In any questions concerning NIA please contact: Bob Pegel, National Iceboat Authority P.O. Box 40, Williams Bay, WI 53191 Phone: 414-245-6242
| NIA Protest Form | NIA Constitution | see also the drawing |
When one of the terms defined in Part 1 is used in its defined sense in the definitions or rules, it is printed in CAPITAL LETTERS. All definitions rank as rules.
ACTUAL WIND - The natural wind.
WINDWARD-LEEWARD COURSE - A course sailed around two MARKS, an imaginary straight
line drawn between the two MARKS is parallel to the ACTUAL WIND.
ON-THE-WIND - A yacht heading less than 90 degrees from the direction from which
the ACTUAL WIND is blowing is ON-THE-WIND.
OFF-THE-WIND - A yacht heading more than 90 degrees from the direction from
which the ACTUAL WIND is blowing is OFF-THE-WIND.
STARBOARD TACK - A yacht is on a STARBOARD TACK when the ACTUAL WIND is approaching
from her right side.
PORT TACK - A yacht is on a PORT TACK when the ACTUAL WIND is approaching from
her left side.
WINDWARD YACHT and LEEWARD YACHT - When two yachts are on the same tack, the
one on the side from which the ACTUAL WIND is blowing is the WINDWARD YACHT,
the other is the LEEWARD YACHT.
TACKING - A yacht is TACKING from the moment she is beyond head-to ACTUAL WIND
until her mainsail has filled on the other side.
JIBING - A yacht is JIBING when, with the ACTUAL WIND aft, the foot of her mainsail
crosses her centerline until it has filled on the other side.
OBSTRUCTION - Any object a yacht cannot safely sail over.
MARK - Any object which a yacht must round or pass on a required side to properly
round the course.
OUTSIDE - In rule 8 of the Right-of-Way Rules, any yacht to the right of another
yacht is the OUTSIDE yacht.
CANCELLATION - A CANCELLED race is one which cannot thereafter be sailed.
POSTPONEMENT - A POSTPONED race is one which is not started at it's scheduled
time and which can be sailed at any time the Race Committee may direct.
ABANDONMENT - An ABANDONED race is one which is stopped while it is in progress
and which can be re-sailed at the discretion of the Race Committee.
Part II is written in a manner that can be applied to club races and large regattas.
Any specifics such as wind velocity restrictions, course length, scoring systems,
temperature minimums, ice thickness and condition, and number of boats on one
course must necessarily be adapted to the type of boat being sailed.
A.. Notice of races shall contain the following information:
1. That the races will be sailed under the rules of the National Iceboat Authority
and those of the association or class concerned.
2. Date, place, of regatta and starting time of first race.
3. Class or classes for which races will be held.
4. Amount of entrance fee.
5. Time and place of registration.
6. Number of prizes.
7. Time and place for receiving sailing instructions.
8. Number of races scheduled and number required for a complete series.
B. Sailing Instructions
1. May be written or verbal.
2. Contents:
a. Course location.
b. MARK description.
c. Starting time.
d. Starting and finishing signals.
e. Time limit of race (over-all time limit and time per mile for each class).
f. Time limit within which and address at which protests shall be lodged and
heard.
3. Distribution - shall be available to each yacht.
4. Changes - written or verbal changes to the sailing instructions can be made
not later than two minutes prior to the starting gun.
C. Officials - duties and responsibilities
1. Race Committee
a. Personnel (course men, starters, timers, scorers)
1. Course men:
a. Determine if conditions (wind, ice, temperature, visibility) are safe; mark
dangerous sections of ice.
b. Supply MARKS and starting blocks.
c. Set course (MARKS and starting blocks).
2. Starters:
a. Supply flags, loud speakers, audible signals.
b. Start race.
