2023GCCWNTRCRT-215

Rules, Safety and Etiquette

All participants in Geelong Cycling Club events are bound by these rules, which are designed to be read in conjunction with the Cycling Australia Code of Conduct.

1. PURPOSE

The rules designed to maximise rider safety, enjoyment and ensure the club runs events in a manner that doesn’t jeopardise our racing permits whilst complying with the CA Code of Conduct.
We aim for professionally run, fun and safe races, with a grading system that ensures riders compete at a level that is both challenging for their fitness and suitable for their level of experience.

2. GOVERNANCE

The rules shall govern the conduct of all persons formally associated with racing conducted by the Geelong Cycling Club. In particular, it shall apply to:
2.1. Persons participating in Geelong Cycling Club events.
2.2. Officials, Commissaries and support personnel assisting or conducting events.

3. KEY PRINCIPLES

3.1. These rules are designed to ensure safe participation in events conducted by the Geelong Cycling Club ensuring continued access to the various circuits and venues made available to the Geelong Cycling Club for conducting races.
3.2. Persons to whom these rules apply acknowledge and agree to comply with the disciplinary and grievance procedures promulgated by the Geelong Cycling Club. If any disciplinary action is taken, persons directly affected shall be given the opportunity to participate in those proceedings and the right to appeal against any decision against them.

4. KEY ELEMENTS

All persons who are bound by these rules shall:

Act in a manner which is compatible with the Cycling Australia Code of Conduct;
Treat the event venue and venue employees with courtesy and respect;
Park vehicles only in the areas designated by the Geelong Cycling Club;
Make use only of proper toilet facilities designated by the Geelong Cycling Club. Any breach of this rule will be treated as a Serious Offence;
Ensure all rubbish is taken from the venues or placed in bins;
Comply with directions given by Officials, Commissaries and support personnel assisting or conducting events;
Not ride in an aggressive, erratic or unpredictable manner which would result in other competitors having to take evasive action;
Allow faster bunches to overtake without taking pace from them;
Pass slower bunches on the right;
Produce a current Cycling Australia License or receipt at the point of entry;
Return racing numbers promptly after completing racing;
Not warm up on the racing circuit while other races are in progress;
Exit the racing circuit immediately after completing a race to avoid interfering with other bunches;
Observe the centre line rule on open road circuits;
Refrain from using profanities whilst participating or watching any GCC events.

Report falls, injuries or dangerous incidents to the Commissaries or race officials.

5. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

This list sets out the scale of penalties which apply to breaches of the Rules. Monetary fines may be imposed in addition to the penalties noted below.
1st Offence:
Disqualification, formal warning and probation period.
2nd Offence:
Disqualification and two week suspension from racing. 3rd Offence:
Disqualification and four week suspension from racing.
Subsequent Offences:
The length of suspension will increase by two weeks for each subsequent offence.
Serious Offences:
Blatant and wilful disregard of the rules, or deliberate conduct which endangers the safety of other participants will not attract a warning. Such offences will be punished with disqualification and suspension.

Please note that the enforcement of these rules is supported by Cycling Victoria and any suspension applies to all Cycling Australia sanctioned events.

Important information to all riders

Licenses

Every rider must have a current Cycling Australia or UCI competitive license, or purchase a 1 or 3 race license. Riders will be expected to produce their license, club receipt or email confirmation of on-line renewals at the entry table each time they race.

Safety Focus

The safety of riders, officials and members of the public is paramount at all times. Riders must be aware that these races are conducted on public roads and be prepared to yield to motorists or pedestrians at any time.
All directions from course marshals and race officials must be immediately followed without question.
All participants are expected to be familiar with the Geelong Cycling Club Rules for Racing and the Cycling Australia Code of Conduct. We expect all competitors to show respect and courtesy towards all other riders, officials and volunteers.
Directions from marshals, officials & commissaires must be immediately followed without question – failure to comply can result in the imposing of monetary fines and suspensions in addition to disqualification from the race.
During racing, in addition to the normal technical regulations that cover racing, the following rules apply, and breaches of these rules will attract penalties from the Chief Commissaire:

  1. Riders must not cross the centre line of the road.
  2. Riders must follow the direction of the marshals: Red Flag – Stop; Green flag – Clear to proceed.
  3. Riders are to maintain a straight course where possible and keep to the left side of the circuit unless overtaking a slower bunch.
  4. Riders may not deviate from their line unless their back wheel is well clear of the front wheel of riders following behind or to either side – i.e. you must not cut another rider off when overtaking or attacking.
  5. Riders should not attempt to improve their position in corners, in particular by diving up the inside of the bunch. Riders are expected to follow the line set by the bunch through corners whenever it is safe to do so.
  6. Riders must not strike the road surface with their pedals while cornering.
  7. Both hands are to be kept on the handlebars, unless a rider is taking a drink or eating. This means that victory salutes are banned.
  8. Riders must not answer or talk on a mobile phone whilst racing. This includes whilst warming up/down.
  9. Wearing of any musical playing device whilst racing is not permitted, eg. iPod.
  10. Any rider involved in a fall must report to the Race Official or entry table officials to have the details of their accident recorded, regardless of whether they require first aid treatment.
  11. Riders must not gain assistance from riders from any other grade on the circuit at the same time.
  12. There is no neutral service in GCC road races unless otherwise communicated before the race begins. Riders must repair their own mechanical issue before continuing in a race.
  13. Criterium Racing only – riders with a mechanical issue may take 1 or 2 laps out (course dependent) of the race before returning. However riders must report to the start/ finish line and race officials before rejoining.
  14. Criterium Racing only – lapped riders will be able to continue racing. However once lapped they must not get involved in racing with the leading bunch. If they do so they will be pulled from the race by a race official.
  15. Helmets must be worn at all times you are riding your bike – this includes warming up and cooling down on roads, car parks and footpaths.
  16. Riders must not throw away rubbish whilst racing. Ensure all rubbish is put back in your jersey and discarded appropriately, i.e. bin.

$50 and $100 notes and silver coins cannot be accepted at the entry table
Entry fees are used to pay prize money to the top finishers in each grade. We are not a bank and providing change from large denomination notes (regardless of how many people you want to pay for) means we will not have enough smaller notes left to divide the entry pool into the prizes that are awarded at each race. We also do not have the time to discuss this policy on race day, so please come prepared – ATMs do distribute $20 notes!

Handicapping Policy

Please refer to handicapping policy for full detail.
Riders who believe they are no longer competitive in their current grade should write to or email the Handicapper, outlining their case a couple of days ahead of time. Pre-race is not an appropriate time to voice concerns.

Note: this information is by no means exhaustive, and may be amended from time to time. If you have any questions regarding the conduct of GCC races, racing rules or etiquette, please do not hesitate to speak with any of our marshals or race officials.

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