MINUTES OF THE SECOND MEETING (2006 SESSION) OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
HELD AT ACU HOUSE ON SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2006
Present: President Lt Col (Ret’d) E P Bartlett
Vice-President Mr C Moram
Chairman Mr J Parker
Cheshire & North Wales Mr V Leigh
Eastern Mr A Foskew
East Midland Mr M Jessup
Mr R Smith
East South Wales Mrs S Payne
Mr J Cadogan
East Yorks Mrs P Wood
Isle of Man Mr I Murphy
Midland Mr E Jones
Mr B Webster
Mid Wales Miss A Bates
North Eastern Mr I Reavely
North Western Mr J Cain
South Eastern Mr A Clarke
Mr P Burrell
Mr C Boniface
Southern Mr B New
Mr R Collins
Mr C Fletcher
South Midland Mr J Coles
South Western Mr B Edwards
Mrs G Edwards
Wessex Mr P Hearn
Western Mr J Willis
West South Wales Mr B Puckett
Yorkshire Mr D Loney
Mrs P Stephenson
SACU Mr E Jones
Mr N Lamont
Non-Territorial Board Mrs M Mellish
Mr P Tomlin
Deputy Chairman Mr F Carter
Financial Director Mr B Bonny
Director Mr E Bellars
Director Mr P Beardmore
Director Mr R Brown
Director Mr J Collins
Director Mr P Hillaby
Director Mr A F G Noel
Technical Chairman Dr P King
Environmental Chairman Mr P Gregory
Motocross Committee Mr E Herd
Business Development Officer Mr D Luscombe
Honorary Members Mr C Armes
Mr A Brownlie
Mr J Bussell
Mr R W Smith
Mr K Sprayson
General Secretary Mr G Thompson MBE BEM
Item 1: Apologies for Absence:
Apologies were received from: Mr Ackland, Mrs Ayres, Mr Blower, Mr Cullum, Mr Hanks, Mr Humphrey, Mrs James, Mrs L Jones, Mr King, Mrs Richardson, Mr Sheddon, Mr Stone, Mr Sweeting, Mr Webb and Mr Williams.
The Chairman informed the meeting of an email the ACU had received from Mr Stone giving apologies for his absence. The email also nominated the candidates that the Cornwall Centre would like to vote for at the elections to be held during this meeting. It was the view of the meeting that the votes could not be accepted in accordance with Rule A (3) (a) which states any voting by the National Council should be made by those present. Mr Thompson was asked to record this in the minutes.
Action: Mr Thompson
It was noted that Mr Adrian Ackland was not in the best of health and the Council asked that their best wishes be recorded.
Secretary’s Afternote: It is with great sadness the ACU was informed on Friday 10th November, that Adrian had passed away that morning. Our thoughts and best wishes go to Adrian’s family during this very sad time.
Item 2: To Confirm minutes of the First National Council meeting held on Saturday 20th May 2006
Proposed by Mr Leigh that the minutes of the first meeting of the National Council held on Saturday 20th May 2006 be accepted as read, was unanimously accepted by those present. Mr Webster commented that the set of minutes being considered had been redrafted. Mr Thompson confirmed this and stated that Item 4.1 had been re-drafted in consultation with Mr Jones (Midland Centre) and the revised minutes had been re-circulated with the agenda for this meeting.
Item 3: Matters Arising
ACU Events Limited. The Chairman was pleased to be able to inform the meeting that the two companies - ACU Events Limited and ACU Promotions Limited - were now satisfactorily registered as Companies held by the Auto-Cycle Union Limited. (The action taken by Mr Gareth Hockey to register these companies in his name had been resolved by our legal representatives.)
Legal Action against Mr Hockey. As a result of the actions taken by Mr Hockey in regard to ACU Events Limited and ACU Promotions Limited, lawyers had been instructed to take legal action against him in May in respect of other outstanding matters. The General Secretary reported a Winding Up petition had been issued by the High Court against RHL Activities Ltd. The Court is to nominate a Liquidator to take over and manage the affairs of RHL Activities Ltd and oversee the process of paying off its debts.
