Insurance
The following policies have been arranged to protect Auto Cycle Union Ltd (ACU), ACU Events Ltd, ACU Events (Isle of Man) Ltd and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) and/or their affiliated clubs or any local Association or Organisation approved by the ACU and their Officials in addition to “signed-on” Competitors who are members of the ACU but only when an ACU permit or certificate of exemption has been issued for the event. An event can comprise Practice or Competition. The policies arranged by the ACU are:
- Public Liability for injury or damage to other people or property (see exclusions and limitations on the following
page)
- Personal Accident to Officials
- Personal Accident to Competitors or Participants (Premier Cover only)
The benefits noted in this section only apply to events permitted by ACU Ltd, ACU Events Ltd or ACU Events (Isle of Man) Ltd. Riders and officials at events permitted by the Scottish ACU Ltd (SACU) are subject to the terms and conditions of the SACU insurance and should refer to the SACU for details.
The policies are arranged through
Doodson Motorsport, Century House, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove, Cheshire SK7 5BW and copies of them may be seen by arrangement with the General Secretary at ACU House, Wood Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2YX .
A summary of Key Facts for Competitors and Officials appears later in this Section.
PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER
Any person allegedly injuring another or damaging another person’s property may have an action for compensation brought against them. This is as true of motor sport activity as of any other and it is for this reason that the ACU has arranged Public Liability insurance to protect its Affiliated Clubs, Local Centres, Officials, Sponsors and others who are involved in organising or running ACU permitted events. For these potential legal liabilities to be covered under the ACU policy, the Organisers must obtain an appropriate Permit or exemption from the ACU.
The indemnity limit for any one accident is £30 Million under Premier cover and £10 Million under Basic cover. The cost of defending Organisers and their Officials against allegations that might become the subject of indemnity under this insurance (including prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive) is also met by the Insurers subject to them taking over the conduct and control of any such defence.
The cover applies to associated activities necessary to an event such as setting up and dismantling a course.
Training days are covered subject to prior notification, approval of procedures and issue of a Training Permit, by the Training Department after payment of the appropriate fee. A per capita charge may be made for insurance cover provided.
Non motorcycling social events run by clubs affiliated to the ACU are included in the cover, i.e. club nights and the like.
The Policy extends to protect all persons appointed to act as an Official of any permitted event in respect of their third party liabilities arising from their official duties, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the Policy.
Officials’ private vehicles, whilst being used by an Official in his official capacity as part of a permitted event, will, if damaged, be regarded by the Insurers as third party property and the ACU cover will apply subject to a £100 excess.
LANDOWNERS
The ACU and its members need to retain the goodwill of Landowners so that land continues to be made available for events. For this reason the ACU policy indemnifies Landowners in respect of their potential legal liability to third parties following an accident in connection with a permitted event for which they have made available the use of their land. The indemnity protects them against being drawn in to a claim if there is an accident during the event and also indemnifies the Landowner if an allegation is made that cause of injury or damage was due to some defect in the Landowner’s premises. The amount of Indemnity provided depends on the cover selected by the Organisers of the event.
Many Landowners expect that if an event results in damage to their property (for example a wall is knocked down) that the ACU or Organiser will indemnify the Landowner. The policy covers this type of incident subject to a £250 excess.
SPONSORS The policy extends to include indemnity to sponsors, should they get involved in a claim where they have become subject to litigation only due to the fact they were an event sponsor. If the sponsor has been negligent in their actions and caused injury to a third party or damage to any third party property then the ACU would pass the claim to the sponsor and their insurers.
CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY
Contractual liability is the term used in insurance to indicate an obligation imposed in a contract which goes beyond the position that would exist otherwise under the law. Insurers customarily exclude such obligations because they do not wish to be bound by prior commitments made by their policyholders unless they have been given notice of the commitment and agreed to it.
It is not uncommon for Landowners making their land available for an event to make it a condition that damage will be made good. Thus the liability of the Organiser to the Landowner may not arise from common law because the Organiser has been negligent, or failed to exercise proper care, but purely as the result of the contract between the Landowner and the Organiser.
