Race Officials
RACE OFFICIALS
Officials play a key role in the organisation and management of any sailing race or regatta! These officials are largely made up of volunteers who are trained by the HKSF or other national or international bodies. The HKSF provides training and certification programmes for Race Officers, Judges and Umpires from the Club to National level. Officiating is a fun way to volunteer, get involved and contribute to the running of sailing competition.
Event Volunteers are always in high demand! From helping out on site during an event to being a key member of the Organising Committee, there is a role for everyone! Below are descriptions of the key roles.
Race Officers
A Race Officer is ideally an on the water manager who is in charge of running the sailing race. Being a Race Officer places you at the heart of sailing competition. The role requires the ability to perform an entire day on-water, displaying a range of skills such as race equipment preparation, on water race management and monitoring course safety. The RO should have an overview of what is happening around the entire race course and should make decisions such as necessary course changes, postponements etc.
Event Volunteers are always in high demand! From helping out on site during an event to being a key member of the Organising Committee, there is a role for everyone! Below are descriptions of the key roles.
Umpires
An Umpire is responsible for making decisions about the rules of sailing when asked to do so by competitors and will be present on the race course to monitor the action during events. Both Match and Team Racing use a system of umpiring, in which penalties are imposed during the race, avoiding, for the most part, the need for conventional protests.
List of Currently Approved National Umpires
| Name | Status | Next renewal date |
|---|---|---|
| David Fan | IU | 30/10/2026 |
| Alain Choi Hok Lung | NU | 17/09/2027 |
At the core of sailing competition is the Racing Rules of Sailing which all participants abide by. The work of a Judge includes a wide range of services to competitors and race organisers, including the hearing of protests and requests for redress, deciding questions of eligibility and boat measurement compliance, and being present on the water watching for rule infringements.
Judges
Measurers
Measurers are specialists in Equipment Rules of Sailing and Class Rules. They ensure all sailors and their boats are compliant with relevant rules, promoting a level playing field where racing becomes a test of skill and experience rather than boat modifications. A measurer’s duties begin at registration where equipment is checked to ensure they follow the rules. The measurer can then move onto the water to check boats between races.
Measurer Program
HKSF provides training for those who wish to volunteer to help run measurement at events, or for those who simply want to learn more about the Equipment Rules of Sailing. Courses are generally run by World Sailing Instructors to introduce people to the basics of measurement. Measurers are capable of acting as Equipment Inspectors at events, promoting compliance with Class and Equipment Rules.
National Measurer
To be appointed as a National Measurer (NM), a candidate shall:
- Be a member of HKSF, and
- Have completed a National or International Measurer Clinic hosted by World Sailing (WS) or the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF). Clinics from other organizations may be accepted at the discretion of the Race Management Committee.
The qualification period shall last two years from the date of appointment.
To renew qualification as a NM, a candidate shall:
- Be a member of HKSF, and
- Have in the 24 months prior to renewal acted as Equipment Inspector for four days at qualifying events.*
*A qualifying event must be organized by an HKSF Member Club or Association, have issued proper NOR and SIs, have provisions within the NOR and SIs to allow measurement, and be properly organized. Overseas events may be considered at the discretion of the Race Management Committee.
The Race Management Committee recognizes that the National Measurer Program is in its infancy. Whilst the number of qualifying events is limited, we will work closely with the various Class Associations to introduce equipment inspection to more events. If you are unable to meet the renewal criteria due to the lack of events, we may extend the qualification period on a case-by-case basis.
Current National Measurers can be found here.
Certification Measurer
A Certification Measurer is an individual jointly recognized by HKSF and a Class Association to carry out certification control of equipment. These individuals may, to the extent the Class Rules allow, certify equipment as compliant with Class Rules. For more information, please see the guidelines here
Current Certification Measurers can be found here
If you are interested in supporting our sport and becoming a Race Officer please get in touch.