Motorsport Ireland has launched a new code of
conduct called RESPECT to make the sport more inclusive and enjoyable for its
drivers, official, and supporters.
The RESPECT concept was first mentioned by
Motorsport Ireland CEO Leo Hassett at the Motorsport Ireland Lunch of Champions
where he outlined his vision for 2019. This initiative is the latest of his
commitments to have been enacted upon.
Mr Hassett said: “RESPECT is a code of conduct for
all motorsport activities run under Motorsport Ireland’s remit and is designed
to create a positive atmosphere both on and off the track through improving
relationships between competitors and volunteer officials.
“I am enthusiastic about officially launching
RESPECT, which is a key component to making our sport more accessible, fairer
and enjoyable for everyone in the motorsport family. The campaign is aimed not
only at competitors and officials, but also race organisers, team members,
parents, and supporters. It is based on seven simple yet solid values, with the
first letter of each value combined spelling the word respect.”
The values encapsulated in RESPECT are:
Relationships
– What kind of relationship do we want between officials, marshals, volunteers
and competitors? We need to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and
support to ensure that everyone feels valued.
Everyone
– We all count. Respect is given to everyone, from the most senior officials,
to the newest trainees. We should be judged on how we treat everyone, no matter
who they are, or at the level they are involved at.
Support
– Support your volunteers, marshals, officials and competitors. This means
making sure that they are listened to. Their feedback has value, and they need
to know it. Give volunteers and officials the tools they need to do their job.
When a good job is done, let them know and congratulate them, when mistakes are
made, provide them with the support they need and encourage them to learn and
move on. Provide an environment that is positive and free from intimidation and
bullying.
Please
and thank you – Because they really are the magic words! Saying thank you and
showing sincere appreciation shows respect.
Encourage
– Help every volunteer and competitor to grow and develop to their full
potential. Be a coach, be a mentor. Make them become better than they thought
they could be, and better still, help them become better than you.
Care
– Care about your fellow volunteers and competitors. Try to know as many names
as possible. If someone doesn’t turn up, find out why, don’t just leave it to
the next time you may or may not see them.
Treat
– Treat people how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
Motorsport Ireland are looking forward to a positive
reaction to their initiative over the course of the year.
