ISAF International Judging Seminar held in Chicago

by ISAF on 22 Apr 2006 The US Sailing hosted an ISAF International Judging Seminar at the Chicago Yacht Club on the 19-21 March 2006. The appointed ISAF Instructor was Bernard BONNEAU (FRA), assisted by Jim CAPRON (USA) as Local Instructor. Cliff BLACK (USA) did an excellent job as the seminar coordinator.

Attendance was 22, with a majority from USA. Other nations represented were BER (1), CAN (2), CHN (1), and PER (1).

The seminar was held over three days in a conference room at Chicago Yacht Club, using video presentations. Cliff BLACK and Betsy ALTMAN brought great help, facilitating the use of CYC facilities, and allowing photocoping at the club office. Food and beverages were available in the conference room. Most attendants were accommodated close to the venue. A dinner was organized by Betsy ALTMAN on Monday evening in Downtown Chicago.

All attendants had received the study questions prior to the Seminar and answers were discussed according to the relevant items of the presentation. Some questions and exercises were included in the presentation in order to favour participation and debates within the group. A practice test based on Part C (Consistency in facts found, conclusion and decision and ability to write protest decisions) had been proposed at the beginning of the Seminar; 4 groups were constituted, similar to 4 juries and cases have been debated, decided, and discussed. This exercise has been highly appreciated, as a pertinent preparation for the final test. A draft of the updated version of the Judge Manual has been distributed to all the attendants.

The whole presentation was made in 18 hours, from Sunday 1 PM to Monday 7 PM.

The 2 hours final written test was held on the Tuesday morning, extended to 2 ½ for non native English speakers, followed by a debriefing and a presentation of the answers.

20 attendants took the written test. Six were successful in passing the test.

Many thanks go to Jim CAPRON, for his help during the conduct of the Seminar, and for the excellent preparation of tests and documents.