we r starting a riders union

CR250Rider
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5/2/2010 8:17pm
I think a rider's union would be a good thing for the sport

plain and simple
FreshTopEnd
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5/2/2010 8:18pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:34pm
Rupert X wrote:
Some follow-up advice. 1. Consult counsel. 2. Consider everything - eg,; SX practice tracks, OEM contractsetc... 3. Think rationally, not emotionally. 4. Don't rush to judgment...


Some follow-up advice.

1. Consult counsel.

2. Consider everything - eg,; SX practice tracks, OEM contractsetc...

3. Think rationally, not emotionally.

4. Don't rush to judgment.

5. Prepare for the adverse.
Rupert's suggestions are good. Not every bit of board advice will be or is already so be encouraged generally by the support the fans will give you, but have a pretty good filter.


6) In addition to consulting counsel, it'd be good to get someone a communications person involved, and one not already involved in the industry. They will help you communicate your message effectively, but perhaps more importantly help you clarify what you're about (GuyB's mission statement) and what your message actually is. And then make it clear who speaks for the organization.


So take that for what it's worth as you apply that filter I mentioned earlier.


The fans want more of you racing and healthy, and prospering, for the sake of the sport and the sake of you and your families.
jbomx363
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5/2/2010 8:19pm
GuyB wrote:
Among the things I'd suggest, having a mission statement, and a clearly stated set of goals. Also define the scope of what you guys are trying...
Among the things I'd suggest, having a mission statement, and a clearly stated set of goals.

Also define the scope of what you guys are trying to do. If it's primarily with regards to safety, or whether it includes things like purses, etc.
flarider wrote:
I agree with GuyB. At the same time, one problem on any start up involving many is the proverbial "Too many cooks in the kitchen." In...
I agree with GuyB.

At the same time, one problem on any start up involving many is the proverbial "Too many cooks in the kitchen."

In my opinion, prior to writing your mission statement, you should assemble a board to write this mission statement. A few factory guys and a few non-factory guys, and don't make it a "click" of your bro's. Get real people like JT$ involved, he's been around a while and is a smart guy, who also knows what it's like to not be the elite in the sport. (no offense JT$)

It is also my opinion that your primary goals should be safety. If you make safety the number one objective, you will get more riders on board as well as get greater support from teams, OEM's, sponsors and even promoters....who is going to be against safety?

If you make a primary objective financial, such as purses and insurance, you are going to meet resistance from the employers (teams/OEM's) and promoters.


Safety first, get everyone on board and correct and improve that first. Once you accomplish all your goals in regards to safety, then approach other issues, because by this time you'll have established a working relationship and hopefully some trust, that'll make approaching the other issues easier.
I agree with the whole thing except for only making it about safety.... if you're going to go in, go all in. If you start with only one major agenda (proposed major one being safety), the other issues will never be looked at or taken serious enough to be able to bargain.

It doesn't have to mean that you're going in demanding purse changes, etc. but it does need to be brought to the table in some capacity initially. Even if it's agreed upon to be tabled to another time, it still needs to be brought up along with any other issues/desires the group would want to make changes with.

But who knows. Good luck in all the negotiations. United you stand.. divided... it doesn't work.
gsxrcr28
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5/2/2010 8:23pm
One thing is for sure, there is power in numbers.

I think Feld will listen now.

The Shop

5/2/2010 8:25pm
Sounds promising. I worked with the AFMXA after Jeremy Lusk's death to create disability and accident insurance policies for FMX riders. Also, investment and retirement educational programs as well. It took something like Jeremy's death unfortunately to start the AFMXA, but it is now up and running and doing great things for that sport.

Their primary focus was safety, but they incorporated these other aspects as well. I think this "Association" (I would stay away from union as well) should focus on safety first but also include these types of items as well. I work with a few of the SX/ MX guys and trust me, these tings are sorely lacking. Read the latest issue of Racer X and see the differences between guys who had and did not have proper insurance coverage.
level
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5/2/2010 8:41pm
Like Chad said in his interview with Matthes when he mentioned sketchy parts of a track in the past he was told to "deal with it" just like you said Grant. Who is the asshole that is saying this? I think this guy needs to be called out. When there is a part of the track that is inherently dangerous and a rider or riders say something and are told to deal with it then something is very wrong. The race has plenty of exciting, fun and challenging sections there is no reason for one section to have so much risk that one false move can result in a bad wreck or injury.

