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This page is now Archive and left unchanged from its last issue and on the website for the record: COVID 19 / CORONAVIRUS |
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The Club position on this is to always follow what the ACU advises. | ||
The clubs policy on running events during the present crises is that we will run every event as scheduled so long as we hold a valid ACU Permit. I.E. we are not in a lock down of some kind that prevents outdoor sport with correct control and mitigation measures in place. If cancelled that's it - no postponements – move onto the next scheduled event. Decided at trials Zoom meeting 5th November 2020 |
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We ran a proper road trial with an entry of 100 on 11 October as a tester for the Northern Experts and a Pilot Private Ground Trial with our friends from Macclesfield Trials Club on 2nd August both without incident. Unfortunately the Northern Experts, which was due on 7th November, fell foul of the Governments New National Restrictions from 5th November. We have shown that we know how to run our trials safely in the presence of the threat from Covid 19 by enforcing lots of control measures to keep things safe and started running events again as soon as we were allowed. We continue to do so.
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Message from the ACU -
29th June Covid 19: The End of Restrictions Is Near….
Date of Issue: 29th June
2021
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care gave a speech on Monday 28th June in the House of Commons on the vaccination programme and confirmed that Monday 19th July remains the date for ending restrictions in England as we move to step 4 of the roadmap. Sajid Javid said that phenomenal progress is being made with the vaccination programme and as such vaccinations are now open to every adult in the country: 84% of adults have got a jab and 61% of adults have had 2 doses. The vaccination programme remains a significant mitigation factor in each of the ACU sport discipline risk assessments. This narrowing of the race between the virus and the vaccine led to the governments difficult decision to pause step 4 of the roadmap until 19 July. The government took that decision on 14th June at which point over 4.3 million over 40s had had a first dose but not a second. That’s now down to 3.2 million people over 40. The UK Governments aim is that around two-thirds of all adults in the country will have had both doses by 19 July. So, in terms of ACU motorcycle sport, the current situation remains as is, that is to say, the risk assessments issued before 17th May remain in place until 19th July and spectator levels remain as per current Gov.UK existing rules until 19th July or until we are told otherwise. Roy Humphrey, ACU Chairman commented, “The end of restrictions is indeed around the corner. It has been a really difficult year for everyone, not only in terms of motorcycle sport but in our everyday lives. We have all been affected in one way or another. Covid-19 has been a game changer. I just want to thank all Organisers, Officials and competitors for being patient, following the guidance issued by Gov.UK and also adhering to and using the risk assessments issued by ACU Head Office. Yes, it has been a very difficult year, but once we were able to start in whatever guise that was, we did so in accordance with the restrictions that were in place which showed us all as being professional and we all acted responsibly in a manner befitting a governing body and its affiliated Promoters and Clubs. What has been pleasing over the last year or so is how we have all come together to work through this unprecedented period. For that I thank you and on behalf of the ACU Board of Directors, each of our Sport Committees and all the staff at ACU Head Office, I wish everyone a very successful remainder of the season”. An announcement from the Welsh First Minister regarding the lifting of restrictions in Wales is expected soon. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands need to continue to follow the guidance issued by their own administrations.
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LInk to above poster |
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Message from the ACU - 23rd February
PM Boris Johnson announces roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions The Prime Minister has announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. In a statement to parliament yesterday (Monday 22nd February) he paid tribute to the extraordinary success of the UK’s vaccination programme and the resolve of the British public in following the lockdown restrictions, which has helped to cut infection rates and reduce the spread of the virus. The roadmap outlines four steps for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the Prime Minister was clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data, not dates and government will move cautiously to keep infection rates under control. This assessment will be based on four tests: · The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. · Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated. · Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. · The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern. So, for motorcycle sport; from 29th March formally organised outdoor sports – for adults and under 18s - can also restart and will not be subject to the gatherings limits but should be compliant with guidance issued by national governing bodies. Events will be restricted to one day events only. Self-contained accommodation will not be permitted until at least 12th April which is Step 2 of the Roadmap. Domestic overnight stays in hotels etc will not be permitted until at least 17th May. No spectators at sporting events to be allowed until after 17th May. Clubs should now apply to ACU Head Office for permits to run organised events from 1st April. Organisers are reminded that a Covid-19 risk assessment should accompany the Permit Application and supplementary regulations and are reminded of the requirement to consult with their Local Authorities and local police force. Updated risk assessments for guidance will be disseminated shortly by ACU Head Office to all Centres and Clubs. Chairman Roy Humphrey commented, ‘I think we were all aware of the main points the Prime Minister was going to announce given the media coverage and speculation over the weekend. It is really pleasing that organised outdoor sports can commence from 29th March, albeit without spectators until 17th May. We are not out of the woods by a long way and I ask that everyone continues to abide by the UK Government advice and guidance. With the outstanding commitment and work of the NHS and everyone who has volunteered to assist with the vaccine programme, there is light at the end of the tunnel’. It should also be noted that the roadmap outlined above is specific to England. Wales and Scotland should follow the advice issued by their devolved governments which is expected in the coming days. The Isle of Man and other crown dependencies should follow the advice issued by their local administrations.
