Who decides a protest, and can the decision be appealed?

Once a protest is lodged correctly, the Referee, Area Referee or Sectional Referee (as appropriate) can either decide it or refer it directly to the Competition Appeals Panel Convenor. There is no fee for protesting a decision, or when the protest is referred directly to the Appeals Panel without a decision.

• Refusing a protest: the Referee, Area Referee or Sectional Referee may choose not to accept a protest they consider frivolous or not of a serious nature, in their absolute discretion.
• Video evidence: video or other electronic aids may be used, but the onus is on the protestor to provide proof of authenticity, and any clearly viewable evidence and viewing mechanisms, within 15 minutes of lodging the protest.
• Deciding it: if the protest is accepted, the official decides it as they see fit, having regard to the protesting competitor, all other competitors and officials in the event, and the conduct of the event.
• Appeal: if the protest is refused or dismissed, the competitor may appeal to the Competition Appeals Panel. The appeal must be lodged in writing with the Competition Appeals Panel Convenor within 15 minutes of being told of the decision. The Referee may extend these time limits at their discretion, provided results have not been declared final.
• Panel: the Convenor appoints Appeals Committees of not less than two and not more than three people from the Panel.
• Beach flags: there is no appeal on a Referee's decision on a beach flag elimination protest, although a competitor may protest and appeal a disqualification in beach flag events if the correct processes are followed.

Source: SLSA Surf Sports Manual, 38th Edition, clauses 13.10 and 14.3.3.