randyg
08-04-2005, 09:58 AM
Just goes to show you REALLY need to show up at meetings, esp. when offering suggestions. (grin) Those that were there know a safety committee was authorized at the last general meeting; as the loudest not-present voice I was selected victim - er, chair. While I have not agreed with some directions the club has gone in this is a fantastic opportunity for you to directly affect the club for the better, one I intend to make as transparent and accessible as possible. For those not in the loop, here's the low-down:
Like any promoter WMRRA receives criticism regarding safety. Racing is, after all moderately dangerous, the available tracks have issues and there's always the hindsight effect. The boards and race day crew obviously work hard to mitigate problems, but it was felt that it was time for a formal approach. This will permit us to track issues and see trends year to year, provide separation of duties (important in an auditing and advisory function), and (hopefully) give members a less public forum for sensitive input. At this point we see a permanent safety committee that will review all aspects of racing safety, reporting directly to the Executive Board as well as directly to the membership with evidence and recommendations. Areas covered may include, but not necessarily be restricted to accidents, non-crashing incidents, infrastructure, track day management, safety rules and training. If anyone has contacts with other organizations and their safety committees please contact me. We don't have to re-invent the wheel just because we're in the northwest corner of the country!
Joel, our long-time race director has garnered crash records from the past few years. Our second task will be to collate these records and develop a database to track potential trends. Our first task will be to organize the committee. We have two members now and need at least two more. Members should not be part of the track-day staff (although their input will be eagerly sought), should be experienced, and represent a range of classes. What is dangerous for Formula Ultra may not be for an SV or vintage bike; we need different perspectives to catch problems that are unique to each group. Those not wishing to, or unable to be members can still send input - for now, email or letters to me directly and we'll come up with a better solution later. All comment will be reviewed and kept as part of the annual report - nothing round-filed.
Randy Grein, #41
Safety Committee Chair
Like any promoter WMRRA receives criticism regarding safety. Racing is, after all moderately dangerous, the available tracks have issues and there's always the hindsight effect. The boards and race day crew obviously work hard to mitigate problems, but it was felt that it was time for a formal approach. This will permit us to track issues and see trends year to year, provide separation of duties (important in an auditing and advisory function), and (hopefully) give members a less public forum for sensitive input. At this point we see a permanent safety committee that will review all aspects of racing safety, reporting directly to the Executive Board as well as directly to the membership with evidence and recommendations. Areas covered may include, but not necessarily be restricted to accidents, non-crashing incidents, infrastructure, track day management, safety rules and training. If anyone has contacts with other organizations and their safety committees please contact me. We don't have to re-invent the wheel just because we're in the northwest corner of the country!
Joel, our long-time race director has garnered crash records from the past few years. Our second task will be to collate these records and develop a database to track potential trends. Our first task will be to organize the committee. We have two members now and need at least two more. Members should not be part of the track-day staff (although their input will be eagerly sought), should be experienced, and represent a range of classes. What is dangerous for Formula Ultra may not be for an SV or vintage bike; we need different perspectives to catch problems that are unique to each group. Those not wishing to, or unable to be members can still send input - for now, email or letters to me directly and we'll come up with a better solution later. All comment will be reviewed and kept as part of the annual report - nothing round-filed.
Randy Grein, #41
Safety Committee Chair