Everything you need to know about

Discards (Throw Outs)

but didn't know who to ask

The RC Help Articles are especially written for people new to the Race Committee. This article deals with discarding or throwing out the worst scores.

Discarding is always a hot topic among Race Directors. Some prefer no discards at all while others like a lot of discards. Some base discards on competitor performance while others on the number of completed heats or races in the Event. It does make a difference!

No discards. "There will be no discards. All races are to be counted".

Advantages: these RD's think racing is a test of superior skill, strategy and equipment, period.

Disadvantages: no discards unfairly penalizes bad luck, equipment failures, personal injury, safety and skill level concerns, work schedules, etc.

A lot of discards. "Regardless of the number of races, only your best three will be counted".

Advantages: these RD's think racing should be fun and lots of discards is a good way to help make it more fun.

Disadvantages: too may discards may promote the wrong attitude. "I'll race as long as the wind is good then leave and let my discards take care of the missed races".

Discards based on competitor performance. "If you complete all seven races you can throw out your worst two race results; if you complete only six races, you can only throw out your worst race; if you complete five races or less, you can't throw out any race results".

Advantages: these RD's think this system encourages racers to finish every race.

Disadvantages: it's racer unfriendly and compromises competition fairness because it treats everyone differently and heavily penalizes racers who fail to complete the required number of races due to the factors listed above in #1. It's also scorekeeper unfriendly as they have to count the number of races each competitor finished. Most knowledgeable racers don't like this kind of discarding rule!

Discards based on the number of complete races or heats in an Event. A lot of NOA's recommend "One discard if the Event has four completed races, two for seven and three for eleven or more".

Advantages: it rewards faithful race attendance and the attitude of hanging in there" until the end. It's a good balance between no discards and too many discards. It's racer friendly as it treats everybody alike. It's scorekeeper friendly as they figure the same number of discards for every competitor. Most knowledgeable racers like this rule!

Disadvantages: can't think of any.

Not all race results can be discarded. DSQ (DiSQualification) scores under IRR, specifically Fundamental Rule C, Fair Sailing and Fundamental Rule D, Accepting Penalties, shall become a DND (DoNotDiscard) and can not be discarded. When a racer violates a Right of Way Rule and declines the Alternative Penalty (doesn't do a 720 degree turn when permitted in the Notice of Race), you convert the DSQ into a DND. This is the only Penalty Score that you can convert to a DND! All others can be discarded. The reason for the DND is to encourage racers to perform the Alternative Penalty, compete safely and observe Right of Way Rules. Otherwise, a racer may elect to sail recklessly until his or her allowable discards are used up.

If you're just starting a racing program in your area, keep it simple and use your NOA's recommended discard rule. For US Windsurfing, it's 1/4, 2/7 and 3/11+ heats or races. If you're conducting an Event with an IMCO Class, just use 1 discard. Meanwhile, remember that an Event conducted properly is more fun for everyone! Best wishes for a successful racing season.

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