The ACU policy is extended within its normal limits to cover this situation, however for this to apply details of any correspondence, contract or agreement between the Organiser and the Landowner shall be advised to the ACU at the earliest opportunity and by the very latest the date at which the permit is applied for in order to check if the obligations go beyond policy limits.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
It is important to understand what is not covered by the policy. The main points are:
Participant to Participant Liability - Claims by one Competitor against another Competitor are not insured whilst competing in the permitted event. Competitor means rider, passenger, entrant or sponsor.
Road Traffic Act Liability i.e. Road risks. Where any part of an event takes place in a public place riders are strongly recommended to confirm with their normal motor insurers that their participation in the event is covered. Without such a precaution it is possible that a rider could both be prosecuted and find them self personally liable for damages without insurance protection. The ACU can arrange short term RTA cover for an event where required and application should be made to ACU House by the Organiser when applying for the permit.
Liability arising out of the use of Motor Vehicles loaned or hired to participants.
Damage or loss of property – Either belonging to the Organiser, hired or held in the custody or control of the Organisation running the event. Note this exclusion also applies to motorcycles held in a Parc Ferme but can be varied on application with full details to Doodson Motorsport.
Borrowed or Hired Motor Vehicles – It is possible that an Organiser may borrow or hire a vehicle such as a tractor or JCB to assist with the task of setting up or dismantling a course. The Organiser must ensure that the proposed use of the borrowed or hired vehicle is covered either by the owner’s existing Insurer or by making alternative arrangements separately. Loss of or damage to property in the custody or control of the Organisers is excluded.
It is a condition of the policies that ACU Codes, Regulations and Supplementary Regulations are observed and complied with. Failure to comply could prejudice the operation of the cover.
Unusual Activities – If these involve any high hazard aspects such as a freestyle jumping competition, firework displays or sports such as ballooning or bungee jumping, they should be referred to Doodson Motorsport for approval.
Aviation – The policies do not provide cover in respect of risks arising from the movement of aircraft. If any ancillary attraction involves aircraft, details should be submitted to Doodson Motorsport well in advance of the event. Where airfields are used for events, the airfield must be non-operational for the period of the meeting or details of the proposed location in relation to the “air side” activities at the aviation site submitted to Doodson Motorsport for approval in advance.
Excess – The first £250 of each and every property damage claim.
PUBLIC LIABILITY – ACTION PRIOR TO THE EVENT AND IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT
1. Prior to the event; so that Clubs may be certain that cover is operative for any event they undertake the following steps should be taken:
1.1 Apply to the ACU for an appropriate permit or exemption certificate.
1.2 Officials should be briefed prior to the event on risk assessment and procedure in the event of an accident.
1.3 Consider if specific advice is needed from Doodson Motorsport about the event e.g. – increased indemnity limit above £30 Million.
- Attractions other than normal competition e.g. flight displays, ballooning, bungee jumping, free style displays, bouncy castles.
- Contractual liabilities incurred to property owners or landlords.
- Use of vehicles on public roads i.e. RTA cover.
- Aviation activity on site.
If there are any special exposures that fall outside normal competition as shown in this handbook and therefore are not covered by the standard ACU liability insurance, full details of the event should be made available to Doodson Motorsport in good time for them to be able to respond on the implications for cover and cost.
2. In The Case of a Serious Accident or Incident involving a Competitor, Official, Spectator or Property contact any of the people below who are all from Doodson Motorsport: They are experienced in dealing with major incidents and will advise you on the action to take. They are available to attend the scene of major incidents to help the club/promoter deal with the official services and government agencies. In addition they have access to expert motorsport legal advice, should the need arise.
Neil Clayton 07810 883330
Chris Jones 07768 887689
Ian Hesselden 07940 541581
A serious incident, whilst not a full list, would include:
- Death of a rider, official or spectator
- A spectator is hit by a bike or other vehicle
- A rider, official or spectator is airlifted to hospital from the event
- Any spinal injury
- A serious head injury
- Any other catastrophic injury
The first 10 hours after a major incident are the most important as it enables you to take pictures of the scene, get witness details, confirm weather conditions etc.
It is important you speak to us and we can help you. Failure to speak to us at the time of the incident will make the process of gathering information and building the incident file more difficult.
3.3 Organisers should retain a full record of the event i.e. copy programme, Supplementary Regulations, final instructions, passes, scrutineer’s report and list of senior officials for a minimum period of four years, or until each competitor in the event has reached 21 years of age, whichever is the longer period.
