PROTESTS

Eight-Man Rowing Art Print From time to time crews protest race results at EVSRA regattas. Although permitted under the rules, most protests that we receive are disallowed either because the crew has not followed the proper procedure or is attempting to challenge an aspect of the race that is inappropriate for protest. Here’s what you need to know.

THINGS YOU MAY PROTEST

  • Any unfair or improper aspect of the race that affects your substantial rights in the race.
  • Material failure to follow the Rules of Rowing.
  • Any action that unfairly deprived your boat an opportunity to win.

THINGS YOU MAY NOT PROTEST

  • The Chief Judge’s factual conclusions regarding the order of finish.
  • A referee’s factual determination regarding whether a boat left the starting line early.
  • A referee’s factual determination regarding whether a boat rowed out of its lane.
  • Any other finding of fact by an official acting within the scope of his or her duties.
  • Any harmless error that did not affect the outcome of the race.
  •  Any matter that does not affect your boat’s substantial rights.

HOW AND WHEN TO PROTEST

  • You must lodge a protest concerning conduct of a race while you are still on the water and before the referee declares the race to be final.
  • Do not delay your protest. Make it immediately after finishing the race.
  • Any member of the crew may lodge a protest by raising his or her hand until recognized by the referee.
  • Protests concerning exclusion from the start of a race must be lodged with the Starter at the time of exclusion.
  • If your protest is disallowed, you may file a written appeal describing the facts that support your protest and the relief you are seeking. The statement must be factual and concise.
  • A protest concerning any action on land may be made by any member of the affected team to the Chief Judge within one hour of the protested event. A protest of this nature must be accompanied by a concise written statement of the facts underlying he protest and the relief that you are requesting.
  • Written protests and appeals must be accompanied by a $25 payable to EVSRA. If your appeal is refused, your payment will be forfeited.

 

The Rules of Rowing govern protests and appeals. Click here to review their specific requirements.

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