Racing Rules Committee – 2 x Members 

The Racing Rules Committee is responsible for interpreting, promoting the understanding of, and seeking improvements to the Racing Rules of Sailing. 

The main role of the Committee is to determine appeals and requests for confirmation and correction arising from events using the Racing Rules of Sailing.  Significant work is also put into developing and maintaining the RYA’s racing rules guidance and supporting the RYA with educating the wider racing public. Committee members are split into Teams dealing with Rules Publications, the Case Book, Rules Advice, Proposals to World Sailing, and Education. 

The Committee has two vacancies: one for a permanent ‘Standing Member’ of the Committee, and another for a ‘Development Member’. The latter is a development role which is a two year appointment. It is one of two positions on the Committee specifically allocated for those who are still developing their knowledge and experience as a judge or umpire and who would benefit from being involved in the work of the Committee to help deepen their understanding of the racing rules and the associated processes. 

The Committee meets around ten times a year, primarily online, with much of the work undertaken between meetings digitally. Meetings usually take place at 5:45pm and last for around 90 minutes by Microsoft Teams. One meeting is held in person in December in London. 

These are un-remunerated roles, however expenses are available for any in-person meeting attendance. The successful applicants can, if they wish, have a mentor appointed from the existing Committee members to help them in their new role. 

Interested applicants are invited to email an expression of interest to racingrules@rya.org.uk by Friday 15 May 2026. The email should explain the applicant’s background in sailing, any race officiating or rules experience, and why they are interested in the particular role applied for.