I would also like to add that this is not so much about me not knowing the rules - I know the difference between right and wrong. This is about other competitors’ honesty, their attempts to intimidate witnesses not to come forward with exculpatory evidence, and how that taints the protest hearing process, combined with an unreasonably short appeal or redress period.
The competitor who filed the dishonest protest had a coach who alleged he had video of the non-existent rule violation, which was used to discourage other witnesses from coming forward on my behalf. After he accomplished the goal of making sure all witnesses said they would not come forward, the coach admitted he had no video. This is clearly a RRS 2 and a RRS 69 violation.
Thank you again, Ms. Wood. I think the other thing is that the rules for a youth regatta are as stringent as an Open ("adult") regatta. One U.S. Sailing Judge, who has a daughter I know, suggested that to learn, it would be good for "non-parties" to the protest who are youth sailors to have an opportunity to observe protests to learn. I know Mr. Ficker's grandson, and his article is available to me -- but observing live protests would really help me as a youth sailor.
This is a well written article and the author's poise is to be commended. That being said, the first rule cited in the notice of race and sailing instructions (two documents that govern how the event will be run) says "This event will be run in accordance with the rules in the "Racing Rules of Sailing." I would suggest that the author seek out a judge, or a coach, and walk through the what ALL of the applicable rules mean, study up on how to win a protest (there are numerous articles on this topic) and understand the process of the timing of a selection event. This was her second protest. As she progresses in her development on a national/world stage, she will have to learn from mistakes and be better prepared to defend herself "in the room." Congratulations on your performance on the water. It was truly a difficult for all.
A clear write up of a tough situation, Paloma. Remember a Youth Worlds berth is available through the 2026 Midwinters East and West Champs… https://ilcanasailing.org/major-regattas
Thank you again for your feedback. As I shared below, Dr. Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire made public comments and stated that the Protest Committee erred. Please see below. Respectfully, Paloma.
Ms. Wood, thank you again. I have another comment. I have now spoken to a judge, he said the hearing or redress should have been reopened once the motives of the other competitors were considered. Also, the coach of the protestor said he had video evidence, which discouraged my witness from testifying. Later, the same coach said there was no video evidence.
Brynijo, thank you so much for your support! I like your profile photo in Avalon I go there all the time with my dad. If you are in the Newport Beach area, my dad and I would love to meet you some time. Sincerely, Paloma
That's a very common issue: learning about something that could help you...after the fact. Unfortunately, as this was a qualifier, the window to reopen the hearing was very narrow (as detail in the SIs). Unless you can request to reopen in a short amount of time, this is now all part of a tough lesson learned.
Ms. Wood, we respectfully disagree and we now have the opinion of a U.S. Sailing Judge to back that up. The right thing for you to do is to restore my first place finish and put my name forward as the U19 USA representative at the World Youth Championships. We did file an appeal. I know now that my right to due process was not respected and the committee disqualified me in error. Respectfully, Paloma.
"I read Paloma’s heartbreaking story, but wondered if the Protest Committee had errored in their decision. I reviewed the NoR and SI’s to determine if the error in the RRS 2024 had been corrected….it was not. The rule under validity states that the protest is invalid if it comes from an individual who was not involved in or did not see the incident.
Clearly the protestor was not involved in the incident and thus the protest was invalid and should not have been heard. A young sailor going to the room should have access to a fair hearing.
This error in the rule book was discussed at our appeals committee meeting in June and Dave Perry tasked us to review SIs make the change and notify clubs in our areas. Clearly, US Sailing missed this memo. It is unfortunate that Paloma was disqualified without recourse, and my hat is off to this young lady for her courage and stamina
- Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire"
Bill Ficker's article "How to Prepare a Protest and a Defense," found in the back of "Dave Perry's 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes" is a good resource.
I would also like to add that this is not so much about me not knowing the rules - I know the difference between right and wrong. This is about other competitors’ honesty, their attempts to intimidate witnesses not to come forward with exculpatory evidence, and how that taints the protest hearing process, combined with an unreasonably short appeal or redress period.
The competitor who filed the dishonest protest had a coach who alleged he had video of the non-existent rule violation, which was used to discourage other witnesses from coming forward on my behalf. After he accomplished the goal of making sure all witnesses said they would not come forward, the coach admitted he had no video. This is clearly a RRS 2 and a RRS 69 violation.
