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BMPRS | ||||||
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Constitution and Rules | ||||||
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Contents (click on heading to go straight to the section) | ||||||
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Constitution |
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Racing Rules | ||
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1. Name |
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2. Objectives |
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3. Membership |
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5. Committee |
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6. Meetings |
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7. Finances |
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17. Scoring | ||
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8. Dissolution |
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18. Trophies | ||
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(Rule changes from the November 2011 AGM [Sections 6:2:5, 6:5, 6:11 and 11:13 in RED) | |||
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Appendix 1 |
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Appendix 2 |
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CONSTITUTION
1.1 The name of the association shall be the British Model Powerboat Racing Society, hereinafter referred to as the BMPRS.
The BMPRS has been established to pursue the following objectives.
2.1 To participate in the sport/hobby of model offshore powerboat racing.
2.2 To organise, design and develop model offshore powerboat racing.
2.3 To promote and maintain the highest possible standards of technical competence and safety.
2.4 To uphold the rules of the society.
2.5 To provide equal opportunities for all sections of the community.
2.6 To promote the BMPRS.
3.1 Membership of BMPRS is open to all individuals at the discretion of the committee and providing they comply with this constitution and rules.
3.2 No person shall be refused membership on the grounds of race, colour, creed, sex, sexual preference, impairment, disability or age.
3.3 All applications for membership shall be accompanied by the appropriate membership fee, which shall be payable annually at a rate set by the committee/membership at the Annual General Meeting.
3.4 Annual membership fees for renewal must be paid by 31st January each year otherwise the fee will revert to the full price and membership withdrawn until such fees have been paid.
3.5 Any member who fails to pay their annual fees by 31st January shall forfeit all membership rights until such fees have been paid.
3.6 Fully paid up members shall be entitled to vote at meetings whether Extraordinary (EGM) or Annual (AGM) General Meetings.
3.7 Fully paid up members are entitled to stand for election to the committee.
3.8 All members will receive a copy of the Constitution and Rules via email or printed copy.
3.9 Junior members are considered as those under 18 years of age.
4. SUSPENSION, REFUSAL OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP:
The committee shall be entitled to:
4.1 Refuse any application for membership to the BMPRS on the grounds that such membership would be prejudicial and injurious to the objectives of the BMPRS
4.2 Refuse renewal of any existing membership or terminate or suspend any membership, for good and sufficient reason, providing that:
the member concerned has the right to be heard by the full committee within 28 days before the final decision is made.
4.3 Any member under suspension shall be barred from taking part in any event under the control of the BMPRS and all entitlements with regard to Insurance will be withdrawn.
4.4 The committee shall inform any suspended member in writing of their decision to terminate membership.
4.5 Members who have had their membership terminated or suspended may apply for reinstatement at the next AGM subject to the terms of the constitution and rules of the society.
5.1 The committee shall be elected from fully paid up members at the AGM and shall consist of::
Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer/Membership Secretary, Publicity Officer,
Webmaster, Health and Safety Co-
5.2 All nominations of candidates together with the proposer/seconds names shall be received in writing by the secretary not less than twenty eight days prior to the AGM.
5.3 In the event of an unexpected vacancy occurring during the term of the committee,
the committee may co-
5.4 All members of the committee are entitled to vote at General meetings with the exception of the Chairman who shall have a casting vote in the event of a tied vote.
5.5 All committee members are entitled to offer themselves for re-
5.6 Members of the committee shall not be held responsible for the deeds of the society’s members or any financial action taken against those members.
5.7 Sub Committee: A sub committee may be co-
Annual General Meetings (AGM)
6.1 The AGM shall be held each year at a 12 monthly interval where possible but not exceeding 14 months, at a time and place as agreed by the membership.
6.2 At each AGM the following business shall be conducted:
6.2.1 Receive and confirm the minutes of the previous AGM.
6.2.2 Presentation of the chairman’s report.
6.2.3 Presentation of the financial accounts for the year and setting of membership fees.
6.2.4 Election of officers and representatives to the committee (in the event
of a committee position being un-
6.2.5 Any Other Business brought before the meeting which has been submitted
to the Secretary in writing at least 28 days prior to the AGM. (except rule changes
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6.2.6 Any Other Business deemed relevant by the Chairman. (including Calendar)
Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM)
6.3 An EGM may be called upon the written demand (emails acceptable) of:
a. The Chairman, or
b. 75% majority of the committee, or
c. 15% of the Membership.