3. Timers: Time laps and the race.
4. Scorers:
a. Supply score sheets, pencils, master score board at headquarters, tallies
for drawing for starting positions.
b. Are positioned in teams of two persons each, to windward of the windward
MARK and at the end of the finish line opposite to the leeward MARK.
c. Record the race as follows: Each team has a score sheet. The score sheet
is divided into as many columns as there are number of laps in the race. As
the yachts pass the MARK, one member of the team calls the sail numbers to the
other member, who writes them down on the score sheet. A new lap column is started
each time the leading boat completes a lap. After starting a new lap column,
continue to mark all yachts in that column regardless of lap position until
starting another lap column with the leading yacht. In the case of yachts which
have been lapped by the leaders, the number of laps completed may be determined
by the number of times such yacht’s sail number has been tallied. After
the last yacht finishes, the scorers must then work back through their tally
sheet to determine which yachts, and in what order, finished the race properly.
d. Post starting positions for succeeding race.
e. Transfer race results to master score board and add up points.
f. Determine final finishing positions in the series.
b. Safety: The Race Committee should have on hand:
1. First aid equipment.
2. Phone number of first aid squad.
3. Equipment for getting boats and persons out of the water.
2. Judges
a. Authority - have the ultimate authority over all other officials in all incidents
involving interpretation and enforcement of the rules governing all aspects
of the race.
b. Must enforce all rules.
c. Oversee the race and must protest all violations of the rules.
d. Hear and decide protests.
D. Courses - all courses shall be WINDWARD-LEEWARD courses, MARKS left to PORT. See Appendix I for course diagram.
E. Starting
1. It is recommended that the starting line be a line perpendicular to the ACTUAL
WIND and set approximately 50 yards to leeward of the leeward MARK of the course
and consist of marked positions. The center of the starting line shall lie on
an extension of an imaginary line through the two MARKS of the course. Numbered
starting blocks (of two pieces of wood 5” x 5” x ½”
nailed together to form a T; paint the numbers on the top of the T; lay the
T blocks on their sides with the numbers facing away from the course, i.e.,
to leeward; nails protruding from the edge will grip the ice) shall be placed
along the starting line at intervals at least three times the length of the
runner plank, odd numbers running from the center rightward and even numbers
running from the center leftward (standing facing the course).
b. The starting blocks do not rank as MARKS of the course.
c. The leeward MARK does not have a required side until a yacht has rounded
the windward MARK for the first time.
2. Starting positions for the first race shall be drawn by lot (or shall be
determined by another means if so announced in the sailing instructions) before
the first race. Entries arriving after the drawing shall be assigned positions
on the ends of the line. For succeeding races a yacht will start at the position
corresponding to her finishing place in the immediate preceding race and DNF’s,
DSQ’s, and DNS’s shall be assigned positions at the ends of the
line by the race committee.
3. Starting Procedure
a. At the starting line the Race Committee shall announce the course, number
of laps, time limit for the race and for each lap.
b. Each yacht’s windward runner is placed at the starting block, odd numbers
on PORT TACK, even numbers on STARBOARD TACK if the PORT and STARBOARD TACK
start system is used.
c. The Race Committee shall check to make sure all yachts are laid off (headed)
similarly and the Committee has the authority to require a yacht to alter her
heading.
d. There shall be a preparatory signal approximately 1 minute before the start.
This shall be a visual signal made by the starter standing near the leeward
MARK. He shall raise a flag or raise his arms. This may be accompanied by an
audible signal (megaphone or gun).
e. The starting signal shall be the lowering of the starter’s flag or
arms. It may be accompanied by an audible signal. The visual signal governs
the start, the audible signal is only a supplement.
f. After the starting signal, skippers may begin to move their yachts away from
the starting line, either by pushing or sailing.
1. No yacht may be in forward motion at the starting signal.
2. A yacht that arrives at the starting line after the starting signal must
come to a stop
on the starting line before beginning the race.
g. It is recommended that when one class is line up on the starting line when
another class is racing, positions #2, #4, #6, #8, and #10 (the first five boats
on the STARBOARD TACK) be vacated to leave room for yachts finishing to clear
the finish line.
F. Finishing
1. The finish line is 200 to 300 ft. long and perpendicular to the ACTUAL WIND.
It lies between a stake between the Race Committee and the leeward MARK. The
Race Committee and stake are placed so that a yacht crossing the finish line
from the direction of the windward MARK shall leave the leeward MARK on her
PORT side.
a. The finish line shall be shifted at any time so as to remain perpendicular
to the ACTUAL WIND.
b. Yachts are required to pass over the finish line only at the finish. On previous
laps of the course they need not cross the finish line.
