Tom Missimer
Well-known member
So, what does everyone think about the new AMA ruling that POV cameras can no longer be attached to a helmet???
No more Helmet Cams per the AMA
- Thread starter Tom Missimer
- Start date
Jim Wallin
Member
They just haven't figured out how they can make money on all that race video yet. Look for helmets with embedded camera capabilities on the horizon, only 2K.
Robert Breakfield
Well-known member
I was not a fan of the FTR falling under control of the AMA back when it went down a year or so ago. I was told that the only way to secure insurance policies large enough to keep the land owners happy was for our events to be AMA chartered events, and have the AMA providing the insurance for our events. It seems the amount of insurance required for an event has climbed to the point that the venues used in the past for insurance could no longer meet the demand (multi million dollar policies per event). I'm still not happy about the FTR being under AMA control, but if it's the only way to keep racing, I guess the options are limited.
Hopefully the FTR leadership will use intelligent discretion with this new rule. From what I can tell, the AMA doesn't want helmets modified (drilling holes, etc.). My GoPro is mounted via velcro stuck to the helmet, with no modifications to the helmet itself. I don't see that as a helmet modification and hopefully it won't be a problem.
FTR leadership is looking into this matter.
As a former business owner, Insurance is a ever changing animal that requires constant pursuit to find the best and affordable coverage. I would argue that FTR could find the required coverage and affordability outside of AMA. Don't get me wrong, I am not throwing stones for what has been done and I am not an insurance agent. I respect all who are and who have served FTR and I would expect these fine individuals as well as the general membership to fight something like this that just seems not rooted in facts or statistics.
Jason Croley
Well-known member
With us being AMA sanctioned FTR leadership should of known about this in advance and should of already had a plan in place. Instead facebook is going nuts over this and its already being suggested that all helmet cams be removed, but if they are mounted under the visor or to the front of the helmet (chin mount) it falls into a grey area.
They should have known in advance that AMA was going to make this rule? Unfortunately, the crystal ball is out for repair. "Plan in place"? Like, "Follow the AMA rule"?
Please let us know what other unexpected rules are coming, so we can plan in advance.
Jason Croley
Well-known member
Well from what I have gathered in the last 24 hours is this has been in the works for awhile now. There are several teams and events that had banned them long ago. So all this is done with the AMA and FIM. So since we are co sanctioned with AMA and since FTR is supposedly the second largest off-road organization in the country don't you think we should be involved in and advised of major rule changes that affect us?
You consider banning cameras a "major rule change"? Really?
Jason Croley
Well-known member
Considering how many people and organizations it affects across the country yes.
Bill, I also consider this a major rule change. I base that on the number of members that post videos, this doesn't include those the don't post their videos. It's funny to me that after almost every race their is a FB post about a lost camera. I wear a camera and I look forward to watching my friends videos and I watch videos of almost every FTR racer.
More importantly, if a member disagrees with the new rule, what is our recourse? Do we contact AMA directly? Who in FTR do we voice our concern officially (assuming FB is not an official communication channel)? If this is in the rule book my apologies.
More importantly, if a member disagrees with the new rule, what is our recourse? Do we contact AMA directly? Who in FTR do we voice our concern officially (assuming FB is not an official communication channel)? If this is in the rule book my apologies.
Gunner Williams
Well-known member
There is serious backlash over this across the US right now. Instead of a "rule change" it will end up as a "strongly advised recommendation" Either way... we will wear a "helmet mask" for safety at the start of the next one. 
Craig
Craig
I have a hunch that your idea about it being "strongly recommended" will become FTR policy.There is serious backlash over this across the US right now. Instead of a "rule change" it will end up as a "strongly advised recommendation" Either way... we will wear a "helmet mask" for safety at the start of the next one.
Craig
If FTR would change the rule back to one million dollar insurance as it was for years there are several companies that can and will write insurance to cover the events. Raising it to two million was a tactic AMA used to get KK to only sell that policy through them. FTR changed our coverage to the higher limits stating landowners required it however many landowners didn't require it at all. I tried to buy the higher premium from other insurance agents other than AMA.
By dong that it left all the other insurance agents unable to buy the policy from KK. Many of the clubs, including my club chose not to buy from AMA because it forced riders to join AMA when they didn't want too. When FTR BOD voted to raise our limits to match AMA's it forced clubs and riders to pay more because of AMA controlling off-road insurance through KK.
By dong that it left all the other insurance agents unable to buy the policy from KK. Many of the clubs, including my club chose not to buy from AMA because it forced riders to join AMA when they didn't want too. When FTR BOD voted to raise our limits to match AMA's it forced clubs and riders to pay more because of AMA controlling off-road insurance through KK.
Gary - write a proposal. You know the process.
You are right Bill I do know the process. However, that would be a constitution change and with those on the BOD at present that would be a waste of my time.
I should just keep scrolling but, I am weak! With record low FTR voter turn out, dwindling Club volunteers, it is nice to know how appreciated the EC, BOD, FTR officials are. Thank you.
Troy Weeks
Well-known member
FTR doesn't "fall under control of the AMA". FTR has our own rules constitution and bylaws. FTR does follow AMA guidance on alot of things. Being AMA sanctioned affords us the AMA insurance and in my opinion is a GOOD thing.
Troy, there is no such thing as AMA insurance.