What should I do if another crew interferes with us during a race?

Question

Accepted Answer

During the race: if you think another crew is interfering with you and putting you at a disadvantage, draw the umpire's attention at the time it happens, if you can, to show you intend to object (Appendix E.8.16). What counts as interference: the other crew's oars, sculls or boat come into your lane and disadvantage you, whether by contact, wash, distraction or any other way. The umpire alone decides. After the finish Raise your hand immediately after crossing the line and before anyone gets out of the boat. A crew excluded at the start objects to the umpire at the start. The umpire won't raise the white flag while you're objecting. They'll talk to you, then either reject the objection (white flag) or accept it or look into it further (red flag). If you disagree with the umpire's decision, your school or club can lodge a written protest with the President of the Jury within one hour. A crew penalised by the jury can then appeal in writing to the executive committee of the regatta's controlling authority, whose decision is final. What the umpire can do for you: restore your chances first, for example by stopping the race and ordering a re-row from the original start, then penalise the offending crew. That can mean excluding a crew whose interference affected your finishing position.