What does the Chief Official and the Competition Committee do?

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Accepted Answer

Competition Committee: the Chief Official, Chief Finish Line Judge and Competition Manager. It controls the competition and supervises its arrangement; postpones the competition in inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances and decides on another time; receives and resolves protests and settles disputes (its decision is final); verifies and approves all crew substitutions; and has jurisdiction over all officials, including authority to replace any absent or delinquent official. Chief Official: Takes responsibility for the overall operation of the competition under the Competition Rules, and chairs the Competition Committee. Should be nationally accredited or at least Level III. On arrival, checks with the Competition Organizer that everything will be ready for the first race. Calls the Coaches meeting (previously the "Scratch Meeting") of all officials and club spokespersons before the competition, where crew and race change requests are discussed and recorded, then briefs all competition officials separately. Decides matters arising during the competition that the Rules do not cover. May delay the competition to let late competitors reach the start line if reasonable. With the onsite Safety Officer, the Committee may postpone for weather or other extenuating circumstances. May disqualify any competitor who behaves improperly or, by conduct or speech, shows contempt toward officials, other competitors or club officials. Serious infractions may be taken further under CKC policies, including the Event Discipline Policy, in consultation with the Discipline Committee. Competition Manager: custodian of the Official Draw with access to the original entries. All crew changes must be checked against the original entries and verified by the Competition Manager before the Chief Official approves them. Crews that scratch, in advance or by failing to report to the start line, are reported to and recorded by the Competition Manager. Source: Canoe Kayak Canada Officials Manual (rev. March 2023), sections 12.2, 13.1, 13.3.