The participants to the Working Group on the “Age Limit for International Motorsports”
The Working Group on the “Age Limit for International Motorsports” had a very successful meeting today in Hotel Tiber in Fiumicino (Rome, Italy). Participants from various European Federations, as well as Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, Rector of University of Rome Foro Italico, and Prof. Marjan Olfers phd, Professor in Sportslaw at the VU University of Amsterdam, discussed in depth the criteria of the participation of young riders (under the age of 12 years) in the European Championships and other international events.
A draft report will be submitted for approval to the Management Council of FIM Europe for the meeting on 2nd April. The final report will then be sent to the 48 affiliated European Federations, while a final discussion will take place on the occasion of the General Assembly of FIM Europe at the Congress in Kavala (Greece) on 2nd July.
“I’m very grateful to the members from the Federations and the experts in this working group for their reports and honest opinions concerning the minimum age of riders in international motorsports”, stated Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Deputy President and Chairman of the Working Group (in the photo above). “With their contribution we can produce a report to show our Federations how we’ll proceed in future with the competitions for young riders. The experiences of all people in Federations and the scientific approach by two University professors will help us to have a clear view on the question when and how to start motorsports”.
Professor Fabio Pigozzi, Rector of the Foro Italico University of Rome (in the photo above), stated: “I am really happy to offer my scientific contribution when it is needed by an International Federation. This was the case of my participation in the meeting organized by FIM Europe concerning the age limit for taking part in international Events. It is always important to base any decision taking into consideration the relevant scientific background”.
“All children have rights that must be protected. It’s the Federations’ task to set objective criteria serving the best interest of children. It is the best for the future of the kids, the motorsport, the Federations and the Country”, stated Prof. Marjan Olfers phd, Professor in Sportslaw at the VU University of Amsterdam (in the photo above).
“Young riders are the future of our sport and we have to take care about them”, stated Gianluca Avenoso, representative of the South European Federations (in the photo above).
Per Westling, representative of the North West Federations and SVEMO General Secretary (in the photo above), stated: “It was a good meeting, many opinions, it was interesting”.
Ivo Tsevanov, representative of the South East European Federations and BMF General Secretary (in the photo above), stated: “We have the experience to provide a safe playground for our riders and we must do it together”.
Gary Thompson, representative of the West European Federations and ACU General Secretary, stated (in the photo above): “It has been important today to ensure that the European Federation moves forward on a positive pace so far as minimum ages are concerned. We have had a very good debate and I feel we have collectively moved into the right direction”.
“Youth is to stimulate, not to push”, stated Jan Postema, trainer/coach of the MXGP Academy (in the photo above).
“It is good to have an open discussion about young riders and we have to protect and educate them”, said Barry Veneman, KNMV trainer/coach for Road Racing (in the photo above).
Jean Pierre Mougin, Vice-President of the French Olympic Committee and Honorary President of FIM Europe (in the photo above), stated: “This meeting was the first step to progress about the evolution of the age limit in the motorcycling World and Continental championships. The list of criteria is established, and now we have to take into account the medical position and the corresponding criteria”.
“I’m very satisfied with the results of today’s meeting”, stated FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb (in the photo above). “All aspects of the participation of young riders in European Championships have been discussed and objective criteria has been established, having in mind the need for the best possible framework for the kids.
“The national Federations play an important role in the education and training before young riders will be authorised to compete on international level.
“The input of Prof. Pigozzi and Prof. Olfers was most valuable and has added a lot of quality and credibility to the results of the working group”, concluded Dr Wolfgang Srb.
