Comments and exceptions to FISA rules Uniforms FISA Referee Uniform Navy blazer, blue shirt, tie, grey trousers or skirt Competitors -­‐ Headwear Any competitors in the same crew wearing headwear must match (Rule 51) Competitors – Uniform Uniforms within a crew must be identical (Rule 51) Comprehensive advertising provisions regulating both size and content (Rule 50, Appendix 5) Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) USRowing Referees wear uniform as prescribed by IOP Advertising rules do not apply to small vendor labels Any competitors in the same crew wearing headwear must match except for Composite Crews Uniforms within a crew must be identical except for Composite Crews. The same applies for blade design. USRowing Rule 3-­‐203 will be followed. Composition of Crews FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Coxswain Gender Men cox men, women cox women except in Masters or if in special circumstances the Executive Committee permits otherwise (Rule 27) Government-­‐issued ID determines gender in the case of question License, ID card, or passport will be accepted Crew Gender Only men may compete in men’s events and only women may compete in women’s events (Rule 20) Mixed crew events may be held for Masters crews in which half of the crew excluding the coxswain, shall be women and half shall be men. The coxswain may be of either gender. (Rule 33 & Para Rule TBD) Crew Changes after the Entry Deadline and up to one hour before the First Heat Government-­‐issued ID determines gender in the case of questions License, ID card, or passport will be accepted Entries, Withdrawals and Crew Changes Crews – A Crew may substitute up to one half the number of rowers (as well as the coxswain, if applicable) in all crews entered by them, provided that the substitutes are eligible to represent that crew in accordance with USRowing eligibility rules, and that the changes are communicated in writing to USRowing at least one hour before the first heat of the event. Single scullers (Will be scratched, no substation) -­‐ A single sculler who is entered and falls ill or is injured may, on production of a medical certificate, be replaced up to one hour before his heat provided that the substitute sculler is eligible to represent that federation in accordance with these rules and that the change is communicated in writing to [FISA] at least one hour before the first heat of the event. (Rule 59 2.1) Changes after the Entry Deadline and before the First Heat for Medical Reasons 1 USRowing Rule 6-­‐103 (Substitutions): The Trials Director, after consultation with the
Chief Referee, may relax the limitations on
substitutions if such relaxation is appropriate in
order to select the most competitive Crew.
First application of Rule 6-­‐103 establishes a precedent for relaxation of limitations on substitutions under similar circumstances at all subsequent races and events All substitutions must meet USRowing selection eligible criteria. First application of Rule 6-­‐103 establishes a precedent for relaxation of limitations on substitutions under similar circumstances at all subsequent races and events FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) All substitutions must meet USRowing selection eligible criteria In addition to the provisions of paragraph 2.1 of this rule, in the case of illness of, or injury to, a member of a crew before the first heat, a substitution may be made if a medical certificate is provided [and if the change is approved by a member of the USRowing Medicine Commission of FISA or his delegate who shall first examine the ill or injured rower] The replaced rower may compete again in the same crew at any point during the competition on production of a further medical certificate, and with the approval of the same member of the USRowing Medicine Commission or delegate, who shall first make a further examination of the rower concerned. Any replacement rower must be eligible to represent that crew in accordance with these rules. Lightweight crews -­‐ Where the change involves a lightweight crew which has already officially weighed in, then the replacement rower is required to be weighed in racing uniform and meet the weight limits under Rule 31. In such a case the other members of the crew shall not be required to weigh again for the same race. (Bye-­‐Law to Rule 59) Changes after the First Heat Crews -­‐ No change shall be made in a crew which has already raced in the heat of its event except in the case of illness or injury to a member of the crew, in which case a medical certificate shall be required and the crew change request shall be submitted in writing to USRowing. The change may only be made if it is approved by a member of the USRowing Medicine Commission or its delegate, who shall first examine the ill or injured rower. The rower may compete again if he has returned to health, but only in the same crew, at any point during the competition upon notification to USRowing in writing and upon presentation of a further medical certificate, and with the approval of the same member of the USRowing Medicine Commission or his delegate. Up to half of the rowers in a crew plus the coxswain, if applicable, may be changed in accordance with this rule. Any replacement rower must be eligible to represent that crew in accordance with the Rules of Racing and Bye-­‐Laws. Where the change involves a lightweight crew which has already officially weighed in, then the replacement rower is required to be weighed in racing uniform and meet the weight limits under Rule 31. In such a case the other members of the crew shall not be required to weigh again for the same race. Single scullers -­‐ No substitution of a single sculler may be made once he has competed in his heat. Consequential Substitutions -­‐ Where a rower 2 An appointed designee of the USRowing Medical Committee will represent as FISA