The Wheels are Starting to Turn………….

Some positive news from the ACU this evening regarding the return to motorsport events in the UK. Read the official statement from the ACU below,

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Following a Video Conference of the ACU Ltd Board of Directors, the long-awaited return to two-wheel activity was discussed in detail based on the latest advice/guidance sent out by the UK Government on 25^th May.  In case you haven’t seen the latest guidance the link to the document is given below:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two

Training

On the basis of this document, training will be allowed to take place for participants aged 16 and above.  It goes without saying that in all circumstances, social distancing measures must be respected.  A risk assessment has been produced by ACU Head Office which will be distributed to all ACU Coaches and the guidance given within that document must be strictly adhered to.   The Training Secretary (Debbie Walmsley) is now available to issue permits for the return of training activity. 

Training activity is restricted to 16 years and above in accordance with the latest UK Government guidance and until otherwise notified, the ratio of training is restricted to one Coach to a maximum of three riders, ie. a small cluster.  Details will be issued by ACU Head Office, when it is considered suitable for these numbers to be increased.  

When applying for a training permit, the attached risk assessment must be completed and returned or amended / added to deleted to suit individual needs. What is important is that a Risk Assessment must be supplied which outlines the Control Measures put in place to ensure the safe running of a training session before a Permit is issued. Permit applications can be accepted with immediate effect for Training activity to commence from 1^st June. 

Practice Permits

With effect 1^st June, permit applications may be sent to the relevant Discipline Secretary to apply for a Practice Permit for practice events to commence from 8^th June.  It is stressed that this is not for competition but for practice only and participants aged 16 and above.  

A General Principles document and Risk Assessments pertaining to each discipline will be issued shortly which again will outline the control measures that must be put in place. Organisers may use this Risk Assessment or provide their own document, but in all circumstances a Risk Assessment must accompany a permit application to demonstrate that Control Measures put in place are suitable and sufficient and considered to be as low as is reasonably practicable to reduce the risk of infection and to maintain Social Distancing measures.  

Competition Permits. 

For the next three months (commencing 1^st June), all Permits (Training/Practice and Competition) will be issued by ACU Head Office.  This is to ensure that a Risk Assessment accompanies a Permit Application, either the Risk Assessment produced by ACU Head Office that has been completed and returned or a risk assessment drafted by the Organiser taking into consideration the control measures to be put in place to mitigate the risk of infection and to consider Social Distancing measures.  

For clarity, competition permits will be issued for events commencing on / or after 4^th July.  The cost of a Permit to be issued by ACU Head Office for the next three months (Covid19 Permit) will be £25.00 for each permit and for clarification these are the Permits that would have been issued in normal circumstances by the Centre.  As well as the Risk Assessment, normal protocols regarding a Permit Application applies and entry to the activity is made online such as the ACU online system.  A £3.00 surcharge per rider will be added if we have to cancel the permit following a change in Government advice.

Sidecars

Obviously, each of our sports have provision for Sidecar activity.   Please be assured that the Directors are discussing the issue of Sidecar competition.  Social distancing has to be considered in line with existing UK Government advice/guidance which in its current form has an effect on Sidecars.  At this moment in time, no ACU competitive events in any discipline will commence before 4^th July, so we have some time to consider Sidecar activity further in line with the UK Government protocol on Social Distancing.  This issue is being discussed quite comprehensively and once a decision is made, this will be disseminated as quickly as possible. 

Youth Practice

As per the latest UK Government guidance, we cannot start youth practice for the time-being.  This is being constantly reviewed and further updates will follow once more clarity has been given on this matter.

The Board of Directors thank all Organisers / members for their continued support and on behalf of the Board, Chairman Roy Humphrey commented “The Directors are well aware of the eagerness of many who wish to get going and get started back in their sport as soon as possible.  Apart from the love of the sport and motorcycles, this will give everyone a lift and help our mental wellbeing. We, as the Governing Body have a responsibility to ensure our Sport, our Clubs and Members adhere to current UK Government policy with regard to Covid-19 and as such we must all do what we can to minimize the risk of infection by maintaining our social distance.  The last thing we or anyone needs is a second peak now that restrictions are slowly beginning to ease’.

Summary of dates:

Lead Image Photo Credit – MXGB