Almost every event these days requires competitors to provide some sort of certification documents. The documents required will depend on the type of event, but may include an International Class Measurement Certificate, one or more Rating Certificates, Safety Declarations, equipment audit forms, crew lists, and more.

These documents are essential to demonstrating compliance with the Racing Rules of Sailing, the Special Regulations, class rules, and applicable Rating rules. They also usually take some time to obtain (class measurement certificates, for example, have a lead time of about one week, while rating certificates take 2-3 weeks after the data are submitted).

With that in mind, it’s good practice to require competitors to provide these documents at the point of entry. There are a few reasons why this is a good idea:

1. It requires competitors to demonstrate their eligibility to enter;
2. It saves time at the registration desk, since certificates don’t need to be checked;
3. It gives competitors and organisers plenty of time to rectify any errors or omissions;
4. It avoids the headache (and expense) of running around at the last minute trying to organise certificates;
5. It sets clear expectations upfront that competitors should have their documents in order.

There will always be cases where flexibility is required, for example where a competitor has bought a new boat which can’t be measured until after entries close. But, as a general rule, sorting these things out sooner rather than later is easier for everyone.

Information about class certificates is here.
For rating certificates, visit our Ratings Hub.

By Michael Arnold