2. A yacht finishes when any part of her hull or equipment crosses the finish
line from the direction of the windward MARK.
3. The finish of the first yacht shall be indicated by the dropping of a flag
by the Race Committee, this may be supplemented by an audible signal.
G. Time Limit
1. Lap Time Limit - time allowed for sailing any lap of the course.
a. The Race Committee establishes and announces the lap time limit. Individual
clubs, classes, or associations may have a predetermined time per mile in their
rules.
b. If at any time during a race no yacht completes any lap within the lap time
limit, the race must be CANCELLED or POSTPONED.
c. Valid Race - A race is valid if any yacht makes each lap within the time
limit.
d. Example case: If the lap time limit is 9 minutes, the leading yacht must
complete the first lap before the starting time (ST) plus 9 minutes. If the
leader completes the first lap at ST plus 7 minutes, her time at the completion
of the lap (L1) is noted and the yacht leading (not necessarily the leader at
L1) at the completion of the second lap must complete that second lap before
L1 plus 9 minutes. (In this case, within 16 minutes of starting time.) Her time
is noted (L2). L2 plus 9 minutes is the time for any yacht to complete the third
lap, and so on for each lap.
2. Over All Time Limit - Any yacht not finishing within 30 minutes of the first
yacht shall be designated Did Not Finish (DNF). This time limit may be altered
by class, club, or association rules.
H. CANCELING, POSTPONING, ABANDONING, Changing Course
1. The Race Committee may CANCEL, POSTPONE, or change the course before the
start provided it informs all yachts verbally or in writing.
2. The Race Committee may CANCEL or ABANDON a race after the start if a MARK
has shifted or the course for any reason becomes unsafe.
3. The Race Committee must CANCEL or ABANDON a race after the start if no yacht
makes any lap time limit.
4. The course may not be altered after the start.
5. All yachts concerned shall be notified as to the date, time and place of
the resail of a POSTPONED or ABANDONED race.
6. The signal for CANCELING or ABANDONING a race shall be the firing of a gun
and the placement of a visual signal (flag, flare) at the leeward MARK.
I. Dead Heat - In the case of a dead heat in any one race, add the points for the place for which the yachts are tied and the place (or places, if more than two yachts are involved in the tie) immediately below the tied yachts and divide equally. Any yacht finishing immediately after the tied yachts shall be awarded the position corresponding to one worse than the number of yachts finishing ahead of her.
J. Accidents
1. In the event of an accident, the Race Committee may ABANDON or CANCEL the
race. Each yacht must render every possible assistance to any yacht or person
in peril, even if the person in peril is not racing. A yacht that renders assistance
may file a written request for compensatory points and the Judges may award
her points equal to her worst race in the series, disregarding the race in question,
did not starts, did not finishes, and disqualifications.
2. A skipper of a yacht in distress shall make every attempt to signal all passing
yachts and, if possible the Judges whether he is seriously injured or not. If
he is not, he should get out of his cockpit and stand up and walk around the
yacht.
K. Resailed Races; When a race is to be resailed:
1. All yachts entered in the original race shall be eligible to sail the resailed
race.
2. Subject to the entry requirements of the original race, and at the discretion
of the Judges, new entries may be accepted.
3. Rule infringements in the original race shall be disregarded.
4. The Race Committee shall advise the yachts concerned of the date, time and
place of the resailed race.
The purpose of the following rules is to prevent collisions. Any infraction
of these rules is cause for disqualification.
A. Fair Sailing - In all situations the Judges, Race Committee, and
contestants must act in terms of common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.
B. Right-of-Way Rules
1. A yacht in motion shall keep clear of a yacht stopped.
2. A yacht sailing OFF-THE-WIND shall keep clear of a yacht sailing ON-THE-WIND.
3. When two yachts are sailing ON-THE-WIND, the yacht on the PORT TACK shall
keep clear of the yacht on the STARBOARD TACK.
