APPENDIX N - INTERNATIONAL JURIES

See rules 70.4 and 90(b). This appendix shall not be changed by sailing instructions or prescriptions of national authorities.

N1 COMPOSITION, APPOINTMENT AND ORGANIZATION

N1.1 An international jury shall be composed of experienced sailors with excellent knowledge of the racing rules and extensive protest committee experience. It shall be independent of and have no members from the race committee, and be appointed by the organizing authority, subject to approval by the national authority if required (see rule 90(b)), or by the ISAF under rule 88.2(b).

N1.2 The jury shall consist of a chairman, a vice chairman if desired, and other members for a total of at least five. A majority shall be International Judges. The jury may appoint a secretary, who shall not be a member of the jury.

N1.3 No more than two members (three, in Groups M, N and Q) shall be from the same national authority.

N1.4 (a) A jury of ten or more members may divide itself into two or more panels of at least five members each, of which the majority shall be International Judges. If this is done, the requirements for membership of a full jury shall apply to each panel but not to the jury as a whole.

(b) A jury of fewer than ten members may divide itself into two or three panels of at least three members each, of which the majority shall be International Judges. Members of each panel shall be from at least three different national authorities except in Groups M, N and Q, where they shall be from at least two different national authorities. If dissatisfied with a panel’s decision, a party is entitled to a hearing by a jury composed in compliance with rules N1.1, N1.2 and N1.3, except concerning the facts found, if requested within the time limit specified in the sailing instructions.

N1.5 When a full jury has fewer than five members, because of illness or emergency, and no qualified replacements are available, it remains properly constituted if it consists of at least three members. At least two members shall be International Judges. When there are three or four members they shall be from at least three different national authorities except in Groups M, N and Q, where they shall be from at least two different national authorities.

N1.6 When the national authority’s approval is required for the appointment of an international jury (see rule 90(b)), notice of its approval shall be included in the sailing instructions or be posted on the official notice board.

N1.7 If the jury acts while not properly constituted, the jury’s decisions may be appealed.

N2 RESPONSIBILITIES

N2.1 An international jury is responsible for hearing and deciding all protests, requests for redress and other matters arising under the rules of Part 5. When asked by the organizing authority or the race committee, it shall advise and assist them on any matter directly affecting the fairness of the competition.

N2.2 Unless the organizing authority directs otherwise, the jury shall

(a) decide questions of eligibility, measurement or boat certificates; and

(b) authorize the substitution of competitors, boats, sails or equipment.

N2.3 If so directed by the organizing authority, the jury shall

(a) make or approve changes to the sailing instructions,

(b) supervise or direct the race committee in the conduct of the races, and

(c) decide on other matters referred to it by the organizing
authority.

N3 PROCEDURES

N3.1 Decisions of the jury shall be made by a simple majority vote of all members. When there is an equal division of votes cast, the chairman of the meeting may cast an additional vote.

N3.2 When it is considered desirable that some members not participate in discussing and deciding a protest or request for redress, and no qualified replacements are available, the jury remains properly constituted if at least three members remain. At least two members shall be International Judges.

N3.3 Members shall not be regarded as interested parties (see rule 63.4) by reason of their nationality.

N3.4 If a panel fails to agree on a decision it may adjourn and refer the matter to the full jury.