Motorcycling SA

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NOMINATIONS FOR SPORT MANAGERS; NOW OPEN FOR SELECTED DISCIPLINES

Filed Under: All disciplines, News, SA Women in Motorcycling

Motorcycling SA are pleased to announce that nominations for the following Sports Managers positions are now open; 

  • Road Race
  • Speedway 
  • Quads – perhaps to be renamed Sidecar-cross & Quads
  • Reliability Trial

Also to be re-advertised will be the following positions, due to being vacant or the person holding the position is doing so in an acting role;

  • Enduro 
  • Classic Motocross

Nominations will close on Friday, November 27th at 5.00pm, with appointments to be decided on, and made official by the MSA Board at the December Sports Managers meeting on December 10th.

Each appointment is for a two (2) year term – 2021/22

An application form needs to be completed and returned to Motorcycling SA for a person to be considered for the position, contact the MSA office for more information.

COMMUNITY SPORT & COVID COMPLIANCE EVENT WITH PROFESSOR SPURRIER.

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

COMMUNITY SPORT & COVID COMPLIANCE EVENT WITH PROFESSOR SPURRIER.

On Thursday, September 3rd, Motorcycling SA attended a Community Sport & COVID Compliance event at Priceline Stadium, along with 130 other interest people representing some 70 sports and their organisations.

Guest speakers were Professor Nicola Spurrier, Dr Chris Lease, Dr Janet Young, John Mannion and Katrina Ranford, with it being a huge emphasis on sport in the COVID era- and how we can keep playing, and why it is important to do so!

The seminar was opened with Katrina Ranford speaking about inclusion in sport and why it is important that everyone have the chance to take part in all sports, with everyone directed to the Inclusive Sport SA website for more details, www.inclusivesportsa.com.au.

Professor Nicola Spurrier, who has led the fight against COVID-19 in SA was introduced next and was very positive in what she had to say in how we, as a state, have combated the pandemic, but she also warned against complacency as the risk is still relevant, especially through overseas repatriates, as well as when the borders will slowly re-open as well.

Professor Spurrier also made the following points in regards the virus;

  • There will likely be no vaccine by October, with level 1 trials taking place at the moment in Australia, with level 2 and 3 trials progressing in Europe and the USA.
  • The virus shows no seasonality – so summer will be the same as winter in regards what we should be doing and looking out for.
  • So managing the risks will also be the same through summer as what they are at present.
  • If you are sick – STAY HOME – it is the one single thing that will make a difference!
  • The 1.5 metre distancing rule – the relevance of this is that it is the distance any droplets from the body will fall, whether this be sneezing, coughing or during exercise – so it is an important tool in combating the virus!

But Professor Spurrier was also very quick to point out that it is important that we keep our spirits up, as we are doing really well as a state, and that we need to keep doing what we have been doing – and that PHYSICAL DISTANCING is what is now required, not so much SOCIAL DISTANCING, and that this is very important to everyone’s mental health on the up!

The other speakers also had some very relevant points, including;

  • WHY SA HAS DONE SO WELL – the community response across the state, along with the media and the government have all played a part in combating the virus, and to keep it up.
  • INJURIES IN SPORT (Including with blood)
    • Priority should always be given to the injured athlete – as it always has been
    • Gloves should always be worn and available to all first aid staff
    • Only the people needed should be with the injured athlete – politely ask everyone else to move away.
    • Hygiene before and after treating the athlete – washing hands, etc
  • MENTAL HEALTH
    • Never underestimate the power of sport and its healing powers
    • There is no rule book to this pandemic – so think across all possible scenarios
    • Don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help
    • Also, don’t be afraid to put your hand up and OFFER help – we are all in this together
  • 2021 MAJOR EVENTS
    • Take the current mindset into planning any major events for 2021
    • For events with 1000+ attendees, identify the key points of the event and plan and manage accordingly
    • If it doesn’t affect the running of the event – limit the number of attendees (remembering that this may not be possible due to many reasons, junior sport with parent/guardians, financial, etc)
  • INDOOR EVENTS – HAVE THEY BEEN TREATED HARSHER THAN OUTDOOR?
    • Firstly – there is NO evidence that the virus is more of an indoor virus than outdoor but;
      • Indoors, with less space, it has been proven to be harder to control
      • This may be due to less ventilation in many indoor venues
      • It is less likely to contract the virus outdoor
    • There is a solid world-wide evidence base around these points
  • PRACTICAL CHANGES TO SPORT – managing risks and staying COVID compliant across all sports
    • Analyse your sport, and practises and make changes as needed, like;
      • Only have people at practises that need to be there – so limit numbers
      • Stagger the starts of your sport (more specific to indoor)
      • Ensure all players and officials have their own drink bottles, etc.
      • Don’t share equipment – as much as is practical or necessary for your sport
      • Ensure people don’t attend sick – and if they do, perhaps ask them to go home!

