Track licence and its importance
A track licence is a compulsory requirement granted by Motorcycling NT (MNT) to a motorcycling venue, ensuring that it meets the required safety and operational standards as defined by Motorcycling Australia (MA) under their Track Standards.
This licence is crucial for several reasons:
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- Safety Compliance: The licence ensures that the venue adheres to the best practices in track design, maintenance, and safety features, such as proper barriers, track markings, and medical provisions. This helps reduce risks and enhances the overall safety of riders, officials, spectators, and other participants.
- Insurance Coverage: A licensed track is covered by public liability insurance, which is essential for the protection of all parties involved in events at the venue. This insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents, injuries, or damage during an event, ensuring that those involved are covered.
- Event Legitimacy: A track licence confirms that the venue is officially approved to host Motorcycling NT sanctioned events. This includes races, practice sessions, and any other activities that require MNT permits. Without a valid licence, the venue cannot legally host these events, which would affect the legitimacy of any racing or motorcycling activities held there.
- Legal Requirements: By obtaining and maintaining a track licence, a venue complies with the legal obligations set out by the governing body, ensuring that the venue is authorised for the type of racing and events organised under MNT’s guidelines. This reduces the risk of legal challenges or disputes regarding the safety and insurance of events.
Thus, a track licence serves as a comprehensive tool to ensure that race venues maintain high safety standards, legal compliance, and the ability to host recognised events while providing appropriate insurance protection.
When Is a Track Licence Valid?
A track licence remains valid only until the expiration date specified on the licence certificate. This is typically an annual renewal, meaning that the licence has a limited duration, after which the venue must undergo a re-inspection and meet updated safety standards to remain licensed.
For the track licence to stay valid, certain conditions must be met:
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- Permit Compliance: The venue must operate under an approved permit when conducting motorcycling activities. This means that the track must follow all relevant rules and procedures laid out by MA and MNT for each event, from recreational activities, practice sessions to official races.
- Adherence to the Manual of Motorcycle Sport (MOMS): All competitive activities on the venue must comply with the rules in the Manual of Motorcycle Sport (MOMS).
- Re-inspection: Track venues must undergo regular inspections to ensure continued compliance with the MNT and MA standards. If the track falls short in any area, such as safety features or track maintenance, the licence may be revoked or suspended until the issues are addressed.
If your track licence is close to expiry, it is essential to ensure that the venue continues to meet all relevant safety and regulatory standards and that the necessary documentation is submitted to MNT in time for renewal.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Current Track Licence?
If you need to obtain a copy of your current track licence, you can request it directly from Motorcycling NT.
Here’s how you can do so:
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- Email Request: Send an email to the MNT office, including your venue name and licence details, if known. Make sure to specify that you need a copy of the current track licence. The MNT office will then provide you with the necessary documentation.
- Timely Requests: It’s recommended to make requests for the track licence well in advance of events or administrative deadlines to ensure you have all the necessary documents when needed.
Having a current track licence on hand ensures that your venue remains compliant with MNT regulations, and it can be presented when required for event organisation, inspections, or other administrative purposes.
How Do I Know If My Venue Is Licensed?
To check whether your venue has a current track licence, you can contact Motorcycling NT directly.
Here’s the process:
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- Email Motorcycling NT: Send an inquiry email to the MNT office asking whether your venue holds a valid track licence. Include details such as the name of the venue and its location to help MNT quickly locate the relevant records.
- Record Keeping: MNT keeps a detailed record of all licensed venues in the Northern Territory. This allows them to confirm whether your venue is properly licensed and up-to-date with the necessary compliance standards.
- Venue Inspections: If you’re unsure of the status of your track licence or need to verify compliance, MNT can perform an inspection or provide guidance on what’s required for your venue to obtain or renew its track licence.
It’s essential to regularly check the status of your venue’s licence, especially if you plan to hold events or racing activities. Operating a venue without a valid track licence could lead to issues with insurance, event approvals, and safety compliance.