The Future of AERC

Gary Ceragioli (czar1@telis.org)
Fri, 13 Dec 1996 09:21:44 -0500

The AERC Protest Committee wrote a letter in response to a protest filed
against a '96 ride. The Committee made a few points we might all benefit
from. While recognizing the riders devestation and anger at losing their
ride position;

**The ultimate responsibility to follow the "prescribed course" required of
all riders by rule 6(d), rests solely on the rider, not ride management.
The preamble to AERC Rules and Regulations at page 1 places responsibility
on the rider as follows:

The AERC services the requirements of the competitor by promulgating
and establishing rules and regulations, recording and publishing
results of events, and providing awards; BUT THE COMPETITOR IS TOTALLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR SELF AND MOUNT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER AN ENDURANCE RIDE.

The Committee concluded with a reminder that management has the right to
deny entry to a ride for abusive harassment of ride personnel. This sport
is an amateur event, run by volunteers, who do the best they can under the
circumstances. How a rider responds to a perceived error or an actual error
in the conduct of the ride may well determine if the sport retains or looses
a volunteer to assist with future rides.**

It is my hope that all riders strive for better sportsmanship. Improper
conduct and verbal abuse of volunteer ride personnel is not something that
is acceptable under any circumstances. Please remember that without the
volunteers, we would not have any rides to go to.

Happy Holidays,

Gary Ceragioli
President, NASTR
(Nevada All State Trail Riders)