Is this a good thing? To me it seems a needless complication of the game.
It is necessary. You don't want Race Committee to start penalizing boats without a hearing for observed rule infractions. The boat is entitled to defend herself in a protest hearing.
Rule A5 states:
A boat that did not start, comply with rule 30.2 or 30.3, or finish, or that takes a penalty under rule 44.3(a) or retires after finishing, shall be scored accordingly by the race committee without a hearing. Only the protest committee may take other scoring actions that worsen a boat's score.
So, RC can only penalize a boat for not starting, not finishing, taking a scoring penalty, or retiring. Otherwise they must score her according to her finish position.
If RC witnesses a rule infraction (such as hitting a mark, sailing the course improperly, or crossing a closed finish line), their only option is to protest the boat.
I hope that helps,
Eric
US Sailing Certified Judge
Member, Area D Appeals Committee