Recognised Promoters. The Chairman spoke about a recent application from a Promoter of “Track Days” who did not fit the original requirements set for affiliation. The Board were discussing these issues and considering ways in which a person who wished to be Promoter or who had formed a Company and so had no means of providing company accounts or other relevant information might be accepted.
Bullet Point Minutes for the Web. Mr Boniface asked for an update on this matter. The Chairman asked the General Secretary to look into this and action as necessary.
Action: Mr Thompson
Item 4: Elections
Mr Thompson outlined the election procedure to be used in accordance with that as agreed at the National Council meeting held on 6th November 2004. He also stated that the election procedure adopted at that meeting would be included in the Rules of the Union to be published in the next edition of the Handbook.
The President and Vice-President, Mr Bartlett and Mr Moram kindly agreed to be Independent Tellers for the purpose of recording the election votes.
The voting strength was 22, as apologies had been received from the Cornwall Centre. Therefore, each individual had to achieve 50% + 1 (12 votes) of the voting strength to be successfully elected into office.
4.1 Vice Presidents
To elect two vacancies for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr Ackland and Mr Moram
Round One: Mr Ackland 21 votes, Mr Moram 21 votes
Mr Ackland: Cheshire & N Wales, Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man,
Midland, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Moram: Cheshire & N Wales, Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man,
Midland, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Abstentions: Northern Centre
Mr Ackland and Mr Moram were duly elected as Vice-Presidents for the next three years.
4.2 Board of Directors
To elect two vacancies for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr Brown and Mr Hillaby
Round One: Mr Brown 19 votes, Mr Hillaby 19 votes
Mr Brown: Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Hillaby: Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Abstentions: Midland Centre and Northern Centre
Spoilt paper: One
Mr Brown and Mr Hillaby were duly elected as Directors for the next three years.
4.3 Road Race, Drag & Sprint Committee
To elect one vacancy for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr Nelson, Mr Evans and Mr Bryant
Round One: Mr Nelson 14 votes, Mr Evans 4 votes, Mr Bryant 2 votes.
Mr Nelson: Cheshire & N Wales, East Midland, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, North Western, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Western, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Evans: East South Wales, Northern, North Eastern, West South Wales.
Mr Bryant: Eastern and Wessex.
Abstentions: South East Centre
Spoilt papers: One
Mr Nelson was duly elected as a member of the Road Race Drag and Sprint Committee for a period of three years.
4.4 Motocross Committee
To elect two vacancies for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr Humphrey, Mr Herd and Mr Hewson
Round One: Mr Humphrey 17 votes, Mr Herd 16 votes and Mr Hewson 8 votes.
Mr Humphrey: East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Herd: Cheshire & North Wales, Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, Mid Wales, Northern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Hewson: Cheshire & North Wales, Eastern, Northern, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, Western.
Abstentions: Mid Wales, Southern and West South Wales Centre
Mr Humphrey and Mr Herd were duly elected as rmembers of the Motocross Committee for a period of three years.
4.5 Trials & Enduro Committee
To elect two vacancies for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr J Collins, Mr Boniface, Mr Hearn and Mr Willoughby
Round One: Mr Collins 19 votes, Mr Boniface 3 votes Mr Hearn 3 votes and Mr Willoughby 17 votes.
Mr Collins: Cheshire & N Wales, Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, Mid Wales, Northern, North Eastern, North Western, South Midland, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Boniface: Cheshire & N Wales, South Eastern and Southern.
Mr Hearn: Northern, Southern and Wessex.
Mr Willoughby: Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, Mid Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, South Midland, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Abstentions: None
Spoilt papers: One
Mr Collins and Mr Willoughby were duly elected as members of the Trials and Enduro Committee for a period of three years.
4.6 Track Racing Committee
To elect two vacancies for a period of three years.
Candidates: Mr R Smith and Mr D Staff.
