QUESTION TIME
ELITE LEAGUE LICENCES EXPLAINED posted 1 October 2013
Since it was first mooted several months ago, there has been uncertainty over the Elite League riders licence. Now that the Commission has endorsed its introduction next season, many questions still remained unanswered. Would every rider need a licence, how much would it cost and will it replace secondary registrations?
Just a few of the questions riders are asking. So we put these points to newly appointed Elite League development manager Ian Grange. Heres what Ian had to say.
Why the need for an Elite League licence Ian. Whats the thinking behind it?
The EL licence has been discussed for a number of years, however now is the right time to introduce this formally to the sport. The rational behind this is to offer some protection to non EL clubs over the possibility of losing riders on full transfers for the sake of the BTC or Club Championship events.
Ultimately if a rider wants to leave a non EL club then of course they have the right to do so, what they cant do is secondary register back to that club for regional league racing.
Its worth noting that in 2013 there was a large shift in terms of riders transferring back to their home clubs on a first licence. For example, Mark Carmichael, Jack Harrold, Andy Angell, Gavin Wheeler and our new British Champion Thomas Reed all joined their home clubs, and all signed secondary licences for EL. This shift is really positive for non EL clubs and regional leagues, and as a sport we should do everything we can to support this.
Does every Elite League rider need a licence and how do they apply for it?
If a rider is a member of an EL club on a first claim then no, they do not require an EL licence. However if a rider from a non EL club wants to sign for one of the six EL teams on a EL licence they simply obtain the form from the British Cycling website and complete, send to me for signature and then I will forward onto British Cycling. Its exactly the same process as the secondary licence in 2013. The Elite League Licence window, like the transfer window, will be 1st to 31st December.
Does it also cover Elite Combination?
BC CS Commission can confirm exactly the same rules as per the 2013 season apply. Two EL licence riders can race in the combination league.
What period does the licence cover? Does it run for twelve months or
does it end on 31 December each year.
The EL licence will end on 31 December each year
How much will the licence cost?
As per a secondary licence in previous years the EL licence will cost nothing.
Does this mean there are no longer any secondary registrations?
Secondary registrations are only permitted if they are granted by regions. Secondary registrations will remain for Regional Racing only and are to be managed in the future by each Region which will set their own time scales and terms for these.
Will Elite League licences need to be shown at every Elite League match?
Again, its exactly the same as per the 2013 season. A list will be distributed by British Cycling after the transfer window closes in December 2013 detailing all approved EL licences. Riders will still need to have their racing licences with them on matchdays.
How will the new National Friendly League (NFL) be affected by the new Elite League licence?
The NFL is for non EL clubs looking to expand their racing outside of their regional leagues. Currently five teams have expressed an interest in joining the NFL in 2014, which will be arranged home and away challenge matches with a basic criteria and set of rules that all clubs must adhere too. The criteria is being drawn up as we speak and more information regarding this will be issued in due course.
In terms of the EL licence, riders from non EL clubs can still sign EL licences and compete in the NFL with no restrictions. NFL clubs will be able to add to their squads by utilising guest riders from other non EL clubs. Again more information regarding this will be issued in due course.
NFL matches will take place on EL matchdays, and also on spare regional league dates. For example, I know some of the regions are coordinating their fixtures to ensure free dates are the same to free up available dates for NFL matches. Its down to the NFL clubs to decide when they want to schedule their challenge matches.
