Signing Off

I'm with Rick and Matt on this. For the most part, the so called safety systems are a pain and probably wouldn't actually save anyone as in 99% of cases the 'search' only starts (if it starts at all) after a time limit (and usually thats quite generous. The search then proceeds (with little or no urgency) into the dinghy park, the changing rooms, the bar / galley / wherever and then the "did anyone see him go home / out on the water etc" questioning starts. So eventually a signing off sheet might help the race / rescue team to realise someone really is missing - by which time - -

As to rules observance - actually it's easier to cheat with the signing off system than a system where you have to actively retire.

I know because it's happened to me - I once started a protest against an individual who was clearly in the wrong. . He admitted it, apologised for his error of judgement and said he'd retire. I checked the sheet when I signed off and he hadn't signed off - all well and good so I went back to my accomodation.

The next day, he had a result - and when I confronted him, he said his Dad had made him sign off because he knew I'd left the site and wouldn't know!!!!

The protest committee wouldn't hear a late protest. My point is he couldn't have done that if he'd had to 'actively' retire as I'd have seen his signature in the relevant box, or if not insisted he signed it to retire.

I also don't buy into the 'walk of shame' or saving face theory - in my view there's no shame in admitting a mistake - it shows maturity and good sportsmanship.

I've read this thread again and I must say I hate those Race Officers who enjoy kicking people out of a race just becuase hey haven't signed off.  When I'm RO I go round and ask people who have forgotten to sign off when they can.

I once beat an arch rival only to discover that I hadn't signed on!  Since we sail on an estuary and mostly out of sight of the club we have strict policy of sign on and off.  So that was me out.  It didn't matter long term though - I still had that satisfied glow.

We are meant to sign on and off to abide with local rules & regs but have not been very good about enforcing it. 

As we are as small club the OOD is aware of all competitors coming off the water so the signing off is not the method practically used to see if competitors are safely home. Also Patrol boats are meant to stay out until all competitors are ashore.  We had better decide what they should do if someone wants to go and play.  Say that if they do not go straight ashore they are no longer a competitor?  They do have an hour to sign off.

Yes, burdon. At our club it's a 100m walk and you have to sign off within 15 minutes of finishing so you can't stay out and practice. Also there is never a pen, the sheet gets wet and can't be written on, you have to wait for up to 50 sailors to sign first and when you forget it's a bloody long run in a harness when the 5 min gun has already gone! I'm glad at your club it's easy but at mine it's a waste of time and pain in the transom.