hmm... the protester has nada to do with measuring anything... nor does the protest committee.
This is perhaps an oversimplification. The PC has to gather facts to determine if a class rule (in this case, a measurement rule) is broken. That may include taking testimony from those familiar with the measurement system, and possibly even conducting a measurement.
The protester has to make his case to the protest committee. He has to provide reasonable "facts"... which would persuade the protest committee to order a remeasure of the offending sail and put the regatta standings into provisional status pending the outcome or toss they guy completely and let him appeal.
The protestor doesn't have to provide the measurement facts, he simply has to identify any rule(s) he believes were broken. The Protest Committee has to take testimony and find facts.
If, however, the PC is in doubt about the meaning of a measurement rule (including being unfamiliar with a measurement process), it
shall refer its questions, together with the relevant facts, to an authority responsible for interpreting the rule. In the case of a handicap rating system, that is the organization that issued the handicap or rating certificate. See RRS 64.3(b). I believe that most Protest Committees would either defer to a measurement certificate, or order a re-measurement by the handicapping organization.
They can ask... Sir, would you take on measuring my sail? ... You say... Opportunity.... the going rate is 400 bucks for after bar service....
Take a look at RRS 64.3(d). It says: "Measurement costs arising from a protest involving a measurement rule shall be paid by the unsuccessful party unless the protest committee decides otherwise". So, if you protest someone for an oversize sail, and it measures in, you'll have to pay any measurement fees.
The OA has no problem... the Protest committee has no problem. You the knowledgeable measure guru has no problem.... the only guy with a problem is the owner of a sail that the PN committe had reason to believe was cheating.
Again, an oversimplification. At an event that requires measurement, the Organizing Authority would be wise to have an official Event Measurer on hand.
I hope that helps,
Eric
