MINUTES OF THE 3rd MEETING  (2006 SESSION)

OF THE ACU TRIALS & ENDURO COMMITTEE HELD AT ACU HOUSE ON SATURDAY 22^ND APRIL 2006 AT 10.30 AM

___________________________________________________________________________________

Present -:                                             Mr J. Collins                  - Chairman

Mr D.Willoughby            -  Vice Chairman

                                                            Mr J.Lightfoot                                                    

                                                            Mr M. Bates

                                                            Mr A. Rew

                                                            Mr T. Fairbrother

                                                            Mr M. Wren                                                

In attendance:                                     Mrs ME. Kerr

Mrs A.Devine                                                          

1.  APOLOGIES

Received from Alan Penny     

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the second meeting held on 15^th February were approved.

3. MATTERS ARISING

Item 12-  NATIONAL LICENCING SEMINARS –

Committee members were reminded that they had been requested to each contribute some questions on Trials/Enduros/ NSC to make up a bank of questions for seminars.  The questions should be submitted in Excel or Word format.

4. FORESTRY ISSUES.

i) Meeting 25/2/06

The minutes of this meeting had been circulated to Committee, Centres and National Council Delegates. Various questions which had arisen during the meeting had been answered when Dave Willoughby met with a Senior representative of the Forestry Commission shortly afterwards, and had been included in the minutes.

It was recognised that late announcement of FIM/UEM dates which consequently delayed the National calendar would pose a problem for a few Championship events using the Forest,  whose organisers will  have to apply 6 months in advance. The situation is to receive further consideration.

Hare Scrambles

It had come to light that this type of “mongrel“ event was being run in some areas despite the fact that specific regulations do not exist. Following consultation at the Directors meeting it was agreed that henceforth, only events adhering to current Standing regulations as printed in the ACU Handbook will be issued with a permit. There was provision for a “Special Event Permit” under 3.08.8 of the N.S.C and the Committee would consider any requests for such events on sight of application and proposed Supplementary Regulations

Plastic barrier tape

Various designs for directional marking tape had been received from Boddingtons for the ACU’s opinion on the most suitable types for MX and Enduro events.  The Committee felt that this was an excellent idea and suggested that any of the designs would be most useful, although costs for each would obviously vary. The Company will be provided with an ACU Course Specifications Handbook in order for them to be aware of the regulations for course marking and to enable them to have the opportunity to circulate details of their products to Centres and Clubs.  

Peter Hillaby had previously been asked to price up ACU promotional marking tape and he will be asked to report on his progress.

On the subject of promoting the ACU, Tim Fairbrother had suggested that lanyards, bearing  the ACU logo could be provided, initially perhaps to just the British Championship Trials riders,  to keep their  punchcards in a decent condition. Again, this will be referred to Peter Hillaby for a price to be obtained. 

Action- Secretary

5. LARA

A successor to replace Alan King, to represent the interests of the ACU at LARA meetings is still required.  In the meantime Alan has kindly offered to carry on in this role, supported where necessary by Mick Wren.

Received:

Article - Ref Hosting Motorsport.

The above article which had appeared in the February edition of the Farmers Weekly and included a write up from Anthony Rew, aimed to inform landowners of the factors to bear in mind when letting their land for Motorsports events. It was applauded by the Committee. 

Email – Land Access Issues – Ian Packer TRF PR officer

The email dealt with the legislation that have been passed to rewrite sections of the NERC bill, and the serious implications it has for Motorsports use of Public Rights of Way.

The  Committee felt that this further underlined the urgent need for a suitably qualified employee who will be able to devote themselves entirely to such issues. This will be pursued once again with the Directors. If such an appointment involves the person working mostly from home, this was not thought to be a problem.

Tim Fairbrother asked Anthony Rew what the requirements were for landowners regarding fencing off any water on their land, and he said that this was likely to  become an increasingly stringent regulation as water protection is a paramount concern of the government. This again will pose serious problems for Trials & Enduros.

The Secretary reported that the request for contacts who were willing to be approached by landowners investigating the possibilities of offering land had received a poor response, with only the half the Centres replying.

6. SOLO TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

Further correspondence had been received from Alexz Wigg in response to the Committee’s decision that he should not ride in both Youth A , and the Championship.  Whilst acknowledging his excellent abilities, they had explained they felt that rather than improve his performance, riding in the Championship class would actually be detrimental, and they wished to do everything possible to aid his development. 

