ANNEX D
TO BAMA CHARTER
DATED Apr 13
The Army Motorcycling Association
References:
A.2010DIN01-209 Status of Sports in the Services
B.JSP 752 Chapter 4 Section 8 Sports Travel
C.2009DIN10-041 – Army Sports Lottery
History
1.The Army Motorcycling Association (Army MCA) was formed in 1937 – details are scarce from this period but we know that Army MCA teams entered the International Six Days Trial (ISDT) in 1937 and 38 using Matchless M5 machines, and the inaugural Army Motorcycle Championships took place in 1938. In September 1939 the ISDT was held in Austria. On day 5 the Army MCA team were leading overall when representation from the British Embassy appeared ordering the team to withdraw immediately and return home via France. Despite many difficulties they did. WW2 was declared only 2 days later.
Post war years saw a massive increase in the number of motorcycles in Military service especially the BSA M20 with plenty of talented riders such as John Giles and Arthur Lampkin. There were plenty of Trials run at all levels and Army participation started in the ISDT and Scottish Six Day Trail (SSDT). In 1960 Army MCA came under the newly formed BAMA with Lt Col Noddy Lowe in charge as the first Secretary BAMA/Army MCA based at the Army School of Mechanical Transport based (ASMT) in Bordon. During the mid 60’s the BSA M20 was replaced by the Triumph TRW, but this machine was considered unsuccessful and was replaced by the BSA B40 in 1967.
Military motorcycling flourished under the guidance of the Army MCA the major events ISDT and SSDT had highly competitive Army Teams each year. ASMT moved to Leconfield, and the Secretary BAMA’s post moved to the Advanced Driver Training Wing. The BSA’s were replaced by the Armstrong MT500 in the late 70’s which was much loved by motorcyclists but hated by Army riders due to the difficulty in starting a 500cc single. In the early 80s the Enduro discipline gained in stature – this became the main focus for military participation while Trials evolved into a more specialized nature and the Trials machines became ever smaller, lighter and more delicate. A hard core of Army MCA riders continued and although the ISDT adopted and enduro format (later becoming the ISDE) a strong cadre of Trials riders have kept the discipline intact with annual participation in the high profile SSDT. In the mid 90’s the Armstrong was replaced by the Harley Davidson MT350 and with disc brakes and an electric start it was deemed an immediate success.
ASMT became the Defence School of Transport (DST) and in 2003 BAMA and Army MCA were re-titled British Armed Forces Motoring Association (BAFMA) to reflect the tri-service support of their parent organisation the DST. Support continued until 2009 when within 6 weeks notice it was decided that the General Service Motorcycle should be withdrawn from service. In April 2009 use of the Harley Davidson MT350 stopped and although BAFMA carried on as a training activity using civilian machines for a further 18 months, the axe fell and motorcycling ceased to become a training activity.
From July 2010 all authorised motorcycling was stopped, but riders and teams still continued to ride with no real authority and at increasing risk. BAFMA made a case for motorcycling to move to a recognised Army sport and after presentations to the Army Sports Control Board (ASCB), Army Motorcycling was accepted as a sport. The date was 16 Sep 10. Army Motorcycling now exists within in a Group of the British Army Motorsports Association (BAMA) and has reverted to using the previous name and insignia of the Army MCA.
Background
2.For the past 50 or so years Army MCA has been based upon training value and not competition. The role Of BAMA/BAFMA was to improve off road riding skills though the premise of Advanced Driver Training. The move to a sport has reversed this role and now Army MCA activity is based around competitions where there must be a winner. Although the only motorcycle disciplines currently catered for are Trials, Enduro and Road Race, this may not always be the case. Providing there is sufficient interest at rider level, and managerial level, there is no reason why other areas on the sport such as MX, Supermotard, Speedway and Grass track etc could not be included in the future.
Structure
3.The following structure is in place:
Responsibilities
4.Responsibilities of each of the secretaries are as follows:
4.1Army MCA Secretary
4.1.1Lead on all Army MCA matters
4.1.2Produce the 5 year budget plan
4.1.3Control all funding and maintain property – income and expenditure
4.1.4Produce all Reports and Returns to ASCB by the timelines
4.1.5Endorse recommendations for Army Colours
4.1.6Nominate a lead to run the annual Army Championships and lead on all matters relating to the Anglo/Swedish Competition.
4.1.7Produce the Army summer and winter fixture lists for endorsement by the BAMA and approval by the ASCB.
