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NOTE: Topic moved from comments on main timeline item - https://cyclekarts.com.au/stream/item/1009
We are planning to organise a race meet and need to determine the requirements. As there is some potential liability involved, we need to make sure that we approach this in a considered manner. What this means is that we try to identify what risks and dangers there are before hand and address them appropriately. What this does not mean is introducing a set of rules that takes the fun out of what we are trying to do. We are not trying to regulate the race to the point that it becomes a challenge for most people to participate, we just want to make sure that everyone goes home safe. The reality is that we just need to apply some common sense, but unfortunately common sense is not so common nowadays, so we need to document what that looks like so that everyone is on the same page. We also really need participants to know what to expect before they arrive.
In its simplest form the meet will be something thats held on private ground with minimal numbers and is easy to control. But there is also the possibility, and long term goal that numbers will increase to the point that what we could originally control with a simple verbal drivers meeting needs more formal structure. We don't want to end up with arguments on the day from Johnny who cant see why he can't run his Hayabusa powered Bugatti. So lets try and nut this out and get some kind of common sense approach in place, with some basic rules that can be issued to participants before the day. Hopefully what we put together here can also be used by others putting together races for their areas / states.
At a higher level we have the following things to determine
- Venue - Private or public. The considerations are a little different in each case. We also need to identify and secure a location.
- Rules - We do have to consider the safety of participants and bystanders. More-so for a public venue. So unfortunately we do need to put some basic safety rules in place.
- Equipment - We need to invest in things such as cones for track layout, hi-vis for marshals (if we need them), Fire extinguishers, track control flags, etc
- Track Prep - If we are using a private venue we may need to physically create a track
- Driver / Pit crew requirements - Things like a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
In addition to this, if we are dealing with a public or commercial venue we may have the following additional requirements...
- Public Liability Insurance
- Be an officially sanctioned club
- Have a risk assessment in place
As I mentioned in the comments on the other discussion, I'm happy to invest in the things we need for infrastructure. i.e. cones, flags, hi-vis for marshals, walkie talkies and also putting together documentation. All of that stuff needs to happen wherever we race and become very important when there are lots of people involved.
I think as a minimum for driver safety we should consider long sleeves / pants and a proper motorcycle helmet. Goggles and gloves are optional.
Pit teams / drivers should have a mandatory equipment list including a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Optional items include a walkie talkie.
We will also need to look at spectator safety but that is largely going to be dictated by the venue and becomes part of the track prep and layout. A designated spectator area is usually all that's required which in most cases is the start / finish line. Sticking to private venues or purpose built courses would be preferable for the first few meets to keep things simple. I know that all of this sounds complicated and to some perhaps a bit overboard, but having been involved in motorsport for many years it's better to do things right from the get-go as no one really wants any mishaps. Don't worry, this is not nanny state tactics trying to spoil the fun. What it will come down to is a drivers pack made available to participants prior to the race which outlines requirements, a drivers meet on the day where we talk about course safety and a way to manage spectators so they do not get hurt. Anyone who's done something like kart racing will know it's not really that bad and is mostly just common sense.
Once we have this sorted out we can take a look at the race format which I will put in a different thread.
EDIT: Race format thread - https://cyclekarts.com.au/groups/adelaide-cyclekarts/discussions/item/race-meet-format
We are planning to organise a race meet and need to determine the requirements. As there is some potential liability involved, we need to make sure that we approach this in a considered manner. What this means is that we try to identify what risks and dangers there are before hand and address them appropriately. What this does not mean is introducing a set of rules that takes the fun out of what we are trying to do. We are not trying to regulate the race to the point that it becomes a challenge for most people to participate, we just want to make sure that everyone goes home safe. The reality is that we just need to apply some common sense, but unfortunately common sense is not so common nowadays, so we need to document what that looks like so that everyone is on the same page. We also really need participants to know what to expect before they arrive.
In its simplest form the meet will be something thats held on private ground with minimal numbers and is easy to control. But there is also the possibility, and long term goal that numbers will increase to the point that what we could originally control with a simple verbal drivers meeting needs more formal structure. We don't want to end up with arguments on the day from Johnny who cant see why he can't run his Hayabusa powered Bugatti. So lets try and nut this out and get some kind of common sense approach in place, with some basic rules that can be issued to participants before the day. Hopefully what we put together here can also be used by others putting together races for their areas / states.