4. When two yachts are sailing OFF-THE-WIND, the yacht on the PORT TACK shall
keep clear of the yacht on the STARBOARD TACK. When two yachts sailing ON-THE-WIND
are on the same tack, the WINDWARD YACHT shall keep clear. When two yachts sailing
OFF-THE-WIND are on the same tack, the LEEWARD YACHT shall keep clear.
5. A right-of-way yacht shall not alter her course so as to mislead or prevent
a non-right-of-way yacht from keeping clear. When a faster moving yacht approaches
another yacht on the same tack from the rear, the faster yacht must not sail
so close that the slower yacht cannot keep clear.
6. A yacht may not TACK or JIBE so as to involve the probability of collision
with another yacht which, owing to her position or speed, cannot keep clear.
7. A yacht approaching and unable to clear an OBSTRUCTION with out fouling or
endangering another yacht may signal the other yacht for room to clear. The
signaled yacht shall at once give room and if it is necessary for her to TACK
or JIBE, the signaling yacht shall also TACK or JIBE immediately thereafter.
8. When approaching or rounding a MARK, an OUTSIDE yacht shall keep clear and
a faster moving yacht approaching another yacht from the rear shall stay clear
of a yacht that has started her rounding maneuver. Each yacht shall be entitled
to room to cross the finish line.
9. After finishing a race, a yacht shall keep clear of the course and yachts
still racing.
C. Sailing the Course
1. At the start, a yacht must be laid off (headed) similarly to other yachts
on the line. A skipper may demand that the race committee require another yacht
to change the degree to which she is laid off.
2. A yacht shall be disqualified without protest if she starts prematurely.
3. A yacht fouling a MARK (except when avoiding an accident), not leaving a
MARK on the required side, or not rounding all MARKS in proper sequence, shall
be disqualified.
D. Propulsion - A yacht may not employ any means of propulsion other
than the action of the wind on the sails. However, the crew (unassisted by anyone
except for reasons of physical disability as authorized by the Judges) may push
the yacht to leave the starting line or to return the yacht to wind propulsion
when necessary. Other pushing shall be cause for disqualification.
E. Ballast - A yacht must start and finish a race with the same ballast
and crew.
December 1, 1973
1. The Sailing Rules and Race Management Rules are designed to provide a safe
and fair race. The rules should not be used with tactical advantage as a prime
concern, but rather should be used to avoid collisions.
2. Sailors should realize that iceboat racing rules differ from sailboat racing
rules in a number of fundamental ways, most prominent of which are: starboard
tack does not always have right-of-way; windward yacht has right-of-way off
the wind; there is NO two length rule at an iceboat course mark.
3. The rules do not allow boats to collide at the start or shortly thereafter
and all sailing rules apply here as they do elsewhere on the course.
4. Rule #8 giving each yacht room to finish is for the ends of the line and
is designed to keep the Race Committee from getting killed, and to avoid general
havoc in the finishing area. Port tack yachts shall keep clear of starboard
tack yachts except at the Committee end of the line where port tack must be
given room to finish. At the ends of the line, a windward yacht must allow a
leeward yacht room to finish.
5. Once the forward most part of the yacht catching up from behind has come
past the after most part of the yacht ahead, one yacht is windward, and other
leeward. The yachts must then be governed by their responsibilities as windward
and leeward yachts.
October 1, 1977
Under the rules of the National Iceboat Authority, Part 11, D., Courses, all
courses shall be WINDWARD LEEWARD COURSES. By definition this is a course sailed
around two MARKS, not three MARKS. Therefore, the requirement that yachts round
a "Darling Mark" set inside the LEEWARD MARK is contrary to National
Iceboat Authority rules and is not permitted.
New APPENDIX IV and New APPENDIX V establish a Protest Form and Protest Procedure.
A. Structure of the Protest Committee
1. The protest committee shall consist of 3 or more persons, who shall be referred
to as Judges. It is recommended that there be an odd number of Judges so that
there will not be a tie vote in a divided decision.
2. An interested party may give testimony in the protest hearing but shall not
take part in the discussion or decision. An interested party is: a competitor
in the series in which the incident occurred or, in a protest against the actions
of the race committee, a member of the race committee for the series.