Rules for General Meetings:
6.4 A minimum of 28 days notice shall be given for an AGM.
6.5 A minimum of 28 days notice shall be given for an EGM.
6.6 A Quorum at all General meetings shall consist of 15% of the membership.
6.7 In the event of absence of the chair, a member selected by the meeting shall take the chair.
6.8 All members shall register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting (Fire regulations)
6.9 Each member shall have one vote with the exception of the chair who shall have a casting vote.
6.10 The Agenda for General Meetings shall be posted at the same time as notice is given for that respective meeting.
6.11 All proposals for Rule or Constitutional changes must be received by the Secretary in writing (email acceptable) at least twenty eight days prior to a general Meeting together with the proposer/seconds name.
6.12 Proposals shall not be heard at any General Meeting if the Proposer is not present at that meeting.
6.13 Rule and Constitutional changes or amendments shall be decided by a simple majority of the membership present at a General Meeting.
7.1 The income and property of the Society shall be applied solely towards the objectives of the BMPRS
7.2 The Society Treasurer shall keep an accurate and complete account of the Society’s finances.
7.3 The committee shall appoint an auditor from the membership and his/her responsibility shall be to Audit the accounts two to four weeks prior to the AGM. The Auditor may not be a residing committee member or related to the Treasurer.
7.4 Any monies drawn from the BMPRS account will require the signatures of two from the following three committee members, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer.
8. DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY:
8.1 Any proposal to dissolve the Society known as the BMPRS must be received by the Secretary at least two calendar months prior to a General meeting and that the proposal shall be given in writing to all members at least one calendar month prior to the meeting.
8.2 Any resolution to dissolve the Socity known as the BMPRS shall be passed at a General meeting if the resolution receives the assent of at least 75% of those present and entitled to vote.
8.3 After all the BMPRS’s liabilities have been cleared any remaining financial assets shall be offered to the R.N.L.I.
8.4 Any deficiencies will be borne equally by all paid up members.
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY/RISK ASSESSMENTS (see appendix 1)
Statement of intent by the committee of the BMPRS
As the committee of the BMPRS we recognise that the work of the committee is covered by the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and it’s subordinate legislation which requires Health and safety to be managed effectively. This also includes the management of Health and Safety at work regulations 1999
We also accept that the principal objective of safety management is the identification and control of risks. This will be achieved by officers and members taking responsibility for health and safety at events, meetings and general gatherings with regard to our hobby. We will ensure that adequate arrangements are in place and communicated in order to reduce any significant risks at venues, events, meetings and general gatherings of members and others who may be affected by our hobby.
Safety has to be a team effort led from the top and it must have the full support of the membership if a positive safety culture is to be developed and maintained within the BMPRS.
In particular and so far as is reasonably practicable we together with officers and members will identify hazards and assess the risks associated with:
A safe working environment with respect to our
hobby of Model Boating
To ensure that health and safety risks are controlled, the officers will address and review by means of a Risk Assessment the safe working conditions at event race venue’s, meetings and general gatherings of the Society.
We give our full support to this statement and policies regarding Health and safety arrangements within the Society.
Members who ignore arrangements and safety instructions put not only themselves but others at risk, in this case disciplinary action will follow.
We will actively encourage and support all members who comply with and help maintain safe working practices.
See Appendix 1. Safe Environment
10. CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULTS PROTECTION POLICY (see appendix 2)
About the BMPRS Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy
10.1 UK law defines anyone under the age of 18 years as a child/young person. This document therefore refers to BMPRS members under the age of 18, and the children of members who may be present during BMPRS activities.
10.2 It also incorporates vulnerable adults who, although covered by different UK laws, are entitled to the same level of care and protection as children.
The term vulnerable adults refers to people of 18 and over “who are or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness, or lack of opportunity; and is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation”
10.3 Members should also be aware that, in our hobby, a less obvious form of abuse is neglect. A child, who is unsupervised, running around the pit area and waters edge is not only a danger to others but could come to harm. This is against both the Society’s Health and Safety and Child Protection policies.
