Download the MTBNZ Downhill Protective Equipment Policy.

This policy will be implemented for this summer's (2008-09) NZ Cup Series, and National Championships events. It is also hoped that affiliated clubs will also adopt the policy, as a best practice approach for dealing with this important part of our sport.

It is important to note that there are many reasons behind adopting the policy, and the timing reflects both the maturity of the sport of Downhill racing, and MTBNZ's role as MTB's national body. This policy has been formulated among others, through consultation with other international MTB organisation's approaches to cover this off, and MTBNZ's policy represents both a blending of other standards, but aligned with NZ conditions. 

It is not designed to be 'over the top' but we do recognise there will be a level of resistance that is perfectly understandable. Just as MTBNZ's adoption of compulsory full-face helmets was three years ago and which is now accepted as being the norm, we hope this protective equipment policy will also follow that line of acceptance. BMX went through a similar process quite a few years ago, and for BMX there was a lot of public image associated with their decision to fully cover arms and legs - initially it didn't go down well with some racers, but was certainly necessary. Downhill racing is in a similar situation and has been for some time. 

First and foremost, the policy represents a duty of care to the junior ranks - the teenagers, entry level and otherwise who race downhill and whose numbers are on the rise at both club and National level events. We can't sanction any longer racers in shorts and tee shirts racing National level events, or the high (avoidable) injury count we generally have because of that! It is an honest attempt at looking after the junior ranks on their way through to being able to spend many years in the sport.

For the vast majority of riders who also race at MTBNZ's National level events, this policy will not mean they will need to do anything different. For some there may be minor change, and for some quite a shift in attitude to safety. We do not want to take away personal choice and 'direct', and that is why there is quite a lot of flexibility built-in for especially the above 19 age groups, which also represents recognition of often higher levels of experience.

An important component of this policy is the presentation of the sport. While it may not be an important component for a lot of racers, poor presentation especially around percieved safety does make sourcing support from sponsors etc difficult. It is an often posed question - "How can people be allowed to race such a potentially dangerous sport with so little safety equipment?" 

There has been a lot of internal pressure applied for MTBNZ to take a lead on this, from MTB Clubs (including DH Clubs) and a heap of people who really care about DH.

You're all welcome to contact MTBNZ via Chris Mildon directly at chris.mildon@gmail.com or 021 2309120 - I'm happy to talk to anyone about how it all fits together.