Round One: Mr Smith 21 votes and Mr Staff 20 votes.
Mr Smith: Cheshire & N Wales, Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man,
Midland, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Mr Staff: Eastern, East Midland, East South Wales, East Yorks, Isle of Man, Midland, Mid-Wales, North Eastern, North Western, South Eastern, Southern, South Midland, South Western, Wessex, Western, West South Wales, Yorkshire, SACU, Non-Territorial Board x 2.
Abstentions: Cheshire & N Wales and Northern Centre
Mr Smith and Mr Staff were duly elected as members of the Track Racing Committee for a period of three years.
Item 5: ACU Handbook – Proposed amendments to the National Sporting Code and the Rules of the Union
The amendments outlined below had previously been discussed and approved by the Board of Directors, they were therefore placed before the National Council as proposals for adoption and incorporation into the National Sporting Code and the Rules of the Union for the next edition of the ACU Handbook.
NSC para 2.05 - Individual Subscribed Membership of the ACU. This was accepted subject to minor amendment.
NSC Chapter 3. This was presented as a complete chapter to show the new layout of the National Sporting Code and the Rules of the Union. Paragraph 3.18 – Official Programme had been re-drafted. After some discussion and alterations made to the paragraph numbering, the proposal was accepted.
NSC para 4.04 – Withdrawal or Refusal of a Permit. This proposal was accepted.
NSC para 7.02 and 7.03 – Definition of a Rider This proposal was accepted.
Mr Reavely asked why para 7.02 included the SACU. The Chairman stated that a meeting is to take place between Directors of the ACU and the SACU to discuss and take forward issues that will benefit the sport in the future.
NSC para 10.04.11. The Chairman outlined the new amendment to the Appeal Fees which states that ‘the fee for a first appeal by a Licensed Official against a decision of a COE to the FTA is £500. This proposal was accepted.
As a matter of curiosity, the Chairman asked Mr Wilson why the Northern Centre had voted against every proposal put forward in Item 5 to do with the amendments to either the National Sporting Code or the Rules of the Union. Mr Wilson explained that the Northern Centre disagreed with the wording in the Agenda. The Centre believed this indicated that the National Council presentation was merely a formality to endorse matters already decided by the Directors. The Chairman noted that this was certainly not the case, and that the Delegates present had every opportunity to make suggestions and to put forward improvements to what had been previously circulated. Although approved by the Board, the amendments were put forward to the National Council as proposals to be voted on and adopted if those present considered them appropriate.
Rules of the Union – Motocross Committee. The Chairman explained the Terms, Duties and Responsibilities of the Motocross Committee had been drafted to reflect and incorporate two individuals recommended by the Committee to the Board of Directors for approval, to look after and manage the development of youth activity and the British Youth Motocross Championships.
Mr Wilson asked if there would be any reason why the Directors would not accept the Motocross Committee’s recommendations as to whom should be appointed to the Committee. The Chairman felt that this was not likely but would be appropriate if, for example, it was ever proposed to appoint someone who had no association with youth sport. Therefore the Board should consider all recommendations by the Committee for approval.
The Chairman informed the meeting that Mr Percival and Mr Tombs had been appointed to the Motocross Committee for a period of one year as recommended by the Motocross Committee and approved by the Board of Directors at their meeting held the day before.
Mr Jones asked whether the Motocross Committee would take a view from the Youth Clubs. The Chairman replied that he hoped this would be the case. However, recently a Motocross Forum had been cancelled due to the few numbers who had indicated their attendance and also for the last three years the Conference of Clubs has had to be cancelled due to a lack of attendance. The Chairman also stated that Youth Motocross had to be developed and this was the main reason why the Board of Directors wanted to be involved in the decision making process as to whom would be appointed to the Committee to look after youth matters.