Following this, there was a Q& A (question & answer) session from people in the crowd;

  • COACHING, what can coaches do to stay safe?
    • Physical distancing – as much as practical, depending on the sport and limit any contact to what is actually needed
    • Positioning of body (coach and athlete) and particularly the face – don’t talk directly, turn your face 45 degrees to each other
    • MASKS: The Government and Medical Professionals are not messaging that it is a requirement at this stage in SA, but this is not to say it may not become so in the future. It was also pointed out that under no circumstances should anyone be vilified should they choose to wear one (as that is their decision and it should be respected)
  • SWEATING; At this stage there is no medical evidence to prove that sweating helps in the spreading of the virus, as it has been proven that there is no difference in the virus from summer to winter. This also comes back to the 1.5 metre physical distancing rule in regards body droplet spread.
  • RESPONSIBILITIES; This question was raised in regards to the running of events in a public space, where people not connected with the event can come into contact with those attending the event.
    • The organisers of the event are only responsible to the people directly connected to your event – participants, officials, followers and spectators
    • The way to safeguard everyone in this instance, connected or not – is to have the COVID app, as it will alert if needed
  • INTERSTATE COMPETITORS/ATHLETES;
    • There are exemptions available for certain events where competitors can apply for exemptions, specifically where it comes to the success of that event
    • But at this stage it is still a wait and see with the borders and it is too early to make any concrete decisions
  • MENTAL HEALTH (a number of people from the Sammy D Foundation asked questions)
    • It is important to remember that it is not exclusive to today’s youth, and everyone should be checked on, regardless of age
    • Use technology, Zoom, etc, to stay connected with friends and family
    • Call or text your friends – just because!
    • Relax more – go for a walk, along the beach, in the country, etc
    • Think differently – outside of the box and what you’ve always done – as COVID has made this something that will now always be relevant
    • If you are struggling – reach out, ask for help
    • Also – if you see someone you think is struggling – reach out and offer help, volunteer, be there for them

All in all, this was a great seminar to be a part of as sport looks to move forward in a COVID world – and the importance of ensuring that sport can continue – and should continue, and we, as sporting bodies should be doing we do all we can to make our chosen sport happen – and not look for excuses to cancel events, but look for reasons and ways to ensure they run.

If you wish to listen to the podcast of the event, follow this link; Here

TYLER HOGAN APPOINTED TO MOTORCYCLING SA BOARD

Filed Under: All disciplines, News, SA Women in Motorcycling

Tyler Hogan, a 2018 Motorcycling SA Regional Volunteer Award recipient, with a wealth of knowledge at local, National and International levels in the discipline of Trial,  as a competitor, an official, event organiser and parent to Australian representative, Connor, has been appointed to the Motorcycling SA Board as a director.

In announcing the Board’s appointment, MSA President Brenton Matters stated; “On behalf of Motorcycling SA I would like to welcome Tyler to the Board, she certainly has a wealth of knowledge and I look forward to her input on the future direction of the sport. Along with Dominic Burman, even though we are in difficult times with COVID, it certainly is an exciting time to have new faces with new ideas on the MSA Board.”

Added Tyler, who is also a country school principal in the Southern Flinders Ranges, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent members of Motorcycling South Australia.”

Motorcycling SA welcomes Tyler and wishes her all the best as she starts a new chapter of her motorcycling journey.

ELITE RIDER PROGRAMME POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

ELITE RIDER PROGRAMME POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

After many weeks of planning and trying to get the 2020 Elite Rider Programme to fit into the condensed calendar that motorcycle sport is faced with due to COVID-19 and re-start restrictions, the heart breaking decision to postpone the Programme until 2021 months has been made!

With riders from every discipline in the 2020 Squad, it has become just too difficult to make the Programme workable in what will be, a very full calendar for the rest of 2020.

This is also relevant as some of the venues that were planned to be used will/may not be available due to other commitments that will take preference.

At this stage the current Squad will be held over and Motorcycling SA will look to an April and July date in 2021 to run the Camp.

Motorcycling SA will also keep in touch with the 2020 Squad, and will seek to promote them and their results throughout the year, and over summer 2020/21 for the speedway guns – as they are an amazingly talented group and will very probably be chomping at the bit to do great things on track this year!

Motorcycling SA look forward to watching their journey into the 2021 Elite Rider Camp!

COVID-19 UPDATE – REGARDING GRASSROOTS MOTORSPORT (19 MARCH)

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

COVID-19 UPDATE – GRASSROOTS MOTORSPORT (19 MARCH)

Motorsport Australia is determined to continue to update our members during this unprecedented time with the latest information on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation.

As previously stated, Motorsport Australia believes smaller events may continue to run based on the current government restrictions, and of course, with the appropriate precautions in place. As of 19 March, this position remains the same.

The Australian Government has announced new community sport guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19 and Motorsport Australia would like to share this valuable information with you. Please see below, taken from the Sport Australia website.

Minister for Sport issues community guidelines

These guidelines were developed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), comprising all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy.