Further updates will be distributed in accordance with UK Government Advice/Guidance.
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Message from the ACU -
14th January Coronavirus (Covid-19): ACU Motorcycle Sport and Travel Following the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on 4th January, it is important to emphasise the clear message by the UK Government that we must all Stay At Home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. ACU members should be aware that current UK Government advice states that we should all minimise the time spent outside our homes, but we can leave our homes to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and we should not travel outside the locality of where we live. Exercise can be taken in a public outdoor place:
For elite and amateur sports people, individuals and their Coaches can work together on a one-to-one basis for physical training following social distancing rules and staying in the locality of where they live but travelling long distances to meet up and train is not permitted. The government and devolved administration guidelines have made it clear that all UK sports venues inside and outdoors must remain closed until further notice. ACU Chairman Roy Humphrey commented, “These are hard times for all, a third national lockdown is tough, but as we have all seen from the news, very necessary to try and minimise the pressure on the NHS which as we know is currently at critical levels all over the country as more and more people are getting infected by coronavirus. The message is clear, stay at home, minimise your travel and by all means train within the guidelines, that means physical training with the people you live with or with one other person. Most importantly, ACU members should not be out and about using a motorbike for recreational or training purposes, that goes completely against the UK Government guidelines. We are all part of and represent the ACU, either as competitors, Officials or Members. We are the governing body, as recognised by the UK Government and many other organisations and as such we all need to act responsibly. There is light at the end of the tunnel, we just need to be patient, adhere to the rules and support the NHS”. There should be no organised motorcycle sport activity in any form (i.e. training, practice or competition) until UK Government restrictions are reviewed. The ACU will monitor all government announcements and adjust ACU rules accordingly. Kind regards
Neil
Doctor
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Message from the ACU -
5th January Coronavirus (Covid-19): PM Boris Johnson announces new national lockdown in England Boris Johnson has announced that England is to enter its third national lockdown, which means the government is instructing everyone to “stay at home”. The national lockdown is immediate (as of today (5th Jan)) and the Prime Minister also said in a televised address last night, the “weeks ahead will be the hardest yet”. The announcement comes as government figures on 4th Jan revealed the UK has reached another record daily high of 58,784 new coronavirus cases, making it the seventh consecutive day in a row where there have been over 50,000 new Covid cases across Britain. So, for motorcycle sport it is quite simple. Any planned ACU event in the next few weeks in England and Wales is now unfortunately cancelled. SACU licence holders should follow the instructions issued by the Scottish Government and any information issued by the SACU. For those resident on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, you can continue with ACU activity but follow any instructions issued by your independent administrations. Please adhere to and respect the UK Government advice and stay at home. Continue to support the NHS and follow the instructions issued by the Prime Minister. There is light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the two vaccines which are now being administered in a planned UK Government vaccine programme, the Pfizer vaccine announced a few weeks ago and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine which was rolled out today (4th Jan), but for the time being it is very important we do our bit to support the NHS. Do not do anything which may put motorcycle sport in a bad light. Further updates on when ACU activity can re-commence will be issued following further updates from the UK Government. Kind regards
Neil
Doctor |
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Message from the ACU - 21st December Covid-19: Welsh Lockdown and Tier 4 restrictions, the effect on ACU Motorcycle Sport The Prime Minister announced yesterday that areas entering into Tier 4 which came into effect on Sunday 20th December, such as London, will no longer be able to mix households for Christmas. In Tiers 1-3 in England the rules allowing a maximum of three households to mix will be restricted to Christmas Day only. What is Tier 4? Tier 4 is tougher restrictions brought in across London and the south east to try and slow the spread of a new variant of the Coronavirus. The areas affected are all the current Tier 3 areas in the South East including London, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey excluding Waverley, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings, and East of England areas including Bedford, central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring. The rules will be reviewed