Mr Moram stated that he believed it was essential for each Committee to ensure that they had suitable representation at the FIM. The Chairman replied in total agreement and gave the example of Mr Higgins who was now, with the support of the Board and the Motocross Committee, attending FIM Motocross Commission meetings as an Observer with a view to establishing himself as a candidate for membership
The proposal was accepted by a card vote. The Cheshire & N Wales Centre and the Northern Centre voted against the proposal and the Midland Centre abstained from voting.
Rules of the Union – Election Procedure. The election procedure outlined by Mr Thompson earlier in the meeting as adopted at the meeting of the National Council held on Saturday 6th November 2004 was accepted for inclusion in the Rules of the Union by unanimous vote.
Mr Boniface enquired as to whom was responsible for editing the Sporting Committee Nomination Forms for Election when completed by the individual and endorsed by the relevant Centre and sent back to the General Secretary at ACU Head Office. Mr Thompson stated that he and the Chairman edited the forms to provide some kind of standardisation for Centres.
The Chairman stated that the nomination form for Directors, Sporting Committees, Advisory Panels and National Council delegates was dated and needed to be revised. Mr Thompson was tasked with looking at this and producing some updated forms for the National Council to consider at their next meeting.
Action: Mr Thompson
The Chairman then explained that the Road Race Committee have an ‘open door’ policy, in that, provided suitable notice had been given any Road Race Club could send a delegate to attend any meeting of the Road Race Committee. This enables individuals to be recognised who may well go on to become future Committee members having already made some contribution to the management of the sport. This had been considered at the Board of Directors over the last two days and the merits and disadvantages of making appointments rather than elections to Committees, as adopted by the FIM, had also been discussed.
Mr J Collins agreed with the principle of more open meetings and personally believed in the current democratic process of electing people to Committees. However, in terms of the Trials & Enduro Committee, he did not want to turn what is currently an 8 man Committee into a 100 man committee. However, the process adopted by the Road Race Committee would be considered by the Trials Committee.
Mr Bussell stated that he was concerned that the Cornwall Centre’s votes received by email had not been taken into consideration as part of the election process.
The Chairman asked the meeting for their opinions regarding a Proxy vote to allow voting to take place on behalf of a Centre, should the delegate not be able to attend, in the same way as a Proxy vote is allowed at the Annual General Meeting. In principle there was no adverse comments regarding this and the General Secretary was asked to draft a suitable proposal for the next meeting to take this matter forward.
Action: Mr Thompson
Item 6: Datatag
The South Eastern Centre asked that an Item for Discussion be placed on the agenda regarding the progress and agreements with bike manufacturers/importers, dealers, operators and riders. They asked if there were any problems and if so, was there any plans to rectify the situation.
Mr Brown explained that the impetus from bike owners, dealers and importers had waned and in some ways the Datatag initiative had lost its’ way. A meeting is to be arranged with Datatag Officials to take this matter forward and see what can be achieved in the future.
Helmet Stickers. The Chairman asked Dr King to update the meeting on the recent article that had appeared in Motorcycle News.
Dr King was able to assure everyone that the ACU sticker remains as an effective indicator of helmet performance and that all helmets licensed by the ACU to carry the sticker have to follow an approval process administered by the Rugby office.
Broadly this involves a sample helmet being provided which must include ECE 2205 or BS6658 certification. The helmet must comply with both FIM and ACU guidelines and may, additionally, be tested independently on ACU request at HPE, Farnham, (European Snell Test Station).
For the future, the ACU is working with the Department of Transport to develop a consumer guidance rating system above and beyond the current Gold Standard. It is anticipated that this will be incorporated into a new ACU helmet sticker in due course.
The Chairman then commented on a letter he had received from the Cheshire & N Wales Centre regarding the recent article that appeared in the Motor Cycle News and also questioned the cost attributed to a helmet sticker. The 33p per sticker cost is the cost to the importer or manufacturer for each sticker affixed. The £5 charge for replacement stickers affixed by approved Technical Officials (from among our FIM Technical Stewards). This service is typically for re-stickering helmets after custom painting. The charge is justified by the administration costs of providing these officials with stickers and cross checking the data when returned to Rugby.
