Some parts of this issue might appear to resemble a script from “Grumpy Old Men” but, sadly, there is a need for some things to be said to address some burning issues.

Yet again there have been problems with people choosing to publish items on rally forums that are ill informed and malicious. These keyboard “heros” choose to have their thoughts published with little regards to the truth or the consequences of the personal assault on hard-working officials' creditability. The end result could be a civil legal action against one of these “heros” with all the far reaching consequences that this will bring. 

I am amazed with the naivety of these people who believe they can launch a very personal onslaught against an official, and then enter the next event the club puts on. A large number of events have included in their regulations the option to return the entry of what they consider an unsuitable competitor. Whilst, thankfully, this is rare I can see the time rapidly approaching when the more vociferous ones amongst you will find it difficult to get an entry in any competition. The WAMC has no intention of intervening in a refused entry situation, and we would respect and support the organiser’s decision to take such action.

These issues always appear after an event has run. It is high time that a better understanding of the Blue book was undertaken by both competitors and officials (not in all cases, obviously).

It is pointless whinging profusely after the event is over, the time to do it is when the event is still live (before the results have gone final). I know there has been an instance recently of an event changing the overall results days later; this was a very questionable decision.

I would also stress that disruptive behaviour to any event or abuse to event officials will not be tolerated by the Association. There has been a noticeable increase in the incidents of on-event abuse to Officials and Marshals, recently. Competitors need to appreciate that these people give up a lot of their spare time, at some cost to themselves, so that events can run. If the “fun element” is removed by competitor’s behaviour, then you won’t have an event to compete on, as there won’t be enough marshals to man it or officials to organise it.

Many of these incidents are caused by experienced competitors who really should know better. We are trying to encourage new blood into the sport to take over when the more experienced people leave the sport, for whatever reason.

As things stand right now, some of the experienced people are refusing to come out on events as a direct result of this abusive behaviour. Many of these are former competitors themselves and they understand that things can be said in “the heat of the moment”, but many of the incidents being highlighted here go well beyond what is acceptable. Bad language and claims that the marshals are “putting lives at risk” by not allowing competitors to do what they think should happen is totally unacceptable.

If, as a competitor, you are not satisfied with any issue on an event, then take it up with the Clerk of the Course or the Stewards – NOT THE MARSHALS. They are only carrying out the instructions that they have been given.

Finally, on this subject, it is becoming apparent that there is a lack of understanding, from some competitors and organisers alike, of the Blue Book regulations and even the regulations of the Championships that have been entered.IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO READ AND BE FULLY AWARE OF THE CONTENT OF THESE.

Thankfully, these issues don’t apply to most competitors and organisers and it is the minority that are spoiling things for the majority. However, this minority can have the greatest effect on the future of our sport.

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Regional Meeting:
At the August meeting, a number of issues were discussed.
The launch of GoMotorsport has been particularly successful, with many hits on the website and some favourable comments being made by the specialist press.
A number of big names in the sport have added their support to this initiative and clubs are advised to register with this, if they want to attract more members.
There are training grants available from the MSA and the WAMC will be holding two sessions in 2009. As soon as the dates and venues have been finalised, I will let you know the details. There will be one for the Northern Centre and one for the Southern Centre clubs, so everyone should be able to get to one or the other.
There will also be MSA Training seminars, being presented by Allan Dean-Lewis and others in 2009. They will be mainly for Licenced Officials in 2009, as the arrangement is to alternate these for licenced and unlicenced officials. If you are a Licenced Official, you are reminded that you must attend one every two years as a minimum requirement, to ensure that you meet the criteria for your licence to be renewed.
There is always something to be gained from these seminars, no matter how experienced you are.

In 2009, the WAMC will host the Inter-Association Road Rally event and we will be looking to choose a suitable event for this.

One Association had written to the MSA asking for the average speeds on stage events to be raised, due to difficulties in running events to the current limits. This is very unlikely to happen as the main stumbling block is the insurance issue, as it is considered to be a major increase in the Risk.
National A and National B categories of events is being looked at, as a result of the difficulty in organisers being able to easily identify what is required for each. This should result in a more easily understandable definition for events.
Some errors/omissions have been identified with the current Blue Book and they are being corrected for the next issue. The DVD version has been well-received and has a particularly good search facility on it.
Considerable discussion took place on how events can become more attractive to competitors and how to reduce the costs. Ian Davis has taken the comments on-board and will report back on his findings/recommendations.

 Technical:
Front seats, for use on stage rallies, must conform to current FIA regs from 1^st January 2009. You are advised to ensure that your seats meet this standard.

Centre Meetings:
Northern Centre -  14^th October.
Southern Centre – 7^th October.

For 2009, we have decided to change the date of the Centre meetings, so that it falls mid-way between the Main Meetings. This is so that we hope to encourage more clubs to attend both meetings and that issues cab be dealt with more quickly than with the current arrangement.

 Main Meetings:
October 26^th 2008, January 4^th 2009.
The October meeting will see the attendance of Alan Gow, MSA Chairman, Graham Stoker, MSC Chairman and Colin Hilton, Chief Executive. This is your opportunity to put any questions/issues that you might have, to some senior officials and I hope that you will do your best to support this particular meeting. It would be a shame for these busy people to come to a meeting where only a few Clubs are represented

Annual Returns:
Thanks to all of you that have responded so well to my request for updates of your officials. I have received a number of these updates, over the past few weeks. Please continue to check the website for your Club’s, recorded information and let me know of any errors as soon as possible.