SRA CEO UPDATE REGARDING OUR RACE SEASON

Thursday August 20, 2020 Change to racing season Due to the on-going and complex restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, including the hard border closures, the board of Ski Racing Australia have decided it is necessary to postpone the commencement of 2020/2021 season. The season is now proposed to run the full calendar year from January to December 2021. This is a decision that has not been taken lightly but the on-going uncertainties in Victoria and the border closures between Vic, NSW and QLD have made it extremely difficult for our event organisers to plan their races with any certainty at all. Without a doubt this has been an extremely difficult time for businesses and individuals as well as the various sporting codes and clubs. So, whilst we take a pause on the racing, we want you to stay “connected” during the “down time” .  The SRA board and committee members are also looking at how best to use this time and will be focusing on improvements to the rule book, looking at a number of suggested race improvements and at a number of key safety initiatives.  We will also be working with the Clubs so that we are all ready to re-start the sport in the New Year in the best shape possible. Memberships SRA understand that members may be reluctant to renew their usual full membership at the moment, but we are encouraging all of you to stay connected by joining as a $100 Social member during this extended off season.  This will also help to support SRA and our work over the next few months. In the next few weeks, you will receive a “new” social membership renewal form. This form will replace the form that was sent out earlier this year. Your new membership renewal form will also include an option for you to make a donation to support the work of the SRA board and committees over the coming months through a donation to SRA. Some of you will recall the important work on helmets safety that has previously been carried out by Dr Andrew McIntosh.  The next stage of that work, which was recommended by SRA’s Safety Committee in conjunction with the Department of Maritime Safety, was in relation to head and neck restraint testing.   SRA is keen to proceed to this phase of this vitally important testing and research. If you have renewed your membership already, our membership officer, Sue, will be in touch with you. New renewal forms will be sent out again in October/November 2020 for the 2021 season.

• Here are some key points to assist members to understand the current state of play:

How many races will there be then next year? SRA: We expect that there will be up to 24 events (the same number of events as previously proposed).  It is likely that some of the Series Days and Point scores may have to be re-scheduled but the intention is “Classic River Races” will maintain their annual date.   SRA will be working with the clubs around new dates, and a revised calendar will be released by SRA later in the year, closer to the start of the 2021 season. If I re-join at the $100 “social” rate, will this come off my membership next year? SRA: No.  This is just an interim social membership.  You will receive a new renewal form for the 12 months from 1 January 2021. Will the SRA Office remain functioning during this time SRA: Yes, but on reduced hours. To keep the costs down, Sue (Harris – Memberships Manager) will work reduced part-time hours, however membership enquiries will continue to be addressed as soon as practicable. What is happening with the newly formed committees? SRA: The Racing Committee will be finalised in the next few weeks and the Safety Committee will re-start their meetings and subsequent work. The plan is to spend this time making sure the racing is in the best shape possible for kick off in January. This will include review of the rule book, safety procedures, scrutineering and SRA policies around event and risk management. On behalf of the Board and Chair of Ski Racing Australia I wish to thank you for your patience and understanding at this difficult time. It is important to stay safe, reach out to support each other and also support SRA and our clubs as we prepare for racing again in the New Year! Yours in Ski Racing, Cam McConville CEO