Risk Management
Riding or racing a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but it’s not without its risks.
For that reason, risk management needs to be at the top of every motorcycle event organizer’s agenda.
Risk management refers to the act of first understanding risks present in a behavior and activity and then actively taking steps to reduce those risks to an agreeable and acceptable level. These risks in the context of a motorcycle event can take many forms, including physical, environmental, or vehicular. Managing these risks, therefore, requires attention to the event participants and their capabilities, the suitability of the event venue (specifically if it is a race track or race course), the condition and appropriateness of participating vehicles, and more
Risk management in a necessary element of organizing any motorcycle event, and adequately and accurately managing risk is a core component of the AMA’s philosophy and attitude towards sanctioning safe and successful motorcycle events. Following these guidelines below will help you be better prepared and increase the likelihood that is as safe and successful as possible.
Risk Management Workshops
AMA-chartered clubs and promoters must complete an AMA Risk Management Workshop every year.
To ensure AMA sanction eligibility, organizers are encouraged to turn in the Affidavit of Review with their annual charter application.
This requirement can be met by viewing a series of online risk management videos (below) and returning a signed Affidavit of Review to the AMA.
Risk Management Videos
AMA Risk Management
Motocross- Flagger Instruction
The 12-minute-long DVD, produced by the Brett Downey Safety Foundation, instructs on the proper technique to caution flaggers on motocross tracks.
Inclement weather
Inclement weather conditions are a very real concern for event Organizers.
Some weather conditions can be forecasted out and planned for accordingly, whereas others are “pop-up” storms requiring quick reaction. Pre-planning for the expected AND the unexpected should be the norm.
The most common weather conditions faced by Organizers involves heat, or “scorcher” events, high winds, excessive rain and lightning. Organizers should be prepared to deal with all these issues at a moment’s notice.
National Weather Service Heat Index Chart: Provides weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services
My Lightning Tracker Pro: an App that allows users to monitor lightning strikes in real-time and receive alerts. Subscriptions are available for different levels of service and speed.
Weather Tap: (Subscription based) real-time weather and forecast tracking
RadarScope: Radar Data App
Weather Underground “Wunderground”: local and long range forecasting
Clime: (Free) weather assistant app
NWS Weather Radar Live: National weather service radar
WeatherBug: (Free) Real-time forecasts and severe weather alerts.