Culverk

We have all been where you are now. Just read US Sailings "Rules in brief" at http://www.ussailing.org/rules/RulesInBrief.htm and you will do fine. You will probably be a bit off the pace of the hardcore racers, so you will have plenty of time to observe rundings etc.
Most sailors dont really know all the rules, and lots and lots of sailors misinterpret them (that's how most protests originate).

Dont worry, study the rules in brief, sail conservatively and you will do fine. You will not know if racing is for you until you have given it a serious chance.