So who is this guy that is telling the riders to suck it up or deal with it?
AEIOU
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5/2/2010 8:42pm
GL8,
Sorry for the loss of your good friend.
This is a far better task than winning any championship. You and CR should know that this is one of the greatest things you shall accomplish in your lives and we truly appreciate, respect and support you. God Bless
jbomx363
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5/2/2010 8:45pm
level wrote:
Like Chad said in his interview with Matthes when he mentioned sketchy parts of a track in the past he was told to "deal with it"...
Like Chad said in his interview with Matthes when he mentioned sketchy parts of a track in the past he was told to "deal with it" just like you said Grant. Who is the asshole that is saying this? I think this guy needs to be called out. When there is a part of the track that is inherently dangerous and a rider or riders say something and are told to deal with it then something is very wrong. The race has plenty of exciting, fun and challenging sections there is no reason for one section to have so much risk that one false move can result in a bad wreck or injury.

So who is this guy that is telling the riders to suck it up or deal with it?
I think they are referring to John Gallagher?
Crush
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5/2/2010 8:55pm
It isn't John... He is the FIM rep...
Bauer
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5/2/2010 8:56pm
No, they aren't referring to John Gallagher.
500guy
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5/2/2010 8:58pm
Bauer wrote:
No, they aren't referring to John Gallagher.
John is very concerned about the issues and tries to get things done, sometimes his hands are tied.
jbomx363
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5/2/2010 9:05pm Edited Date/Time 5/2/2010 9:09pm
Crush wrote:
It isn't John... He is the FIM rep...
Yep.. however, he is the race director.
Anyhoo.. I guessed at it since Reed mentioned this:
Yesterday I went to [the FIM’s] John Gallagher and I said, “John, that is really dangerous.” He said, “I can’t do anything about it.” I was like, “Wow, really? You’re the guy, and you can’t do anything about it?”
Then after reading this, then it is someone at Feld?:
You know, it all rests on Feld’s shoulders—they’re the guys putting caution to the wind.

Anyway.. back to the topic at hand..
500guy
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5/2/2010 9:10pm
Crush wrote:
It isn't John... He is the FIM rep...
jbomx363 wrote:
Yep.. however, he is the race director.Anyhoo.. I guessed at it since Reed mentioned this:Yesterday I went to [the FIM’s] John Gallagher and I said...
Yep.. however, he is the race director.
Anyhoo.. I guessed at it since Reed mentioned this:
Yesterday I went to [the FIM’s] John Gallagher and I said, “John, that is really dangerous.” He said, “I can’t do anything about it.” I was like, “Wow, really? You’re the guy, and you can’t do anything about it?”
Then after reading this, then it is someone at Feld?:
You know, it all rests on Feld’s shoulders—they’re the guys putting caution to the wind.

Anyway.. back to the topic at hand..
That is not the 1st time there was issues and Feld ignored the requests from Team managers, riders and other people.
Steveo
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5/2/2010 9:41pm
irrelevant of how it has been in the past and how it is now, whether injuries were more common or not, safety should be the foremost consideration when it comes to motorsport.

If the powers that be want to move this sport in a more professional direction they should stop promoting it as a cheap thrills 'crash-tastic' spectacle - I cringe every time I see the crash montages at the beggining of the broadcasts - that isn't what the sport should be about, respect the riders as professionals not crash test dummies and people will respect the sport, simples!
Ashleymx
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5/2/2010 10:23pm
Just focus on safety. That's the most important thing. Leave the other "union" type initiates to another organisation. 100% safety so the focus is always 100% where it needs to be with out compromise.

Also it shouldn't just be we aren't riding until its fixed! Every time an injury occurs or worse what happened here in Australia a full investigation needs to be conducted. The police investigation they are doing wont be worth anything and MAs simply isn't enough.

Every aspect like track prep, race format, safety gear, First aid procedures etc etc. need to be examined in detail by people that knows what they're looking at and changes need to be made so it NEVER happens again.
bullpen58
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5/3/2010 1:28am
GL8 wrote:
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe...
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe as possible. we already have as host of top riders on board, the media and MX Sports support already, enough is enough!!!
AWESOME!!!!
FlaNard
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5/3/2010 1:31am
GL8 wrote:
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe...
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe as possible. we already have as host of top riders on board, the media and MX Sports support already, enough is enough!!!
Thanks for stepping up for the sport and the riders Grant. Class act.
BobbyM
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5/3/2010 1:46am
flarider wrote:
I agree with GuyB. At the same time, one problem on any start up involving many is the proverbial "Too many cooks in the kitchen." In...
I agree with GuyB.