10.4 Photographs or video recordings of Juniors or Vulnerable adults must not be taken without the permission of the parent or guardian.
11. RACING RULES
Boat specification and engine classes
Boat specification:
11.1 Hulls may be produced from wood, fibreglass or carbon fibre and should resemble their full size counterpart.
11.2 All hulls in excess of 50 inches (measured bow to stern excluding drive gear) must have a lanyard/painter fitted to facilitate towing under rescue
11.3 All hulls must have two grab handles fitted to enable safe launch and rescue and must be clear of exhausts and running gear.
11.4 An internal exhaust system is to be fitted with a maximum unprotected protrusion at the rear of the stern of 2 ½ inches (65mm), any exhaust protruding in excess of 2 ½ inches will require shielding.
11.5 All models must comply with a noise limit of 80db at ten metres, any boat failing to comply will be removed from the race until such a time that it complies with the noise limit. If after adjustment it still fails to comply then it will be disqualified from that race.
11.6 All hulls must have model class and membership number fitted to both sides of the hull and should be clearly visible to lap scorers. Letters and numbers to be a minimum of 2 inches (50mm) high and shall not blend in with the colour of the hull.
11.7 All submerged drive models must have a minimum side height (measured from the chine to the deck, or half way round the radius if the deck is chamfered) of 2 inches (50mm)
11.8 Members of the BMPRS may only use legal radio frequencies.
11.9 Models participating in BMPRS events must have a working failsafe fitted on the throttle.
11.10 Drive systems may be direct, geared, submerged, sub surface or surface.
11.11 Models must run in a complete state during races, eg: tops/hatches must be fitted unless they have become irreparably damaged during a race.
11.12 All transmitters must have a proper aerial fitted.
11.13 Open cockpits must have a minimum of one figure (at least head and shoulders). Enclosed cabins must have clearly defined windows using paint or decals.
11.15 Engine classes:
AA 0.1 – 3.50 cc (0.21cu in) I.C. Non Spark ignition
A 3.51 – 7.50 cc (0.46cu in) I.C. Non Spark ignition
B 7.51 – 11.0 cc (0.67cu in) I.C. Non Spark ignition
C 11.01 – 50.0 cc (3.05cu.in) I.C. Non Spark ignition
D 0.1 – 50.8 cc (3.099 cu in) I.C. Spark ignition
Classes AA – C may use any mix of ‘Nitro’ fuel
Class D to use Unleaded or Super Unleaded petrol with any percentage 2 stroke oil mix.
12 RACE COURSE AND TYPES OF RACE
Endurance:
12.1 Courses for endurance events are to be approximately 400 meters in length and may be run round a triangular, square, rectangular or oval course utilising 3, 4 or 6 marker buoys.
12.2 Races will be run in a clockwise direction
12.3 Race duration will be 15, 20, 30 or 40 minutes with a minimum total of 30 minutes. OOD’s wherever possible will split the race times into two separate equal heats for each class
12.4 Members may only enter one boat in each class (Endurance and Chase)
12.5 A boat may be entered more than once in the same class if operated by a different family member, junior, parent or guardian (Endurance and Chase)
12.6 Boat engines may only be started in the designated race pit area, there is to be no carrying of boats with running engines outside of this pit area.
12.7 Endurance races may be started with a full course mill time of one or two minutes or a dead engine start.
12.8 The start of a race will be signalled by blasts from an air horn, one blast for start of mill time, two blasts for the start of the race and three blasts for race end. At any time more than three blasts designates danger and racing is to stop immediately.
12.9 Any announcement system (PA) should only be operated by a responsible adult so that racing decisions (such as when to cut the course for safety reasons) are made by an experienced member as they are acting as OOD at that time.
12.10 A competitor starts to accrue laps when his boat passes over the start line after the start of the race whether it be a mill timed start or dead engine start.
12.11 At race end (3 blasts) a competitor shall finish the lap he/she is on for it to be counted and to allow the count back system to be recorded.
12.12 Count back is where the finishing order is recorded and in the event of a tied laps scores the boat with the least count back recorded is the winner. Non finishing boats will receive a count back score equal to the number of boats that started the race.