4.2Enduro Secretary
4.2.1Lead on all Enduro matters
4.2.2Provide input into the Enduro forecast of expenditure for inclusion in the 5 year budget plan
4.2.3Control all funding – income and expenditure
4.2.4Provide input into Reports and Returns
4.2.5Recommend Enduro riders for their Army Colours
4.2.6Lead on all matters relating to the ISDE
4.2.7Produce the Army summer and Winter Enduro fixture lists for endorsement by the Army MCA sec
4.3Motocross (MX) Secretary
4.3.1Lead on all MX matters
4.3.2Provide input into the MX forecast of expenditure for inclusion in the 5 year budget plan
4.3.3Control all funding – income and expenditure
4.3.4Provide input into Reports and Returns
4.3.5Recommend Enduro riders for their Army Colours
4.3.6Produce the Army summer and Winter Enduro fixture lists for endorsement by the Army MCA sec
4.4Trials Secretary
4.4.1Lead on all Trials matters
4.4.2Provide input into the Trials forecast of expenditure for inclusion in the 5 year budget plan
4.4.3Control all funding – income and expenditure
4.4.4Provide input into Reports and Returns
4.4.5Recommend Trials riders for their Army Colours
4.4.6Lead on all matters relating to the SSDT
4.4.7Produce the Army summer and Winter Trials fixture lists for endorsement by the Army MCA sec
4.5Germany Secretary
4.5.1Lead on all BA(G) motorcycling matters
4.5.2Provide input into the Trials forecast of expenditure for inclusion in the 5 year budget plan
4.5.3Control all funding – income and expenditure
4.5.4Provide input into Reports and Returns
4.5.5Recommend BA(G) riders for Army Selection and potentially their Colours
4.5.6Lead on all matters relating to Army motorcycling in Germany
4.5.7Produce the Army summer and Winter Trials fixture lists for endorsement by the Army MCA sec
4.6Road Race Secretary
4.6.1Lead on all Road Race matters
4.6.2Provide input into the Trials forecast of expenditure for inclusion in the 5 year budget plan
4.6.3Control all funding – income and expenditure
4.6.4Provide input into Reports and Returns
4.6.5Recommend Road Race riders for their Army Colours
4.6.6Lead on all matters relating to the TT
4.6.7Produce the Army summer and Winter Trials fixture lists for endorsement by the Army MCA sec
Key Events
5.Army motorcycling is off road based and supports the following key events on an annual basis:
5.1SSDT. Arguably the greatest motorcycle trial in the world, since its origin in 1909, no other trial has captured the imagination of rider and spectator in the same way. Riders are lured to the SSDT from all over the world, and the event has the same status to trials riders as the Isle of Man TT has to road racers. Army participation started in the 60’s and for the past 20 or so years the Army has entered a team of 3 riders supported by a crew of 3. Riders compete for the Best Service team and individual awards against the other teams including the RAF and Police.
5.2ISDE. The premier world Enduro event the ISDE has been running since 1913. Countries are appointed by the FIM[1] to run the event on an annual basis, where national teams compete against eachother. GB enters senior (Trophy) and junior (Vase) teams of 4 riders with the best of 3 to count. The standard of participation is high (this is not an event for novices) and numbers are limited, to this end the ACU[2] will vet teams to ensure riders are of sufficient standard and may put a cap on the numbers. Army participation can be dated back to 1937, and we have competed on a regular basis ever since, occasionally sending two teams. The Army is classed a club team and usually enter a team of 3 riders. The Army has a good standing with the ACU due to our commitment over many years and vetting and team allocation is normally not an issue. The Army have strong links with the GB team and assist them with training and logistics where possible.
5.3Anglo/Swedish Competition. This event was first run in 1953 and has been running annually ever since. The event is run on a home and away basis with the venue alternating every year; Sweden and the UK. The competition is based on a team of 4 riders with the best 3 to count and follows the format of a 3 Stage Trial as dictated by the host country. The competition is held concurrently with the host countries annual Army Championships and forms part of a competition within the main competition. After the event it is customary of have a dinner where the riders and mangers exchange gifts. Recent events have used the following formats:
5.3.1Sweden. The Army team are invited to the Swedish Army winter competition held in Feb in Alvdalen or Ostersund. Temperatures are always well below freezing and typically around -20oC with heavy snow. The Army team are loaned Swedish Army motorcycles which are fitted with skiis and the competition follows an enduro format in two stages, day riding and night riding.
5.3.2UK. Due to the demise of the general service motorcycle the Swedish team have to bring their motorcycles to the UK. They arrive a few days prior to the event and will settle and carry out low level training. The event format follows the Army Championships which is normally a two day event covering both Trials and Enduro.
5.4Army Championships. The Army Championships is the Army flagship event of the year and has been running since 1938. It attracts a large number of entrants and is normally run over two days, but can in extremis be run over a single day. The event takes the format as dictated by the organiser but covers both Trials, Enduro disciplines and follows ACU rules. Special Tests, Mechanical Tests, Map Reading, Shooting, Acceleration and Brake Tests and Graded Hills have all been included in the past, largely depending upon the time and resources open to the organiser. Open to serving members of Army, TA and Civil servants who are full members of BAMA the event could be opened up to associate members and past members of the Armed forces and an invitation basis. There are a large number of individual awards and trophies to be competed for; a complete list is at Appendix 1 to this Annex.
