BCMCA Goals and Structure

Due to the informal nature of the BCMCA we lack a clear accessible statement of its constitution and bylaws. BCMCA is not a registered BC non-profit society. The constitution and bylaws of a registered BC non-profit society have to comply with certain criteria.

Different BCMCA members will have different views on the philosophy and goals of the BCMCA and how these can best be realized. My own suggestions, for discussion, are as follows.

Become (again) a registered non-profit society – eligibility for government grants; enhanced image for municipalities, Ministry of Transportation, sponsors, etc.; criteria for governance transparent.

Constitution. (Purposes).
To promote and organize lifelong recreational cycle racing for people of all ages and ability levels.
To promote athletic fellowship, exhilaration, enjoyment, social, and personal well-being through helping with, and participating in, cycle racing.
To honor the following: performing community service through contribution to cycle racing; maintaining athletic ability in, and participation in, cycle racing despite aging, genetic endowment, medical limitations, and limited training time; displaying chivalry, fairness, and concern for others while racing – winning is not the main thing.

Special emphasis (not necessarily exclusive) on the following:
Cycle racing for Seniors (55+) and Masters (40+);

Australian Pursuit road races (staggered starts are less disruptive of traffic flow and hence more acceptable to municipalities and Ministry of Transportation than mass start);
Age standards and results and awards based on age standards;
Starting gaps in Australian Pursuit based on age;
Classification of riders in the main competition into A (elite) and B (regular) with separate awards for the latter;
Development of comprehensive age standards and starting gaps for all races not just 50 – 75 k (‘2 hour’) road races;
Development of plausible criterium age-related points scoring;
Provide incentive for under 40’s to participate in the main race;
Provision of B races of shorter length, e.g. 40 k, starting just after the main race, for those with a medical condition or just out of shape;
Provide incentives for people to marshall.

To give due weight to the judgement of long-time organizers, administrators, and founders.

Bylaws. (Structure and Governance).
Directors: President; Secretary/Treasurer; Results Coordinator – main competition; Web Master; Awards Coordinator – subsidiary competitions; at least 1 director from each of the recognized geographical regions (currently 3 – Island, Lower Mainland, Interior).

No restriction on number of terms served.

Members to submit proposals and suggestions to directors at any time. Directors to discuss amongst themselves and make recommendations to the membership before a general vote.

AGM (and social) to be held outside of racing season, e.g. late October, in Greater Vancouver, e.g. Delta, - accessibility to members from Interior and Island.

Motion for 2011 AGM: To strike a committee consisting of the aforementioned 5 officials plus Olaf Stana, and Ray Morrison, of the Interior to discuss BCMCA Constitution and Bylaws, members’ suggestions and proposals, and to report back to the general membership with recommendations by March 21st 2012.