The guidelines were subsequently endorsed by the newly formed National Cabinet which is made up of all Premiers, First Ministers and the Prime Minister.

AHPPC COVID-19 Community Sport Guidelines

All community sport participants must play a role to help reduce the transmission of COVID 19, including those organising, attending or supporting attendance at these activities.

Participants should not attend and participate in Community Sport if they:

  • have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; or
  • are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Attendance at Community Sport activities

Only essential participants should attend activities, i.e. players, coaches, match officials, staff and volunteers involved in operations and parents/guardians of participants.

All players, visitors should practise the following social distancing measures at Community Sporting activities:

  • Players, visitors and officials should minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example no shaking hands, no walking out with player mascots, no pre- or post-match celebrations and no celebrating between players during the match.
  • When spectating or attending a game or training session, ensure a distance of 1.5 metres is kept between yourself and others.
  • Access to change rooms should be restricted solely to players, officials and essential staff.
  • If spectating, try to maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • It is recommended that sporting teams, including school sporting teams, maintain local competitions only, with no inter-district, or inter-club travel. As with all gatherings, basic protective measures should be observed, such as regular hand hygiene practices before, during and after the match, do not share drink bottles, and avoid touching your face.
  • It is acknowledged that contact sports have a greater risk of transmission than other sports, and as such, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, other mitigation strategies for match socialisation and contact must be employed to reduce the risk to players, visitors, and officials more broadly.

General hygiene measures at facilities

Facilities should ensure that:

  • spaces at each facility, surfaces and objects are regularly cleaned with disinfectant
  • provide hand washing guidance
  • promote regular and thorough hand washing by staff and participants
  • provide sanitising hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the event (particularly entry or high use areas such as a registration desk, change rooms, toilets or kiosk)
  • make sure dispensers are regularly refilled

 

The most recent advice released by the AHPPC can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/australianhealth-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-coronavirus-covid-19-statement-on-17-march-2020

Additional information relating to the Government’s response to COVID-19 can be found at: www.health.gov.au

The Australian Institute of Sport is maintaining an information page on COVID-19 and Sporting Activity here: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

 

In response Motorcycling SA are here to support your club and event however possible. Our ‘hotline’ 8332 9000 remains active during business hours and we are also monitoring emails out of hours, so your regular contacts will be available.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT REGARDING COVID-19

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

To our Motorcycling South Australia riders, committees, clubs, coaches and volunteers,

 

As the situation around COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) continues to develop, we are committed to providing up-to-date information to you all, as it becomes available to us.

On March 16, Motorcycling Australia issued a statement and advice to the State Controlling Bodies on the running of events with over 500 people and issuing of MA Permits for events. This was based on the advice and direction of the Federal and State Governments.

Motorcycling South Australia support the State and Federal Governments in their attempt to contain the spread of this virus as much as possible. We encourage you to keep up to date, and do your part in reducing your chance of contracting the virus.

For more information visit; https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus

With all this in mind, the following clubs and/or promoters have decided to postpone or cancel the following events due to many reason, most outside of their control:

Postponed;          

March 28              Sidewinders                   Silver Helmet Meeting

March 29              Atujara                           Collingrove Hillclimb

March 29              MRA                               Club round

April 5                    MSA                               Women’s Only Come & Try

April 11                  Sidewinders                   Baker / Bitmead Meeting

April 11 & 12         Port Pirie                       King of the Gulf motocross

April 25                 Sidewinders                   ANZAC / President’s Cup Meeting

 

Under Review;

April 4                            SRA                                 SA B Grade Sidecar Championship, Gillman

April 4                           MSA                                Elite Rider Program Day 1

May 2                             Whyalla                          Dash for Cash

 

Cancelled;

March 28              Keith                    Diesel & Dirt Derby & Come & Try

 

Information will be made available from the Event Organisers, to all riders who have already entered on their options for either having their entry roll over or refunded.

At this stage all other events are going ahead as planned, and further to this Motorcycling South Australia support and encourage any clubs wishing to continue to operate to do so, within the current strict hygiene and social distancing guidelines.

However, if a Club wishes to postpone any activity we actively support this decision, as you know your community better than any of us.

To keep up to date on the status of events we encourage you to continue to visit our website: https://www.motorcyclingsa.org.au/riders/calendar/

The Motorcycling South Australia office will remain open, but will be closed for counter enquiries.

We feel this will reduce any disturbance in the service we can provide to our Riders and Clubs.

Due to ALL indoor gatherings/meetings now having to be less than 100 people and venues needing to be cleaned and sanitized effectively (as per the Prime Minister on March 18) the MSA Hall will now be closed for meetings.

MSA is not able to provide adequate cleaning and sanitation processes for the hall to protect our members and staff.

We wish to assure you all that the decisions we make, are with the best intentions and with the most up to date information available to us at this time.

 

We will continue to communicate as information and the situation progresses.

 

Warm regards,

 

Brenton Matters

President
Motorcycling South Australia