If your friend had not been present how would you have known how to proceed? Would you have found it fair to have the situation reversed, my friend being a PRO and advising me only? ...it would seem both parties should have access to experienced council in order to properly address the protest committee.
Ummm, can I make some observations without opening a can of worms? It appears to me that in this instance, both parties:
1) were relatively inexperienced and did not know what the proper procedure was or how to go about following it, and
2) had just been through a harrowing experience and were shaken up, and
3) have a much better understanding of how to handle such a situation now.
Also, I know personally that both of you are nice people and would much rather not see others (including each other) in this situation. Therefore, I have a proposal. Let the three of us agree that, in the future, should we be at a regatta where a boat is damaged, or crew injured, to seek out the people involved, ask them if they are ok, and offer them help if needed and guidance on the process if they want it. Offer it to both sides if need be.
That way, we are all working to make it better. What do you say?
Regards,
Eric
