MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION COMPANY REPORT 2011 11 0 COMPANY REPOrt & 2010 GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENts The Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association Limited 2 02 MOTor SporTS ASSOCIATIon COMPANY REPORT 2011 Chief Executive’s Message “The governing body This has been another extremely busy It may be dry and, to some extent, a little We know that building the future begins works tirelessly everyday and successful year for the Motor Sports dull, but the over-riding objective of the with broadening the base of the pyramid to serve the best interests Association, but inevitably, in the Motor Sports Association is, and will and increasing participation at grassroots compilation of an Annual Report, one can continue to be, the effective governance level. But just like any other sport, we are of the sport and its only pick out a small selection of and administration of UK motor sport and dependent on international sporting membership” highlights from the past year. we shall never lose sight of that mission. success to generate the public and media interest that leads people to want to get So on the following pages you will read Yet there is much more to the role of a involved in the first place. about initiatives and activities, projects contemporary National Governing Body and programmes, all designed to further than simply making the rules and On a modest level of income, the MSA is the cause of motor sport and all of which enforcing them and I am delighted that in prudently managed and has never are underpinned by the commitment of the past 12 months the MSA has gambled with the future health of the those involved in them. But it cannot tell continued to lead the way in this respect. sport. As we approach next year and the the whole story of a governing body that imminent arrival of the Olympics to The creation of the MSA’s Whole Sport works tirelessly every day to serve the London, we should perhaps be grateful Plan two years ago signalled an best interests of the sport and its for once that our sport’s financial security understanding that good governance is membership. is not based on public sector funding, as not seen solely in balance sheets or in there will be governing bodies facing The higher profile and more media- corporate responsibility, but also in the difficult decisions when such funding is friendly initiatives undoubtedly attract vision portrayed for the future. As the inevitably cut post-2012. attention and help to accentuate the governing body, the MSA continues to positive developments within the modern strive to help the sport to secure its In many respects this has been a difficult MSA, but it would be entirely wrong not future and ensure that as many people as year, but I am indebted to the staff of the to pay tribute to the vast amount of work possible have the opportunity to enjoy Motor Sports Association for their that goes on behind the scenes to keep their motor sport in whatever form that continued support and commitment the sport in action and moving forwards. may take. throughout the past 12 months. Their professionalism, dedication and expertise enable the governing body to serve its membership and the sport to the best of its ability, as we will continue to do in 2012. Colin N Hilton Chief Executive Motor Sports Association 01 MOTor SporTS ASSOCIATIon MOTor SporTS ASSOCIATIon COMPANY REPORT 2011 COMPANY REPORT 2011 Chairman’s Message “Working together and When the Motor Sports Association We do not, however, allow these In this respect, the Motor Sports being proud of what we printed its first Annual Company Report promising ‘green shoots’ to mask the very Association is no different. In my capacity just eight years ago, it consisted of a real struggles that we know are facing as Chairman, I am proud of the way that have can help shape a 12-page A5 booklet, a few words from participants within the sport on a daily the company continues to develop and positive and long-term the Chief Executive and Chairman, basis. All the evidence suggests that they expand its services, undertake its duties future for UK motor sport” followed by the licence and financial are being more selective about the and exercise its responsibilities. I would statistics. events they enter, while spectators are argue that the MSA is now more being similarly circumspect about how professionally administered, more It is testament to the extraordinary they spend their leisure pound. efficiently managed and more dynamic amount of excellent work now being than at any time in its history and for that undertaken by the MSA and its staff that We know that there are events struggling great credit must go to Colin Hilton and this year’s publication has grown to 36 for entries and a number have sadly been his team at Motor Sports House. pages. I am extremely proud to reflect on cancelled this year; we also know that its content and recognise the significant there are some smaller clubs on the brink The role of the governing body is never progress that the organisation continues of folding because they do not have an easy one and we will always be a soft to make in all departments. enough members to keep going. target for those looking for someone to blame for the difficulties being Of course, these are difficult times for Yet at the same time, there are also experienced in certain areas. Of course everyone. There can be little doubt that events that are over-subscribed with the organisation is not perfect and never our sport is suffering from the inevitable ‘waiting lists for waiting lists’, while the will be, but the MSA is held in extremely squeeze on disposable income and you most successful clubs are thriving and high-regard in the sporting world – both will see that, unsurprisingly, licence attracting scores of active new members. domestically and internationally – which figures again fell (albeit very slightly) in All of that underlines the message for us is something of which the sport should be the 12 months to the end of 2010. At all – clubs, events, teams, venues, proud. To suggest one should have pride the time of writing, 2011 looks to have promoters, sponsors, competitors, in the governing body is, I know, a rather been marginally better, with licence organisers and governing body alike; that novel concept, but working together and figures likely to end the year just one per we have to ensure that we are moving being proud of what we have – and what cent lower than last year. with the times, continuing to refresh the we can achieve together – is one of the There is also evidence that despite the offering and providing value to the people most positive influences we can have to on-going economic downturn, the who pay the money. help shape a positive and long-term sponsorship sector is once again picking future for everyone connected with UK up as companies recognise the real motor sport. potential value of involvement with our sport particularly in relation to other high-profile sports Alan J Gow Chairman Motor Sports Association 02 03 MOTor SporTS ASSOCIATIon MOTor SporTS ASSOCIATIon COMPANY REPORT 2011 COMPANY REPORT 2011 About the MSA The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is All members of the Motor Sports Council Licensing recognised by the Fédération act in voluntary capacities, and the The majority of direct interaction Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as constitution – written in 1975 – dictates between competitors and the MSA takes the sole national governing body for how the Council operates. The Council place during the licensing process; four-wheel motor sport in the United meets four times per year and comprises anybody wishing to compete in Kingdom. The MSA is a not-for-profit the chairmen of the Specialist MSA-sanctioned motor sport must hold a organisation (limited by guarantee) Committees, as well as delegates from valid MSA Competition Licence, of which comprising almost 750 affiliated motor the six specialist Advisory Panels: Safety, there are various different types and clubs (with a total membership in excess Technical, Medical, Timekeeping, Judicial grades. The licence that a competitor of 200,000), which are represented by and Volunteer Officials. The Council is led requires depends upon the discipline and 13 Regional Associations nationwide. by the Chairman, who is joined by the level of the event(s) that they wish to MSA Chairman, MSA Chief Executive, the Objectives compete in. Regional Committee Chairman and The primary function of the MSA has representatives of the Home Countries. Event permitting always been to regulate and administer Decisions taken at Council are passed to The MSA issues permits for almost five UK motor sport, which it continues to do the MSA, as the Executive Body, for thousand motor sport events – organised efficiently and effectively. However, the implementation. by MSA-registered clubs – each year. MSA has now added the development of Competitors’ and Officials’ Permitted events must be run in the sport in this country to its long-term Yearbook accordance with MSA General strategy. Regulations, and are covered by the All MSA General Regulations are published The MSA is currently engaged in a Whole MSA’s Master Policy of insurance. In annually in the Competitors’ and Officials’ Sport Plan, recognised by the 2010 the MSA permitted 4988 events, Yearbook, commonly referred to as the Department for Culture, Media and to which 1360 stewards were appointed. Blue Book. Any General Regulation Sport, Sport England and the Sport & MSA-licensed officials are appointed by amendments made during the year that Recreation Alliance.