Exemptions granted for tear-off rule
As of January 01 2017, the ban on the use of tear-offs in all Australian off-road competition has been in full effect. However, Motorcycling Australia (MA) wishes to announce that the rule has now been modified slightly at the discretion of Track Licensee’s to be aligned with their Environmental Plan.
The focus of the rule amendment relates specifically to Motocross and Supercross tracks, (including off-road disciplines that utilise the same venues) to conditionally allow for the use of tear-offs at the discretion of the Track Licensee. It is important to note that the tear-off ban is still in place and will remain so; however, this change will allow for circumstances where roll-offs are not a practical option.
By including the new condition to the track/venue Environmental Plan and event Supplementary Regulations, competitors (and the host club) will understand what is expected of them in regards to looking after the track and surrounding environment.
It is crucial for the longevity of off-road sport worldwide that environmental concerns regarding tear-offs are taken seriously and are continually addressed. By allowing an exemption to the rule, MA is holding those involved accountable for their use. It is at the discretion of the Track Licensee whether or not they apply for the exemption, and whether they think it appropriate for the exemption to be kept in place.
Supercross events held on temporary tracks are automatically exempt due to the extensive clean-up already required post-event, with the tearing down the track, filtering soil and cleaning litter.
Licensee’s should contact their relevant State Controlling Body (SCB) for further information on how to apply for the exemption.
Below is the full rule bulletin from Motorcycling Australia
RULE CHANGE Information Bulletin #1634 07 June 2017
Affected Discipline: MX / SX Classic MX ATV
Rule Pertains to: The use of tear-offs in Motocross, Supercross and Classic MX
Current Rule in the 2017 Manual of Motorcycle Sport:
APPENDIX A: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING /EQUIPMENT
7.2 Off-Road Disciplines
7.2.0.1 Tear-off’s are banned for all Off-Road related disciplines, including Minikhana.
New Rule after Change:
7.2.0.1 Tear-offs are banned for all Off- Road related disciplines, including Minikhana.
7.2.0.2 Exemptions are available for Junior, Senior and Classic Motocross events by application of the Track Licensee to the Relevant Controlling Body.
a) Automatic exemptions will apply for Supercross events held at temporary tracks and venues.
Rationale:
The rationale for this change is to allow for the use of tear-offs in controlled conditions, with Track Licensees held responsible for their use. It is important to note the tear-off ban is still in place; however, this change will allow for circumstances where roll-offs are not a practical option.
By including a section into the environmental plan – and then into the Supplementary Regulations about the controlled use of tear-offs, it is ensuring that people understand what is expected of them and the club in regards to looking after the track and surrounding environment.
It is crucial for the longevity of off-road sport that the environmental concerns regarding tear-offs are taken seriously and continually addressed. By allowing an exemption to the rule, we are holding those involved accountable for their use. It is at the discretion of the Track Licensee whether they apply for the exemption, and whether they think it appropriate for it to be kept in place.
Supercross events held on temporary tracks are automatically exempt due to the extensive clean-up already required post-event with tearing down the track and cleaning of general litter.
Information on how to apply is available from the RCB.