12.13 Models which are late starting or have stopped during a race may rejoin when it is safe to do so.
12.14 Rescue for stricken models may be made during the race. The rescue boat shall be manned by two persons over the age of 18 years and lifejackets must be worn at all times.
12.15 The rescue boat has right of way at all times and all racing boats must slow down when in the vicinity of the rescue boat. Any racing boat under power must give at least 10 metres clearance to the rescue boat, failure to do so will incur a warning and or penalty.
12.16 If the rescue boat is hit, the race will be immediately stopped until any
damage can be assessed. The race will be re-
12.17 The rescue crew should have a two way radio in order that they may communicate with the OOD or his assistant.
12.18 A missed buoy must not be recircled, the lap is not counted
Chase Boat:
12.17 Chase boat events are to be a minimum of two miles in length with a time limit set by the Officer of the Day ( OOD)
12.18 Models are timed from the moment they pass over the start line until the moment they pass over the finish line unless the time limit set by the OOD has expired.
12.19 A re-
12.20 All persons on board a chase boat will wear life jackets.
All persons competing in BMPRS events shall –
13.1 Be fully paid up members of the BMPRS
13.2 Ensure that BMPRS Health & Safety rules are complied with at all times (see Health and Safety Policy)
13.3 Have a “spotter” present at all times during racing to inform them of obstructions on the course and to give general assistance with their boats when required.
13.4 Attend the drivers meeting when called by the OOD
13.5 Report any concerns regarding Health and Safety or Child Protection to the organiser, OOD and/or CPO.
13.6 Ensure that the venue is left in a tidy or as found state after completion of racing.
13.7 Competitors must not distract lap counters during the race.
13.8 No radio’s (Tx) to be switched on unless taking part in a race.
13.9 Abuse of any description will not be tolerated at any time
The event organiser (who may also be the OOD) shall -
14.1 Submit proposed race dates for the following season to the secretary prior to the AGM (if possible).
14.2 Accept race entries at the very latest two days prior to the event.
14.3 Ensure that all competitors are fully paid up members of the BMPRS.
14.4 Ensure that competitors have provided their radio operating frequencies (choice of frequency is on a ‘first come first served ‘basis).
14.5 Ensure that the venue has had a BMPRS Risk Assessment carried out prior to the commencement of racing.
14.6 Ensure that the venue is left in a tidy state or “as found” state after completion of racing.
The OOD shall:
15.1 Hold a drivers meeting prior to the start of a race to explain rules for that particular venue, a drivers meeting may also be called at anytime during the race day if the OOD deems it necessary.
15.2 Ask for one or two assistants to help with OOD duties during the day
15.3 If necessary, seek advice from any committee member present for clarification of rules and or driving infringements. The OOD has the final decision
15.4 Ensure that race boats are checked to comply with BMPRS rules
15.5 Advise drivers of race duration and number of heats in each class
15.6 Ensure that BMPRS Health and Safety requirements and Child Protection/Vulnerable Adult policies are adhered to.
15.7 Ensure that lifejackets are worn by the rescue crew and that waders are not worn by rescue crew when aboard the rescue boat.
15.8 Ensure that a BMPRS Risk Assessment has been carried out
16 RACING INFRINGEMENTS AND PENALTIES:
Infringements:
16.1 All competitors are to race with due regard to Health and safety at all times.
16.2 Deliberate obstruction of another boat, zigzagging and overtaking in such a way that avoiding action by another boat is required.
16.3 The racing line is considered to be a one metre wide ‘lane’ nearest to the course line, this lane has right of way at all times (unless obstructed by the rescue boat). Any driver wishing to take advantage of the racing line must be well clear of the boat behind before doing so.
16.4 Any boat on the racing line going wide at a turn buoy gives up that right to the racing line.
Penalties:
16.5 Hitting the rescue boat at any time = Immediate disqualification
16.6 Driving too fast near (within 10 metres) the rescue boat
1st offence = 5 lap deduction
2nd offence = Disqualification.
16.7 If a driver continues to disregard the rescue boat when driving in another class then he/she can be disqualified from the whole of the race meeting.
