(Interim) President’s Report – December 2005

How time flies. Another year nearly over and another on the way! From a Club perspective it has been quite a good year with a stable membership, the usual variety of well run outings and minimal crashes. Unfortunately, it is these crashes and the possible consequences that have caused the most discussion at Committee meetings.

Although none of the crashes have been serious, in this modern world where litigation is fast becoming the norm, the Committee is taking a fresh look into our responsibilities when organizing our popular Sunday rides. It has become apparent that we have, from a legal point of view, much more responsibility than we initially thought.

For example, in any modern workplace it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that his employees have a safe environment in which to work. This is an employers ‘duty of care’ and we, as a club, must extend the same consideration to members and guests participating on official Club activities. So, like a business, we must assess the risks associated with our rides and implement policies to reduce as much as possible any effect these risks may have on participants. To this end the Committee will develop a “Risk Management Policy” designed to minimize risk while at the same time trying to strike a balance that does not overly reduce the ‘fun’ aspect of our rides. The process will take a couple more months and a draft version will be presented at the General Meeting in February.

The implementation of this new policy will also bring added responsibilities to those participating on Club rides with more emphasis on rider behavior, correct riding apparel and roadworthy vehicles. We will also have the ride leader explain quite thoroughly all details of the ride with the Club Captain taking a more active role in monitoring the safe running of the ride.

A lot of documentation will be produced! As a forerunner to this, “Aspects of Leading a Good Ride”, an article first formulated back in 1989 for the then Committee, is printed in this magazine. The Committee will try to also define the roles and expectations of the rear rider and ordinary rider more explicitly. These documents, along with the Constitution and Corner Marking System will form part of the greater Risk Management Policy document.

It is unfortunate that the Club has had to consider these changes but for our own wellbeing it is essential, not only from a legal point of view, but also from an ethical one. Therefore, over the next couple of months, the Committee will formulate a Risk Management Policy. This will be fine-tuned and then implemented as soon as possible! The Committee will define the issues that are up for debate, and conversely, those that are not debatable. For instance, we WILL have a risk management policy. This is a given. As a member you are welcome to have your say on this issue. Therefore, if you have any positive contributions or want to offer feedback, please talk to a Committee member.

On a happier note, 2006 will usher in the Club’s 50^th anniversary. This is quite a remarkable achievement for any social club let alone a narrow focused motorcycle club. This milestone will be celebrated with a special anniversary dinner to mark our 50 years of existence and possibly a commercial magazine photo-shoot outside the MCG Olympic Stand. Neither should be missed. Watch the magazine for news of the where and when of these activities.

On behalf of the Committee I extend best wishes for the festive season to all members and their families and look forward to your continued participation in the MSTCV for 2006.

Ian Payne

President. 2005/2006