B. Protest Committee Procedure
In a protest hearing, the Judges should give equal weight to all testimony;
should recognize that honest testimony can vary and even be in conflict as a
result of different observations and recollections; should resolve such differences
as best it can; should recognize that no yacht is guilty until her infringement
has been established to the satisfaction of the Judges; should keep an open
mind until all the evidence has been submitted as to whether the protestor or
the protestee or a third yacht, when one is involved in the incident, has infringed
a rule.
1. Preliminaries:
1. 1 Note on the protest the time at which it is received by the race committee.
1.2 Determine whether the protest meets the requirements of Rule V.A.3.a. and
3.b.
1.3 A protest that does not meet the requirements of Rule VA,3.a. and
3.b. should be refused.
1.4 Determine if the Race Committee has notified the protested party as required
by Rule V.A.4.
1.5 The protest hearing should be scheduled according to the requirements of
Rule V.A.5.
1.6 The protest and any written statement regarding the incident (preferably
photocopies), shall be available to all parties to the protest and to the protest
committee for study before the taking of evidence.
2. The Hearing
2.1 The protest committee shall ensure that:
(a) a quorum is present as required by the club, class or association organizing
the race.
(b) no interested party is a member of the protest committee or takes part in
the discussion or decision. Ask the parties to the protest whether they object
to any member on the ground of "interest".
(c) when any Judge sitting on the protest committee saw the incident, he shall
give his evidence as a witness only in the presence of the parties to the protest
and may be questioned.
2.2 The parties to the protest (with a language interpreter, when needed) shall
have the right to be present throughout the hearing. Each witness, unless he
is a Judge sitting on the protest committee, shall be excluded except when giving
his evidence. Observers may be admitted at the discretion of the Judges.
2.3 Invite first the protestor and then the protestee(s) to give their accounts
of the incident. Each may question the other(s). Questions by the Judges, except
for clarifying details, are preferably deferred until all accounts have been
presented. Models are useful. Positions before and after the incident itself
are often helpful.
2.4 Invite the protestor and then the protestee to call witnesses. They may
be questioned by the protestor and protestee as well as by the Judges. The Judges
may also call witnesses.
2.5 Invite first the protestor and then the protestee to make a final statement
of his case, including any application or interpretation of the rules to the
incident as he sees it.
2.6 The Judges may adjourn a hearing in order to obtain additional evidence.
3. Decision
3.1 The Judges, after dismissing those involved in the incident, shall decide
what the relevant facts are.
3.2 The Judges shall then apply the rules and reach a decision as to who, if
anyone, infringed a rule and what rule was infringed.
3.3 Having reached a decision, put it in writing, then recall the protestor
and protestee and read to them the facts found, the decision and the basis for
the decision. Any rules infringed should be identified in the decision.
3.4 Any party to the protest is entitled to a copy of the decision signed by
the Chairman of the Judges. A copy should also be filed with the Judges' records.
4. Yachts found to have infringed the rules should be penalized according to
the provisions of Rule V.13.2.
5. If it is determined that a yacht's chances to win a prize were prejudiced
by a rule infringement of the Race Committee, Rule V.13.3 provides that the
Judges may order the race resailed according to Rule II.K. It is recommended
that the rules of the race organizers should provide for an alternative to resailing
the race, such as (but not limited to) (1) awarding the prejudiced yacht a finish
position equal to that of her worst race in the series, (2) award her a finish
equal to the average of her finishes in the other races of the series.
Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the NATIONAL ICEBOAT AUTHORITY.
Article II. Objects
The organization was formed to act as a body that will advise iceboating enthusiasts
on the proper methods of conducting iceboating races and to establish a set
of racing rules and then to handle appeals from protests and advise iceboaters
as to the proper interpretation and application of these rules; to encourage
the establishment of local iceboat clubs; to provide a medium for the exchange
of ideas for the purpose of developing better rules for the conduct and regulation
of iceboat racing; to provide a common meeting place for an annual dinner for
commingling of members, the exchange of ideas, and developing of personal and
social relationships among iceboat enthusiasts.
Article III.
Section 1: Its membership shall consist of:
(a) Iceboat associations and clubs.
