One of the tasks which could be undertaken when organising a major championship at your club is to apply to have a National Jury for the event.

A National Jury is a non-appealable jury and consists of not less than 3 members. A minimum of 2 National Judges, with the other member holding the minimum of a Regional Judge qualification.

By applying for and engaging a National Jury, this means that any protest decisions that are made during the event are final and cannot be appealed.  This gives competitors the comfort in knowing that when it comes to the end of the event, the place they have been awarded is their final placing. Competitors at major events can travel long distances to attend and are therefore understandably upset if at the presentation there is some lingering doubt about who has won the event if the placings come down to a protest which has the potential to be appealed.

It could also be deemed as providing good ‘customer service’. Providing the customer, in this case the competitor the satisfaction of knowing they are attending an event with a qualified and experienced jury, giving your event credibility and closure for the competitors.

More information on applying for a National Jury can be found here: https://www.sailingresources.org.au/officials-volunteers/juryapprovals/

The Official’s finder is located here: https://www.sailing.org.au/accreditation-finder/ and the Regional Manager in your state will certainly be able to put you in touch with a National Juror.

By Melanie Peasey https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/