CALL MR 13              

Rule C8.3(c) Penalties Initiated by Umpires—breach of sportsmanship

Question
After the umpires signal their decision in response to a boat's Y flag, persons on one of the boats make it clear that they are unhappy with the decision. Should the umpires impose a penalty under rule C8.3(c) for a ‘breach of sportsmanship’?

Answer
This depends on the words, the manner in which they are spoken, and any other related actions of the crew of the boat. If they merely express unhappiness or disappointment, or that in their opinion the decision was wrong, then a penalty is not appropriate. However, if the total effect is to convey that the umpires are incompetent, or are prejudiced against the penalized boat, a penalty may be justified, whether the meaning is directed only at the umpires or also to others nearby. If the meaning is clearly insulting to the umpires, a penalty should be imposed.