Lead By Example

Dave Rosekrans, President of US Sailing, speaks on the promotion of proper ethical behavior amongst the future of our sport, our junior sailors.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to mention a great tool that any organization can create to promote proper ethical behavior amongst the future of our sport, our junior sailors. US Sailing, the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound, and Larchmont Yacht Club have developed a poster on ethics guidelines. The poster can be displayed at any sailing event, whether it’s a sailing class or a race. The text was developed by the junior sailors themselves and it is included below (please feel free to copy). I highly encourage other youth sailing programs to take on a similar project of developing sportsmanship/ethics guidelines:

Respected Sailors Always:
1. Know and abide by the Racing Rules. They promptly:
– Take a penalty or retire when they know they broke a rule, or
– File a protest when appropriate.
2. Obey event regulations, on and off the water, including housing rules.
3. Are organized, prepared and responsible for their own equipment.
4. Show respect to fellow sailors and those helping to run regattas and
programs.

Respected Sailors Never:
1. Swear at, intimidate or harass anyone, including teammates, on or off the water.
2. Steal or borrow, without permission, anything that does not belong to them.
3. Break laws related to alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.”

Paul Elvstrom (Four-time Olympic gold medalist), commented: “You haven’t won the race if, in winning the race, you have lost the respect of your competitors.”