Events banning ill riders?

[mjr]

I just spotted this lovely in the terms and conditions of a sportive: "Every rider affirms, that they are in good health."

Chronic illnesses are considered to be disabilities, so is that discrimination?

Have you seen similar rules at other cycling events and have you managed to get them addressed?

Also, that sportive has h*lm*t compulsion which means I won't compete, so should I still try to get the "good health" clause removed for the greater good or just let it go?

[Graham]

. . . in the terms and conditions of a sportive: "Every rider affirms, that they are in good health."

I'm trying to think why organisers of an event would require such a declaration. It seems to be virtually meaningless.

Could an organiser be accused of negligence for allowing an obviously unhealthy/sick/injured participant from undertaking an event ?

Perhaps a reminder to consider common sense and self-preservation ?

[Psamathe]

. . . in the terms and conditions of a sportive: "Every rider affirms, that they are in good health."

I'm trying to think why organisers of an event would require such a declaration. It seems to be virtually meaningless.

Could an organiser be accused of negligence for allowing an obviously unhealthy/sick/injured participant from undertaking an event ?

Perhaps a reminder to consider common sense and self-preservation ?

I would suspect it relates to liability on the organisers and is more than "orifice covering". One of the "Fundamantal Rules" of Sailing (Racing) is

DECISION TO RACE
The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.

. And it's an important one. I've done races before (or rather not done) where the race Committee said at the pre race briefing that there was no way on earth they were taking a Committee (Start) boat out in "this weather" so they would be setting a start line from the shore so they could all stay on the shore. And within 5 minutes of the start one boat (out of 12) was back with somebody with a broken arm and a few minutes late another with a broken boom. The rule means that the decision of the Committee is not passing any judgement on the conditions nor on safety. Ok, that race was pretty extreme (and I was no alone in not going out), but a lot depends on the capabilities of individuals and what is way beyond too much for some is good safe fun for others.

I did one National Championship where only 3 boats out of 96 starters finished the race, most others needing to be towed back in (we needed a tow then a new mast) - and there was never any mention of legal anything, no mention of liability and no criticism of the organisers. People make decisions to participate.

I've also attended races where the Committee have "lost confidence" (got scared over liability) and not run races which would have been great fun.


Basically it means the organisers are providing a "facility" and it is for those using it/taking part to decide on their suitability to participate.

And I can see the same important principle applying to many different sports.

Ian

[Si]

I can understand them feeling the need for medical disclosures.

We did an event in the summer where someone didn't tell us about a health issue that meant they nearly collapsed halfway through and caused the other participants annoyance while she was taken care of. If she had disclosed we could have prevented the hassle and everyone would have been a lot happier.

[whoof]

This is from the Etape du Tour 2016 site.


1. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

In order to participate in a timed sports event you must provide a medical certificate (or a copy of one). It is essential to present this document at the village (it is not possible to send it in advance) in order to obtain your race number.
The certificate must contain the wording “no contra-indication to taking part in competitive cycling events” or “no contra-indication to taking part in competitive biking events”. No other wording will be accepted.
The certificate must be dated within one year of the event (i.e. no earlier than 18th July 2015).

http://www.letapedutour.com/us/race/to-do-list

Whereas UKCyclingevents.co.uk says

Each participant, upon signing the registration form or purchasing a ticket, agrees that they are physically and mentally capable of riding the distance they have chosen. If, during the event, they decide to change their route and distance, then all consequences of this action are theirs.

https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/terms/

[mjr]

I can appreciate that they want riders to be responsible for being healthy enough to complete the distance, but the requirement for an affirmation you are "in good health" is in addition to to "You declare that you are physically fit and capable to participate in the event." I can declare the second without qualms, but I could not honestly make a blanket affirmation that I am "in good health".

There is no requirement for medical disclosures - probably because anyone who would make such a disclosure could not make the affirmation.

[Psamathe]

This is from the Etape du Tour 2016 site.


1. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

In order to participate in a timed sports event you must provide a medical certificate (or a copy of one). It is essential to present this document at the village (it is not possible to send it in advance) in order to obtain your race number.
The certificate must contain the wording “no contra-indication to taking part in competitive cycling events” or “no contra-indication to taking part in competitive biking events”. No other wording will be accepted.
The certificate must be dated within one year of the event (i.e. no earlier than 18th July 2015).

http://www.letapedutour.com/us/race/to-do-list

Whereas UKCyclingevents.co.uk says

Each participant, upon signing the registration form or purchasing a ticket, agrees that they are physically and mentally capable of riding the distance they have chosen. If, during the event, they decide to change their route and distance, then all consequences of this action are theirs.

https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/terms/

When I lived in France I had the impression that a lot of sporting activities require a doctors certificate. I used to do dinghy sailing and (for races) every year I would need to visit the doctor for a medical and he would "sign me off" filling in and signing the special form that had to be presented with other entry paperwork at the event; whereas in the UK nothing. For gliding the medical was far far more involved and required ECG, Doppler heart/circulation tests, etc (2 heart/circulation specialist appointments and 2 flight doctor appointments); whereas in the UK you "self certify". I understand many other sporting activities have their equivalent/appropriate forms and procedures.

Ian