The US SAILING Judges Program was developed in 1977 to improve the quality, consistency and fairness of judging and the administration of the rules. US SAILING invited experienced sailors who were willing to serve on protest committees, juries and appeals committees to submit their qualifications for review. Since then, more than 450 applicants have been named US SAILING Judges, Senior Judges, and Umpires.

The Judges and Umpires Programs provide qualified judges and umpires for sailors and race organizers. A Regional Administrative Judge (RAJ) is appointed in each of US SAILING’s 10 geographic areas (with two in Area H) by the Board of Directors to assist area race organizers in staffing juries and protest committees, to oversee the screening, training and approval of candidates, and to monitor the performance of US SAILING Judges in each area.  The Umpires Subcommittee of the Judges Committee oversees the US SAILING Umpires Program.

Composition of the Protest Committee or Jury

A protest committee or jury is a group of individuals with the responsibility to hear and decide protests and such other duties and responsibilities as has been given to them by the organizing authority under RRS 89. The desirable characteristics of a jury are:

1. the chief judge holds a US SAILING appointment;

2. a minimum of three members, but often five and sometimes more for principal events;

3. as broad a geographic representation as exists among the competitors;

4. no conflict of interest under RRS 63.4;

5. one or more members with active sailing experience in the same or similar classes, and

6. one or more members with local knowledge.

Referral of Judges and Umpires and Approval of Juries

The Judges Committee will refer the names of US SAILING Judges to an organizing authority on request.  Similarly, the Umpires Subcommittee can recommend US SAILING Umpires. Requests for members of an International Jury constituted under RRS Appendix M, should be made to the Chair of the Judges Committee. Requests for all other judges should be made to the RAJ for the area in which the event will be held.

Levels of Certification as a US SAILING Judge or Umpire

Judge

A US SAILING Judge is qualified to judge any local or regional event in the US.  To be certified as a Judge, one has demonstrated a thorough knowledge and understanding of the current racing rules, and the protest process.  They also must possess judicial temperament, a reputation for mature judgment and have an outstanding reputation for integrity.  Additional requirements include experience in race management and significant experience as a racing sailor.  Judges must attend a workshop and pass a written test prior to becoming a judge and again each time they re-certify.  Judges are certified for a four year period.  Click here for the full requirements and process for becoming certified as a US SAILING Judge.

Senior Judge

A US SAILING Senior Judge is qualified to judge a regatta of any size anywhere in the US.  To be certified as a Senior Judge, a Judge must have additional national and/or international experience.  Click here for the full requirements and process for becoming certified as a US SAILING Senior Judge.

International Judge

US SAILING Senior Judges with significant international experience may be nominated by US SAILING for appointment by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) as International Judges.  Further information about ISAF's regulations governing their International Judges Program can be found here.  Click here for the US SAILING requirements and process for being nominated by US SAILING to ISAF as an International Judge.

Umpire and International Umpire

See the Umpires website for further information.

Judge Emeritus

The Judges Committee may designate a retired US SAILING Senior Judge as a Judge Emeritus in recognition of his/her long and distinguished service to the Judges Program of US SAILING. Such designation shall be for life and shall include a suitably inscribed certificate indicating the nature of service rendered. Click here to see a list of those honored with Judge Emeritus status. 

Responsibilities and Personal Conduct of Judges

US SAILING Judges and Umpires must maintain current membership in US SAILING, and file annual reports. The report is the primary basis for continuing appointment and upgrade. Failure to submit an annual report may result in removal of the Judge’s name from the Directory.

Personal conduct of judges and umpires must be above reproach before, during and after an event. US SAILING Judges and Umpires must comply with the Judges Standards and Practices outlined in the Judges Manual. They are expected to be mature and temperate, moderate in their use of alcohol, especially careful of medications and in full control of their faculties. A judge who has engaged in serious misconduct should be dismissed from the jury immediately. If the Judges Committee or Umpires Subcommittee receives a report alleging inappropriate conduct by a US SAILING Judge or Umpire, it will investigate the report and may take disciplinary action.

Insurance

US SAILING provides liability insurance coverage for US SAILING Judges and Umpires when acting as a member of a protest committee or jury, or while judging on the water. This insurance is provided by US SAILING for the benefit of its judges and umpires. No application is necessary for events held in the United States.

US SAILING also provides insurance coverage for hull and liability protection for a power boat used by umpires or judges in the execution of duties connected with an event. Application for this coverage is required. Contact US SAILING for information on these and other types of insurance coverage available in the conduct of an event.