medical commission Medical certificate must be provided to USRowing Trials Director. First application of Rule 6-­‐103 establishes a precedent for relaxation of limitations on substitutions under similar circumstances at all subsequent races and events All substitutions must meet USRowing selection eligible criteria. Medical certificate must be provided to USRowing Trials Director. FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) is ill or injured and a substitution is made for that rower using a rower from a second boat (with no doubling up), the rower from the second boat may in turn be substituted in that boat by another rower, even though the rower from the second boat is not ill or injured. This consequential substitution may only occur if the line of substitutions is clearly resulting from the illness or injury of a rower in the first boat in accordance with Bye-­‐Law to Rule 59 or Rule 60. If the ill or injured rower recovers and is substituted back into the boat, the rower substituted for the ill or injured rower and any other rower substituted as a consequence of the initial substitution, must then at the same time, and effective immediately, be substituted back into their original boat for the next round of their event. Any replacement rower must be eligible to represent the member federation (USRowing) in accordance with the Rules of Racing and Bye-­‐Laws. (Rule 60; Bye-­‐Laws 2-­‐1-­‐2.4 inclusive) Boat Construction/Weights Boat Construction FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Rule 39 and Bye-­‐Laws 1.1 Maximum Length 1.2 Minimum Length FISA Rules 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 3.1 will not be applied. FISA rule 5.1 will be followed. 2.1 Flotation 3.1 Production Plaque 5.1 Data Transmission Bow Balls Same (Rule 39, Bye-­‐Law 2.4) Heel Ties 7cm max length on heel ties where by design shoes remain with the boat; single hand quick release required where laces, Velcro or similar materials must be opened before rower can remove feet (Rule 39, Bye-­‐Law 2.5) Advertising Comprehensive advertising provisions regulating both size and content (Rule 50, Appendix 5) USRowing rule 3-­‐203 will be followed Boat weighing procedure 3. Weighing Scale -­‐ The weighing scales shall be provided by a FISA-­‐approved manufacturer and shall indicate the weight of the boat to 0.1 kgs. The scales shall be connected to a printer so that a printed record of the boat weight is immediately available. At the beginning of each official training day and of each racing day, the scales shall be tested, using calibrated An official scale will be provided at the Selection/Trials event course prior to racing. The scale may not have been manufactured by a FISA-­‐approved vendor. The scale may not be connected to a printer. 3 Instead of a printout, a weigh in form may be FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) (gauged) weights, by a member of the FISA Equipment and Technology Commission and/or the member of the Control Commission responsible for boat weighing. 9. Failure to make the minimum weight -­‐ If a boat is below the minimum weight, the member of the Control Commission shall print out the record of weighing and proceed as follows: 9.1. Write the words “First Boat Weighing” on the printed record of weighing. 9.2. Test the scales with the gauged weights, observed by the crew representative, print out the result of this test, and write on the printed record of weighing the name of the crew and the event and the words “Test Weighing”. Both the crew representative and the member of the Control Commission shall sign the printed record of this test. 9.3. Weigh the boat concerned for the second time. If, on the second weighing, the boat weight is not below the minimum, no further action is necessary. If, however, the boat is still below the minimum weight, the member of the Control Commission responsible for boat weighing will write on the printed record of weighing the name of the crew, the event and the number and type of equipment items included in the weighing and the words “Second Boat Weighing”. Both the crew representative and the member of the Control Commission shall sign the printed record of this weighing. No other or later weighing shall be considered as valid. 9.4. Deliver the three printed records of weighing (First Boat Weighing, Test Weighing of the scales and Second Boat Weighing) to the President of the Jury. 10. Penalty for Underweight Boat -­‐ The penalty for having raced in an underweight boat shall be that the crew is relegated to last place in the particular race. If two or more boats in the same race are underweight, they shall all be relegated and they shall be ranked in the descending order of their respective boat weights. If the crew races again in an underweight boat in a later round of the same event, then the penalty shall be the exclusion of the crew.(Rule 41 generally, specifically Bye-­‐Laws 3, 9 &10) 4 used and signed by a member of the Control Commission. Athlete Weights (Coxswains and Lightweight Rowers) Weigh-­‐in Window Adjusted Weighing Window Weigh-­‐in Uniform Checking Deadweight Maximum Deadweight Men’s Events Women’s Events Mixed Events Scales FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) 1-­‐2 hours before their first race in each event in which they are competing on each day of the competition (Rule 28 & 31) Weigh-­‐in window moves with the race time of the event. If the first race is subsequently postponed or cancelled, the lightweight rower is not required to be weighed again on the same day for that event. (Rule 31) [Competitors] shall be weighed wearing only their racing uniform (Rule 28 & 31) At any time, before the race or until immediately after disembarkation, the Control Commission may require that the weight of the deadweight be checked (Rule 27) 10 kg maximum (Rule 27) Rule 31 will apply to coxswains