Rule 14 Avoiding Contact
Question
When an incident results in contact how should the umpires act with regard to rule 14?
Answer
When there has been contact there is a possibility that rule 14 has been broken. However, a breach of rule 14 will not affect any decision made by the umpires in response to a Y flag.
When the umpires decide that a boat required to keep clear or give room is to be penalized for breaking another rule of Part 2, a breach of rule 14 does not result in an additional penalty under C5.2. When a right-of-way boat or a boat entitled to room breaks rule 14 she is only liable for a penalty when damage is caused and this is subject to protest under C 6.1.
However, the umpires should initiate a check for damage to be carried out immediately after finishing. If damage is found a protest hearing should be initiated under C8.4.