16.8 Cutting the course during mill time or end of race = 2 lap deduction.
16.9 Deliberate obstruction, zigzagging and poor overtaking so as to cause avoiding action by another boat = 5 lap deduction.
16.10 Drivers may cut the course without penalty on the advice of the OOD, for example when the course is obstructed at a turn buoy by the rescue boat.
16.11 Any laps scores or times of a disqualified driver will be disregarded.
16.12 Disqualified boats may be re-
17.1 Championship scores are awarded using the following table:
17.2 The number of scores counting towards the championship will be decided annually at the AGM by those members attending the AGM.
17.3 In the event of a tie in the championship points table (in each class) then a competitors highest number of 1st 2nd or 3rd places during the season will be taken into account, if it is still a tie the result will be considered a draw.
18.1 The following certificates are to be awarded at championship events
1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class
Best Competing Boat
18.2 All annual trophies will be presented at the AGM
18.3 Permanently held Annual trophies:
Champion, 2nd Place and 3rd Place in each class
Member of the Year (elected by members attending the AGM).
Appendix 1: HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Safe working environment
The following Risk assessment is designed to assist the Officer of the Day and members to assess the risks at any particular venue / event. This should be used to inform the members and others present of any risks / hazards that have been identified and what controls, if any, have been put in place to reduce any risk.
The assessment is a simple check list/tick sheet that enables O.O.D’s and members to identify those risks if any and suggests measures that may be put in place to avoid or minimise the risk.
The risk assessment may be used in two ways:
Either as a simple Yes or No
Or as a three stage rating, the risk is categorised as Low, Medium or High
Low: Risk of injury or incident is unlikely – make everyone aware
Medium: Risk of minor injury or incident is possible – try to minimise the risk and make everyone aware
High: Risk of injury or incident is possible – minimise the risk where possible,
if not possible find an alternative, if no alternative DO NOT PROCEED without first
consulting with the BMPRS Health and Safety Co-
Notes for consideration when carrying out a Risk Assessment
1. Always assess the risks on current observation and any historical experience
2. Is the risk more or less than usual, are additional or reduced precautions necessary. MAKE NOTES FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Area’s covered by the Risk Assessment are as follows:
Slips, trips, falls, burns, drowning, being struck by an out of control boat, falling from the rescue boat and wildlife.
The Officer of the Day should, at the drivers meeting, make everyone aware of any risks found and what controls have been put in place. All competitors are to sign a Health and Safety form to acknowledge that they have been informed of, and understand, the instructions given by the O.O.D.
View the BMPRS Risk Assessment form as a .pdf file -
In the event of an accident or injury:
A report should be made to the BMPRS regarding the details of an accident or injury giving as much detail as possible, what, when and where, details of any witnesses, details of any first aid administered (by whom) and if possible photograph the incident for evidence.
1. A NO SMOKING rule extends to the pits and launch area due to the flammability of racing fuels.
2. All extendable aerials on transmitters should be used with care and attention to others, it is preferable for a high visibility marker (such as a plastic golf ball) to be fitted to the aerial tip.
3. Risk of injury from a rotating propeller: Competitors must be aware of others around them when starting boat engines either in the pit or launch area.
4. Risk of waterborne infection or disease: Most of the BMPRS race events are held on lakes where there is likely to be waterfowl and wildlife that carry infection and or disease. It is advised that after handling craft or being in contact with untreated water at race venue’s competitors should either wash their hands with fresh water or use a hand cleansing product.
Appendix 2: CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULTS PROTECTION POLICY
The BRITISH MODEL POWERBOAT RACING SOCIETY (BMPRS) believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind, and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to practice which protects them.
We recognise that:
• the welfare of the child/young person is paramount
• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
The purpose of the policy is:
• to provide protection for the children and young people who engage in BMPRS activities, including the children of adult members, to provide officers and members with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
This policy applies to all members, including anyone working on behalf of the BMPRS.
We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:
• valuing them, listening to and respecting them
• adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for members and helpers
• recruiting members safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, and members
• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
• providing effective management for officers and members through support and appropriate training.
We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.
________________________________________________________________________
©: BMPRS : December 2011
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Position |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
10th |
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Points |
15 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |