CAMS Release - Rally Officials

[Jimmy]

Hey I just read this...a breakthrough by Col and the crew and all those that lobbied so hard for some common sense...well done

Officials Changes Made To Support Club Level Rallying
CAMS Media Release
24 Apr 2008

Consistent with its repeated commitment to club level sport the CAMS Board has approved a recommendation from the Australian Rally Commission (ARCom) to remove the requirement for rally road closure and control officials to hold an officials licence; subject to them having undergone a thorough standardised briefing covering key issues set down by ARCom.

The National Officiating Committee will continue to work through a review of the officials system, stemming from its 2005 review of the program. The decision recognises the feedback to CAMS that rally organisers are continuing to have increasing issues with obtaining sufficient officials, in particular Road Closure and Control Officials, to run events. This has seen some stages cancelled and threatened the viability of some events.

ARCom made the recommendations, designed to provide immediate assistance to rally event organisers in the area of road closure and control official availability, following feedback received during the successful National Rally Forums held earlier this year.

The following process is now approved and will be implemented:

Subject to the official receiving a standardised briefing meeting the minimum requirements set out by ARCom and signing on as an official, that:

• there be no requirement for a Rally Road Closure or Control Official to hold a CAMS Officials Licence;
• the provisions relating to ‘supervision’ outlined in the National Officiating Program (NOP) not apply to Road Closure or Control Officials.

CAMS CEO Graham Fountain said “the decision reaffirms CAMS commitment to support and nurture club level motor sport.”

“This is the first of similar initiatives to be approved by the Board consistent with its renewed sport and club development focus. It is a clear indication that we have listened and acted on something that is important to our members and is representative of us adopting a can do attitude in the interests of the sport,” said Fountain.

ARCom Chairman, Colin Trinder is pleased with the result which he believes is an important step on the path to improve the operations of rally events and the demands on rally organisers.

“We trust this will make it easier for rally organisers to source these officials, which in turn will make the difficult task of running rallies a little less complicated,” said Trinder.


“Most people in rallying accept that officials licensing and accreditation is a valid response to managing high risk activities. However, there has been debate in rally circles regarding the NOP and its effectiveness for the rally discipline”, he continued.

“ARCom is looking forward to working with the National Officiating Committee and building on the good work that has already been completed to ensure there will be a strong and suitable officiating program in place for rallying into the future,” he stated.

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END

For further information please contact:

Alison Macqueen, Media & Communications Coordinator, CAMS
Tel: (03) 9593 7777

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION PURPOSES - NO REGULATORY VALUE

[Mike Cherry]

Congratulations to all involved in bringing about this landmark decision.
Woohoo & thank you.

[DaveTrees]

A damn fine result (and long overdue)

Good job by Col T & his team getting this through the system.

[bob moore]

Originally Posted by DaveTrees

A damn fine result (and long overdue)

Good job by Col T & his team getting this through the system.

[Mike Cherry]

A logical extension of this would be a flow on to similar disciplines like Rallysprints & Off Road.

[Kate]

Its a start I guess, so CAMS will put all the money wasted in the official system into being able to get licenses out in less than 3 months?? I just hope that it actually flows through to something that makes life easier for those running events....words on paper are all well and good, but....cynical I know, but see other thread.

And well done to Lizzy and all those behond this massive push, your work goes unacknowledged by many but it is also noticed just as many and you should be congratulated.

[jamar]

Top work Col & team ..

Lets hope a similar outcomes result from other issues raised at the national rally forums - to place value in club level rallying (and have club level rallying valued)


J

[Stuart Walker]

Fantastic news

Congratulations to all involved in this progress, and thanks for your efforts.

Cheers,

Linda

[crowleyaj]

I think this is great for the once a year road closure people or the spare service crew member that gets dragged in at the last minute.

The really keen people should still be given the opportunity to get a signature on a trainee licence form to start the long climb up but those who just want to help at the odd event can just get on with their job. I like it..............

What about Stage Commanders - are they still Bronze Rally or will it depend on level of event?

[Stuart Walker]

Originally Posted by crowleyaj

I think this is great for the once a year road closure people or the spare service crew member that gets dragged in at the last minute.

Agree, particularly thinking selfishly about RoC, and all the once a year people we'll have on our stage.

Originally Posted by crowleyaj

The really keen people should still be given the opportunity to get a signature on a trainee licence form to start the long climb up but those who just want to help at the odd event can just get on with their job. I like it..............

Agree, and we can encourage people who are interested in progressing up the officials career ladder to register as licenced official; but at least we won't have to enforce it for that person who comes along to check it out, etc.

Originally Posted by crowleyaj

What about Stage Commanders - are they still Bronze Rally or will it depend on level of event?

The way I understand it, particularly after the discussion I attended, I think stage commanders will be required to have an officials licence; but I'm sure someone more in the know will be able to clarify this.

[Big Trev]

Good on 'em. Their beauracy was doing them damage.

[User Name]

I'd say good on Col & co. but I'd get banned for being sycophant.

Can't say as I my being completely bereft of any form of "officials license" has ever been any impediment to me doing a road closure though.

[Factor]

Isn't it great how we are obsequiously thankful when they take away a stupid stupid stupid idea that never should have been there in the first place, I mean well done to those that worked for its demise, but honestly - its just one of many problems that CAMS created for itself.

As for you Karl! - I didnt know you could spell sicko -fant

[Ric Cary]

Originally Posted by User Name

I'd say good on Col & co. but I'd get banned for being sycophant.

Can't say as I my being completely bereft of any form of "officials license" has ever been any impediment to me doing a road closure though.

Um Ahhh how did you not die a 'orrible deef wif all them nasty nasty rally cars wizzing by you. you can't have been clever enough to stay the F out of the way all on your own can you...... your so clever


re the roll back I have been so tempted to say " thats 1, only 200 to go" but I wouldn't be so negative

[DaveTrees]

Originally Posted by Factor

Isn't it great how we are obsequiously thankful

I dont think anyone is being obsequious Andrew - just giving credit where it's due.