Bradd Vercoe quits as AARCMCC EP section head
 

Stuff in the maccas thread often goes unnoticed so I thought I'd create a thread for this. I know not everyone is an AARCMCC fan but I think all the EP on-road racers can agree that Bradd has done a great job since stepping up to the EP section head role in 2010.

Positions like this are amongst the most thankless, so I want to be the first to publicly thank Bradd for his efforts over the last 3 and a bit years. The challenge for us now will be to find someone who is prepared to take over the reigns and bring some accountability to the governing body to avoid debacles like those that are currently plaguing the 2013 Nationals.

Here is the announcement from Bradd

I know Bradd has done his best in difficult circumstances, and that he has always fought for what he's considered the best interests of the sport. I too thank him for his service.

Information I have is that an AGM will go ahead at the Nationals, and that the clubs who have representatives present will be the ones deciding between the nominations. Clubs that aren't present won't be able to vote, but we can still nominate someone for a position.

In this instance I suggest sending nominations to Michael Turner: [email protected]

The entry list for the Nationals is small: http://www.myrcm.ch/myrcm/main?pLa=en&lType=rList&hId[1]=bkg&pId[B]=0&dLt=reg&dId[E]=13415&pId[E]=3 But if there is someone going from your club, it would be a good idea to talk to them and have them attend the AGM (when we find out which day it is on).

I only have a draft copy of the constitution to hand in electronic form. I'm trying to get an up-to-date copy so that I can check the requirements for the quorum. The draft I have says there needs to be 50% of clubs and 50% of states represented for an AGM, but that only 25% of clubs are required for a General Meeting, and it's not entirely clear whether the Section AGMs are to be regarded as an AGM or a GM (probably the latter). I was told recently that the requirements may be different to this – a number of states represented.

When I've cleared it up I'll let you know, but nominations are going to be required 7 days before the meeting, and you'll have to have 2 people nominate a person in writing, and have them accept the nomination.

Not sure why no one is making comment regarding Brads resignation.

The whole AARCMCC association needs to be cleaned out. If someone with the standing, respect and passion for EP RC that Brad has quits due to frustration of dodgy dealings that are going on by the minority section of aarcmcc then something is seriously sick and needs drastic surgery.

EP clubs out number IC clubs and maybe it is time the numbers are used to effect changes that will allow EP to stand and run with out repeated interference from IC side.

What is going on for the EP on road Nationals is a disgrace and this has been put together by the IC side of AARCMCC in an attempt to prop up the coffers of a IC club.

How can this happen? The rules, old boy club, backroom dealings, a group of delegates who are yes men and dodgy dealings and a bunch of yes men who wont stand up to to do whats right by the RC community and only serve to line the pockets of suppliers and certain clubs in hopes to garner support for proposals and events.

The EP On Road Nationals are a perfect example of this. You have our grandfinal and IC club was chosen which can barely string together enough EP entrants on a club dayand now a few days out sanctioned Classes arent being filled..


Time for a regime change, or a new organisation one that caters to the racers as a community and not just their own self interest.

Does the president of AARCMCC asctually run anywhere? where does he race? what club does he run? All i know is there is a fantastic track sitting unused in the western suburbs..

At the committee level EP ONR is entitled to 3 representatives. The first step in having a greater voice is to actually fill those 3 spots.

Bradd was one person trying to do the job of 3. EP OFR has 2 delegates, IC OFR has 3, IC ONR has at least 2, I'm not sure about LS.

As a discipline the first thing we need to do is find three people who can share the role of governing our section amongst them. If we can do this then there will be far less need for anyone else to get involved.

Dan,

You are right around the roles. they should be filled to ensure the workload is shared and made the workload on Brad much easier than it was for him.

It has been said before regarding these positions, in reality you make the most logical choice to take up one of the roles, as i understand it a lot of the changes were run by you first..... :)

This still doesnt resolve the issue around the current President was voted by the delegates unopposed again. I ask you this How can 3 delegates for EP ONR go up against atleast 7 other delegates not inlcuding large scale.. Even if all the EP delegates joined forces that still leaves the side with the least number of clubs with a majority vote. How is this possible?

