April 1, 2004 – On rare occasion organizers or individuals have chosen to run events outside of the OCA event structure. This represents about 2% of all events that are permitted by the OCA each year. We are striving to make 100% of all racing fit within our event structure. With new and different events appearing every year, it becomes a challenge to fit each event under the rules and regulations set forth by our insurance policy and Development Committee. That said, we are changing with the times and understand that if cycling is going to move forward and develop under these suppressing insurance conditions, we have to be innovative but firm in the way we manage OCA affiliated events.
The OCA strongly encourages all cyclists to participate in OCA affiliated events only. Why? Because unlike what some may say, there are many good logical reasons.
Insurance
Through the OCA, there is a $5 million General Liability and AD & D policy set up to protect you. This policy, although expensive, is very responsive to your cycling needs. Non-permitted events may have a lower policy with many limitations or perhaps no insurance at all! Insurance is there to protect when “freak” occurrences happen. Is it worth the risk participating in one of these types of events?
Supporting Athlete Development in the Province
Last year, the OCA supported developing athletes in the province to the tune of over $100,000. This year we plan on increasing that amount. When members or organizers ask where their money is going, a big percentage is going right back to the sport supporting the needs of developing athletes. Since the government has cut back our funding, we feel it is our obligation to continue developing these athletes so that we can remain competitive on the national and eventually international level. Unfortunately some of these organizers don't seem to want to support these initiatives.
The OCA Represents Cyclists in Ontario
If an event has an OCA event permit, then it meets certain standards of care. Non-permitted events may not. Do you remember what it was like to participate in your first event? Now imagine if this event was run poorly and did not meet certain standards. Do you first-timers would remain in the sport if they had a poor first impression? Further to that, what if an experienced cyclist had an accident because certain standards of care were not met. Look at the big picture – these events could hurt the development of the sport!
The Image of Cycling
If an accident happened at one of these non-permitted events, it could leave a black mark on cycling in general, potentially ruining chances for future cyclists. This could inhibit organizers or clubs
from using certain roads or trails for training and/or racing.
Suspensions
Yes there is a CCA rule that calls for license suspension for athletes who participate in “Forbidden Races.” This is an extreme measure that the Development committee and the Board of Directors could approve.
Refund Policies
Since the OCA has no control over events that choose to go on there own, we have no influence to help members who may have problems with the organizer. Buyer beware!
In summary, we remind all members and potential members to only participate in OCA-affiliated events and activities. We hope you see the value in this statement and support the vision of the OCA. Remember, we are simply following policies and procedures adopted by you, the membership.
