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On water judging at major events

As a RYA Junior Class, Mirrors play a key role in training future champions. Increasingly on water judging is becoming an integral part of top events, it is important that our sailors are familiar with the rules and have experienced professional judging as part of their sailing development.

The Mirror Class has a dedicated Judge, Martin Smethers. Martin is an International Judge with considerable experience in this area, including working with juniors. Martin has been involved with the Mirror class since 1972, firstly as a measurer and more recently a jury member for three Mirror World Championships, including chairman at the 1995 worlds. Having a class judge will improve standards, but importantly give us consistency and the chance to learn from Martin, who will be available ashore to discuss rules matters. Martin will be present at key class events.

The judges will be focussing on Rule 42 ie illegal propulsion. It is important you familiarise yourself with this Rule and avoid being penalised. The judges will also be recording other incidents of rule breaking. If in doubt talk to the judges, they are also present to help you learn.

Feedback and rules interpretations

Martin has produced some useful notes from his observations at Mirror Championships, please take time to read these, even if you didn't attend the event you will probably learn something.

2006 Easterns, Brightlingsea

2005 Spring Championships Datchet

2005 Northerns Windermere

2005 Inlands SHSC

2005 Westerns Starcross

Martin's review of 2005 - please feedback to here

Parental Involvement

The Class and RYA are keen to encourage parents to gain experience of the judging process, both on and off the water by observing the Class Judge in action. It is hoped that by gaining a valuable insight, more parents will consider becoming judges in the future. Interested parents should contact Martin Smethers and read the guidance notes.

Links

MCA Terms of Reference (ToR) for judging

Rule 42 (ISAF)

Appendix P - Immediate Penalties for Breaking Rule 42