Appeals 

The RYA decides appeals on the interpretation of the rules arising from events in the UK. Anyone considering an appeal is advised to study rule 70 and the RYA Prescription to rule R2.1 and R2.4 (page 160 in RYA publication YR1/13).

Appeals From Protest Committee Decisions

Appeals from events in the UK must be submitted to the RYA in accordance with rule 70 and appendix R, including the RYA Prescription to rule R2.1 and R2.4. Appeals are decided by the RYA Racing Rules Committee. Typically a decision is made about 3 months after the time the appeal is submitted.

Appeal decisions are often delayed because insufficient information is provided. It is important that protest committees clearly state the facts they have found and the conclusions they have drawn from those facts. When the protest concerns an infringement of a rule of Part 2 it will invariably be necessary for the protest committee either to draw its own diagram or to endorse the diagram of one of the parties to the protest.

Appeals are decided solely on written submissions. The process is set out in Appendix R. Appellants should note that the RYA is required to accept the protest committee's finding of facts.

For Guidance on the Appeal Process, see the Appeals Guidance note in the RYA Racing Rules Guidance Booklet. 

• Download an Appeal Form (Word) 
• Download an Appeal Form (PDF)

Other Appeals

A protest committee may request confirmation or correction of its decision. Having established the facts, the protest committee may refer its decision when it is unclear about its interpretation of the rules.

A club or other affiliated organisation may request an interpretation of the rules. This is appropriate when a formal answer is required. Otherwise it may be preferable to use the Advisory Service.

RYA Case Book

The RYA Cases are selected from the appeal cases and are intended to enhance or clarify understanding of the rules. The RYA Case Book for 2013-2016 is available to download.