Latest News From Ski Racing Australia 

 

 

20^th December 2024

 

Ski Racing Australia Board Communications - Issue 4

 

The SRA Board met recently to be updated by the SRA Safety Committee, the new SRA Sanctioning/Compliance Committee and by the Maritime Investigation Liaison on the progress for the Return to Racing plan.

 

SRA Safety Committee

 

Much work has been ongoing by this committee and also the Falls Investigation Team. The work, in particular, which Daniel Cotton, Brock McMillan, Connor Lindsell, and Chris Singleton have undertaken, has been exceptional and will lead to enhanced competitor safety.

 

The testing on helmet restraints and wetsuits has been conducted on a test rig developed by “Cotto” and he has been vigorously performing preliminary static load tests to determine what improvements can be achieved with regard to wetsuit design, restraint anchor point performance, optimal anchor point locations, and determination of suitable hardware for the restraint system.

 

Members of the Safety Committee have also visited Crashlab in Huntingwood NSW. Crashlab is a division of Transport for NSW and is responsible for testing and certification of all consumer helmets (inc motorbike, pushbike, mountain bike, etc). The committee are planning to utilise some of Crashlab’s equipment and expertise to perform some dynamic testing on helmet chin strap buckles to confirm peak release loads, and hopefully some additional tests in the New Year.

 

The next step is to build a new test rig for dynamic testing of wetsuits, restraints, and helmets. This will also include procuring testing equipment for performing dynamic tests on the new wetsuit and restraint designs they have developed. As we compile and build  our data via the dynamic tests we aim to finalise the optimisation of the wetsuit and restraint design. The next step at this point will be to provide our data and the dynamic test rig to an independent professional in the field of human crash and sporting biomechanics for the purposes of having our test procedure and data validated.

 

It should be noted that a number of members have also been working on their own solutions for protecting skier’s necks and all of these members should be commended. Their ideas are promoting discussion and the development and testing of alternative solutions and ideas. Their collaboration is appreciated.

 

In the coming weeks, SRA will launch a series of video’s showcasing the testing that is underway. This will help you to appreciate the rigour which underlies this project.

 

The SRA Board have also agreed that the SRA Safety Committee and the Falls Investigation Team will work together to continue working through the objectives of Project Protect into the future.

 

Competitor Information

 

SRA continue to encourage all competitors to complete the compulsory equipment survey to ensure that SRA has the information to assist the return to racing plan.

 

The survey link is

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6RBSBR7

 

SRA Sanctioning /Compliance Committee

 

This newly formed committee of Kelly Lindsell, Steve Shipp and Bobbette McMillan have drafted their Terms of Reference, which will revolve around:-

 

•      Promoting compliance with the SRA Constitution, SRA Rule Book and SRA Sanctioning Policy;

•      Annually reviewing the Sanctioning Policy and Practices and provide resolutions and recommendations to the Board;

•      Engaging with SRA approved officials, event organisers and the various regulatory authorities to ensure any issues are identified and managed; and

•      Understanding and reporting to the SRA Board opportunities for improvement in the overall compliance of SRA.

 

The review of the Sanctioning Policy and all that is associated with that in this new environment, is the current focus for this team.

 

Maritime Investigation Update

 

The Maritime Investigation team continue to collect information from many sources with SRA continuing to supply information when requested.  The lead time for any feedback remains 1st Quarter 2025.

 

Heads of State & State Forums

 

The SRA Board will be holding a Heads of States and Clubs Meeting in early 2025 with a proposed communication forums concept to be rolled out with an SRA supplied information package.

 

All of sport Review

 

With a renewed focus on reinventing our sport as part of the Return to Racing, we have the following key areas being reviewed:

 

•      The type of racing we return with;

•      Calendar of events;

•      Grading of events;

•      Membership Period;

•      Age Group Period;

•      SRA intent to run a new 150hp Outboard Class; and

•      Marketing

 

We encourage our members to be part of this journey by contributing via email to

Yoursay@skiracing.com.au and letting us know what you would like to see implemented.

 

The SRA Board will continue to update our members as progress is made on our Return to Racing plans, with the 1^st Quarter of 2025 critical in both the Maritime investigation and the SRA PPE development.

 

Have a Merry Christmas and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

 

Yours in Ski Racing,

 

SRA Board

 

 

1st November 2024

 

Ski Racing Australia Board  Communications - Issue 3

 

A Tribute to Ski Racing’s ‘1 in a Million’ - Jack Coaldrake 

There are some people who walk this earth and leave an indelible mark on every person they meet. Jack Coaldrake was that person and this has been evidenced by the tributes to him from all over Australia and the World.

The celebration of Jack’s life last Friday was a testament to him. Never have we witnessed an outpouring of love such as this. The thousands of people who attended the service, whether in person or online, were all a part of Jack’s incredible life story.

Jack was not only an exceptionally talented and determined skier, he was a devoted Son, Brother, Partner, Friend and Businessman. Jack was also an active contributor in our sport, participating in various committees, driven to improve safety and he worked tirelessly to help anyone improve their racing, even just giving them a start.

Much has been written about Jack and his achievements on and off water and so, we will honour a gentleman who set goals, worked diligently to achieve them, treated everyone with love and respect, and our sport and our lives are all the better for having had Jack a part of it.