in two weeks’ time, on 30th December as part of a wider review of all restrictions. What about Wales? The Welsh Government has announced lockdown restrictions that came into effect in Wales from midnight on Saturday, while festive bubbles will only apply on Christmas Day. First Minister Mark Drakeford said the rules would mean non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres and hospitality would close at “end of trading” on Saturday. Stay at home rules also applied with effect from midnight on Saturday (19th). So, where does this leave motorcycle sport? With immediate effect in the Tier 4 areas of England and for Wales it is simple, all organised events are cancelled until the Prime Minister and First Minister for Wales announces the easing of lockdown restrictions. For those areas in Tier 3 (Very High alert), organised ACU activity can continue but the following restrictions need to be adhered to; • leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open • there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators • organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place • you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible • avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey ACU Chairman, Roy Humphrey commented, “We are facing a very difficult time, particularly at this time of the year. For our Organising Clubs/competitors and officials who live in a Tier 4 area or live in Wales, then all I can say is stay at home and stay safe! Having looked at the UK.Gov website, if anyone is caught breaking the rules, the police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. A fixed penalty of £200 is issued for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. As I’ve said before, although we think motorcycle sport is important, in the grand scheme of things, it isn’t. We need to consider the impact on the NHS which is under a massive strain, we need to do our bit and follow the rules. The perception of the sport is important, whilst the NHS is under the pressure it is given the spread of the new strain of Coronavirus, for organised motorcycle sport to be held in these Tier 4 areas would be irresponsible. We just need to follow the rules issued by the UK Government and those announced by the First Minister of Wales”.
For those living in Scotland, the Isle of
Man and the Channel Islands, you should follow the latest rules/advice
and guidance issued by your own Administrations. Kind regards
Neil
Doctor
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Message from the ACU - 27th November
Coronavirus
(Covid-19): What Can Happen in a Tier 3 Area
ACU Chairman, Roy Humphrey commented,
“Although the easing of lockdown means we can continue with our sport
after 2nd
December, those Organisers who find
themselves in a Tier 3 area do need to be fully aware of the additional
restrictions placed on them. Travel for example, is restricted and
competitors should not be travelling from other parts of the country to
participate in an event. For many of us, motorcycle sport may be the ‘be
all and end all” but in the big scheme of things, we need to be
realistic and travelling to an event is not considered as essential or
necessary. Clubs in a Tier 3 area need to consider Closed to Club events
which will reduce the risk of unnecessary travel to an event. Ends
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Message from the ACU - 1st November Coronavirus (Covid-19): National Lockdown 5th November – 2nd December Covid-19 infections are rapidly increasing across the whole of the UK and in other countries. Listening to the Scientific evidence, the infection rate is doubling every nine days. As such, the UK Government has ordered a second national lockdown for England which will take effect from Thursday 5th November until 2nd December. So, in terms of motorcycle sport, where does that leave us? The answer is straight forward with no ambiguity. For the period of the national lockdown, all ACU activity in England which includes competition, practice or training should not take place. Any ACU permit issued for activity to take place during this period is cancelled. Everyone must do their bit to act now to help in controlling the spread of the virus. The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives. From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the Government is taking the following action:
Until Thursday 5 November, the relevant local Covid alert measures will continue to apply in the area where you live. Then from Thursday 5th November, the new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of that period, the UK Government will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data. For those living in Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands you will be required to follow the guidance/advice/rules issued by your devolved governments and as such ACU/SACU permits issued for events to take place in those areas will apply as per the local rules. Roy Humphrey, ACU Chairman commented ‘We live in an ever-changing situation and it is important that we all keep up to date with Government guidance / advice. The latest announcement made by the Prime Minister was expected, so we need to adhere to what has been said. I want to thank all our Organisers for their efforts, their flexibility and their adherence to UK Government and Covid advice issued by their Local Administrations. Let’s see what happens in a month!’