At the same time, one problem on any start up involving many is the proverbial "Too many cooks in the kitchen."

In my opinion, prior to writing your mission statement, you should assemble a board to write this mission statement. A few factory guys and a few non-factory guys, and don't make it a "click" of your bro's. Get real people like JT$ involved, he's been around a while and is a smart guy, who also knows what it's like to not be the elite in the sport. (no offense JT$)

It is also my opinion that your primary goals should be safety. If you make safety the number one objective, you will get more riders on board as well as get greater support from teams, OEM's, sponsors and even promoters....who is going to be against safety?

If you make a primary objective financial, such as purses and insurance, you are going to meet resistance from the employers (teams/OEM's) and promoters.


Safety first, get everyone on board and correct and improve that first. Once you accomplish all your goals in regards to safety, then approach other issues, because by this time you'll have established a working relationship and hopefully some trust, that'll make approaching the other issues easier.
one step, at a time....one step at a time.

next up... riders medical insurance and say fuck it to the need for these benefit brigades. that is ridiculous for a professional sport to have to admit to.
Old Mate
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5/3/2010 1:53am
Andrews crash was in Australia [MA ran event] so feld had nothing to do with it. Chads mate and multi Aussie champ Troy Carroll tried to form a union in Aus some years back but recieved little support. FIM run europe, would it be best to get the pros of every nation supporting Grant and Chad and hit all organisations at once or do some organisations ie FIM have way better accident records and there rules should be pushed for?? I have know idea but i am sick of both my boys getting hurt but it is part of our sport. I think it should stay pros only as the average rider might gain control of this organization and ban going fast or something.
ogdeno
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5/3/2010 3:27am
There will be a deterrent factor as well. Will give people a reason to pause before signing off on things.
5/3/2010 3:48am
good onya grant...this HAS to happen!
5/3/2010 4:14am
It's a GL8, GL8 day for motorbike racing.



Good on ya guys. Looking forward to full gates--all season.
rcm406
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5/3/2010 4:43am Edited Date/Time 5/3/2010 6:57am
I'm waiting for DC to chime in!
DC
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5/3/2010 5:45am
I chimed in with Grant on Saturday night; I believe it's always smart to listen to the riders and also weigh the possibilities with the realities of any situation and do the best we can.

As for what happened to Andrew McFarlane, we are still trying to figure out the circumstances. If it was a chain reaction crash on a blind jump, like what happened to Christophe Pourcel in Ireland and Mike Alessi in Red Bud, well, that's why we started the wheels-on-the-ground flag that got us beat up here last summer.... And why we're sticking with that signal and rule.

DC
MX Sports
Shenzi
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Fantasy
5/3/2010 6:17am
GL8 wrote:
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe...
Chad Reed and i r going to spearhead this, we r going to b very vocal and r going to make this great sport as safe as possible. we already have as host of top riders on board, the media and MX Sports support already, enough is enough!!!
CR22 and GL8, you guys are stand-up guys for starting this.
BobbyM
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5/3/2010 6:57am
rcm406 wrote:
I'm waiting for DC to chime in!
well...you can stop waiting.
spd721
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5/3/2010 7:04am
To all of the riders that stepping in on this, I hope you guys succeed and then some! This is long over due. I hope to see every rider with a pro AMA license to be for this.


I never thought I would see the day that Chad and James tweeting each other nicely.
SL91
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5/3/2010 7:06am
A union that nobody can opt-out of has a lot more clout than an association, especially if it comes down to boycotting or striking against a dangerous situation.

Every major stick and ball sport has an official union and it has served them well. What it does it get their players treated like human beings and not simply side-show pawns for the promoters. Should be the same for riders.

That way, it doesn't matter how pissed off the suits are, if the riders have an issue they have the clout to hold the promoters accountable.

They shouldn't let the word "union" scare them. In fact, it's meant to scare those who would exploit riders.
jbomx363
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5/3/2010 7:07am
All Im saying is you can call it whatever the hell you want, but in any other Major Sports the Athletes are put first, why should we be any different?

It wasn't always that way until they unionized themselves and argued for a collective bargaining agreement. And yes, it's called a union, because that's what it is. A committee, safety association, and what not isn't going to empower the riders as strong as a union would. But........it all depends on what these fine fella's have in mind to accomplish. Just safety? If so, I think they are selling themselves short and the time is now to unionize and negotiate for the betterment of the racers who put their lives on the line for the sake of entertainment for us and to put money in the promoters pocket.

So this is a start. Good Luck.

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