Jack was our 1 in a Million and it is now up to us all to move forward in a way that honours Jack and his legacy, supporting the Coaldrake and Ross families and each other.

Forever 65

Member Update

Suspension of Racing Extension

The path that we have been on to lift our suspension of racing has been one of twists and turns and whilst our journey down this path has certainly slowed since Jack’s passing, we remain committed to bringing racing back safer than ever before.

Our Safety Team and Project Protect Team have remained focussed on their specific areas of contribution, however we are simply not going to be ready with an appropriate evidence based solution prior to the end of March 2025.

Therefore, in consultation States and Clubs and with NSW Maritime, SRA will be extending the Suspension to Racing to 30 June 2025. Doing so will provide valuable time for the SRA Safety and Project Protect teams to continue working on the best possible solutions and importantly, allow the Maritime Special Investigation to be completed without additional noise.

 

 

Maritime Special Investigation

Last week, SRA met Maritime’s initial requirement for information and we stand ready to assist in any way possible.

Member Forums

There is no doubt this is a longer journey than we initially envisaged and the reality is that we are all in it together. As we have said previously, we need your help.

We will now work with each of the States to hold a series of Member Forums, to provide you all with a more in-depth update and give you an opportunity to ask the questions important to you. Details to be announced soon.

Bathurst 1000 - Driving safety forward!

In conjunction with Supercars and Motorsport Australia, NSW Maritime initiated an invite to Ski Racing Australia to attend the Repco Bathurst 1000. The purpose was to observe the management of the event, discuss their use of technology and the safety frameworks that protect competitors, spectators and the public while keeping the spirit of competition alive.

Representatives of our Compliance Committee, Steve Shipp and Kelly Lindsell, represented SRA at this event and have come away with a wealth of knowledge sure to benefit Ski Racing for many years to come.

“When it comes to racing on water or on land, safety is the top priority. These events bring incredible energy and excitement, but they do come with unique challenges that require substantial coordinated efforts” said Mark Scali, Director, NSW Maritime.

“It's not just about rules and regulations, it's about fostering a safety culture across every aspect of these events, from refining technical regulations and embracing new technology to improving control measures and even addressing environmental factors. The expertise from Supercars and Motorsport Australia helps make it possible to cover safety from all angles.”

The Bathurst invitation arranged by Maritime, is representative of the working relationship that we have with them. Maritime are determined to work with SRA to help us through the issues we face and we appreciate their time and experience.

We want to send a huge thankyou to Tim Watsford and Phil Shaw from Supercars, David Stuart from Motorsport Australia and Adam Parker NSW Ambulance for hosting and sharing their expertise.

We also wish to thank Mark Scali (Director, NSW Maritime South), Darren Wood (Director, NSW Maritime North), Nayland Aldridge (Senior Maritime Investigations Officer appointed to the Special Purpose Investigation on Ski Racing), Dion Voyer (NSW Maritime Principal Manager) and Lisa Nott (Senior Special Aquatic Event Officer, Sydney Harbour).

 

 

 

Memberships

In respect of Memberships, we are continuing to work on a solution that acknowledges your support and we appreciate your patience.  The solution will consider a return to a financial year for SRA Memberships.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your state delegate.

 

Yours in Ski Racing,

SRA Board

 

 

  

RESULTS

Queensland State Titles - Sunday 2023 - Results

 

Queensland State Titles - Saturday 2023 Results

 

Richmond River Rush - 29th January 2023 - Race Results

 

Richmond River Rush - 28th January 2023 - Qualifying + Sprint Races

 

SRQMPBC7 - Bundaberg - 19th & 20th November 2022 - No Results

 

SRQMPBC6 - Atkinson Dam - 11th September 2022

 

SRQMPBC5 - Moogerah Dam - 14th August 2022

 

Clarence 80 - Big4 Big River Holiday Park 2nd & 3rd July 2022

 

QLD State Titles - Grafton 11th & 12th June 2022

 

SRQMPBC4 - Moogerah Dam - 29th May 2022

 

SRQMPBC3 - Somerset Dam 8th May 2022

SRQMPBC2 + Classic - Somerset Dam - 26th & 27th March 2022

 

SRQMPBC1 - Moogerah Dam 30th January 2022

 

 

 

Latest News From Ski Racing Australia 

 

https://skiracing.com.au/sports-news/

 

 

 

SRQ General Meeting Minutes 2021/22/23

 

Minutes from May 2024 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from August 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from June 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from May 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here 

 

Minutes from April 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from March 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from January 2023 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from November 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from September 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from August 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from the July 2022 General Meeting available for Download Here

 

Minutes from June 2022 General Meeting are available for Download Here

 

Minutes from May 2022 General Meeting available for Download Here

 

Minutes from April's 2022 general meeting are available now Download Here

 

Minutes from March's 2022 general meeting are available now.
Download here

 

Minutes from February 2022 general meeting.

Download Here

 

                               Minutes from General Meeting January 19th 2022 are available now Download Here.

 

           Minutes from General Meeting December 7th 2021 Click here to download them.

 

 

SRQ ANNUAL General Meeting Minutes

 

Minutes from Annual General Meeting February 2023

 

Minutes from Annual General Meeting August 2021