ACU Affiliation and Licensing
6.The Army MCA is affiliated to the ACU as a non-territorial club. It operates under their National Sporting Code and Rules of the Union and any events are run incompliance with the ACU Standing Regulations with modifications outlined in the Supplementary Regulations.
6.1Riders. Riders are required to hold the appropriate class of licence when they ride in ACU organised and run events.
6.2Organisers. Army MCA event organisers are required to hold a Clerk of the Course licence. Training courses are run twice a year at the ACU’s head office, with places allocated by the ACU.
6.3Army Championships. The Army Championships is an Army Sports Control Board endorsed event and riders are classed as being on duty. Although the event is run in accordance with ACU regulations there is no requirement to apply for an ACU permit or comply with ACU licensing. However, if the event is open to BAMA members/associate members who are not serving members of the Army or TA, then the requirement for ACU permits and licensing is extant.
Grading
7.The ACU has separate grading for each riding discipline and class. This can be complex and to this end the Army MCA will use the following simplified grading system regardless of the discipline ridden:
7.1Novice.A rider who has recently joined the sport but has yet to be placed in the top 3 of finishers on 3 or more occasions will be graded as a Novice.
7.2Intermediate.A rider who has competed for 2 or more seasons in their chosen riding discipline.
7.3Expert.A rider who has placed in the top 3 finisher on more than 3 occasions will be graded as an Expert. Furthermore, any rider who is selected to ride or who has previously ridden for the Army is graded as an Expert.
7.4Upgrading.Upgrading from Novice to Expert will be considered by the Secretary of each discipline as and when required. Results/experience prior to joining the Army may be considered by the Secretaries and exceptionally individuals may move straight to Expert status.
Property
8. All Army MCA property is to be recorded on an AB115 and maintained on a regular basis. Overall responsibility resides with the Army MCA Secretary. Property includes the following:
8.1Archive material. Presentations received by the Army MCA. Historical documents, photographs and video footage.
8.2Trophies. See Appendix 1
8.3Motorcycles. On occasion Army MCA may purchase motorcycles for use in the SSDT or ISDE.
8.4Consumables. In order to run events, consumables such as tape, arrows, time cards and punch cards are required.
8.5Presentations. A small stock of Army MCA stickers, plaques, ties and badges are to be maintained.
Finances
9.In order for Army MCA to compete at the highest level adequate funding is essential. Funding streams are varied but can be divided into three areas:
9.1Public Funding. Reference A details the requirements for sports to qualify for public funding. Motorcycle competition fulfils all of the requirements and has been given “recognised” sport status. This opens many doors, but it is essential that the rules set out in References A and B are followed.
9.2Non-public funding. The main source of non- public funding is provided in the form of a grant from the ASCB. The Secretary Army MCA is responsible for producing a 5 year budget forecast for BAMA approval. BAME will then forward the application to the ASCB for their consideration. The size of the ASCB annual grant will dictate the events that can be run, but may not cover all of the funding required and other grants may need to be applied for. Other non-public funding lines come from various charities and many Corps/Regts have funding lines for Army/National/International selection; these should not be discounted. The following applies:
9.2.1 In order for individuals to benefit from the ASCB grant, they must contribute to the Army Sports Lottery (ASL), details of which can be found at Reference C. Secretaries are to ensure that any rider selected to represent the Army is a fully paid up member of the ASL
9.2Personal contribution. It is likely that the public funding will be insufficient to cover all costs. For example the “recognised” sport status will allow for travel at public expense but will not cover for food or accommodation. Personal contributions will therefore be required and the amount will vary depending upon the discipline and type of event.
9.3Fund raising. The cost of overseas international events can be prescriptive. Shipping of machines and equipment, flights, accommodation etc can stretch budgets. The decision to fund raise should be taken as early as possible and events such as EnduroSchools or Hare and Hounds Enduros can be run specifically to raise funds for the Team.
10.Funding is to be accounted for in accordance with Service Fund Regulations – the main Army MCA account is held as a column in the SEME account and is controlled by the Regt Accountant. Where a grant is allocated from the Army MCA account to an individual to organise an authorised event, the grant must be spent in accordance with Service Funds Regulations and a record of income and expenditure maintained. This record is subject to audit.
Meetings
11.The secretary Army MCA is responsible for holding an AGM on an annual basis. Minutes are to be produced and distributed to the BAMA. The meeting should be held prior to the budgetary submissions which are due in Nov of each year. Attendance is:
10.1Secretary MCA – Chairman.
10.2All Discipline Secretaries.
10.3BA (G) secretary.
10.4Treasurer or SEME Accountant.
10.5All full members of BAMA are invited to attend the AGM.
12.Army MCA management committee meetings can be called at the discretion of the Secretary. The meetings are to be called in order to discuss important issues affecting the running of the association. Typically: