When do I exclude a crew for interference, and what must I do for the crew that was affected?

Question

Accepted Answer

A crew causes interference if its oars, sculls or boat encroach into an opponent's lane and cause a disadvantage by contact, wash or other distraction. The Race Umpire alone decides whether a crew is in its lane or interfering (rule 10.10). If a crew caused interference and, in your opinion, affected the finishing position of the other crew, you may exclude it. After a collision of boats or oars you may exclude the crew causing it even without a prior warning. You may never alter a placing. The first priority is to restore the disadvantaged crew's chances of winning; imposing penalties is secondary (rule 10.10.4). If its chance of winning is lost, take the most appropriate course the Rules provide, for example stop the race, impose the penalty and order a re-row, or let the race continue and announce your decision afterwards. You may not simply penalize the crew at fault while the affected crew has no chance restored. You must ensure no crew gains an advantage or suffers a disadvantage from opponents or outside interference, and you impose appropriate penalties on crews at fault (rule 11.15).