At a higher level we have the following things to determine
- Venue - Private or public. The considerations are a little different in each case. We also need to identify and secure a location.
- Rules - We do have to consider the safety of participants and bystanders. More-so for a public venue. So unfortunately we do need to put some basic safety rules in place.
- Equipment - We need to invest in things such as cones for track layout, hi-vis for marshals (if we need them), Fire extinguishers, track control flags, etc
- Track Prep - If we are using a private venue we may need to physically create a track
- Driver / Pit crew requirements - Things like a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
In addition to this, if we are dealing with a public or commercial venue we may have the following additional requirements...
- Public Liability Insurance
- Be an officially sanctioned club
- Have a risk assessment in place
As I mentioned in the comments on the other discussion, I'm happy to invest in the things we need for infrastructure. i.e. cones, flags, hi-vis for marshals, walkie talkies and also putting together documentation. All of that stuff needs to happen wherever we race and become very important when there are lots of people involved.
I think as a minimum for driver safety we should consider long sleeves / pants and a proper motorcycle helmet. Goggles and gloves are optional.
Pit teams / drivers should have a mandatory equipment list including a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Optional items include a walkie talkie.
We will also need to look at spectator safety but that is largely going to be dictated by the venue and becomes part of the track prep and layout. A designated spectator area is usually all that's required which in most cases is the start / finish line. Sticking to private venues or purpose built courses would be preferable for the first few meets to keep things simple. I know that all of this sounds complicated and to some perhaps a bit overboard, but having been involved in motorsport for many years it's better to do things right from the get-go as no one really wants any mishaps. Don't worry, this is not nanny state tactics trying to spoil the fun. What it will come down to is a drivers pack made available to participants prior to the race which outlines requirements, a drivers meet on the day where we talk about course safety and a way to manage spectators so they do not get hurt. Anyone who's done something like kart racing will know it's not really that bad and is mostly just common sense.
Once we have this sorted out we can take a look at the race format which I will put in a different thread.
EDIT: Race format thread - https://cyclekarts.com.au/groups/adelaide-cyclekarts/discussions/item/race-meet-format
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I mentioned this on the race format thread, but I'll also put it here too...
Lets not forget that there will also be a requirement for volunteers to help with the organisation and running of the race. It's always good if participants also volunteer for roles. That doesn't mean that everyone gets stuck doing something all day that takes them away from the fun, but just that everyone gets to have a go if we all muck in.
I think that we need an overall race coordinator and a number of marshals - Startline Marshal(s) are an obvious requirement. Track(flag) marshals. The number required depends on track. Paddock Marshals if number of participants / spectators needs managing. We also need to have a way to determine if / how many marshals are needed.
As I mentioned on the other thread, I know that this seems very formal, and most likely initial races will look nothing like this as we will probably only have a handful of participants, but lets plan for what we want this to end up like and we will then be prepared for whatever happens. I'm trying to plan for the long game here.
Having and following a formal format will also help us down the track when we want to move these events to public venues. We can demonstrate that we know what we are doing, and that it has been successful (and safe) in the past. Additionally most people that participate in the public events will already be familiar with the format.
Lets not forget that there will also be a requirement for volunteers to help with the organisation and running of the race. It's always good if participants also volunteer for roles. That doesn't mean that everyone gets stuck doing something all day that takes them away from the fun, but just that everyone gets to have a go if we all muck in.
I think that we need an overall race coordinator and a number of marshals - Startline Marshal(s) are an obvious requirement. Track(flag) marshals. The number required depends on track. Paddock Marshals if number of participants / spectators needs managing. We also need to have a way to determine if / how many marshals are needed.
As I mentioned on the other thread, I know that this seems very formal, and most likely initial races will look nothing like this as we will probably only have a handful of participants, but lets plan for what we want this to end up like and we will then be prepared for whatever happens. I'm trying to plan for the long game here.
Having and following a formal format will also help us down the track when we want to move these events to public venues. We can demonstrate that we know what we are doing, and that it has been successful (and safe) in the past. Additionally most people that participate in the public events will already be familiar with the format.
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