Mary,

The rules allow punishing the competitor for rules broken by the coach. This should be enough to close the issue.

The second relevant question is: how fair is the rule?
It is more then fair, it is essential. Without this rule, nothing would prevent a coach from simply blocking the way of other competitors. I've seen it actually happen (Optimist - the most aggressive class in the world)

Last thought: the coach may order whatever he wants but the skipper decides what to do in his boat - kid or grownup. The skipper is punished for HIS final decision.

Best regards,