MSA e-Wheels
This content is a cut and paste of the July 2009 Issue of e-Wheels from the MSA.
RDOs are Go!
The MSA has appointed eight Regional Development Officers to activate a new school visits programme as part of Go Motorsport. All eight have in-depth motor sport knowledge and proven communication skills ? some are competitors others work in the media.
The eight Regional Development Officers will be pushing the MSA?s widely praised Let?s Go Karting scheme which allows children aged between eight and 16 to have a structured first experience of karting for just £5. On top of this, they will also be highlighting many of the other forms of MSA licensed motor sport accessible to those who are still too young to drive on the roads. For those aged eight and over there are Junior Dragsters and Cadet kart racing, while special classes in autograss, autotests, rallycross, circuit racing and rallying cater for those who?ve turned 14.
?This is not about trying to find future world champions," said MSA chief executive, Colin Hilton. ?We want to ensure that all those who have an interest get the chance to get involved with motor sport at whatever level they desire.?
Schools interested in hosting a Go Motorsport presentation should contact the campaign via info@GoMotorsport.net
Go Motorsport Regional Development Officers: Anthony Dunn (North East), Tom Gaymor (London and South East), Mark James (Wales), Steve Johnson (North West), Jonathan MacDonald (Northern Ireland), Rob Manger (South West), Ed Pead (Midlands), Duncan Vincent (Scotland).
Detailed information about Go Motorsport is available at http://www.gomotorsport.net
Green light for RGB
The MSA has agreed to underwrite the cost of running the 2009 Rally of Great Britain, to be held in Wales from 22 to 25 October 22nd to 25th.
The MSA agreed this course of action, in spite of the Welsh Assembly Government's recent unilateral and unwarranted decision to terminate its sponsorship contract for the event.
Give 'em a break!
The MSA is often asked how long a marshal should remain at their post before they have a break.
The MSA strongly recommends that opportunities for adequate breaks are planned and provided for marshals and volunteer officials within the structure of an event, bearing in mind the nature of different locations and prevailing weather conditions. Wherever possible, provision should be made for toilet facilities for both genders, relative to the type of event.
Under 18 Marshals Policy
Since the introduction of Cadet Marshals by the MSA during 2008, work has been going on to develop a proper and appropriate policy to reflect the different needs of the many disciplines of the sport for all under-18 marshals, given the variation of risk levels to which any intending marshals of any age may be exposed. A downloadable copy can be viewed on the MSA Website www.msauk.org by clicking on Officials>Form>Marshals. Please raise awareness of this document among marshals, officials, event organisers and clubs.
Conflicting interests?
The MSA is aware of a number of instances, predominantly on sprint and hill climb events, where the Championship Co-ordinators are also acting as Clerks of the Course for rounds of their own championship. The MSA believes that this is not in the best interests of the sport, as it could lead to challenge and conflict, and is clearly an area for a potential clash of interests. Clerks of the Course, Stewards and Championship Co-ordinators are therefore advised in advance that amendments to the MSA Competitors' and Officials' Yearbook are expected to be made to exclude such a practice in 2010 and beyond.
Online Manual
The MSA Motor Club Manual is a useful reference tool for Clubs and having been subject to a major revision can be viewed on the MSA website at: http://www.msauk.org/uploadedfiles/msa_forms/Motor_Club_Manual.pdf
Within the next few weeks printed versions will be sent to all MSA Registered Motor Clubs who have organised Permit events in 2008 and 2009. Any other MSA Registered Clubs requiring a copy should request one from Allan Dean-Lewis at the MSA (adean-lewis@msauk.org)
CRB checks
As part of its Child Protection Policy and process, the MSA continues to undertake enhanced level CRB Disclosure checks (at no charge) for its volunteer Club Child Protection Officers and for those MSA Licensed Officials who declare that they work with under 18s in the course of their duties on MSA permitted events.
From 1 June 2009, the CRB Disclosure checking process was made available to Instructors of the MSA Schools Associations (ARDS, ARKS, BARS and AHASS). The previous Personal Declarations made by ARKS Club Examiners are also being upgraded to a full Enhanced level check from 1 July 2009.
Any enquiries regarding this process should be directed to Allan Dean-Lewis, as the MSA?s Lead Signatory on Child Protection matters, at adean-lewis@msauk.org
Be an RLO
The MSA needs Route Liaison Officers (RLOs) for Hertfordshire and for Suffolk.
Route Liaison Officers assist in the smooth running of rallies and trials on the public highway by liaising between the MSA, event organisers, the police, national parks and residents en route.
Clubs send RLOs copies of their routes and public relations letters that must be approved before the event can run. A good knowledge of local geography and the ability to act firmly but diplomatically is obviously helpful.
These positions would suit someone experienced in motor sport, familiar with MSA and the Motor Vehicles (Competitions & Trials) Regulations, who is willing to act impartially and respect confidences when dealing with route information supplied by event organisers.
The MSA pays agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
Medics Day
The British Motor Sports Training Trust ? the MSA?s own registered charity ? has teamed up with Castle Combe Racing Club to grant aid its running of a Medics Introductory Training Day on Sunday 6 September 2009. The event is available to any interested doctor or paramedic who wishes to attend and who is either currently active or would like to become active in supporting MSA events in a Registered Doctor or Registered Paramedic capacity.
The number of places is limited. For further information and registration please contact Brett Rocos BSc (Hons) MB ChB MRCS ST1 Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, email APPLY@MSTCUK.COM or telephone 07973 628108 .
CCPR Sports Club Survey ? reminder
If you or a representative of your club has not completed this online survey (see article in e-Wheels June 2009), please do so.
To begin the survey, click on the following link: http://sircspss.hwb.shu.ac.uk/ccpr
Remember, there are prizes to be won!
11th July, 2009