What can be done. I have no idea all i know is unless the clubs force an EGM (if it can be done) or band together at the next AGM i am afraid EP onroad will contrinue to be a cash cow for the minority in the RC game to the detriment of EP ONR.

I wish I could. I'm at the limit of what I can do, and it wouldn't be fair on anyone for me to take on a new role with an uncertain work future hanging over me.

The new constitution has a rule in it that reads: The EP section rules include processes in them for rule changes. My reading of this clause is that the Executive cannot dictate rule changes to a section. If this clause had not been present I would not have endorsed the constitution.

I think SA is a special situation in that Adelaide (who are the only EP ONR only affiliated club in the state) lost their track in the lead up to the Nats being scheduled. Despite the fact Hobby Habit provides a good alternative, I'm sure this created some uncertainty that is a factor in the current predicament.

The very last rule in the new constitution is on the awarding of events where there are multiple bidders. When I find my hard copy I'll be able to check this, but at least for the State Championships it says that the clubs in that state get to vote on where they want it held if there are two valid bids. I have a feeling the same thing might apply to the Nationals.

Of course this would only apply if people got their bids in on time! Still no bids for next year's NSW State Champs as far as I know.

As regards committee decisions. I don't think we should assume that the vote will always be split down IC/EP lines. There are plenty of people in all sections who don't see eye-to-eye.

AERCCC is not the only electric on road affiliated club in SA. RRCSA is affiliated for IC, Large Scale and Electric and has always managed to get a handful of electric racers at Club race days. Hobby Habit is not a club per se, it is run as a business.

This is why I said "EP ONR only".

I realise that Hobby Habit is not a club. The HH track was used by AERCCC for the SA States, so conceivably it could have been used for the Nats as well, that was what I meant. I'm not saying it should have been (I'm not giving an opinion on this here) I'm just saying that conceivably it was a viable option if a bid had been made*.

*Disclaimer: I don't know if a bid was made or not. I'd only be guessing.

you need this cleared up now....and we need their treasurers report gazzeted if possible
how can we make informed decisions without information
Sad to see brad go and i have communicated that with him but...its time to change a lot of things

I am surprised you lasted as long as you did Bradd. Straight shooter you are my friend.

I think Greg Fisher should be Bradd Vercoes replacement.

Dan, how do the EP positions get appointed? I'll happily take on one of the roles if I have some support. The whole election process is a bit of a mystery to most racers unfortunately

I've now been sent the current constitution. (Michael Turner was pretty quick sending it to me after I made the request.) 25% of Member clubs need to be represented at the Section AGM (which is technically just a General Meeting fo the Association, not the AGM).

I've also been sent the Treasurer's report. I'm told this will shortly be sent to all clubs.

Now that I have the current text, I want to correct what I wrote earlier. Section 5.1 on says:

Which is pretty similar to what I wrote, it's just (b) and (c) rather than (a) and (b).

With regard to bids for sanctioned events, what I said is basically right and applies to Nationals and State Championships:

------

Here is the bit on election of officers:

+1

With AGM's held in a on line portal where those who don't have the financial means to travel, can still vote to ensure that they have a voice in the future of their sport/hobby.

Technology has evolved the side of EP racing, it's time for a governing body to embrace technology to ensure that the racers best interests are catered for.

Section 40 covers that. "40.1 The association may hold a postal and/or electronic ballot to determine any issue or proposal."

If a quorum isn't achieved this might be one route taken. I can't say that for certain, I'd have to look into it further.

Rule 47.1 (c) also allows notice to be served electronically.

EDIT - Sorry Daniel already answered this as I was too slow typing but I'll leave it in anyway.

The AARCMCC constitution allows for electronic voting.

40. Postal and electronic ballots
40.1 The association may hold a postal and/or electronic ballot to determine any issue or proposal

Note: Voting for section head is by each affiliated club not popular vote by individual racers.