This would  be reiterated, but he will again be reassured that his results will be reviewed  after the Mitchell Trial and a decision made then, regarding what level he should ride at for the rest of the year.

Action- Secretary

7. MOTUL- ACU BRITISH ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP

The Committee were aware of the fact that a rider had had been riding in Round 1 of the BEC without the required sponsor’s logo , and had substituted a  replacement logo of their own sponsor. This was contrary to both Championship regulations and the Supplementary regulations for the event.

After consideration it was agreed that the rider will be issued with a recorded reprimand and warned that any further digression would result in immediate action.

Action- Secretary

8.  SAMMY MILLER CHAMPIONSHIP

All but three trophies had been handed out to the winners of the Sammy Miller Championship who had been disappointed not to receive them at the ACU Awards Presentation. Discussion regarding whether to purchase replacement perpetual trophies to award in addition to the replica, resulted in the Committee agreeing to find donors for perpetual ones. Offers had already been made from Derek and Jean Clampin, and John Lightfoot, on behalf of the Southern Centre.  Prices for the smaller cups will also be investigated.

Action- Secretary

It was confirmed that the £1.00 championship levy, for the end of year awards, will continue to be collected from all riders and passengers, but will now be collected by the ACU who will invoice the clubs, and not by Julie Short.

TMX had printed a letter from Adrian Moss which mentioned reviving an ACU/AMCA Championship, and this had caused some confusion. It was confirmed that the ACU have not sanctioned any such Championship .

10. CHILD PROTECTION

The Committee were aware that a recent directive had been sent to Clubs and Centres requesting that a Point of Contact for Child Protection matters be listed in all Supplementary Regulations. This differed slightly to the information the Trials & Enduro Committee were currently presenting in Licence Seminars and it was felt that some clarification is needed. 

Action -  Chairman

11. HANDBOOK CHANGES

The diagrams of various specifications of machines in the ACU handbook appear to have been copied from various past drawings, and there was some concern regarding their accuracy. An email pointing this out had been received from a rider.  A memo is to be sent to Directors, with copies to the Technical Panel and Gary Thompson questioning the actual necessity of printing them.  If it is decided that the diagrams should be included, it will be necessary to reinstate a correct specification of a Trials Sidecar outfit and Tim Fairbrother agreed to take responsibility for the design. 

Amendments would also be made to the Trials and Enduro Tyre regulations which were to include the more detailed wording of FIM Enduro Technical regulation 51.04 .and 49.10.2 of the FIM Trials Technical Regulations.

Action- Secretary

12. INTER CENTRE TEAM TRIAL

Regulations have been approved and the required amendments given to the South Eastern Centre. The Committee had expressed their concerns to the organisers regarding the proposed high entry fees which in most cases, especially for the sidecar competition represented a very large increase over last year. 

Reasons had subsequently been given to explain the higher costs, and the Committee agreed that ultimately the decision has to lie with the organisers, and if they felt that the fees were justified, then they would have to charge them although the Committee wished to emphasise that this could have a detrimental effect on entries.   John Collins stated that the organisers had met just prior to this meeting and he believed they were reviewing this and would probably arrive at a solution.

13.TRAINING

Both John Collins and Mick Wren were finding difficulty in selecting free dates for the Enduro and Trials training squads.   Enduro B Squad members had been informed that John Collins was in the process of trying to arrange a assessment/training session with Geraint Jones and Wyn Hughes, possibly over a weekend in Wales. Further details are awaited.

In an effort to provide more support to UEM Squad members in UEM events, letters had been sent to experienced Enduro riders whom John Collins considered may be in a position to act as mentors for the squad abroad , and /or helping with the above training/assessment day. 

Mick Wren said he was hoping that a mutually convenient date could be found for Graham Jarvis to attend a session with the Trials squad.

A great deal of contention remained regarding the necessary degree of Training required by those wishing to train riders at Centre level. The Committee were mainly of the mind that the qualifications obtained by Clerks of the Course should be sufficient, but it could be debated that this may not equip the instructor to coach riders in the best methods of riding.

John Collins reported on a recent meeting both he and Mr Frank Carter had attended with Dave Luscombe and emphasised that Dave’s firm belief was that if a formal permit is offered for a training session, then the instructor should be in possession of a formal training qualification, which could be seen to be too costly. Long discussions had also taken place to consider the possibility of a “practice” permit which may be a way forward for the less formal type events were no organised training actually took place.

