1. Yes, SPs are allowed — if they are properly implemented by the Sailing Instructions (SIs) in accordance with RRS 85.1 and A5.1, and the change is clearly stated per 90.3.     
a) SPs (Standard Penalties) are penalties that can be applied without a hearing, typically by the Race Committee (RC) or Technical Committee (TC), for breaches of rules specified in the Sailing Instructions.
b) These do not exist inherently in the core RRS but are made valid by explicit changes through the Notice of Race (NoR) or Sailing Instructions (SIs).
c) The 2025 SI Guide provides exact wording: “The notation ‘[SP]’ in a rule of the SIs means that the standard penalty for a breach of the rule may be applied by the RC or TC without a hearing. This changes RRS A5.” (SI Guide v2025, Preamble and Section 1.2)
d) That sentence, in effect, amends RRS A5.1, enabling SPs to be applied outside a hearing.
e) This change must be explicit in the SIs, with the relevant rules marked [SP] and the preamble noting the shift in A5.1. Per RRS 85.1, this satisfies the requirement to modify a rule.
f) RRS 60.5(c) relates only to DPs (Discretionary Penalties), which must be decided by a Protest Committee after a hearing unless exoneration applies.

2. The RRS does not prescribe exact values, but yes, SPs can range from 1 point to DSQ or more. The SI Guide and common practice offer flexibility — with the caveat that the penalty must be predefined in the SIs.  

3. Reference Summary
a) RRS A5.1: Can be changed to allow SPs — must be declared in SIs.
b) RRS 85.1: Authorizes SIs to change rules if properly stated.
c) SI Guide 2025: Provides explicit SP implementation language.
d) No SPs are allowed by default in RRS — they require explicit implementation.

What are examples of rules breaches that might trigger an SP?

The following is from USODA events:

1.4. [SP] denotes a rule to which a standard penalty from the “USODA Graded Penalty System” may be applied
by the race committee or technical committee without a hearing, or a discretionary penalty applied by the
protest committee with a hearing. This changes RRS 60.5(b) and A5.1.

SI Addendum 2 – USODA Graded Penalty System
Percentage Penalties rounded up to the next whole number. Penalties apply to the race of infringement; otherwise
to the first race of the day.

1. Minor SI penalties
Penalty approximately equal to 5% of fleet
a) Not displaying the assigned colored division streamer
b) Launching before ‘Harbor Launch’ signal
c) Failure to return promptly to waiting area after finishing
d) Failure to report penalty taken
e) Failure to comply with Safety Check-Out/Check-In procedures

2. Minor class rule penalties and intermediate SI penalties
Penalty approximately equal to 10% of fleet
a) Bailer/paddle/daggerboard/painter not correctly attached to hull (CR 4.3)
b) Painter not attached to mast step (CR 4.3 (b))
c) Whistle not attached to personal flotation device (CR 4.2 (a))
d) Distance between edge of sail and mast and/or boom at one eyelet 15mm or more (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR 6.6.3.4)
e) Distance between edge of sail and mast and/or boom at two eyelets 13mm or more (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR 6.6.3.4)
f) Loss of sail tie (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR 6.6.3.4)
g) Clearance between span and boom between 101 mm and 115 mm (CR 3.5.3.8)
h) Ring(s) on span of boom slipping (CR 3.5.3.8)
i) Sailing across a race in progress before starting or after finishing (RRS 23.1)
j) Out of the waiting area
k) Breaches of SI 23, Support Teams

3. Intermediate class rule penalties
 Penalty approximately equal to 30% of fleet
a) No bailer, paddle or painter in boat (CR 4.3)
b) No whistle (CR 4.2)
c) Lanyard, locking device or other arrangement used to attach mast to the hull not in position (CR 3.5.2.11)
d) Sail outside limits of bands (CR 3.5.2.7 and CR 6.6.3.1)
e) Distance between edge of sail and mast and/or boom at two eyelets 15mm or more (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR 6.6.3.4)
f) Distance between edge of sail and mast and/or boom at three or more eyelets 13mm or more (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR
6.6.3.4)
g) Clearance between span and boom more than 120 mm (CR 3.5.3.8)
h) Edge of sail at throat, tack or clew eyelet positioned 3 mm or more from mast and/or boom (CR 6.6.3.3 and/or CR
6.6.3.4)
i) Failure to wear an approved PFD
j) Repeated infringement of Section 1 or Section 2 penalties, above

4. Major class rule penalties (as per RRS)
Penalty up to DSQ – requires Protest Hearing
a) All RRS, except as amended
b) All SI, including amendments, except as specified above
c) Use of uninspected equipment
d) Use of unapproved fittings
e) Repeated infringement of Section 3 penalties, abov

Very helpful. Thanks.

The Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions may authorize the race committee or technical committee to impose standard penalties in specific situations. These are typically procedural or safety-related breaches that are observable and verifiable by officials.

A standard penalty may be imposed without a hearing and should be for infractions that are directly observed by the committee. These penalties are typically minor, such as a small percentage deduction. There is nothing in the rules that prevents you from having a standard penalty of DSQ. However, in my opinion where a more significant penalty is contemplated, a hearing should be convened to ensure procedural fairness and allow for a full evaluation of the circumstances.

The RYA has some good guidance in this area which is worth reading.

Hans .. Appx A is completely changeable by NOR/SI.  That is how the circle is closed.