Recommend a Candidate to be an Umpire

  • Recommend a Candidate to Be an Umpire

    Please use this form to provide a reference for someone who is applying to be a US Sailing umpire. Your reply will be held in strict confidence. The candidate will not see this reference unless you permit it.

  • Completing this form is voluntary. You should know the candidate well enough to evaluate his or her suitability, performance and preparation for the appointment he or she is seeking. If you answer "No" to either of the next two questions, please click "Next" and submit the form. Otherwise, please continue to complete the form. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Race Administration Director for guidance.

  • If you are unable or unwilling to complete this section, please answer the two questions below and submit the form.

  • Have you observed the candidate sufficiently in his or her desired role to be able to evaluate his or her performance?*
  • Are you willing to complete this evaluation?*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Are you a certified race official?*

  • Personal Attributes

    US Sailing race officials are expected to have the highest personal standards of integrity and fairness in addition to suitable technical skills for the certification they seek.

    Do you have any knowledge that this candidate:

    • Lacks honesty, integrity or fairness
    • Is unable to maintain appropriate confidentiality
    • Has a record of misconduct
    • Has a record of serious criminal conviction(s) or is listed on a sex offender registry
  • Personal Attributes Issues Answers*

  • Candidate's Performance as an Umpire

    Please describe the most significant events at which you observed the applicant's work when he or she was a member of the umpire team (up to three).
  • Did you work with the candidate as a member of the umpire team at an event ?*

  • Your Evaluation of the Applicant's Skills

    For each category below, please mark "Meets the standard," "Does not yet meet the standard" or "Don't know." Please make specific comments in each section, particularly in areas where the candidate has special strengths or would benefit from improvement.

  • Meets the Standard - You have evidence that the candidate meets the majority of the criteria listed in each section below and that, in your opinion, he or she is qualified to be a US Sailing Umpire at the level for which he or she is applying.

    Does Not Yet Meet the Standard - You have evidence that the candidate does not yet meet the majority of the criteria listed in each section below and that, in your opinion, he or she is not yet qualified to be a US Sailing Umpire at the level for which he or she is applying.

    Don't Know - You do not have sufficient evidence to form a considered judgment for this standard.

    For more information about the qualifications for certification at each level, please refer to the Umpire Program Qualifications on the US Sailing website.

  • OBSERVATION - The candidate: Identifies the correct boat most of the time • Concentrates on own issue, avoiding other issues when these are distracting • Spots issues from boats racing: Y flags, red flags, yellow flags, damage, breakdown flags, interference, breakdowns • Observes own race and is able to smoothly switch coverage when necessary • Observes relevant race committee actions: start sequence, recalls, and course changes • Observes other races and notes when other umpires require assistance • Is able to act as a reliable witness for post-race hearings
  • COMMUNICATION – The candidate: Speaks the key facts, rule transitions and decisions concisely as they occur • Listens to and takes into account fellow umpire’s opinions and observations • Uses internationally acceptable terminology • Gives and receives proper wing boat calls when applicable • Uses the radio properly, including procedures and response to calls • Clearly describe incidents after the race, both afloat and ashore • Communicates clearly and calmly with fellow-umpires, competitors and organizers.
  • RULES APPLICATION AND DECISIONS – The candidate: Has a clear understanding of definitions affecting on-the-water rules • Identifies right-of-way boat most of the time • Identifies basic obligations and opportunities most of the time • Identifies the precise moment of rule transition • Recognizes the principles of rules 15 and 16 • Identifies breaches of rule 42 • Identifies obstructions when relevant and when these rules come into force • Processes and calls multiple incidents involving multiple boats and obligations occurring in rapid succession • Understands protest committee procedures • Demonstrates knowledge of rules, cases and calls on the water and in rules discussions and debriefings • Applies rules, cases and calls correctly • Makes consistent decisions • Understands and correctly implements umpire-initiated, black flag, red flag, double and twin penalties.
  • BOAT DRIVING AND POSITIONING – The candidate: Is able to safely operate small powerboats • Correctly prepares, leaves/returns to mooring/dock, goes to and returns from the course safely, transfers personnel safely, never places passengers at risk, avoids rushing around • Is able to follow the basic position plan, modifying when appropriate • Maintains correct distance from and angle to race boats 80/90% of the time • Understands and predicts standard match and team racing maneuvers (RU: cross discipline expertise not required) • Is able to state the options for the next 10 seconds and identify the most likely option 70/80% of the time • Makes smooth transitions between scenarios • Responds rapidly when out of position • Causes low level of interference with any race
  • TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOR – The candidate: Accepts World Sailing rules and calls and complies with US Sailing code of conduct • Is a team player and pulls his/her own weight within the team • Maintains good relations with umpires, organizers and race committee • Shows no bias, positive or negative, to any competitor • (NU: Handles post-race debriefs in a manner that encourages learning and improvement for self, other umpires and competitors) • Works well under pressure and makes and signals timely, accurate decisions • Is willing to learn and accept change • Is punctual • Respects other people's property and uses it with care • Abstains from alcohol until the day's work is done • Avoids unauthorized communication with the media
  • PHYSICAL FITNESS – The candidate: Is able to spend long days on the water in small boats in challenging conditions and maintain focus • Is able to transfer safely between small boats afloat in moderate conditions and able to stand in proper position to umpire • Has adequate hearing, eyesight and voice to function as an umpire • Is able to participate and contribute in meetings and debriefings after long days on the water
  • Experience and Activity – The candidate: Understands the game of match or team racing through his/her own racing and/or umpiring experience • Has adequate event experience

  • Recommendation and Form Submission

  • May we share some or all of this recommendation with the candidate?

  • Thank you for your time and effort in completing this recommendation. US Sailing appreciates your support of the certified officials program.

    If you need to discuss any information related to this recommendation, please feel free to contact the Race Administration Director at US Sailing.

    Please feel free to share your recommendation with the candidate if you wish by forwarding the emailed copy you will receive after pressing submit.

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