes trailing in the water in an area where boats will be passing. So this may be considered an improper action of the race committee. 
 Many countries require retrieval lines on fishing marks to end in a small buoy or float so that they are visible. This sounds to me like a sensible seamanlike action.

Travis, thanks for your comment, but we competitors often don't get any input into the SIs.

Tom, given the strong wind, waves, and current that we often have here in San Francisco, putting a boat hook on the anchor rode could likely lead to a flailing boat hook and injured mark set person. Or a broken boat hook. Imagine the windiest days in your venue, and that's pretty much every summer day in SF.

Gordon, interesting idea to protest the race committee for improper action, but it could be a tough call given that these steps are taken by people who run dozens of regattas a year.

I think most would consider it very bad form if a race officer attached a retrieval line that a boat could inadvertently touch. Even if not an improper action, it affects the fairness of racing and good relations with those racing. So, to all race officers --- don't do this (yes, I am yelling). As far as I see it, you can't change the SIs to allow touching a retrieval line as that would change an RRS definition, which cannot be changed. 

Al,
My point about boat hooks was not that one should use one but that if one were using one, there would be no need for a retrieval line.

In Toronto at least, almost all the clubs use tetrahedrons that have handles, Where a pin held up by a float through which the pole fitting passes is used, it may have a line that goes from the attachment point for the rode under the float to the pole fitting above the float, providing a loop to grab.  Where cylinders are used, something may be affixed to the mark and to its attachment to the rode so that the mark layer can grab it. I have not seen retrieval lines.

More generally, I think the use of retrieval lines with or without buoys on them should be avoided.  A trailing rope with no float is a probably unseen menace to proper mark rounding.  A line with a float trailing off to leeward is almost as bad for the competitor because it will be obscured by the mark itself when the boat is approaching from upwind.  Moreover, we're just making the mark a whole lot wider, for our convenience, so we shouldn't.

I've attached a photo of a method for creating very robust retrieval "handles" on a cylindrical mark. It works well in Bass Strait, an area well known for "interesting" weather.

The line used is around 10mm (3/8"). It takes a bit of time to set up for a regatta worth of marks, but we used it as a splicing lesson for club members, particularly youth.

Awesome solution, Ed. Looks easy to grab. And yes -- Bass Strait can have a bit of breeze. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Travis,

I'm not sure this will work, since that SI would then attempt to change a Definition, which of course is not permitted.  What do you think?

Connect it as part of the anchor line, then there is no problem. Anchor lines are not continuous and have many parts, and this is no different.

However a rope floating to leeward of a leeward mark in such a way it is not visible that boats can  get snagged is still unseamanlike, and can be considered as an improper action by the RC.

RYA 1989/10 is illustrative and pesuasive
 'Marks are laid for the benefit of competing boats and it is important that ground tackle be arranged to minimise possibility
of being fouled by the boats. In cases involving errors by the race committee, it is a good principle that any doubts be resolved in favour of the competitor.

I strongly agree with Gordon.

The solution is to avoid  trailing lines, not to come up with a SI to excuse it.

Al 
don't trail ropes for Moth foilers, you may get a bill for $6,000 !