Thank you again, Ms. Wood. I think the other thing is that the rules for a youth regatta are as stringent as an Open ("adult") regatta. One U.S. Sailing Judge, who has a daughter I know, suggested that to learn, it would be good for "non-parties" to the protest who are youth sailors to have an opportunity to observe protests to learn. I know Mr. Ficker's grandson, and his article is available to me -- but observing live protests would really help me as a youth sailor.
This is a well written article and the author's poise is to be commended. That being said, the first rule cited in the notice of race and sailing instructions (two documents that govern how the event will be run) says "This event will be run in accordance with the rules in the "Racing Rules of Sailing." I would suggest that the author seek out a judge, or a coach, and walk through the what ALL of the applicable rules mean, study up on how to win a protest (there are numerous articles on this topic) and understand the process of the timing of a selection event. This was her second protest. As she progresses in her development on a national/world stage, she will have to learn from mistakes and be better prepared to defend herself "in the room." Congratulations on your performance on the water. It was truly a difficult for all.
A clear write up of a tough situation, Paloma. Remember a Youth Worlds berth is available through the 2026 Midwinters East and West Champs… https://ilcanasailing.org/major-regattas
Thank you, Mr. Williamson! I appreciate your message. Sincerely, Paloma.
Thank you again for your feedback. As I shared below, Dr. Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire made public comments and stated that the Protest Committee erred. Please see below. Respectfully, Paloma.
Ms. Wood, thank you again. I have another comment. I have now spoken to a judge, he said the hearing or redress should have been reopened once the motives of the other competitors were considered. Also, the coach of the protestor said he had video evidence, which discouraged my witness from testifying. Later, the same coach said there was no video evidence.
Ms. Wood, thank you very much for taking the time to post your comment. It means a lot to me. I think you wrote an article that I really liked ("Perseverance to Pathways..." see https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2020/07/27/covid-19-perseverance-to-pathways/) that appears on Scuttlebutt, and it is inspirational.
I do know about Rule 69. But I welcome the opportunity to learn more. Sincerely - Paloma
Shocking. And kudos to Paloma for her resilience.
Certainly video on marks would make sense.
Lacking that, I'm surprised that at such a major event there wasn't a mark boat, or committee observing mark roundings.
I was also wondering if protester immediately hailed “protest” as I thought that was a requirement.
Congrats on spectacular sailing, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
Brynijo, thank you so much for your support! I like your profile photo in Avalon I go there all the time with my dad. If you are in the Newport Beach area, my dad and I would love to meet you some time. Sincerely, Paloma
Season is June 1 to Sept 15, though open to shorter residencies: https://gl52series.com/team-fjord/
That's a very common issue: learning about something that could help you...after the fact. Unfortunately, as this was a qualifier, the window to reopen the hearing was very narrow (as detail in the SIs). Unless you can request to reopen in a short amount of time, this is now all part of a tough lesson learned.
Ms. Wood, we respectfully disagree and we now have the opinion of a U.S. Sailing Judge to back that up. The right thing for you to do is to restore my first place finish and put my name forward as the U19 USA representative at the World Youth Championships. We did file an appeal. I know now that my right to due process was not respected and the committee disqualified me in error. Respectfully, Paloma.
Sounds like you need to take this to the protest committee and not the race committee. Again, you need to learn the proper chain of command.
"I read Paloma’s heartbreaking story, but wondered if the Protest Committee had errored in their decision. I reviewed the NoR and SI’s to determine if the error in the RRS 2024 had been corrected….it was not. The rule under validity states that the protest is invalid if it comes from an individual who was not involved in or did not see the incident.
Clearly the protestor was not involved in the incident and thus the protest was invalid and should not have been heard. A young sailor going to the room should have access to a fair hearing.
This error in the rule book was discussed at our appeals committee meeting in June and Dave Perry tasked us to review SIs make the change and notify clubs in our areas. Clearly, US Sailing missed this memo. It is unfortunate that Paloma was disqualified without recourse, and my hat is off to this young lady for her courage and stamina
- Rick Sullivan, US Sailing National Judge and Umpire"
Thank you. We filed an appeal several days ago, under the time requirements, and U.S. Sailing accepted and acknowledged that.