I was recently in a situation where I never saw the off set mark! My view was blocked by other boats! I assume I rounded it, but when you're in traffic and trying to raise the spin alone, anything can happen.
Personally, I think all officials should be able to file protests. In all the major league sports, calling fouls is one of their primary responsibilities.
Ah, but that's where sailors are different.
2 FAIR SAILING
A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
So when you missed the offset mark, Pete - did you correct your course? If not, did you retire? Were you disqualified? If so, by whom were you protested? If the offset mark was too small for the conditions, did you request redress? (This was the case in Toronto the first day - and it was fixed on subsequent days by using a bigger mark.)
Unless on-the-water judging is specifically part of the program - where the sailors expect it - I (as the RC) will not be the course policeman. This is a self-policing sport. That means the competitors need to get off their boats and fill out a form. Catamaran sailors have gotten lazy in this regard - because "We don't want to make enemies!", to quote the Quebecois.