On the broader front, the funds raised from helmet stamping are used to benefit the membership as a whole in keeping costs of licences etc., down as well as to the benefit of motor cyclists in general in countering threats to our activity from whatever quarter they may arise.
Item 7: Club Affiliations
7.1 Leicester Area Riders Fellowship East Midland Affiliated
7.2 South Wales Enduro and Trail Bike Club East South Wales Affiliated
7.3 Woodside Community M/C Project South Mdland Affiliated
7.4 East Coast Trials Club East Midland Affiliated
7.5 Hottrax Limited Non-Territorial Affiliated
This affiliation was accepted on a provisional basis for one year. The General Secretary was asked to bring this affiliation application to National Council meeting next November (2007).
7.6 Zona One MCC Western Affiliated
Mr J Collins suggested that it might be a good idea if we had a one year probationary period for the Clubs on affiliation as in most cases the Clubs are not known to the Centres or the Non-Territorial Board. The Chairman agreed that this would be discussed and considered by the Board of Directors.
Children in Need. Mr Thompson explained that on an annual basis the ACU Staff raise money for Children in Need. A raffle was held and drawn by the President for two prizes which were won by Mr J Collins and Mr V Leigh. The Chairman on behalf of the National Council asked that the staff be congratulated for their efforts in supporting such a worth cause.
Item 8: To Receive Minutes/Reports:
8.1 Directors Minutes
3rd meeting - 19th May
4th meeting - 27th July
5th meeting - 31st August
6th meeting - 5th October
LARA. Mr Carter informed the meeting that there were important decisions to be made at the next meeting of LARA. There was a split developing amongst some of the member organisations as some, including the ACU, believed the focus should now be on how to deal with government matters, through a political lobby group. Also, LARA was having difficulty in monitoring their financial position and they accepted that current resources were not enough for what they were trying to achieve.
Training. The Chairman commented that a Bank of Questions for each discipline was now available from each Committee with regard to National and Regional Officials Training at Seminars. In addition to a Bank of Questions, the Road Race Committee had also produced an Incident-lead paper, some based on actual cases, for participants to consider, evaluate and provide answers on how they would handle a given situation.
Club Coaching. Mr Boniface asked what the current situation was regarding Club Coaching. Mr Luscombe advised that the new Club Coaching scheme as discussed and agreed at the Centre Chairmen/Secretaries meeting and the National Council meetings earlier in the year is working very well and was highlighted in the summer edition of the ACU magazine issued to every Licence Holder.
Marshal Training Booklet. The Chairman stated that a Marshal Training Booklet was currently being worked on as there was a growing need to have Marshals trained in both two and four wheel sport. Mr Nelson was currently working on the Marshals Handbook which would be available for the Marshals seminar being held on Sunday 25th February 2007.
Supermoto Des Nations. The Chairman spoke about the recent achievements of the Great Britain team in the Supermoto Des Nations where they finished third. This was a particularly commendable achievement as the whole effort had been assembled and managed by the Riders and Supporters involved.
Motocross Des Nations. The Chairman commented on the Motocross Des Nations event held at Matterley Basin on 24th September. He said that the organisation of the racing and the racing itself was superb, however, this was overshadowed by the poor quality of the facilities that supported the event.
ACU Awards. The Chairman made mention that the ACU Awards will be held on Saturday 27th January and that there would be a special tribute made to the TT in it’s centenary year.
The minutes listed above were adopted.
Item 9: To Receive Committee Minutes
9.1 Road Race, Drag and Sprint Committee
3rd Meeting - 16th May
4th Meeting - 26th July
5th Meeting - 5th September
The Chairman drew attention to the Committee’s concern regarding the inadequate levels of insurance cover under the FIM Regulations, in particular the levels of benefit for Repatriation and Medical. He underlined the action that had been taken.
He also explained that there was a large tidying up exercise of the Road Race Standing Regulations which was ongoing.
