At the recent IOM World Championships in Foster City, California an allegation was made that during a race one competitor had struck another. This was immediately investigated by the International Jury and found to be true and a letter was issued to the competitor concerned informing him of the allegation and of his rights to representation at a formal hearing the following day. At the hearing witnesses and the complainant were interviewed by the International Jury in front of the accused and facts were found and agreed by all parties. The hearing was conducted precisely following all requirements and records were made of the hearing.
The person accused was found to have slapped with an open hand and made contact with the complainant’s hat. It resulted in him being shocked but not hurt. The accused apologised immediately and again later. He also apologised several times whilst in front of the International Jury and again in front of all competitors at the prize giving. The latter was applauded by competitors and acknowledged by Fred Rocha as something very special.
The accused received a DGM (non-discardable disqualification for gross misconduct), which took into account his behaviour at and after the incident and on a level as suggested by the US Sailing guidance. The President of the accused’s Sailing Federation will receive a report of the incident.
Chris Watts IJ and Chair of the IOM 2015 World Championships