You will be aware that UK Athletics has introduced new mandatory standards which must be complied with in order to obtain a Road Race Permit. These standards were introduced officially from January 1st 2001 though as the organisation of such events goes on throughout the calendar year its introduction is being phased in over a period of months. By the end of 2001 ALL road races should be operating to the new standards. Races applying for a permit may be subject to a race scrutiny by a qualified BARR Race Scrutineer.
Whilst everyone knew that the introduction of the new style Race Permits would be phased in, the pace of that introduction has proved to be much slower than had been presumed. In part this was due to the fact when Permit Secretaries received a copy of the race results and a cheque for the unaffiliated levies, many of them use the requirement to post a receipt as an opportunity to enclose a Race Permit Application for the following year. This has meant that a high proportion of events in the first half of the year have applied for their Race Permit on the old form so have not been subject to the new system of random race scrutiny.
Many have noticed the section on Risk Assessment in the NEW Race Permit Application form and have been concerned as to what and how to do it. Whilst some events had progressed Risk Assessment strategies - many had not and are concerned at the sudden demand to do it and without any guidance as to what to do. At a meeting between the Policy Support Team and the Areas it has been agreed that Question 33 on the form - the one on Risk Assessment, will be optional until January 2002 at which point it will be mandatory upon ALL races.
The section on the form that sets out the standards is MANDATORY thought initially a measure of discretion has been given to the various regions concerning the rest of the document so some variation in presentation may initially appear. It may well be that in the future the whole document will be become standardised across all regions.
The events which are to be scrutineered will be identified / selected by the Regional Permit Secretaries
It has been suggested that once the scheme is fully operational, approximately 10% of all events granted a permit in any one year will be selected for scrutiny.
Initially, such selection will be on a random basis although as time progresses some events also may be selected as a result of previous doubts, hearsay etc.
The Regional Permit Secretary will contact the BARR Regional Representative as and when required and ask BARR to arrange for the scrutineering of events they have selected.
The BARR Race Scrutineer selected will then contact the event director informing them of his visit, expected time of arrival, need for parking pass etc as well as requesting;
A copy of the entry form for the event
A copy of Final Details / instructions as issued to competitors
In addition he should ask for evidence of and / or information concerning
the extent to which the Police are / are not involved in the event
correspondence relating to any advice the Police have given regarding the nature / design of the course
correspondence regarding the approval of the Local Authority to hold the event
correspondence confirming that all Emergency Services are aware of the event and its course
evidence that possible inconvenience to local residents and other members of the public has bee considered
where applicable, evidence of written consent to cross private land
evidence that the course has a current Certificate of Course Accuracy
correspondence confirming that First Aid provision will be present for the duration of the event
where applicable, evidence that written confirmation has been received regarding the non-use by trains of level crossing on the course for the duration of the event.
(Optional 2001) evidence that the event has / has not carried out a Risk Assessment
The Scrutineer should ask the event organiser to
Forward any pass the he /she will need in order to have access to all areas of the event.
Ensure that all members of the race team are made aware before the day that a scrutineer will be on site and identifiable via their distinctive (PINK) tabard and identity badge.
Make provision available, if required , for an escorted tour of the route so that any concerns about the course can be checked prior to the race.
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