After long discussion however, members of the Committee felt that the proposals were still not correct, and that the principle of experienced people merely trying to put on a little training on a low key basis at Club/Centre level should not demand the proposed requirements for Instructor training.   Some members of the Committee pointed out strongly that it was far more time consuming, and possibly costly, for someone to offer low key training than it was for them to become a Clerk of the Course and actually run events.

In fact it was pointed out that even at the lowest level it seemed the current proposals seemed to demand more input time wise to be a Club trainer than that required for a person to attend and obtain an FIM Clerk of Course licence and possibly run a World event.

The Committee asked that the whole issue be re-examined as they feared that there is a real danger that many good people with valuable experience will be lost.

14. ISDE

A letter of resignation had been received from Gwyn Barraclough, citing pressure of work as the reason for his decision, which prevented him devoting the time which he felt the job deserved. Gwyn was disappointed but felt it was the correct action.  The Committee appreciated his reasons and wished to pass on their thanks for his past effort and best wishes to Gwyn and his family for the future.

Andrew(Dusty) Martin who has been closely involved with the ISDE for a number of years and had ably assisted Gwyn last year has agreed to take over the reins for New Zealand. The Committee have every confidence that he will receive the full support of all involved.

Dusty was to set about a provisional selection of the British teams and had written to potential team members outlining the terms and conditions for their inclusion. An initial meeting with some of the riders had taken place at the Enduro Championship in Scotland.

John Collins was in discussions with several people with a view to trying to arrange a Fund raising event such as a Hare & Hound or Enduro event later in the year in a bid to raise funds.  It is intended that this will involve all the team members – with possible a Training day prior to the actual event.  Dave Willoughby was appointed as ACU delegate to the Jury in New Zealand

Action- J.Collins

15. BIKE TRIALS

Barbara Wright, Secretary of Bike Trial UK had raised the matter of Clubs who were failing to apply for Bike Trial permits through the correct channels. As a result, a request for information from Centres as to how many Bike Trials take place in their locality had been made,  but had had met with little response, with only the East Midland and Midland Centre replying. A further memo will be issued.

Action- Secretary

A memo would go to Gary Thompson saying that it was understood there may be an appeal pending for a Bike Trial rider, but the Committee had heard nothing regarding this.

It was agreed that an appeal may resolve some of the issues which currently caused dissension in the Bike Trial world, but if not, Dave Willoughby and Tim Fairbrother agreed to meet with officials of Bike trial UK, with the aim of putting matters on a stronger footing.

Action -Secretary

16. INSURANCE

The Committee had suggested the possibility of “block “ cover  RTA  cover for competitors, which would be mandatory for all, and provided at a single cost, say of £5.00 per head, and which would be available  regardless of any exclusions . There were however several issues that needed to be resolved before this could be given due consideration.  Mr Bellars was already investigating this and the Committee awaited further progress.

17. ACU MAGAZINE

A review of the Championships to date was requested from the various Committee members and any other items of interest, including the resignation/ appointment of the ISDE Team Manager, a Pre ICTT write up, and a reminder about the requirements for Registration documents etc at FIM/UEM events etc.

Action- Committee

18. ACU WEBSITE

A simple guide to downloading material is to be drawn up for users.

Action- Secretary

19.FIM

Medical Certificate Requirements

Current requirements for ESG and Electrocardiogram tests to be carried out before a medical certificate/ licence /insurance is issued, have since last year, been imposed on World Cross Country Rally riders. 

Alan King had reported that at the last FIM meeting it was announced that this would be extended to all CCR events and would become a requirement for a rider before he may be issued with a World Enduro Licence. 

Costs for these tests. especially the Echocardiam , are extremely high in this country and Mr King’s concerns are obvious.  It was agreed to send his report to David Stevens and Jim Parker for comment.

Action- Secretary

Indoor Trial des Nations

The date and venue of the 2006 event have been announced as the 11^th November, in Malaga.

SPEA Trophy/Classifications

The CTR and the SPEA Company have introduced this new award for 125cc Trial Young Hopefuls.  The Committee were pleased to see that at present Alexz Wigg is leading the league table.

Minutes  CER and Conference meetings

Received and acknowledged.

20. UEM

UEM Trials Championship

Following problems experienced at signing on, Dave Willoughby asked for each rider to be issued with a card or paper to show as proof of Insurance. The problem had been that the organisers were unwilling to take the Start Permission as proof and requested a specific document. It was agreed that for those who were already in possession of FIM Mechanics licence this was sufficient.