9.2 Motocross Committee
3rd Meeting - 10th May
4th Meeting - 26th July
5th Meeting - 13th September
Mr Leigh asked what Mr Askins position was regarding his Directorship of the ACU. Mr Thompson explained that in accordance with the Companies Articles of Association and ROU (E) (1), Mr Askins mandate as a Director was terminated when the BYMX Committee was amalgamated with the Motocross Adult Committee.
Mr Clarke had resigned from the BYMX Committee in July which had resulted in the Committee having less than 50% of its original members and leaving it without a quorum. (see ROU (C) (1). The remaining members of the Committee were amalgamated with the Adult Committee for the remainder of this year.
BYMX Team Event. Mr Armes was concerned that there appeared to be no communication between the Motocross Committee and the Eastern Centre regarding the change of location for the BYMX Team Event.
Explanations were given and it was agreed that the point was an important one.
Noise. Mr Herd stated that the Noise issue was being controlled at National level, however, the majority of the problem seemed to be with Works bikes. The Chairman stated that the respective Committees were responsible for discipline matters which included enforcing the Noise limits, however, cooperation was necessary from the Centres/Clubs to assist in making sure these procedures and rules were enforced at events.
9.3 Trials and Enduro Committee
4th Meeting - 7th June
5th Meeting - 3rd August
Mr J Collins stated that there were ongoing issues with Bike Trials and there appeared to be some conflict between the Bike Trials Committee and some Centres.
He asked that if a Centre encounters any problems with the Bike Trial Committee to let the Trials and Enduro Committee know so that the issues can be resolved.
ISDE. Mr J Collins stated that a review of the whole ISDE would take place in the early part of next year.
Dates for 2007. Mr Collins informed the meeting that the dates for next year would be finalised during the forthcoming week and issued in time for the Centres dates meetings which normally take place in most cases on Armistice Sunday.
Handbook Amendments. Mr Collins reported that most of the amendments to the T&E SR’s this year were minor and could be classed as a tidying up exercise.
There was a change in the Machine Capacity for all Youth Classes due to current legislation for attaining a driving licence in the EU and the fact that the FIM are to restrict riders under 18 years of age to a 125cc Class in World Championship Trials. Classes A & B - 125 cc class and Class C – 80 cc class.
ACU Trail Bike Championship – Mr Collins spoke of some amendments to the SR’s regarding the ACU Trail Bike Championship. Eligibility to the championship would now be open to machines that were originally classified by the Manufacturer as Trail Bike – with working lights and pillion seats. Converted Trial bikes would be excluded from this class.
The ACU Sammy Miller Trial Championship – There were some amendments to Class 8 and Class 10 of the championship regulations.
The minutes listed above were adopted.
9.4 Track Racing Committee
Mr Noel spoke about a promotional idea to try and encourage more Youth competitors into the sport that this year the Youth Champion of each category will be presented with a cash donation for their school on the school premises. The Champion would be in his race clothing with his bike etc. with local press coverage to try and encourage other youngsters to get involved.
He also spoke of ongoing work regarding a Youth Short Track series to be run on Bio-Ethanol fuel. It was hoped that the series would be launched at the forthcoming Dirt Bike show at which a Short Track bike would be displayed on the ACU stand.
Item 10: To Receive Sub-Committee Minutes
10.1 Insurance
2007 Insurance rates will remain unchanged. The Matrix is being up-dated to remove some of the Rates on Application (ROA) and to simplify it wherever possible. ROA's will still apply to Grand Prix type meetings with few competitors but a large crowd, grandstands, parking and catering risks. Normally for these major meetings a flat premium will be charged, payable prior to the event.
Mr Bellars referred to the varied methods of paying premiums. Some Clubs pay via Centres, others pay direct. Some pay too soon whilst others pay unacceptably late. The On-line Permit system had been well received in Centres and is being enhanced to include the automatic issue of an Insurance "cover note". It is hoped to "bolt-on" a payment system which will make life easier for Centre Officials. Our Brokers will be in discussion with some Centre shortly to tailor make the new system to everyone's advantage.