as well Weigh-­‐in window once opened remains open for the prescribed period 55 kg minimum (Rule 27) 50 kg minimum (Rule 27) 50 kg minimum (Rule 27) Boat weights (Rule 41 Bye-­‐Law 3) Athlete weights (Rules 28 & 31) Socks are not considered part of the racing uniform An official scale will be provided at the Selection/Trials event course prior to racing. The scale may not have been manufactured by a FISA-­‐approved vendor Lightweight Rowers FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Men 70 kg average, 72.5 kg maximum; if two rounds on the same day, all rowers shall be weighed prior to the first round even if not competing until the second (Rule 31) Women 57 kg average, 59 kg maximum; if two rounds on the same day, all rowers shall be weighed prior to the first round even if not competing until the second (Rule 31) Youth Men No junior lightweights Youth Women No junior lightweights Control Commission FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Innovations Innovations in equipment including, but not limited to, boats, oars, in related equipment and clothing, must meet the following requirements Equipment before being used in the sport of rowing: FISA Rule 40 will be followed An innovation must be submitted to the FISA Executive Committee for evaluation. If it is judged to meet the above conditions and is approved for use, it must be readily available for all competitors by January 1st in order to be authorised for use in International Regattas that year. Crews with unapproved innovations shall not be allowed to compete. The Executive Committee has the sole authority to decide all matters under this Rule including whether an innovation is significant, whether it is readily available, whether the costs are reasonable, whether it is safe and environmentally sound and whether it is a positive development for the sport of rowing and maintains the principles of the sport. 5 Start Area / Breakage Zone FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Start Area 1st 100m of the regatta course (Rule 72) Attributing lanes Crews given lane in order of appearance to the start area (Rule 72) Broken Equipment No dispensation for breakage in start zone Lost alignment If the starting procedure is interrupted for any reason external to the crews or for a false start then the Starter must begin the procedure again, starting with the roll call (Rule 73, Bye-­‐Law 1.7) If alignment is restored while the roll call is completed, there is no delay and the remainder of the starting sequence is completed. Interrupted start If the starting procedure is interrupted for any reason external to the crews or for a false start then the Starter must begin the procedure again, starting with the roll call (Rule 73, Bye-­‐Law 1.7) Race stoppage for Interference No specific rule for interference within start zone Lane assignments The Starter may change the lane allocations if directed by the Fairness Committee (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 71) Fairness Committee to be defined differently vs FISA; see Selection Procedures Schedule of racing The Starter may change the race schedule if directed by the Fairness Committee (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 71) Fairness Committee to be defined differently vs FISA; see Selection Procedures Should it be necessary to postpone a race or should some other unexpected event occur, the Starter shall consult with the Umpire and the President of the Jury; then inform the crews of the new starting time as well as the Control Commission and the Judge at the Finish (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 96) Postponement or Suspension of Regatta The Starter may change the race schedule if directed by the Fairness Committee (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 71) The Starter shall consider whether the wind is likely to create unequal or unsafe conditions and, if directed by or following consultation with the President of the Jury, shall take whatever steps may be necessary in accordance with the rules to ensure a safe and fair race (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 96) See revision of Duties of Each Position (Bye –laws to Section 10 &11) (TBD) Fairness Committee to be defined differently vs FISA; see Selection Procedures See revision of Duties of Each Position (Bye –laws to Section 10 &11) (TBD) Control of Area The Umpire has “control” except for duties specifically given to the Starter or Judge at Start (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 97)schedule Will retain the Starter’s authority over the starting area per USRowing Rule 2-­‐
104 See revision of Duties of Each Position (Bye –laws to Section 10 &11) (TBD) 6 FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Crew(s) No explicit rule for crews failing to start Failing to Start Due to lack of explicit rule, no guidance is provided to the officials. Therefore, in the circumstances described, the Starter may or may not stop the race. Such action will not constitute a precedent for any other race or any other selection event. This conforms to current FISA practice Starter’s Responsibility See revision of Duties of Each Position (Bye –laws to Section 10 &11) (TBD) The Starter and the Judge at Start shall ensure that the correct starting procedure is followed (Rule 96) Changing Start Once the normal start has been used for a race, a normal start must be used for any subsequent restarts of that race (Rule 73, Bye-­‐Law 3.1) Attributing lanes Crews given lane in order of appearance to the start area Referee / Umpire FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Following Launches One umpire launch follows each race, except for Para-­‐
