Originally Posted by wynn
Merely a Saint.
Merely a Saint.
Ah, you must be a RO, then
Here's an idea the FRA has a number of club representatives - why don't they book a back room in a pub in all of the main fell running areas and hold some feedback sessions for race organisers. They can publish the results in The Fellrunner.
There must be something amiss for people as reasonable as Noel and Wynn to cancel their races.
Communications is a big part of it. I Suspect if that had been done as you say prior to the july amendment being accepted, the problems would not have kicked off as they have, although that review was always premature, until the outcome/evidence of the inquest highlighted needs for concern.
It is/was my view , that the most sensible thing back then was to reinforce start / finish accounting processes but leave wholesale changes till later.
Then in response to coroner we could simply say "are reviewing the lot with a safety officer" , that way buy time for change and consultation, and for RO to take advice, and be seen to be taking it seriously without making hasty commitments. Which I still believe is the right way to go.
It was poor communications/hasty changes/imposed changes "Must"/ lack of consultation/ Attitude of its our job, now leave us to it/ that got us to here..
Who would like to start a poll on how many times the word MUST will appear in the final draft of the rules, and how few times the words "reasonably practicable" appear? That alone is a big red flag. Safety documents do not read like that.
It is also fascinating to me that FRA is now Ltd, but an RO must sign up as an individual not an organisation, thereby preventing them doing likewise...
Last edited by alwaysinjured; 04-11-2013 at 02:14 PM.
Always Injured it's easy to cast stones from the sidelines and criticise the FRA.
They are volunteers who are trying to do their best for fellrunners.
I'd be happy to volunteer and organise a feedback session for race organisers in the Peak District - if they want me to.
Is anyone else willing to help them?
I have been reliably informed this is already happening!
My cancellation is largely me not being bothered to do things properly. Personally, I think the new rules are largely sensible, but could do with a few "where possible"s and "unless the nature of the race doesn't allow it"s added. That way classic rugged proper mountain races can be organised and supported by the FRA and their insurance.
PS. I'm trying to keep my reasonableness quiet.
Who's forcing you to stay on the forum pal?
Before or after the rules become fait accomplis? I suspect after - when nothing they say will make any difference to what is published!I have been reliably informed this is already happening!
The FRA disciplinary sub committee have decided on a 6 month ban, expiring on 2 May 2014, on Richard Wells, unattached, for failing to report to the finish at the 3 Shires race having retired earlier in the race. Race organisers are asked to note this decision.
‘Race retirement - runners – please read.
You are all keyed up at the start of a race and the organiser starts wittering on about retirements and the need to report in at the end if you drop out. Later you are injured or timed out, you’re possibly cold and probably for the first time. The checkpoint marshal knows you are out of the race and you make your way back to the finish.
You forget to tell the organiser you have retired as you want to get changed and get warm.
The organiser is rushing round getting increasingly worried that the number of runners back doesn't add up and knowing that his/her responsibility is to account for all runners at the finish.
Where are you? Sat in your car having a coffee or the pub with your club mates.
Recently the FRA has investigated a similar situation after the 3 Shires race where, unusually 38, runners retired or were timed out in bad weather with 4 runners failing to report to the race organiser.
Selwyn Wright and his team had enough to do without trying to find the whereabouts of the missing runners.
In this case 3 of the runners were very contrite; holding their hands up. They messed up. The race organiser and the FRA committee members investigating the issue have decided not to take any further action in relation to them; this time.
However Selwyn and the committee members involved do want all runners to know that the requirement to report to the race organiser if you drop out is mandatory; no if’s and but’s.
Missing runners can lead to mountain rescue being called out; marshal’s unable to stand down and frantic race organisers.
So please, if you drop out of a race, let the organiser know; if your club mate drops out make sure that they report in at the finish. You know it makes sense. You could be injured on the fells whilst Mountain rescue is out looking for a runner who is driving down the M6.
Nick Harris, Secretary
Will the 'new rules ' help to focus runners minds or do some of them even know there are certain rules which must be obeyed. I await your reply Al.
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