Further to the guidance published in April regarding equipment checks at stage starts, thank you to those Scrutineers who have continued to provide feedback and observations from events throughout the season.
As previously highlighted, stage start checks remain an important final safety control and provide an opportunity to identify issues that may have arisen after pre-event scrutineering or whilst crews are preparing to compete.
However, recent feedback has highlighted the importance of ensuring that any interventions made at stage starts are based on the mandatory requirements of the National Competition Rules. Whilst Scrutineers may encourage the use of recommended safety equipment, care should be taken not to advise competitors that recommended items are mandatory where this is not the case.
Where a concern is identified, Scrutineers should ensure that any instruction given to a competitor is supported by the relevant National Competition Rule requirement and applied consistently across all competitors.
A reminder that competitors remain responsible for presenting themselves correctly equipped and ready to compete, whilst stage start checks provide an important final opportunity to identify potential safety concerns before the start of a Special Stage.
The recent competitor communication, “Your Safety Starts With You“, reinforces these responsibilities and is linked below for reference.