Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
To be frankly honest Dave, I NEVER remember signing a multi year contract with the ABA , even when I built Wyoming Valley BMX back in ’02, nor for that matter when I ran Cedar from ’85 to ’03. All I signed was a sanction agreement year to year, each time I put in a schedule…..let me rephrase that….the schedule in effect was the agreement for that year that you were abiding by the ABA rules/reg for the season.
When we built WV, the only stipulation that the ABA had was if they were paying for the dirt, we would pay them back “X” amount of $$ per race until the bill was paid off. We had the money ourselves so that wasn’t a problem. Nor was there any type of stipulation that we pay the track builder from the ABA, Kenny Allen, to build the track. The ABA even paid for the equipment that we needed..and I never saw a bill nor “Contract” in the mail. Even when Neil Allen came up to Cedar way back in ’90 and again Kenny back in ’97 we were never charged for it nor made to sign a “Contract”
The ABA I’m sure has changed things a little. In a matter of fact, talking to Bill Curtin the other day this topic came up as we were discussing the Binghampton deal a little. The ABA does not give the farm away as some would think nor do they have “deep Pockets” and everyone gets everything for free. To them, a BMX Track is a business and should be run as such..none of this “Non-Profit” just for kids BS I always hear. Even as a non profit you had better be generating income to meet expenses and to be able to put $$ back into the sysytem to make it better, or otherwise you’re just marking time until you fold. I was non profit at Cedar but back in ’90 the track grossed $45,000..all of it put back into the track..and it showed.
As far as what the sanctions do for the local program…I think, at least in the ABA, the tracks that produce, IE: new member sign-ups, get the goodies if there are any to be had, however, the ABA will help you get those new members as much as they can help you. We received at least 5,000 flyers, plus posters free from the ABA…they fixed our laptop (one of theirs that we bought from them)..their moto maker program is supplied to all the tracks, no charge..and they do have an “In house” purchase program if you should need a computer, however it’s on a payback system.
The insurance is far superior, or was back when I ran the tracks, than the NBL. At least in the ABA the tracks are covered 24/7/365, not just for the events..and the cost for that insurance I believe is only marginally higher than the NBL. That in itself is a big help when trying to get a property owner/township/city entity to let you build a track.
Now granted there are some things that the ABA can do better, or can take a lesson from the NBL. One is the state commissioner thing the NBL has going. In my eyes much better than having just one track director all the way out in Az to handle an issue at the local track. Actually back in ’90 thru ’92 the ABA toyed with this idea a little bit as they made me the first ever East Coast Representative..on the East Coast..where I belonged. It worked well for the ABA as I was the one that helped Bensalem convert over from the NBL, but the ABA thought it was still better to keep things “In House” and dropped the program.
Also, I’m not a fan at all of the qualifying system, I’d much rather see the kids race as much as possible even if it means running all 3 rounds and a main..so be it..they are there to race, not watch.In closing, simply, the ABA takes the $$ it makes and RE-INVESTS that $$ into it’s operations, in turn being able to help the local tracks put on a better performance. Granted, as local track operators know in the ABA, and for that matter the NBL I’m sure, you have to do the leg work to get the kids at the track.
A professionally run national event circuit..I know, I was part of that for many many years as was Bill Hayden. Always the same people working the races whereever they were at (The old Cedar Crew!)
A fantastic computer generated registration system, always updated and modernized, the same at all ABA tracks..and comming in the near future according to Bill Curtin, the ability to Download the race right after you are done and send it to the ABA. I hear the NBL is still on DOS 😯 ? What’s with that?? This is the 21st century, not 1981!Hope I answered some questions for you Dave…and I miss the looks of Hopeless frustration from some of the local track announcers that used to fumble your name big time while we were at nationals..or making Hayden laugh so hard while on the gate he fell over (Kingston Point)
Kevin
Bill..there was a time that I could do 180 moto’s back to back, semi’s and then mains without a crack in my voice…3 times in a weekend…. I don’t know if I still have the “Mouth” for it after not doing it for a few years…although I think it would be fun to try again!!
Brett: Glad to be part of the “Revolution” Thank You!
Brett…although I am no longer a track operator, being one for almost a 1/4 century I think I can safely say that I have more knowledge of the behind the scene BS that goes on…and I am glad to see that the riders are beginning to take issues with both the sanctions.
Granted, for those 25 years I’ve been staunchly ABA with no time at all for the NBL, mainly a business decision as the ABA is professionally run whereas the NBl is just running around in circles…..my opinion..if someone doesn’t like what I say.. Tough S***, deal with it….
It is only a matter of time before the BMX population faces the hard, cold fact of 1 sanction and one sanction only..that being the ABA…and it is very important now more than ever that the riders, who without this sport would be absolutly nothing, start making the sheer weight of their numbers known to the powers that be.
Like I stated, I’ve been ABA for all my years, but that doesn’t mean that I’m an ABA “rah-Rah” boy either. They have had me P Oed over the years to the point of wanting to go postal over some of their idiocy that they have pulled over the years. The good thing being after they pulled their heads out of the Arizona sand and got out of the sun, things got straightened out…usually.
This nonsense that the NBL pulled over Sheri Lindsey is just that, nonsense..ok, the track people if they went ahead and switched early before the “Contract’ expired, …their bad and they should be made to fullfill the contract. However, once that obligation has been met the NBL has no legal claim at all over the track or it’s operations. (According to my Lawyer, an X-BMX rider) So, the NBL changes the rules and now has them sign…what? A year to year “Continuitity” contract? I would tell Bob Tedesco to wipe his ass with that and after this season is over switch sanctions.
Like the ABA always says, “It’s just a matter of time” With stuff like this going on that “Time” is quickly approaching.
As far as your organization that is forming up, Good luck with it as now more than ever BMX Racing needs just such an organization. If I can be of any help, let me know.
Kevin.
P.S. edit out any of them ‘cuss words if you wish!
Hey Bill….Thank You very much for what you and Dave did after the races, the little gate and turn clinic you guys put on.. The kids really enjoyed it, I even had to take Steven back to the track later in the afternoon so he could show me what he learned!
You might have created a “Monster” though as I think the Ankle Biters are gonna want this every weekend! 😯 …lolKev
The track re-opened this season after sitting dormant for most of last year. It was formerly known as MountainView BMX Park.
It has come a long way in a very short time frame, but there is still a lot to be done, however it is quickly becomming a “haven” for “No Nonsense” BMX racing, IE: NO POLITICS ALLOWED!
No Cliche’s, no grumbling parents..no attitudes. Of course we want suggestions, help, even critism, as long as it’s cunstructive and is aimed at making the track better. Get “Bitchy” and the “Imaginary Door” comes out!
The track rider load is building each week and I think we are the only track in the ABA right now doing a 100% conversion on sign-ups. Even last week we raised just under $2,700 for the Race for Life. Considering we only had 6 weeks to get a brand new rider load (All Newbies for the most part) out and collecting I think we did pretty good.The track races every friday nite, reg from 6 to 7, race asap and Saturday, reg 11:30 to 1, race asap. At least on Saturday you can race us and then goto Cedar, which races 5 to 6:30 reg, race asap.
Our next big race is the Pa. State Qualifier on June 17th.
I ran the track from 2002 to 2004 when I gave it up to some people that wanted it in a bad way, but just coudn’t get their act together and let the whole thing fall apart. The new operators, Fred Moran and Scott CAllahan are doing a fantastic job of getting things running smoothly.
Our website is :www.wyomingvalleybmx.com There are directions, message board and pics of the track.
Bill Hayden say: Happiness is belt fed weapon!
Confucious say: Happiness is belt fed weapon..reloaded!!
I better get to work, the internet is getting to me…again!
Wow..sounds like a serious problem.
I have myself in the past at Cedar run into these problems, although only one time did it escalate to what you have here. Usually a problem or complaint can be handled professionaly and although the complaintant may not like your answer, at least if you explain your position and the whereas and the how comes to the person that is usually the end of it. He may not be happy, but at least he got an answer. That in itself is important..keeping the lines of communications open.
Hey Bill Hayden…Remember my “Imaginary Door”? Usually all it took was the threath to take it out of my pocket and open it for people to calm down.
What you have here is gone way beyond that and as a former track operator, I would have nipped it in the bud long before it got to this point, however, each situation is different and the last thing you want to do is make a problem worse, and I’m sure those that are in charge are doing their best to overcome the situation.
There are certain steps that need to be taken now that this seems to be getting out of control and if I may offer some steps here to help out, it may take care of the situation and end it before someone gets hurt.
Since this person(s) doesn’t seem to care about warnings and such and is still harrassing people, this is what needs to be done “Legally” and this is what I have done in the one instance I had years ago at Cedar.
Step 1: Start a log of all dates, times, wittnesses and places that the infractions occured and let the individual know that this is taking place. This can be done when you issue his first warning. Make sure that when this is done that there are at least 2 witnesses with you to back up your end of things. Don’t threaten, just point out what is going on and the actions that will be taken if he doesn’t simmer down.
Step 2: Ok, that didn’t work, now you have to start getting “legal” on him. Issue a second warning, however make sure this one is written and also send a copy to the sanction informing them of the problem. Also, send a copy of that warning to whoever holds the sanction. In the ABA the sanction rights are held by the property owner, I do not know if this applies to the NBL, but if you are on park/township property, make them aware of the problem.
Step 3: It’s gotten so out of control that he needs to be removed from the track. This is where it can get ugly, so be careful, especially if it’s at the track. If he starts up again, call your local police and have them come to the track. NEVER TRY TO REMOVE SOMEONE FROM THE TRACK UNTIL THE LAW SHOWS UP! Very Important. Clue them in on what’s been going on, let them know that this is a continuing, documented problem and ask that they escort him off the track property. After that is done, have your board convene and set a time limit on his suspension from the track, set that time limit, and then notify the sanction and him. As track operators of your track, you do not have athority to remove him from all tracks, but you can prevent him from comming back to yours.
At this point the sanction should really take a hard look at this individual and it would then be up to the sanction to send a warning letter and a comfirmation letter to him stating that they are backing up the local track in their decision. This is not the time for the sanction, wether ABA or NBL to stick their heads in the sand regarding this situation, for if it goes beyond this to the next step, the worst case scenerio, or as I put it, the “Kobyashi Maru” it can get really messy.Ok, he’s banned from the track, but now he comes and harrasses from outside the fence. It’s time for a PFA order, or a restraining order. I think it may be called a “Cease and Desist Order in NJ…that keeps him away from the track. If he violates that it’s off to the Big House along with some hefty fines to settle when he gets out. If he does this, I would think that the sanction should consider a lifetime ban against this person and would highly suggest it. It’s bad enough that he is doing it to EGT, but who’s to say he doesn’t pack up the tent and take the show on the road to another track and start all over?
With all this going on documentation is the key. Chances are he will retaliate against you legally since you are taking away something that he has paid to participate in, so again, to beat him in the “Law & Order” game, have all your ducks lined up.
Again, as others have stated here, no one wants to do anything like this as it brings a “Black Eye” to the track and the sport in general, but if something isin’t done someone could get hurt…and don’t think it can’t happen. It happened at an ABA track back in the early ’90’s where a parent got so out of control he literally threw the announcer out of the tower. Not kidding. My case involved a rider and parent throwing a throphy at me, twice..so things can get ugly.
Good luck to you and hopefully this problem will sort itself out. If I can be of any help, or if anyone just want’s to BS, Email me at Plainsbike@epix.net.
See ‘ya at the races……..
KevinThis was one of the reasons I got out of the Track Operator line of work…just coudn’t handle these types of parents after 23 years..it ruins the whole image of BMX racing. 👿
Maybe someone should print this out, copy it, and post it at the tracks!
Bill..to use your favorite phrase..”Happiness is a belt fed weapon!” 😈
Oh God, who can forget LS Indoor BMX in Nanticoke..about as old school as you can get, wood floor with wood jumps on an active skating rink…but back then it worked, nobody complained and everyone just wanted to race and have fun.
I do remember you now Craig..you kinda drove me nuts at times, but it was worth the fun.
I ran Cedar from 1985 to March of 2003, so I’m sure we met.
Glad to be here! 😀