Action- Secretary

UEM Enduro Championship

John Collins had reported that in the 1^st round, Technical Control had not been without problems for some of the riders who needed to ensure that they had with them an individual proof of insurance cover for their bike ( as opposed to a trade policy )and also their Registration documents.

A list of requirements will be drawn up by John Collins and circulated to riders.

Action- John Collins

21. STEWARDS REPORTS

Knut Trophy Trial                                   A. Rew

Colonial Trial                                         M.Wren

A&B Youth Yeadon Guiseley                  A.Penny

D.K Mansell                                         T.Fairbrother

Brandon Park Enduro                             J.Collins

Wallace Cup Trial                                   A.Rew

Colmore CupTrial                                   J.Lightfoot

Colin Dommett                                       A.Pearce

Round 1 Womens & Girls                       J.Lightfoot

Bemrose Trophy Trial                             G.Harrison                                                        

Cleveland Trial                                      M.Wren                                                

Bootle Classic Trial                                M.Timms

Jack Wood Trial                                     M.Wren

Pontypool Youth Trial                             T.Fairbrother

Welsh Trophy Trial                                 J.Lightfoot

Victory Trial                                           J.Lightfoot

Chris Carter Trial                                    M.Wren

St David's Trial                                       T.Fairbrother

Phil King Trial                                        M.Woods

Otter Vale Youth A&B                            A.Penny

UEM Spanish Trial-Adult                         M.Wren

UEM Youth/Womens Trial                      D.Willoughby 

The Stewards report forms are to be redesigned, which Tim Fairbrother agreed to do.

22. STEWARDS APPOINTMENTS/ OVERSEAS APPOINTMENTS

The list is held at ACU House.

It was agreed that Stewards expense for events such as the IOM 2 Days and Irish round of the British Trial Championship as well as some events held in Scotland, may need to be reviewed.  The Committee’s thoughts were requested

23. CORRESPONDENCE

Brian Webster – Tyres at Youth events Marking at Tyres

Concern had been expressed to the Midland Centre Secretary regarding the use of Enduro, as opposed to Trials, tyres on the front of some D class Youth riders machines. It was agreed to issue a reminder to clubs and Centres to encourage Machine Examiners to be observant of this.

Action - Secretary

Blue Tooth Telemetry

In the interests of safety it was agreed that the 2007 handbook will include wording from the relevant FIM regulation prohibiting the use of this technology. (See 01.08 of the FIM Technical Rules for Trials).

Notification of this will be circulated to clubs and Centres.

Action - Secretary

Disability in Motorsport – Dave Luscombe

Dave Luscombe had written to the individual Sporting Committees asking for feedback as to whether there could be any area of their individual disciplines which could accommodate riders with paralyses.

The Committee felt that there was possibility of riders with paralyses taking part in our discipline, however the medical assessment of exactly the level of the paralyses and to which part of the body needs assessment and evaluation.

Advice from Medical Panel Ref – Children

Advice from the Medical Panel to all medical personnel to ensure that appropriate pre- hospital immediate care equipment, (ie. relevant to the age and size of the competitors involved) was made available at youth events was acknowledged, and will be circulated to clubs and Centres.

Action - Secretary

Letter to Chris Stay

Following the Committee’s previous warning it was confirmed that Chris Stay is now riding in the correct Youth class

Supporting Future Stars

A suggestion from Neil Drew that the ACU create a central fund to support riders other than those in the Training squads or ACU Academy was to be acknowledged and passed to Gary Thompson and Brian Bonny for their further consideration.

Action- Secretary

Malcom Bates –FIM rules at events

A letter will go to Centres stressing that FIM rules may only be used at the discretion of the T& E Committee and that the same set of rules is to be used throughout the event as per the ACU Handbook

Action- Secretary

Non Starters in Trials

It was agreed that a review of the names of non -starters showed that there were no persistent offenders and as such it was agreed that the form will no longer be sent out to organisers as a matter of course.

24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Anthony Rew is to obtain prices for placing an advert in Farmers Weekly to remind farmers of their opportunity to contact the ACU should they wish to make enquires about running Bike Sport on their land.

Action- A.Rew

25. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 7th June at 10.30 am

26. MATTERS FOR THE P.R.O

ISDE Team manager resignation.

Requirements for signing on at UEM Enduro events.