Melbourne Comp Crawlers Inc. – Public Safety Plan
At Melbourne Comp Crawlers Inc. (MCC Inc.), the safety of our participants, spectators, and members is a priority. This safety plan outlines the key guidelines and procedures for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at our RC rock crawling events.
1. Safety Guidelines
We ask all attendees to adhere to the following safety measures:
- Spectator Areas: Please stay within designated spectator zones. These areas are generally the walking tracks and trails around the rock obstacles on which gates are placed. If there are gates and/or chalk markings for courses, please avoid these areas in particular. We kindly request that spectators remain behind any barriers or marked lines at all times.
- Safe Distances: Stay clear of active course areas where RC vehicles are operating. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid standing in close proximity to moving vehicles.
- Supervision of Children: If you have children attending, please ensure they are supervised at all times, especially around vehicles in operation.
- Supervision of Animals: If you have animals with you, please ensure they are supervised at all times. In particular, RC cars can be an enticing chase target for dogs, which could lead to distraction or trip hazards for competitors. Please be mindful of this risk and use common sense if you have a dog present with you at an event.
- Event Rules: Follow all event signs and the instructions provided by MCC Inc. officials. Event staff are there to help keep everyone safe and informed.
2. Participant Responsibilities
- Engage at Your Own Risk: Participants in our events do so at their own risk. Please drive responsibly and ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
- Stop-Time Procedure: If at any point you feel unsafe while operating your RC vehicle (e.g., you need to reposition), you may pause your run to avoid hazards. Ensure you do so in a way that doesn’t interfere with others. Stop driving and call “stop time”, and then take whatever time you need to personally navigate the terrain. Once you resume driving, the timer will re-commence.
- Awareness: Be mindful of other participants, spectators, and any potential hazards on the course.
3. Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, MCC Inc. has the following procedures in place to ensure prompt and efficient action:
- Minor Incidents: For minor injuries (e.g., scrapes or small cuts), a first aid kit is available at or near the registration table. Please inform an MCC Inc. official if you require assistance.
- Serious Incidents: In the case of a more serious injury or medical emergency, please notify event staff immediately and call 000. MCC Inc. members will endeavour to assist in contacting emergency services and help ensure the area is safe for all involved.
- Weather-Related Hazards: If weather conditions make the event unsafe (e.g., heavy rain, high winds), MCC Inc. may decide to delay or cancel the event for everyone’s safety. Announcements will be made on-site and via our official communication channels.
4. Event Conduct
- Respect for Others: Please show respect and courtesy to other attendees. MCC Inc. strives to maintain a fun, family-friendly environment where everyone can enjoy the event.
- Course Etiquette: Only registered participants are allowed to operate vehicles on the course. Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the action from a safe distance.
5. Waivers
All participants are required to sign a waiver prior to competing. Among other things, this waiver confirms that participants understand the risks involved in RC rock crawling and agree to assume full responsibility for their own safety. Waivers may be signed at the registration table before the event begins. Participation in an MCC Inc. event without a signed wavier for yourself and any minors attending with you is strictly prohibited. A copy of the waiver form can be viewed and downloaded here.
6. Contacting Event Staff
At every event, MCC Inc. officials will endeavour to be present to ensure the event runs smoothly. During driver briefings, our members will be introduced, and they will be available to answer questions or assist with any safety concerns. Please ask if anything is unclear, and if in doubt about an aspect relating to your personal safety that MCC Inc. staff are unable to address to your satisfaction, you are strongly encouraged to simply spectate rather than participate and risk unnecessary potential injury.