It's now two years since the tragedy on
the Snowman and since then the sport of rallying has been under increased
scrutiny by various authorities and politicians. Then we had the triple tragedy
on the Jim Clark Rally, but due entirely to different circumstances. Nevertheless,
the sport was tasked with re-appraising its organisation.
This season will be the first under the new rules instituted by the
Motor Sports Safety Review Group regarding spectator and media attendance, rules
with which we all must comply.
However there are some folk who are trying to highlight differences
between the zealous attention of the Scottish Government to our sport and their
apparent tolerance of the risks on the Scottish mountains. And as we all know,
this has been a bad week for outdoor pursuits in Scotland.
Mountaineering is not a spectator sport so no parallels can truly be
drawn. However, tragedies in the mountains can have a consequential effect,
often requiring mountain rescue teams to go out in all weathers, and search, and
carry out rescues, often at great personal risk.
Whilst rally followers and rescue crews do not face the same dangers the
two sports do share one thing in common, third parties can inadvertently put
themselves at risk and this can have a detrimental impact on how our sports are
perceived.
Whether you regard that as fair or unfair depends on your own personal
viewpoint, but as we go about our own sport this coming year it behoves us well
to look, listen and be aware at all times.
It's one thing participants and competitors being injured in the pursuit
of their passions, it's quite another when others are involved - for whatever
reason.
It's a judgement we must make every day. Is life for living - or existing?
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