3.4 A return must be made to Doodson Motorsport of the details of injured parties, on the Incident/Accident report form provided, with brief details of the injury to each. If a fatal or serious accident occurs the original entry form must be retained for a period of four years to comply with the law. Any fatal or potentially fatal accident must be notified to Doodson Motorsport and to ACU House, preferably by telephone/fax or email, within 24 hours.
3.5 Changes to the Civil Justice System came into effect on 26th April 1999 which impact on the claims procedures. They are designed to improve pre-action contact between the two parties, lead to a better exchange of information and put both parties in a position to settle cases quickly and fairly. Following an incident, organisers may receive a letter from a solicitor which should take the form of two copies of a “letter before action”. Such letters should not be acknowledged but must immediately be sent to Doodson Motorsport. Insurers will then have 21 days to acknowledge this letter followed by a period of 90 days to investigate the claim and make a decision on liability. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in judgement by default with the attendant adverse penalties and costs accruing to the defendant.
3.6 Organisers, competitors or officials who are involved in an accident will be defended by Solicitors chosen by ACU’s insurers. The costs of a club, competitor or official appointing their own Solicitor are not covered under the Master Policy.
3.7 Claim forms will be sent direct to competitors who request them from Doodson Motorsport.
MEDICAL MAL-PRACTICE INSURANCE
The Master policy is automatically extended to provide medical malpractice cover for volunteer paramedics registered with the (HPC) Health Professions Council. Cover also applies to qualified nurses registered with the (RCN) Royal College of Nursing, medical assistants and event officials at ACU permitted events. The limit of indemnity is £10m in the aggregate for each period of 12 months. Cover is subject to an excess of £250 each and every claim.
INSURANCE POLICY SUMMARY – KEY FACTS FOR COMPETITORS (PREMIER PERMITTED EVENTS ONLY) This policy summary provides important information about the Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance. This applies each time you are eligible to compete in any ACU permitted event or event for which a certificate of exemption has been issued or run in accordance with the International Sporting Code of the FIM. These are not the full terms and conditions. The full terms and conditions can be found in the insurance policy a copy of which can be viewed on application to the ACU’s Company Secretary at ACU House, Wood Street, Rugby. The insurance is governed by English Law.
Making a Claim: To make a claim please contact Doodson Motorsport on 0161 419 3000. In the case of an out of hours emergency please see above for the contact details for major incidents.
Complaints: If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from us you should contact in the first instance the Complaints Officer, Doodson Broking Group, Century House, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove, Cheshire. SK7 5BW
If we are unable to satisfactorily resolve your problem you may be eligible for the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Public Liability
You are covered for legal liability you may incur for injury caused to third parties and damage to their property. Injury caused to any other participant during a race.
Road Traffic Act liability unless specifically provided for the event.
The organising club will be responsible for the first £250 of each claim in respect of third party property damage.
Limit of Indemnity
Premier cover £30,000,000 each and every claim
Basic cover £10,000,000 each and every claim
Personal Accident (Premier Cover only)
Death £10,000 (£7,500 for 6 – 15 year olds)
Permanent total disablement £20,000
Quadriplegia £40,000
Hospital Benefit £2,000
Loss of Limb(s) £20,000
Loss of Sight of eye(s) £20,000 Personal accident cover for competitors does not apply to events run with only Basic insurance.
Temporary total disablement, illness of any kind.
Suicide or attempted suicide. Your own criminal act. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Terrorism.
Hospital Benefit is payable in a single payment after 28 days hospitalisation following an accident, within a 12 month period of the accident (14 days in respect of trials riders).
Operative Time
Cover for both sections only applies whilst you are signed on at events held under permit or certificate of exemption including setting up and dismantling at the event. Territorial Limits
Cover is only provided for events taking place under a Permit within Great Britain, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT TO RIDERS AND PASSENGERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE ACU
(A) Optional Arrangements
The ACU Policy only provides a foundation under Premier cover and competitors requiring more than this limited cover can obtain additional benefits by paying a seasonal premium to the ACU. Full details and premiums charged are available from ACU or Doodson Motorsport.
(B) Below International Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) Permitted Events
The ACU’s Personal Accident to Riders and Passengers Master Policy may be extended in respect of authorised participation. All Competitors should contact the ACU prior to entry/departure.
Note: Competitors without appropriate insurance or authorisation may not be allowed to compete.
(C) Youth Events
Doodson Motorsport are able to provide seasonal event Personal Accident Insurance, at competitive rates, to meet the specific needs of youth competitors.
(D) Minors
IT IS MOST IMPORTANT that any injury to a minor (under 18 years of age) reported on an accident report form should clearly indicate the age of the injured person.
(E) Events with Foreign Competitors
It should be noted that only ACU and SACU registered members or licence holders are covered by the ACU’s Premier Personal Accident Policy. No cover applies to events run under Basic insurance. Holders of licences issued by other FMNs are required to make their own arrangements.
Please note that the scale of benefits is that specified by the ACU to apply to ACU licence holders competing in Events within ACU territory. (Article 110.2 of the FIM Sporting Code).
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR OFFICIALS
The ACU has effected a Personal Accident Insurance policies (Premier and Basic) all of which provide benefits on the scale below to officials acting at ACU permitted meetings who suffer injury. The cover applies to associated activities necessary to an event such as, setting up and dismantling a course and travelling to and from the event. The ACU will consider sympathetically the provision of counselling where appropriate.
TABLE OF BENEFITS
The benefits under the Personal Accident policies are either payable for death, loss of Limb(s) and/or Eye(s) OR Permanent Total Disablement OR Temporary Total Disablement (this applies to Officials only). Officials who are unemployed receive weekly benefit only whilst hospitalised or housebound. Compensation is payable in accordance with the following table of benefits in Respect of an accident resulting in
1. Death.
2. Loss of or loss of use of two limbs or the sight of two eyes or the loss of use of one limb and one eye, the loss of or loss of use of a limb or the sight of an eye.
3. Permanent Total Disablement.
4. Temporary Total Disablement.
5. Fracture.
6. Dislocation.
7. Physiotherapy.
8. Hospitalisation.
Note: Repatriation costs are not covered.
Benefit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Officials age over 16 £65,000 £65,000 £65,000 £150 per week (Max. 104 weeks) £2,500 £1,000 £500 £2,000 following hospitalisation of 2 weeks or more
Officials age 14 to 16 in full time education £7,500 £20,000 £20,000 £75 per week for home tuition & care fees £2,500 £1,000 £500 £2,000 following hospitalisation of 2 weeks or more
COMPETITION OUTSIDE OF THE UK
When competing abroad it is a condition of the FIM/UEM Sporting Code that the Rider’s own Federation – in our case the ACU – ensures that riders are insured for stated benefits. This requirement offers some safeguards to the event organiser in the event of having to deal with injured or incapacitated competitors, as well as offering some level of security to competitors.
FIM INSURANCE COVER
Doodson Motorsport have arranged on behalf of ACU Licence Holders a benefit package for riders competing in overseas events. Full details of cover and premium rates are available upon request from the ACU Rugby.
Your entry form must be sent via the ACU office at Rugby for endorsement for each event. It is advised that the entry form and insurance premium for each event should be sent to ACU House at least six weeks prior to the event.
ACU House requires a minimum of seven days notice in order to process your insurance and start permission document. Any requests not giving seven days notice may be surcharged £10 plus any costs of post, fax or telephone.
You must obtain an insurance document for each overseas event in which you ride, unless you take out a Full Seasonal Policy, which covers you for the whole year. The issuing of these documents does not guarantee an entry into, or acceptance into, any competition. The onus of eligibility remains the sole responsibility of the competitor.
A copy of your competition licence, insurance documents and start permission should be presented to the event organiser. In some cases you may also be asked to produce your driving licence.
Speedway competitors riding abroad must obtain an ‘Authority to Ride Abroad’ form from the ACU. This is to be signed by the competitor, the competitor’s promoter, and the BSPA and forwarded to the ACU with all the relevant papers to obtain start permission.
NOTES:
i) Youth Competitors should note the maximum payable on Death is limited to £7,500 by UK Statute.
ii) If any rider intends to claim that he already has private personal accident insurance cover in place, which is equivalent to the FIM and UEM basic requirements, and wishes to contract out of the ACU arrangements, the rider must submit such private policies, with the current renewal receipt or confirmation, to the ACU at least 21 days before endorsement of his entry is required.
iii) Riders are reminded that FIM/UEM/ACU Cover is NOT travel insurance. It covers the Competitor for the benefits listed only during official practice or competition.
iv) All applicants for FIM/UEM International Licences must hold a current medical certificate.
v) FIM Cover comes with 24 hour International Emergency Medical assistance (World Wide), and includes pre-travel advice, injury or illness consultation or second opinion facility and emergency message relay.
CHECKLIST OF ESSSENTIAL DOCUMENTS TO TAKE WITH YOU WHEN COMPETING ABROAD
• ACU/UEM/FIM Competition licence of appropriate grade. (See ACU Competition Licence Application Form).
• Necessary competition insurance – according to the ACU/FIM scales.
• A current European Health Insurance Card for each member of the team in order to receive reciprocal health benefits in most countries.
We strongly recommend that full travel insurance is arranged for your trip, in addition to FIM Insurance cover which only provides protection during the event itself.
OTHER RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTATION
• Passport with Visa if appropriate.
• Drivers licence.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) – where necessary (from AA or RAC).
• Bail Bond – where necessary (from AA or RAC).
• Vehicle insurance documentation for all vehicles. Check with your insurance broker, as requirements vary from company to company. Green Cards are not a requirement for all insurers when travel is confined to the European Union and many insurance certificates now feature statements in other languages. Some insurers require only to be notified and will issue a standard accident report form.
• Vehicle registration documents – V5 or VE103 or letter of authority if you do not own the vehicle.
• Travel Insurance – including medical and repatriation cover where not otherwise arranged.
• Competitors, who travel with assistants, or as part of a team, should not overlook their needs including travel insurance.
• International identification plate (GB) for vehicles.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE
In addition to the Personal Accident scheme already explained there are other schemes available to Clubs and Competitors, details of which can be obtained from Doodson Motorsport.
ACU ROAD TRAFFIC ACT INSURANCE SCHEME
If any event takes place on the public highway, event regulations should indicate this. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure that they are Insured accordingly. Organisers may wish to make provision for those riders whose own Motor Cycle Insurance does not extend to cover them whilst their vehicle is being used in competition.
Organisers of National Trials and National Enduro events do not need to apply for cover, as it will be automatically activated upon issue of the permit. Cover for Non-National events should be applied for on the relevant form, available from Centres.
CLUBS
Now that public liability cover for ACU affiliated Clubs’ social events is included in the ACU Master Liability Policy you may like Doodson Motorsport to review your present cover.
Doodson Motorsport has a scheme providing for the general insurances often needed by Clubs. Under this scheme buildings and contents, trophies, equipment, public and employers liability covers are available to complement the cover provided by the issue of an ACU permit.
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO MACHINES
Doodson Motorsport have arranged a scheme to cover accidental damage, fire and theft (other than when being ridden) for off-road competition machines.
Contact Address:
Doodson Motorsport
Century House
Pepper Road
Hazel Grove
SK7 5BW
Tel: 0161 419 3000 (All enquiries) Email: snash@doodsonbg.com
An increasing number of foreign riders now compete in events run under ACU permits and this is to be encouraged, however serious problems can arise when a Rider is injured far from home and requires Repatriation. Traditionally this is provided by the Competitor’s home FMN along with Personal Accident Insurance and Medical expenses to FIM levels. Evidence of such cover is contained in a “Start Permission” document provided by the Competitor’s home FMN and is inspected by the Secretary of the Meeting at “sign-on” before the rider is allowed to compete. Times change and it is evident that with increasing freedom of movement between European Countries many riders do not obtain insurance or a “Start Permission” from their home FMN before setting out for events run in England or Wales. Thus they are often uninsured and place a severe burden on the organising Club. A further point worthy of note is that Competitors with full FIM cover do not bring with them any Liability insurance to deal with an accident in the paddock, an “off” into the crowd or any other injury or damage caused through negligence, neither do they provide any PA benefits for Officials. This cover is of course provided by the ACU’s insurers but it is only right that Foreign riders pay their share of the premium in the same way as ACU Members.
This page is designed to assist organisers and event secretaries, especially those taking entries on the day.
For avoidance of doubt, Foreign riders are Competitors affiliated to MCUI or any other FMN (except SACU) who do not hold an ACU Competition Licence or an ACU Registration in the case of Trials. Where a Foreign Rider takes part in an ACU permitted event the following guidelines apply:
1. Road Race, Drag, Sprint, Hill Climb and Grass Track: Competitors with a valid competition licence and a “Start Permission” from their home FMN or evidence of FIM insurance cover pay £3.00 per day for liability and PA benefits for officials. Note: Competitors’ PA benefits and Repatriation expenses are not covered.
2. Road Race, Drag, Sprint and Hill Climb: Competitors without a valid competition licence issued from their home FMN and evidence of FIM level insurance cover are not allowed to compete without specific authorisation from the ACU’s Road Race Department.
3. Other events: Competitors in possession of a “Start Permission” from their home FMN or evidence of approved FIM insurance cover, pay the same “per capita” insurance premium as ACU licence holders for which they receive the same benefits.
4. Other events: Competitors in an FIM or UEM inscribed event must provide evidence of start permission from their home FMN. For events that are not inscribed then the competitors can purchase “per capita” insurance premium PLUS an additional £18.50. This sum comprises £15.00 for Repatriation cover plus £3.50 as payment in lieu of an ACU Competition licence.
Notes:
(i) Repatriation is restricted to member countries of the UEM. Apply to Doodson Motorsport for countries outside UEM.
(ii) The above payment of £18.50 is to be passed to ACU House without Centre or Non-territorial Club discount.
Examples of how this will work are:
Motocross with an Entry Fee of £30.00 inclusive of per capita insurance premium:
An ACU Licence holder pays £30.00. A Foreign Rider providing evidence of FIM cover also pays £30.00 whilst a Foreign Rider NOT holding FIM cover pays £48.50.
Trial with an Entry Fee of £15.00 inclusive of per capita insurance premium:
An ACU affiliated Trials rider pays an entry fee of £15.00. A Foreign Rider providing evidence of FIM cover also pays £15.00 but a Foreign Rider NOT holding a release from his FMN or evidence of FIM cover pays £33.50.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY SENIOR OFFICIALS AFTER AN INCIDENT INVOLVING SERIOUS INJURY TO A COMPETITOR, AN OFFICIAL OR A SPECTATOR.
Active post incident management and adopting a pro-active approach to investigations after an incident has occurred should ensure the circumstances of the incident are accurately recorded.
If incidents are investigated at an early stage and a pro-active approach adopted it should then be possible to place Insurers in the position where if a claim is received they are able to respond immediately with all necessary evidence to hand.
In that context it is important to recognise that all personal injury incidents have the following key issues:
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY SENIOR OFFICIALS AFTER AN INCIDENT INVOLVING SERIOUS INJURY TO A COMPETITOR, AN OFFICIAL OR A SPECTATOR
A full investigation is required in the event of the following:
Fatalities, loss of sight or limb/s, paralysis, serious head injuries, potential fatality any spinal injury, a spectator being hit by a bike or other vehicle and any incident where a rider, official or spectator is airlifted from the event. (It is the responsibility of the Steward/Clerk of the Course to use experience/common sense and to also telephone Doodson Motorsport on one of the numbers below)
Telephone:
In the event of a major incident telephone
1) Neil Clayton – Doodson Motorsport 07810 883330
2) Chris Jones – Doodson Motorsport 07768 887689
3) Ian Hesselden – Doodson Motorsport 07940 541581
4) Advise ACU as soon as possible.
Immediate information gathering for insurer by the Steward / Clerk of the Course /
Organiser / Venue Operator
• Photograph Scene
• Impound vehicles
• Obtain witnesses’ names, addresses and telephone numbers
• Seek and obtain video and photographic evidence from any source. Be cautious if asking spectators.
Information to be forwarded to Governing Body / Insurer
• Steward’s Report
• Marshal / Observer Reports
• Any other witnesses’ reports
• Medical Log / Report
• Scrutineer’s Report
• Racing / Radio Log
• Signing on sheet
• Risk Assessment
Forward to Insurer:
• Documents provided by Steward / Organiser as listed
• Event Regulations
• Event Final and Supplementary Instructions
• Event Programme
• Track Plan
• Copy of Permit
MEDICAL SERVICES – TERMINOLOGY
Medical Officer (MO) – Doctor A medical practitioner (doctor), who holds both full registration and a licence to practice from the General Medical Council (GMC). A doctor should also NOT be subject to working in a GMC Approved Practice Setting (APS). They should also hold personal medical malpractice cover, appropriate for pre-hospital immediate care. NHS Crown Indemnity is not applicable.
Paramedic (PM) A State Registered Paramedic with the HPC (Health Professions Council). If a paramedic is present at an event as an individual volunteer (being paid expenses) and not present in a commercial capacity, then they are indemnified for Medical Malpractice under the ACU’s insurance policy. This concession also applies to Junior Doctors with full GMC registration (Not GP’s or Consultants).
Ambulance A vehicle registered as an ambulance with the DVLA (Driver and vehicle Licensing Agency) or similar government licensing authority and complying with FIM minimum equipment regulations for a type C vehicle; that is:
- Medical: A stretcher (preferably standardised), oxygen supply, apparatus to immobilise limbs and vertebral column. First aid medicaments and materials.
- Technical: Radio communication. Visible and audible signals.
- Staffing: An ambulance must be staffed by 2 First Aid Personnel who can be the two minimum First Aid Personnel required at an event.
An ambulance may act as a Medical Centre but if so it must be a vehicle additional to the minimum ambulance requirement.
First Aid Personnel A person holding a current certificate of First Aid competency.
GENERAL
For each motorcycle sporting discipline, the individual ‘minimum medical requirements’ are listed in the Handbook within their own sections under the heading ‘Medical Services’. This is because, understandably, the minimum medical requirements vary between the types of motorcycle sport.
The points listed below, where relevant to a discipline, will apply to ALL competitive motorcycle sports and the wording will be the same for all:
1. If only one Ambulance is listed as the minimum requirement at an event Organisers are reminded that if it has to leave the event all practising and racing must stop until its return or replacement. It is incumbent therefore on organisers of events to remember their commitment and duty of care to competitors in ensuring that sufficient medical services for the type of event, dictated by a risk assessment of the expected number of injuries, are in place prior to the start of practising and racing and remain in place until the event has completely finished.
2. When medical cover is required at an event, the Doctors and Paramedics should have available resuscitation drugs conforming to Resuscitation Council Guidelines and a supply of parenteral and oral analgesics. Organisers should ensure that such systems, equipment and supplies are available at the venue by discussion with their medical provider. Any further drugs and equipment that may be deemed to be appropriate by way of specialist expertise are the responsibility of the individual doctor.
3. Auxiliary vehicles, such as 4x4 with a stretcher, cannot replace an Ambulance but such vehicles might, at certain event sites, be used in addition to and as the final form of transportation to the Ambulance for the event.
4. If there is a requirement for first aid personnel to be present then they can be the two crew members of an Ambulance, assuming that one is present as a minimum requirement, but they must be available for all the practices and races. Such first aid personnel are an additional requirement to any doctors or paramedics required to be present at the meeting.
5. If there is a requirement for full first aid equipment, including a stretcher, then this can be the same equipment as that defined in the minimum equipment requirements for an Ambulance.
6. If the minimal medical cover required is for only one doctor or only one paramedic to be present then, if the only one available has to leave, for whatever reason, the practices or races must stop until their return or replacement.
7. If a doctor is required at an event then they must be on site. It is not sufficient to have the name and address of a distant doctor, who would or might be available if required.
8. The nearest hospital, with an Accident & Emergency Department, must be notified in writing of the time, date and place of the meeting.
9. If a doctor is involved in the treatment of competitors or spectators at an event, they should not normally be involved with drug or alcohol testing of competitors.
10. If a medical centre is available at a circuit or the site of an event then it should be fully operational and independently staffed. If deemed acceptable, an Ambulance or similar unit may act as a medical centre but if so, it must be additional to the minimum Ambulance requirements.
11. If no MO or PM is required at an event then at least one of the two /AdministrationAmbulance crew must be qualified as an IHCD Emergency Technician (EMT) or the Voluntary Aid Society (VAS) equivalent, rather than just a first aid person.
12. If a competitor is involved in an incident involving potential injury, but is not, at the time, taken to Hospital for further treatment, then a relative, or a member of their crew, should be given a copy of the medical assessment or Ambulance report form completed by the event medical personnel following the incident.