Law changes may have broad implications

Coaches and parents at sailing events could come under the scope of disciplinary rules if next month's annual conference of the International Sailing Federation adopts proposed new measures.

Known as “Rule 69”, it has been typically used for gross breaches of sportsmanship and blatant cheating but also for warnings over behaviour afloat such as foul and abusive language.

Once a Rule 69 complaint is initiated, sanctions can range from disqualification to outright bans on competition.

Anti-doping measures fall at the most serious range of the scale but the rule is only currently applicable to competitors.

However, reports of unacceptable behaviour by non-competitors have almost legendary status.

Interfering

Over-enthusiastic parents interfering with event management or signalling tips to young sailors during racing is occasionally suspected. Measures to date include applying exclusion zones to outright bans on support boats on the water.

Coaches may occasionally come under scrutiny though such incidents are more often self-policed.

Whether or not the measure is passed will be subject to extensive debate and lobbying that takes place over several weeks at the conference in Palma.

Meanwhile, another proposal has caused widespread international comment and adverse reaction amongst the grassroots of the sport.

The proposal from the ISAF executive committee, headed by President Carlo Croce of Italy, concerns the international eligibility code that is used to differentiate between amateur and professional sailors.

Disband system

Certain classes and events choose to limit or exclude entirely professional sailors and the code, which is the only system permitted under the Racing Rules of Sailing, is used to classify sailors in case of doubt about their status. The proposal from the executive is to disband the system entirely.

"We can only believe that it's serious because it's been submitted by the executive that traditionally votes with the president," commented John Crebbin, Ireland's representative on the ISAF council. "As submissions go, it's extremely bald as there's no supporting argument so it's a difficult one."

Indications to date suggest a considerable degree of disquiet about it and there will will definitely be a number of countries set to vote it down according to Crebbin.

While there have been some suggestions of cheating within the system, it is largely accepted as working if imperfect.