rowing where two umpire launches typically follow (Rule 97) Launch Position – At Start Duties during the Starting Procedure -­‐ During the starting procedure, the Umpire’s launch should, in principle, either be immediately beside the Judge at the Start or behind the crews, in the centre of the course. Should the start for any reason be faulty, other than a false start, for which the Judge at the Start alone is responsible, the Umpire may order the Starter to stop the race or may stop it himself by ringing a bell and waving his red flag. (Bye-­‐Law 53to Rule 97) Launch Position – During the Race Position of the Umpire’s Launch -­‐ During the race, the Umpire must ensure that his launch is so placed as best to enable him to take action as effectively as possible. The position of the Umpire’s launch should depend on the progress of the race and the progression of the crews to the subsequent rounds; it may also depend on weather conditions. The Umpire must satisfy himself that crews whom he may wish to address can hear him. Should it be necessary to overtake one or more crews, he must see to it that they are not hampered more than is necessary by the wash of his launch. He should position his launch, whenever possible, so as not to impede the crews’ view of each other. (Bye-­‐Law 5 to Rule 97) 7 Interference Restoring Fairness FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) If a crew has caused interference to another crew and has, in the Umpire’s opinion, affected the finishing position of that crew then it shall be excluded by the Umpire. In the situation where a collision between the boats or oars or sculls has occurred, the Umpire may exclude the crew causing the collision even if no prior warning has been given to that crew. (Rule 77) Presumption of automatic exclusion for interference is overcome by USRowing Rule 6-­‐105 If Interference occurs in a Race, the Referee may order a Race rerowed without penalty, or with a lesser penalty than exclusion, regardless of where in the Race the Interference took place. The presumptive penalty of exclusion for Interference shall not apply to Trials Events. (6-­‐105) Rule 6-­‐105 shall be interpreted as not requiring the automatic presumption of exclusion as the penalty for interference. That is, the penalty of exclusion remains available to the Referee as a remedy to restore fairness, and may be imposed, in addition to other penalties, at the Referee’s discretion. Rule 6-­‐105 also appears to limit opportunities to restore fairness to the remedy of re-­‐rows If a crew is placed at a disadvantage, the first priority is to restore its chances of winning. The imposition of any penalties is a secondary priority. Should a crew’s chance of winning be lost, the Umpire must take the most appropriate course of action provided by the Rules. (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 77) Altering Results /Finish Order In no case may the Umpire alter a placing. (Rule 77) Re-­‐rows Re-­‐rows as a result of a dead heat: in a heat, if only one of the crews progresses, a re-­‐row over the full course must take place on the same day, not less than 2 hours after the dead-­‐heat race occurred. If all crews progress, a draw will decide the relative positions in the next round. If in a repêchage, quarter-­‐final, or semi-­‐final and not all crews do not advance, the crew which had the highest ranking in the immediate preceding round shall be advanced. If the results are identical, a re-­‐row over the full course must take place on the same day, not less than 2 hours after the dead-­‐
heat race occurred. (Bye-­‐law to Rule 80) Instructions to No explicit Keep Apart command or rule Crews – Keep Apart Instructions to Same as US Rule Crews – Alter Bye-­‐law to Rule 77 Course 8 Instructions to Crews – Stopping an Individual Crew FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) To ensure the safety of the competitors and to prevent damage to boats and equipment, the Umpire may intervene by raising his white flag, naming the crew, and giving the command “Stop.” (Bye-­‐Laws to Rule 77) Instructions to No explicit Obstacle command or rule Crews – Obstacle (Previously Known of Identified) Instructions to No explicit Obstacle command or rule Crews – Obstacle (Previously Unknown of Unidentified) Keeping Time Time kept by electronic timing system; Umpire is not responsible for time Referees keep time manually per existing practice, in addition to any electronic timing system available Stopping Races -­‐ Sound Ringing of Bell Bells, Horn, Whistle, Siren on megaphone may be used Finish FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Chief Judge location Sits in front of the timing screens, with the camera timing and split timing data Retention of USRowing practice will be maintained Announcement of crews crossing the line No specific rule for announcement of crews, though in practice the bow numbers are announced as each crew crosses the finish line Retention of USRowing practice will be maintained Penalties, Objections, Protests, Outcome of Protests, Appeals and Disputes FISA Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) Objections/ Protests To be valid the objection must be made before the boat has left the immediate area of the Finish Line and before the crew disembarks. Such objection may only concern the conduct of the race (Rule 82) USRowing National Team Selection Event Due Process Procedure will be followed – The procedure is posted on site and linked in the trials procedure Appeals from the Jury N/A Any FISA procedure to resolve Appeals from the Board of the Jury do not apply to USRowing as the NGB Article III in CEO Manual http://www.usrowing.org/Libraries/Gover
nance/CEO_Policy_Manual_3_14.sflb.ashx 9 Terminology FISA Umpire President of the Jury Judge at Start Aligner Responsible at Finish Finish Judge Board of the Jury Objection Warning (indicated by Yellow Card) Exclusion (indicated by Red Card) Material Damage Loud Hailer / Hooter Comments/Exceptions (Apply FISA as Written if Blank) USRowing terminology will be preserved 10