Kind regards Gary Thompson MBE BEM
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Message from the ACU Chairman – 13 May ACU and AMCA plan return to motorcycle sport The ACU Board of Directors met virtually yesterday (12th May 2020) to discuss the phased return to motorcycle sport following Monday’s publication of the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The ACU, in partnership with the ACMA, have decided that a phased return to sporting events will commence in parallel with the Government’s Step Three. This coincides with the reopening of remaining business, public places and leisure facilities which have been required to close. As of 12th May, Step Three is due to begin from 4th July but this is under constant review. We will assess the situation again when the Government implements Step Two, envisaged to be the 1st June. In the coming weeks, the ACU and AMCA will publish guidance documents for organisers looking to run restricted events after this time. This will give organisers time to consider the implications of continued social distancing and prepare future events safely. In order to reflect the differences in devolved administrations, no British Championship Enduro, Motocross, Trials or Speedway will take place until travel restrictions between England/ Scotland/ Wales/ Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man have been lifted and other factors considered, in line with Government guidance. The ACU and AMCA would like to thank all our members for their patience during this difficult time, and we appreciate the steps taken by many individuals, clubs and organisations to support local communities during these unprecedented events. For further information, please see the ACU’s Coronavirus Operational Plan - https://www.acu.org.uk/Uploaded/1/Documents/2020%20Event%20Paperwork/Coronavirus-Operational-Plan.pdf We would remind all members that these plans are subject to change, and will be taken in line with the latest UK Government guidance. Kind regards
Neil Doctor Assistant General Secretary Telephone: 01788 566434 Website: acu.org.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message from the ACU Chairman – 11 May The UK Government's COVID-19 Recovery Strategy Please find below a link to the UK Government's COVID-19 Recovery Strategy Document. This is the Government's roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis: Kind regards
Neil Doctor Assistant General Secretary Telephone: 01788 566434 Website: acu.org.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronavirus (Covid-19) - ACU Statement #5 Message from the ACU Chairman – 24th March Covid-19 Update In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, the Auto-Cycle Union has today extended its suspension of all organising permits for motorcycle events until at least 31st May but will be constantly reviewed. This move provides clear guidance to event organisers, clubs, venues, competitors, officials of the role that the Auto-Cycle Union must play in supporting the broader UK public health agenda. Auto-Cycle Union Chairman, Roy Humphrey explained, “The government have required that we effectively lock-down for a period of three weeks, however given that the most vulnerable in our society are required to isolate for three months, we feel it only sensible to propose a longer suspension for all motorcycle sport. This is a time of national unity and we need to come together with the broader public community to do all we can to support this battle and ultimately save lives. This evening, Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said the Government is launching a new scheme to recruit 250,000 volunteers to support the NHS through the coronavirus pandemic. A quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health. We may not be involved in any sporting activities, but, we could help support the NHS through this pandemic!" Auto-Cycle Union will continue to monitor the prevailing advice from the UK Government in respect of the COVID-19 international pandemic and will update the motorcycle community accordingly. Neil Doctor General Secretary Auto-Cycle Union Ltd www.acu.org.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronavirus (Covid-19) - ACU Statement #4 Message from the ACU Chairman – 19th March Dear Members, Officials and Staff For over a hundred years the ACU, it’s committee’s and staff have served it’s members whether they be riders, passengers, support crew and families, it’s supported it’s clubs and members, event officials and their families, we’ve worked with event promotors, medical support teams, sponsors, journalists, manufacturers and the motorcycle sporting industry, insurers and legal companies, rights of way representatives and politicians and we’ve always managed to keep motorcycle sport running in the most challenging circumstances. At the time of writing and as you know the virus is spreading across the country and as seen across the World with devastating consequences, we share the families afflicted sorrow and as thousands of people suffer it’s not a time to be organising sporting events and as seen by our World representative for motor cycle sport the Federation Of International Motorcyclists FIM they have postponed all World and Continental Championship events. As we wait for better times you may have questions for the ACU team at Rugby who