Equipment Manipulation

The topic is considered by World Sailing as the identification of when the use of technology/equipment is no longer acceptable and provides an unfair advantage that would affect the level playing field.

Sailing, as we know it at the Olympics, is a competition between athletes, they are all supposed to be using the same equipment and ultimately, every athlete should have the same opportunities.

In July 2023 a new Equipment Scanner has been trialled.

 

The scanner allows World Sailing to make sure all the equipment looks the same and make sure the competition is not at the boat park, but on the race course.

Sailing is a technical sport where athletes are very reliant on the equipment they use and we needed this enhanced inspection equipment in order to protect the level playing field.

World Sailing also has a hotline where Equipment Manipulation can be reported.

This Hotline can be used to report suspicious approaches or activities related to equipment manipulation or the use or development of performance enhancing equipment not regulated or permitted by the rules in Olympic Classes.

As a technical sport, World Sailing rules set out to govern the use of equipment and the permitted modifications. Strengthening the integrity of our sport is vital for the values inherent to sport and the Olympic Movement.

This Hotline provides a reporting mechanism which is a fundamental provision of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions. The Olympic Agenda 2020+5, encourages International Federations to have clear and transparent rules and regulations on technological and equipment manipulation and the consequences of their infringement. Technological manipulation refers to the issue of using “performance enhancing technology” to gain a competitive advantage in a sporting event.

For all doping related reports, please use the REVEAL platform operated by the International Testing Agency.

REVEAL is a platform where you can share information about doping suspicion in a completely anonymous and secure manner – managed independently by the International Testing Agency (ITA). Every piece of information is important in the fight for clean sport and through REVEAL you can support the investigation of anti-doping rule violations or criminal behaviour.

Important considerations:

• Confidentiality: Your identity will not be disclosed to persons beyond those responsible for investigating your report, without your explicit consent.
• Anonymity: Any person can request to stay anonymous and such request will be respected by the World Sailing. However, providing certain information about you will increase the possibility for World Sailing to investigate and address the situation you have reported.

The Equipment Manipulation Hotline Notice includes details regarding protective measures and the process World Sailing will undertake following the submission of a report.