And therein is the problem, with the wording "may" instead of "will" hold a postal and/or electronic ballot.
Who has the say whether a electronic ballot will be cast or not? Shouldn't this be mandatory to ensure all the members, or members clubs can vote on a proposal or outcome?

It's loopholes like this that alienates AARCMCC from the members, that the members trust to ensure all forms of sanctioned rc racing in Australia is managed in a fair, professional & accountable manner.

Not trying to fire a debate up here with you Dan, just seeking clarification on the wording to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree?

It's definitely the intention of the Constitution to have the delegates elected at the Section AGMs. The Nationals is the best opportunity we have each year to have face-to-face discussions with racers across the country.

You probably have already seen the entry list for this years nationals haven't you? or should I say lack of entries? (this is not an attack on the host club, I'm outlining a situation that many are aware of)
As far as an AGM for this year well it seems like the current status quot will remain as it is, and will continue to do so until changes are made.

Anyway, I also hope that Brads successor can initiate some changes that are needed in regards to the needs of the EP On Road sector.

Cheers
Rob.

I have seen the entry list for this year. It would be fair to say that the low numbers are unusual!

The structure of AARCMCC means that we needn't wait on a new section head to take the lead if we want structural changes in the section. Any of the clubs can make a proposal. I dare say we could also request a discussion document be sent to other clubs.

Interesting the short memories that people have. Funny that everyone seems to forget that Bradd Vercoe came into the position on the request of Brad Davis.

Also interesting that nobody complained about the lack of a EP On road section AGM in QLD last year. Bradd has been asked since last year to hold a section election via postal vote, and it has never happened.

And both EP Offroad and IC Offroad both have more member clubs than EP On Road.

These are my own personal comments and do not represent the view of AARCMCC. No doubt this comment will be up on the ring in a few minutes.

I heard complaints about there not being an AGM last year, they just weren't posted on RC Tech.

It's true we got proposals to vote on, but no election of officers via postal vote throughout the year, and I do agree that holding a ballot is important. However, it has to be said that an election via postal vote is rather pointless without candidates. I'm happy to be corrected on this, but I don't know of anybody putting them self forward. There are still casual vacancies in the committee structure.

Bradd was basically doing the job by himself, if other people had volunteered then we wouldn't have needed an election to get them involved, just an appointment by the Committee. I know Brad D. is on the look out for competent people that want to be involved to appoint to casual vacancies.

I must be one of the people with a short memory, my drive to become involved with EP ONR within AARCMCC was seeing that for a couple of years there were minimal changes made under the Peter Ellis / Trevor Johnstone era. Myself and Les Gaynor put ourselves forward to assist the executive, a year or two later I was elected unopposed at the Bendigo nats AGM.

At no time was Brad Davis a (positive) driver in getting me involved.

And this is the problem.. You have IC representatives miss representing the truth to protect their position and the position of the yes men..

Davis, turner and the rest need to step down to allow aarcmcc rebuild and to represent the clubs. Not to fund trips overseas, suppliers pockets etc.

Brad Vercoe was out only voice for ep onr and he is gone. The whole way aarcmcc operate is very clandestine and there is zero transperancy to the community..

Or maybe the organisation is so sick it needs to fold and new entity is born out of the ashes.

The nats are a symptom not a cause.. However we are the laughing stock of the EP ONR world right now...

I trust you mean EP ONR, not just EP?

Michael Toms has been doing an excellent job of representing EP OFR for more than a year. Michael McDonnell joined him earlier in the year. The operation of the EP OFR section is very transparent.

We've had proposals sent to clubs and posted online here to be debated. Proposals have come from a number of clubs as well as the executive. An election took place at the Section AGM this year. It's clear that the Executive have forwarded all the reasonable proposals they have received and not just the ones they agree with. Last year a very complex issue as to what to do with classes was resolved by first sending a survey to clubs before proposals were formulated for voting.

The OFR side of the EP equation is being well looked after.

Daniel given we are talking about bradd vercoe and represented on road yes i was talking about on road... I have modified my post....

:nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod:

Firstly I would like to commend Bradd Vercoe for having the fortitude to resign from AARCMCC based on his principles. In my opinion (even though we probably still don't see eye to eye on some issues) he has always had the best interests of the hobby at heart. He would make a good President for all of AARCMCC.

As for the rest of the group all of them were included on an a recent email from my club requesting financials or should I say a letter of demand. Because I have now requested this information several times.
What I received was meaningless figures with no corroborating bank data. I was also told by Micheal Turner that all previous requested years were closed, all bank statements and associated documents would cost $10.00 per copy as per AARCMCC's constitution. Any information that would be sent would first have to be accompanied by a written undertaking from us to not send this information to any third parties, effectively signing away our rights.

Failing us sending who knows how much money for documents, I was informed that we could view the financials in Sydney, we live in Queensland. This offer I have taken him up on, I have requested that the Not for Profit section of the Australian Tax Office Audit these financials for us. This is not just a matter of ringing and complaining, I was interviewed for an hour and had to have good reason for an Audit.

The letter I recieved back from AARCMCC on Monday threatening my Committee my Club and it's members with Legal Action for doing just this was enough, although I never had to use it. This Letter will be posted to all the member clubs in Australia in due course, it is the most disgraceful piece of trash I have ever seen. Every excuse possible to hide AARCMCC financials was in it and was also sent to all AARCMCC's committee. I would have to ask the individuals on AARCMCC's committee, do they condone this letter?

If they don't they now need to distance themselves from Brad Davis and Micheal Turner.

Regards Graham
Secretary SCRCCC

Perhaps somebody who was present at the LS nats could fill us in on the details of the AGMs held there. I believe 2 positions were voted on?

LOL every time AARCMCC feel threatened they use legal action as a scare tactic, I find it rather amusing lol. Or in my case, I was told I couldn't race Aarcmcc events, when I questioned the transponder debacle.

So let me get this straight? Because you went to the ATO audit office, to "check" the credentials of AARCMCC you were threatened with legal action from Aarcmcc? So in retrospect they have something to hide?

Nathan

The election of more than one person is optional under the present constitution, and exactly how many you elect, whether it is 1, 2, or 3 is presumably up to the individual section (under rule 5.1(b) I quoted earlier).

It is my belief that EP ONR needs 3 people at the moment, especially as it administers 2 different scales of racing, that in some other bodies around the world are dealt with by different sections. I digress.

Yes they voted on Largescale President and Secretary as they always do at the LS Nationals.

Hello Nathan
No, I told them unless I received the relevant financial information I would use whatever means necessary to acquire It, without being specific. Micheal Turner told me in the letter on Monday if after signing away the clubs rights, if I took financials to any third party they would take steps to legally restrain us and then would pursue us for damages, basically stated. However at the time I had no financials. I contacted the ATO after the letter of demand, I asked for an immediate response and got it around a couple of weeks later from AARCMCC.

I acted before signing anything about a week ago. I have also been threatened more then once with legal action directly and indirectly through others by them. To be fair I have given as much as I have got.
I am sure AARCMCC will weather a tax audit with no problems, they also have Audit Insurance to cover the cost of Accountants fees.
AARCMCC however lack a Not for Profit Status, this could be problematic.

What was the transponder debacle?

Regards Graham

Such a shame to have it come to this, but glad he has done all the work to keep it together. Good work Bradd.

Coxy.

Thank you Bradd for all the Orange.

I'd like to thank Bradd for all the work he has done while at AARCMCC.


Regards,
Vince.

Sto Kuts for PM!! :nod:

Hi All

I apreciate the support guys, but be careful about the sledging.

I hope that some discussion of the issues can lead to improvements for the future. AARCMCC as of itself as a governing structure is not at fault, merely the operation of the structure.

I would hope that the next person to take on the role gets the required autonomy to act as required.

My only hope in the current scenario is that Michael Turner acts in the best interests of AARCMCC and reigns in Brad Davis instead of spectating him run gunshot. So in your court Michael.

Next time edit sto cutz!

what a sad state of affairs. i hope this sqabbling gets sorted out soon. can we look after us. the racers.