BMX Commission Meeting Minutes

British Cycling BMX Commission Meeting

Monday 5th February, 11.30hrs, Premier Travel Inn, Coventry Road, Nuneaton CV10 7PJ

Minutes

1. Attendance.
Attended   Ian Thewlis, Phil Townsend, Jeremy Hayes, Tony Fleming,
Pete Phillips, Roger Wilbraham, Euan Goodman, Carole Gosling
Unavailable   Chas Shrosbree, Jonny Clay

2. Minutes of the last meeting
Minutes of last meeting were passed as correct.

3. 2007 National Series calendar

National Series

No applications were received for the April national, so an extra date in June added and the early May event will be changed to a double header.

Calendar:
Round 1 and 2  Cheddar  May 4-6
Round 3 and 4  Bournemouth  May 26-28
Round 5  Peterborough  June 16-17
Round 6  Coppull, Chorley June 30/July 1
Round 7  Tredegar, Wales August 11-12

NASS / National Bike Show: No information available, as the organiser has not made contact.

Brits: Applications received from Bournemouth and Burnham. Both applications were viewed as providing excellent event options and both club and both region are thanked for their efforts. The final decision came down to extra pressure on one club hosting 2 events plus the ongoing work at Bournemouth. Burnham will be offered the event as a one day race with no planned activities for Monday. Greater emphasis on the presentation is required to ensure people stay. British Champs  Burnham-On-Sea August 25-26

Sponsorship: TF reported that Relentless have shown a strong interest. TF also reported interest from The Source in supporting the national series. TF to gain an agreement in writing. PP also offered Lizard Skins as plate sponsor if the Source deal doesn't happen. Action TF.

CS reported by email that approaches have been made to Pru Health, Flogas UK, Roadphone and two agencies, but without success.

RW reported on the possibilities of getting the Brits on TV. Tilling Productons and Friday 02 have been approached and the costs are being considered. TF to change the sponsorship document and aim for gaining enough funding for TV coverage. RW to approach both companies to state our intentions in raising sponsorship for TV coverage. Action RW and TF.

4. 2007 Issues for review

Carole Gosling's role: UEC will not allow 2 TM positions at UEC races. JH to attend meeting in March to assess CG's role within World Class and ascertain who cover expenses. UEC have now stated that a TM must be in place for all Euros rounds, including winter events, so CG to attend Denmark this weekend. CG unable to attend this year's World Champs, so a replacement should be sought. Action RW and JH.

Twenty 24: Much discussion took place around the continuing production of a race programme. Despite undoubted improvements it was questioned if the advertisers would prefer investing in TV coverage and if the riders would miss the programme. It's clear that more support and varied contribution is required to keep it fresh. It was decided to continue with TT24 in 2007, but with improved contribution from each region to give each issue a different feel.

Stage Management of Events: this issue remains something to sort for 2007. Without doubt CK Flash's contribution this year has been appreciated, but improved control over stage managing the music based around raising the atmosphere at the right time is needed. TF will supply music and a laptop to work with the PA system, although offers in controlling the playing of music are requested. PT to speak to Chris Mapp about his commitments in 07. Action RW, PT and TF.

Bolsover Truck: Bolsover Council have submitted their quote for 2007 which shows a significant increase in cost. It was decided that pre national promotion should be aimed at those events not held with School holidays unless part of a larger event. The promotional unit will be available to those clubs with Go Ride status or aiming for Go Ride status. An improved financial arrangement with Bolsover is sought. Action RW.

Medical Cover: Cover cannot be sacrificed due to cost, but a £2,000+ increase in cover has not been allowed for within the race fees. Further quotes are required. Action RW.

Event awards: RW to approach Cycling retailers with a view to obtaining vouchers that can be awarded at events in the 20" categories for 12 years and younger. Action RW

Team Area: PP suggested introducing a more professional set up for team areas in 2007. This will be trialled during 2007 and enhanced for 2008. Team areas at each round will be discussed with the host organiser. Teams will have to pre book space with host organiser in advance of each round. Early suggestions for the best team areas are:

Cheddar - Last straight
Bournemouth - Green space behind pens
Peterborough - Next to catering area as per previous years
Coppull - Main car park towards camping field
Wales - Site inspection required to determine best position.

5. Region Support

Financial Support: It was agreed that £500.00 per event will be put aside to support each region with promoting their event and supporting the club on the weekend of the event.

