Have you been asked questions about an incident?

It’s an unfortunate reality of our sport that it is dangerous and that incidents occur. Where an incident occurs, participants and officials are sometimes contacted for information by public authorities (police, safety investigators, etc.) and third parties (media, lawyers, insurers, etc.) 

Information in relation to significant incidents can be sensitive to those involved and their families. It can unfortunately also be used as a basis for taking action against those involved in the sport.

CAMS’ priority is that information is treated sensitively, our members are protected and that CAMS is well placed to deal with any legal or insurance issues which may arise. As a general rule, information should be treated confidentially and should only be disclosed where required by public authorities, as part of the process of responding to the incident or as otherwise required by law.

Where you are requested to make a comment about an incident by a third party, you should first contact the clerk of course, person in charge of the incident or CAMS and check if this is OK.

You should err on the side of caution as it is often difficult to know how the information you are giving out will be used immediately following an incident. It is usually appropriate for you to ask for time to do this. 

Particularly where an incident is serious, it is important to ensure that a co-ordinated response is given and that the person making a comment understands the entire picture.  This may also mean that there is someone else better able to comment.