(b) Individual members who are persons interested in promoting safety in iceboating.
Section 2: All the above classes of membership shall, upon payment of the initiation
fees and any levied dues, be eligible to receive all publications of the AUTHORITY
and to be represented at the annual symposium of the AUTHORITY.
Article IV. Directors
Section 1: The directors of the AUTHORITY shall be six in number, namely: Charles
Boston, Elmer A. Millenbach, Thomas K. Nichols, Jane Pegel, Robert E. Pegel,
John E. Ripp.
Section 2: A director shall hold office until such time as he wishes to retire
or is expelled by unanimous vote of the other directors. At such time, the association
he represents (or other group as chosen by the directors) shall submit names
of replacements to the directors and they shall choose a replacement.
Article V. Duties of Directors
Section 1: Acting as a group, the directors will hear and decide, in conformity
with the Racing Rules, all appeals involving the interpretation of the Racing
Rules of the AUTHORITY by the Judges and (or) Race Committee of any association
or club which is a member of the AUTHORITY, providing the local hearing body
gives its consent.
Section 2: The directors may amend the Racing Rules by a four-fifths vote.
Section 3: The directors shall choose, from among their ranks, one member to
serve as Secretary-Treasurer. This person shall keep a record of the proceedings
of all meetings of the directors; shall keep a roll of members; shall collect
all moneys and deposit same in a bank approved by the directors; shall pay all
bills and keep an accurate account of same; shall see that all before mentioned
reports are sent to members; shall receive appeals.
Section 4: The directors will consider and act upon application for membership
in the AUTHORITY.
Section 5: The directors shall see to it that there is available for sale to
iceboat enthusiasts a supply of books containing the Racing Rules and shall
handle the sale of these in a manner so as to cover the cost of the service.
Article VI. Representation
When a new director is chosen, care must be taken so that he represents a group
that is numerous at the time.
Article VII. Meetings
Section 1: The directors shall meet at such times and places that are convenient
to them. Such meetings may be by mail.
Section 2: Meetings to hear appeals must be held with all reasonable promptness
from the time the Secretary receives an appeal.
Section 3: Four-fifths representation of the directors (in person or by proxy)
shall constitute a quorum. Except a director shall not take part in a hearing
of an appeal involving a yacht in which he was an owner or on which he was a
sailor at the time of the incident in question. A three-fourths majority of
directors present is required for passage of any motion.
Section 4: The directors (wholly or singly) must preside over a general meeting
of all members to be held annually at a time and place to be announced by the
directors in the annual report of the previous year. At this meeting discussion
will be held pertaining to subjects on an agenda, the contents of which shall
be announced at the beginning of the meeting. The chairman, selected by the
directors from among their ranks, may limit discussion as he sees fit. Individual
members of the AUTHORITY are eligible to attend this meeting. Each club and
association member may send two delegates to represent it.
Article VIII. Initiation Fees and Dues
Section 1: Members shall pay an initiation fee in these amounts:
(a) Associations: $10.00
(b) Local Clubs: $5.00
(c) Individuals: $2.00
Section 2: Dues to the extent of the initiation fee may be levied annually.
Members will be billed on November 1. Dues shall be paid by January 1, and on
March 1 delinquent members will be removed from the roll.
Article IX. Resignation and Expulsion
The membership of any Association, Club, or individual may be forfeited by voluntary
withdrawal or disbandment, by non-payment of levied dues before March 1 of each
year, or by a four-fifths vote of the directors.
Article X. Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted at any meeting of the board of
directors by a unanimous vote of those present.
Article XI. Policy
Section 1: This organization is organized exclusively for and is and will be
operated exclusively for the purposes specified in Article II “Objects”
as set forth above;
Section 2: No part of its net income will inure to the benefit of any individuals
or persons whomsoever;
Section 3: It will not devote a substantial part of its activities to influence
legislation, or participate in a political campaign for or against any candidate
for office;
Section 4: In the event of dissolution its net assets, if any, shall be distributed
to such organization, exempt from income taxes under section 501© subparagraphs
3 or 7 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as is then chosen by the then Directors
of this organization.