Mr Bellars then mentioned that Alexander Forbes (AF), predominately a South African Company, were seeking growth in the UK and following high level discussions within the Group it was agreed the UK Divison would be sold. An American Company- Lockton Motor Sport Risk Services had brought AF and the official date of change is 13th November. The Manchester Staff remain in situ as do the London Broking team headed by Kevin Davies who regularly attends our Rugby offices. Lockton's are keen to develop "Member Benefits" for ACU Club Members and to possibly provide free cover for all ACU affiliated Clubs extending beyond the current free Liability cover, to insure Club property generally ie Marques, Trophies, Ropes. Course marking materials etc.
Mr Bellars advised that all clubs would be circulated with details of the changes as soon as possible and that Centre Secretaries would receive a replacement "Insurance Manual" with specimen forms etc.
There were no questions and the Minutes of the Insurance sub-committee meeting were adopted.
Item 11: To Receive Service Panel Minutes
11.1 Technical Panel
There had been no meetings of the Technical Panel since the last National Council meeting and Dr King had already updated the meeting on the current situation regarding Helmet testing.
11.2 Environmental Panel
Mr Gregory spoke about the minutes of the Environmental Panel meeting held on 21st September and the second meeting held on 11th October. The minutes of the second meeting had not yet been distributed. He spoke about the Risk Assessment Form which had been distributed with the minutes of the first meeting and asked that any comments should be forwarded to him for his consideration.
Mr Thompson would email the Risk Assessment form sent out with the minutes to all Centre Secretaries for their further use.
Action: Mr Thompson
Mr Gregory spoke about some mutual issues that needed to be addressed by both the Environmental and Technical Panels. Both Mr Gregory and Dr King would meet to discuss the areas of concern and take the issues forwards.
Action: Mr Gregory and Dr King
Mr Gregory spoke of the Enduro Regulations regarding refuelling and the FIM requirement that an environmental mat is required for this purpose.
Mr Cadogan expressed his concerns regarding the provision of an Environmental Official at events and said that in his opinion an Environmental Official should be appointed to all events as they were in the past
11.3 Medical Panel
There had been no meetings of the Medical Panel since the last meeting of the National Council.
Item 12: Any Other Business
Rule L – Retiring at the age of 70. The 70 year age limit for Officials was questioned, however, the general consensus of opinion was that the age limit should remain.
Regionalisation. The Chairman stated that this matter was ongoing. It had been noted earlier in the meeting, the Chairman, Mr Carter and Mr Hillaby will be going to Scotland in the near future to have discussions with the SACU about ongoing issues that needed to be discussed for the future betterment of the sport. It was hoped that Regionalisation would take a step forward as a result of these discussions. The possibility was that the SACU might become a pilot for the rest of the country to follow in due course.
Election to a Committee. Mr Hearn asked what more he could do to try and get elected onto the Trials & Enduro Committee. The Chairman felt that although more young blood was needed it was unlikely that anyone would be elected onto a Committee at their first attempt. Mr Carter stated that an individual needed to get himself known to the Committee and a good way of doing this was to be appointed as a National Steward. The Chairman underlined his belief that wherever possible Committees should have an ‘open door’ policy to encourage younger officials and assist in their development.
Child Protection. Mrs Payne reported that at a recent meeting she had attended in Wales, it was considered that the ACU Child Protection Policy was not enough for what was required. Mr Thompson outlined the problems associated with launching the Policy in June 2004 and how the policy had to be changed to the current procedure as the policy in its original version would have had an adverse affect on youth activity. The NSPCC had endorsed the current policy as it considered the reporting structure in place more than adequate to highlight and report any inappropriate behaviour that might take place at an event.
Item 13: Date of Next Meeting.
The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 3.45 pm. The next meeting of the Centre Chairmen/Secretaries will be held on Saturday 3rd March 2007 and the next meeting of the National Council which will be held on the same day as the Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 19th May 2007.