Breakdown of roles and responsibilities: This area is approaching the final stages and will be issued to each region and host club in due course. It was agreed that a member of the Commission will attend a Region committee meeting to ensure the roles and responsibilities are understood. Pete to attend SW, Euan to attend EA, Ian to attend North, Phil to attend South and Pete and Roger to attend Wales. CG agreed to oversee during events and ensure the roles have been carried out on the weekend with assistance from PP.

The best national event in 2007 will receive 2 awards. A trophy will be awarded to the host club and £400 to the host region. The best event will be judged by someone from each region who can commit to travelling to all nationals. Action RW with assistance from CG and PP.

6. 2007 Rules and National Series Regs

There will be no change to any 20" classes in 2007.
Elite Cruiser will be abandoned and 16+ Cruiser will now be 16-29 Cruiser.
No change to Elite prize money and no introduction of prize money to any other class
Elite will remain a 3 final event
5 out of 7 events to count towards National Series Standings
Double pointer last national will be reintroduced to ensure a well attended final round
Lane choice based on previous round results will be introduced in all classes for 2007 nationals

National series Practice on Saturdays will be as follows, but will be reviewed after 4 rounds:

Open Practice: Midday until 1pm Male 6 yrs to 14 yrs. Female 6 yrs to 15 yrs, Cruiser -12 to 15.
1pm until 2pm Male 15 yrs and older, Cr 16 yrs and older, Jnr and 25+ female
Gate Practice:
Group 1 (45 minutes) 2.00pm until 2.45pm (Cruisers)
Group 2 (60 minutes) 2.45pm until 3.45pm (Female 6-15, Male 6-10)
Group 3 (75 minutes) 3.45pm until 5.00pm (Male 11-16)
Group 4 (60 minutes) 5.00pm until 6.00pm (Junior Male/Female and older) Novices will join their appropriate age based practice group

Race Fees are as follows:

16 and under £15.00
17 and over £20.00
Elite £25.00
2nd bike race fee £5.00
Junior Female and 16-29 Cruiser £20.00
2nd entry for family of 2 is reduced by £5.00.
3rd entry for family of 3 is reduced by £10.00. Proof of same address via BC licence to be the only proof requested.

A day Licence fee for non BC members will be introduced and will be valid at all nationals but for one round only and will not be valid for more than one round of a double header. The following costs are also applicable to anyone not showing a valid licence. Race fees as above:

Riders aged 19 and over £10.00
Riders aged 17 to 18 £5.00
Riders 16 and younger £1.50

Pedal choice: Each region was given the option to put forward suggestions based on the following:

A, Leave pedal choice open at all events
B, Flat pedal autumn events
C, Flat pedal British Championships and autumn events

The region feedback was as follows:

South & Midland C
South West, East Anglia & North A
There will be no change to pedal options at events in 2007.

Curfew: to remain 11pm for serving drinks and playing music and midnight for requesting that there is no noise from the campsite. Offenders will be refused race entry.

7. 2008 UEC Calendar

England to bid for post Olympics European round in 2008 and 2009. Action RW.

2008 European Calendar:

Round 1+2 Indoor St Etienne, France 8th-9th of December 2007
Round 3+4 Indoor Zwolle Holland 19th-20th of January 2008
Round 5+6 Indoor Fredericia, Denmark 2nd-3rd 0f February 2008
Round 7+8 Indoor Douai France 23rd-24th of February 2008
Round 9+10 Outdoor Echichens, Switzerland 19th-20th of April 2008
Round 11+12 Finals Weiterstadt, Germany 1st-4th of May 2008
2008 National Champs TBC 17-18 May
2009 Euro Finals: Fredericia, Denmark 10th-13th of July 2009

8. Budget

National Champs Fee: Ask BC World Class to pay the National Champs UCI fee, as it is an event aimed purely at meeting WC needs. Action RW.

Bristol Club: Bristol club have asked for a replacement boiler, as the one used at the Euro Champs was damaged. Action RW.

Trophies: It was decided to discontinue with perpetual trophies for best club/team etc and buy better one off trophies. Cost of vouchers and best event trophy to be included in final draft. Action PT and RW

PA System: PT and IT explained various PA system options. PT to purchase the most suitable options for outdoor events.
NASS/NBS: As both events are still to be determined, It was decided that investing in events we have control over is a better option than NBS or NASS.

Trackside banners: More required, but with revised design and clearer message. Action RW.

9. Training

PT to investigate possibilities of National officials running training courses aimed at club officials. Action PT.

10. AOB

JH and RW to investigate behaviour complaint.

11. Next Meeting.

No meeting date set.