Sailing is a unique sport where the competitors are required to compete within the rules but also required to enforce them. The process of protesting another yacht is conflict that many would prefer to avoid however this leads to competitors also pushing their luck with rule infringements going occurring without consequence.

Arbitration is a process that can avoid the formality of a protest committee where a recommendation can be made on the incident. This process does not avoid the requirement to protest however it can be less confronting for those involved. Arbitration will be discussed at the next race committee meeting.

Australian Sailing Article on Arbitration