arnieg

While we are on the subject of Americans, what average would Becker, Nicol and the Ruml's come over on? (Based on past assessments I'd expect Dillon Ruml on 5.00 and the others on 7.00 because they've ridden in the WTC - but that is really just a guess)

Aren't the Stead's (Simon, Ian...) also related to the Allott clan?

Not sure about that. His career had stagnated and by 2012 he was a sub six point rider in the NL for Isle of Wight (having fallen from 8+ in 2010 for the same team). He performed suprisingly well in the PL for Berwick in 2013 averaging 3.61, upping that to 4.79 in 2014 at Somerset. So he was on a clear upward trajectory before he joined Poole. He was certainly one of the biggest beneficiaries of the 'fast track' scheme but I don't think Poole can claim to be responsible for that anymore than Birmingham or Leicester who also benefitted from his services. Bottom line he is a rider I would be happy to have in my team.

I don't think they will. The 4.00 is the minimum assessed average which would most likely only apply to the likes of Hummel and Gappmaier. Like waihekeaces I would prefer a formula based approach, but I imagine the BSPA are continuing the expert assessment route (is it still Peter Oakes?) and Drabik would come in at 8 or 9.

All are riders with very decent careers, who have suffered a variety of injuries between them (some very serious) and deserve a bit of respect for what they have achieved.

It's in the Sports Safety legislation. The guide at http://safetyatsportsgrounds.org.uk/publications/green-guide specifically mentions speedway! (page 12) Details about responsible employee are on pages 25-26

So Nikolai Klindt 2016 EL ave 6.36 Patrick Hougaard 2016 EL ave 6.22 but averages for 2017 will be: Klindt 5.42 (from PL) