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Motorcycling Australia Statement on COVID-19 updated

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

With the worsening COVID-19 virus (commonly known as Coronavirus) including increasing governmental imposed restrictions on travel, mass gatherings and social distancing in Australia, Motorcycling Australia (MA) and the State Controlling Bodies (SCB’s)  have made the very difficult decision to postpone and in some cases cancel all National and State Championship events until the end of May.

With the ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19, MA will continue to provide frequent updates to our members regarding events following the latest information and advice we receive from both the State and Federal Governments.

These cancellations do not affect club and recreational activity which meet the Federal and State Government regulations.

We will work closely with event organisers to reschedule as many events as possible, and ensure they understand and are fully aware of Government regulations that should be put in place at their events.

The staff at your State Controlling Body (SCB) are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The current situation we face as a community is unprecedented, however MA and all SCBs are working closely together and exploring all options on events, memberships, licenses and schedules, and we ask all members to be patient until the full extent of this crisis is known. In these difficult times its important that the racing community unite and work together to enable the sport to survive.

All MA members, officials and spectators are urged to follow the Government’s guidelines on how best to protect yourself from the virus and practice good hygiene methods, whether at the track, at home or anywhere else in public.

Further information can be found at;

AIS COVID-19 and Sporting Activity

https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19#covid-19_and_sport_faq

The Department of Health COVID – 19 health alert

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-public-gatherings-and-visits-to-vulnerable-groups

MA will continue to provide constant updates on the status for MA National events. For updates on any State Championship or Club events please contact the State Controlling Body (SCB) in that area.

For more information –

Phone: (02) 8378 0790
Email: mnsw@motorcycling.com.au

Web: www.motorcycling.com.au

MNSW CEO Statement 24th March 2020

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

As you would no doubt be aware, the NSW Government has increased restrictions on workplaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We anticipate that in the coming days these restrictions will increase.

At present the limit on outdoor gatherings is still a maximum of 500 people, so our clubs and promoters are still able to run events as long as they stay within Government guidelines and follow the NSW Health Department guidelines regarding hygiene and social distancing. At this stage the sport has not shut down, just the large events have been postponed, and some clubs have chosen to postpone events for now. We will keep you informed of any changes in that regard.

In terms of the MNSW office functions, our staff work in a sealed air-conditioned building with no indoor access to fresh air, and as such we have made the decision to close the office and work remotely for the immediate future. Our phones will be diverted to a mobile, and a staff member will try to stay on top of calls and divert them to who they need to go to, and all of our staff will still be available on their normal email addresses. So while we may not always be able to get to your query immediately, we will get to you as soon as we can.

Our central email for inquiries is mnsw@motorcycling.com.au This will be the best form of contact for the MNSW admin team for now.

Hopefully this will all end soon, and we can get back to doing what we love. But in the meantime, let’s all stay healthy, look after each other, and look forward to the amazing riding that lays ahead of us once this is all over.

Yours in motorcycling

Dave Cooke

CEO

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT March 23, 2020

Filed Under: News

Following on from our last COVID-19 communication on Wednesday 18th March, the NSW government today made the below announcement:

 

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state – triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

“I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

“If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so.”

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

  • Pubs, registered clubs
  • Gyms, indoor sporting venues
  • Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
  • Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
  • Religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

Source: https://preview.nsw.gov.au/news

 

What this means for our sport:

At this stage no further restrictions have been placed on outdoor sports since our last update on Wednesday 18th. The only restriction is all clubs, promoters and coaches are to postpone or cancel all events with over 500 people expected to be in attendance effective immediately until new information is provided, alongside the below two MNSW imposed restrictions

 

  • No club championship or series scoring. All events will be stand-alone meetings. If these competitions continue to run on a point or series scoring basis, this will place unnecessary pressure on riders to compete even if they have concerns over their health in doing so. It may also place pressure on riders to compete who are currently self-isolating and should not be in attendance.
  • No spectators are to attend the event other than family of competitors.

 

As we are all aware, this situation is constantly moving and evolving, meaning restriction updates could potentially change in the coming hours/days/weeks.

In the meantime, we do encourage clubs to consider running smaller practice days and continue with planned recreational, social ride and coaching days. Clubs will need to abide by health and safety recommendations, however the below are some guidelines to follow:

  • Clubs will still need to have 1 level 2 key official or 2 level 1 key officials to run the day
  • One Senior First Aid officer to be at the grounds
  • Utilise and man the minimum required flag points as per individual track licence
  • Limit participation numbers to a maximum 150 per day (also consider breaking this up with juniors in the morning and seniors in the afternoon or something similar)

 

The below are also recommendations for clubs when considering running any smaller competition events:

  • Clubs must take measures to ensure there is absolutely no more than 500 people in attendance. This includes all participants, parents, medics, volunteers, siblings and officials
  • Clubs must ensure the medics (required) are still available to attend the event
  • Clubs are to consider whether ambulance services are still readily available to their track and if it is appropriate to utilise these services in your community
  • Ensure the club is able to provide suitable hygiene products and practices throughout the venue including canteen and toilets
  • Consider limiting attendance for junior events to rider + 1
  • Consider if the event can run safely including filling all required track marshal points
  • Consider running open pits at your events
  • Consider if you have the ability to run your Riders Briefing over a PA system to minimise close contact and gatherings
  • If you have a presentation ensure the area is large enough to limit close contact (noting that a 1.5m distance between people is recommended)
  • Communicate to all members, participants, parents etc that anybody who is feeling unwell and showing flu symptoms, or has returned from overseas in the last 2 weeks does NOT attend the event

 

For further information regarding Covid-19 management and recommended protective measures, we strongly suggest you visits the below sources of information:

 

In order to ensure all clubs/promoters are meeting their legal obligations, MNSW will require the following to be added to all event Final Instructions and be noted at Riders Briefings until further notice:

We take our responsibility for the safety of our members and the wider community seriously, and as such we will be adhering to the NSW Government’s most recent determinations with regards to Covid-19. Please take note of the following points as advised by NSW health;

  • All participants, family members, and volunteers should not attend the event if they are feeling unwell
  • You must not attend if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
  • Be sure to manage your own personal hygiene by cleaning your hands regularly
  • Please assist the club/promoter by bringing your own sanitary items where possible (toilet rolls, hand sanitizer etc)
  • If you need to sneeze or cough, please do so into a tissue/handkerchief or your upper arm or elbow.

Motorcycling NSW will continue to monitor the situation, work with the relevant organisations and follow the recommendations provided by the government agencies. MNSW will make necessary any adjustments and provide regular updates as further information is provided.

AORC Rounds 5 & 6 POSTPONED

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

In response to ongoing developments and health concerns in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and government imposed restrictions on travel and mass gatherings, Motorcycling Australia (MA) and Oyster Bay Motorcycle Club (OBMCC) have made the tough decision to postpone Rounds 5 and 6 at Nowra, NSW, of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore.

The further restriction recommended by the Australian Government and imposed by the NSW Government have now made it impossible for the event to continue.

The Yamaha AORC is a significant championship for MA and OBMCC and we have worked hard to find solutions to enable the championship to continue.

However, it has now become very difficult for riders, teams and officials to travel during this time and now many companies have placed restrictions on travel and a number of medical services required for the event have become too limited for the event to operate.

“With daily Government policy and guideline changes in relation to COID-19, both MA and OBMCC have made the tough but right decision to postpone rounds 5 and 6 of the AORC,” said MA CEO Peter Doyle.

“Together with the club we have made this decision to postpone the event now rather than the day before the race.”
OBMCC President Geoff Braico, said: “Obviously it’s disappointing to postpone the event but with everything that is going on at the moment it’s the only option we have”.

“We are still committed to running the AORC event at Nowra and we have a great weekend of racing planned for when we are allowed to return.”

These measures are being adopted in response to an unprecedented situation and AORC management are confident on the understanding of those concerned despite the inconvenience caused.

The judgment to postpone any MA National event is not taken lightly by MA and we take this opportunity to apologies for any inconvenience caused by this required decision.

 

ABOUT US:
Motorcycling Australia (MA) is the governing body of motorcycle sport in Australia and is proudly supported by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Copyright © 2020 Motorcycling Australia, All rights reserved.
Motorcycling Australia believes this news is important to you. If you feel otherwise, you can opt out of these announcements at the bottom of the email.

Our mailing address is:

Motorcycling Australia

Office 38

1 International Drive

Westmeadows, VIC3049

Australia

MNSW COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT – March 18 2020

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to the continued development of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on the Sporting community, Motorcycling NSW are taking measures to ensure we are following all the recommendations provided by the Federal and State Governments as well as other government organisations including the Office of Sport.

MNSW take our responsibility to all our members very seriously and this includes doing all we can to minimize the spread of the virus and help keep our community safe.

As a result of the advice and recommendations from government organisations Motorcycling NSW has made the tough decision to postpone all state title events for all disciplines scheduled up until 31st of May. Events currently postponed are:

  • NSW Off Road Championships scheduled for 18th & 19th April (Nowra) and 23rd May (Dungog)
  • King of MX Qualifiers scheduled for 28th & 29th March (Wagga), 18th & 19th April (Bathurst) and 9th & 10th May (Dargle).

 

As a result of postponing the King of MX qualifiers, the Final to be held over the June long weekend has also been postponed.

Following on from the above, all clubs, promoters and coaches are to postpone or cancel all events with over 500 people expected to be in attendance effective immediately until new information is provided.

MNSW also strongly recommends that clubs and promoters consider postponing their events regardless of numbers. We understand that clubs with upcoming events which are expected to draw fewer than 500 people may wish to continue and in doing so MUST consider the below information.

  • MNSW will enforce that there be no club championship or series scoring. All events will be stand-alone meetings. If these competitions continue to run on a point or series scoring basis, this will place unnecessary pressure on riders to compete even if they have concerns over their health in doing so. It may also place pressure on riders to compete who are currently self-isolating and should not be in attendance.
  • No spectators are to attend the event other than family of competitors.

 

The below are also recommendations for clubs to consider before running any event:

  • Clubs must take measures to ensure there is absolutely no more than 500 people in attendance. This includes all participants, parents, medics, volunteers, siblings and officials
  • Clubs must ensure the medics are still available to attend the event
  • Clubs are to consider whether ambulance services are still readily available to their track and if it is appropriate to utilise these services in your community
  • Ensure the club is able to provide suitable hygiene products and practices throughout the venue including canteen and toilets
  • Consider limiting attendance for junior events to rider + 1
  • Consider if the event can run safely including filling all required track marshal points
  • Consider running open pits at your events
  • Consider if you have the ability to run your Riders Briefing over a PA system to minimise close contact and gatherings
  • If you have a presentation ensure the area is large enough to limit close contact (noting that a 1.5m distance between people is recommended)
  • Communicate to all members, participants, parents etc that anybody who is feeling unwell and showing flu symptoms, or has returned from overseas in the last 2 weeks does NOT attend the event

 

For further information regarding Covid-19 management and recommended protective measures, we strongly suggest you visits the below sources of information:

 

In order to ensure all clubs/promoters are meeting their legal obligations, MNSW will require the following to be added to all event Final Instructions and be noted at Riders Briefings until further notice:

We take our responsibility for the safety of our members and the wider community seriously, and as such we will be adhering to the NSW Government’s most recent determinations with regards to Covid-19. Please take note of the following points as advised by NSW health;

  • All participants, family members, and volunteers should not attend the event if they are feeling unwell
  • You must not attend if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
  • Be sure to manage your own personal hygiene by cleaning your hands regularly
  • Please assist the club/promoter by bringing your own sanitary items where possible (toilet rolls, hand sanitizer etc)
  • If you need to sneeze or cough, please do so into a tissue/handkerchief or your upper arm or elbow.

Motorcycling NSW will continue to monitor the situation, work with the organisation’s and follow the recommendations provided by the government agencies. MNSW will make necessary adjustments and provide regular updates as further information is provided.

mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul – Round 2 POSTPONED

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

18th March 2020
mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul – Round 2 POSTPONED

Due to the ongoing developments and global health concerns in relation to COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus), Motorcycling Australia (MA) and ASBK Management advise that Round 2 of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul is postponed.

The further restriction recommended by the Australian Government and imposed by the NSW Government have now made it impossible for the event to continue. ASBK is a major championship of MA, and the ASBK Management and MA staff have worked hard to find possible solutions to enable the championship to continue. However, as of today it has now become very difficult for riders, teams and officials to travel during this time and now many companies have placed restrictions on travel. Finally, a number of medical services required for the event have become too limited for the event to operate.

MA CEO, Peter Doyle stated, ‘’The developments of COVID-19 have changed each day over the last week and in some cases, they have changed hour by hour. The situation of last weekend is now very different as is the situation as of Monday. This is a tough call for the ASBK Management Team to make, but given the significances of the global health crisis this is the right decision to be made. We choose to make this decision now rather than the day before the race.’’   

The ASBK Management Team extends its sincere thanks to Wakefield Park Raceway management for this commitment to ASBK and their open-minded approach over the last 7 days to supporting the ASBK Championship.

The ASBK Management Team will work with Wakefield Park Management to try and find a suitable date to reschedule in 2020. Further updates on this new date and the adjustment to the 2020 ASBK calendar will be announced as soon as possible.

MA has a responsibility to ensure all MA permitted events are conducted in a safe environment for riders, teams, industry, officials and fans. These measures are being adopted in response to an unprecedented situation and MA & ASBK are confident on the understanding of those concerned despite the inconvenience caused.

The judgment to postpone any MA National event is not taken lightly by MA and we take this opportunity to apologies for any inconvenience caused by this required decision. We look forward to getting the ASBK Championship back on-track as soon as possible.

Please keep up to date with further announcements via –
www.asbk.com.au or www.ma.org.au or follow ASBK on social media

Head to www.asbk.com.au for more info about the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul. For the latest updates from the ASBK, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Adam Olive
Media Manager
Motorcycling Australia
E: mediapr@ma.org.au