are there to help and will answer your questions if possible but to make it a bit easier for them you will find most information on the ACU web site www.acu.org.uk then when we return to racing or trials the ACU staff and the many thousands of officials that organise and run the events will be ready to get your season started. I need to say that myself and the ACU Board appeal to members to not ride their competition motorcycles in any circumstances during this period because to ride a competition motorcycle you know there are risks to yourself and others. Please think that if your seriously injured riding a competition motorcycle you will use valuable medical resources which may result in you being ultimately responsible for somebody else’s failure to receive the appropriate life saving treatment. Through the coming weeks please think of others and help us all get through these unprecedented times. Take care
Roy Humphrey Chairman ACU Ltd Auto-Cycle Union Ltd. Registered in England and Wales, Registration Number 00134679 ACU House, Wood Street, Rugby. CV21 2YX. Telephone: 01788 566400 Email: admin@acu.org.uk Coronavirus (Covid-19) - ACU Statement #3 Tuesday March 17, 2020 at 10:46am Statement on Covid-19 On behalf of ACU It is with regret that the ACU are suspending all competition and social activity until 30th April 2020, but this will be constantly reviewed. This is in response to the emerging guidance issued by HM UK Government in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. All permits for events during this time will be cancelled and reimbursed in full to the organising club/ promoter. As the National Governing Body would ask all ACU Members to act responsibly and follow the Government’s guidance during this difficult time. We have a responsibility and duty of care to our staff who will be working from home, so please be patient with any queries you may have. As of writing (17th March 2020) HM Government have advised: - Persons to work from home where possible - People over the age of 70 to minimise social contact - Emergency services will not support mass gatherings - Stop non-essential travel - Avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas This statement is supported in its entirety by AMCA Up-to-date information on COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coronavirus (Covid-19) - ACU Statement #2 Neil Doctor 13/03/2020 12:58 Sent to all ACU Centres/Clubs Dear all, Following on from our email below and just to clarify, we are not cancelling events, these are to continue and we will closely monitor government advice around events and public gatherings and will publish additional updates as and when necessary in line with UK government guidelines. Following yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the UK has now entered the ‘Delayed’ phase of the Coronavirus, the ACU advise the following measures which should be implemented with immediate effect: All meetings and seminars due to be held at ACU House over the next 4-week period will be cancelled/postponed, but, we will continue to monitor government advice. Centres/Clubs to review their own policy with regards meetings/seminars Officials licences which have, or are about to expire, will be extended until the end of the year. The ACU recognise many of our members and those associated with the sport are often involved in close contact with others when travelling, working, meeting or attending and competing in events and we continue to closely monitor government advice around events and public gatherings and will publish additional updates as and when necessary in line with UK government guidelines. Our main priority and commitment is to the health, safety and security of everyone who represents our organisation. As such we would respectfully ask anyone who has any cold or flu like symptoms not to attend any such events/meetings. Kind regards Neil Doctor General Secretary Website: acu.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronavirus (Covid-19) - ACU Statement #1 Neil Doctor 13/03/2020 10:07 Sent to all ACU Centres/Clubs Dear all, Following yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the UK has now entered the ‘Delayed’ phase of the Coronavirus, the ACU advise the following measures which should be implemented with immediate effect: All meetings and seminars due to be held at ACU House over the next 4-week period will be cancelled/postponed, but, we will continue to monitor government advice. Centres/Clubs to review their own policy with regards meetings/seminars Officials licences which have, or are about to expire, will be extended until the end of the year. The ACU recognise many of our members and those associated with the sport are often involved in close contact with others when travelling, working, meeting or attending and competing in events and we continue to closely monitor government advice around events and public gatherings and will publish additional updates as and when necessary in line with UK government guidelines. Our main priority and commitment is to the health, safety and security of everyone who represents our organisation. As such we would respectfully ask anyone who has any cold or flu like symptoms not to attend any such events/meetings. Kind regards Neil Doctor General Secretary Website: acu.org.uk
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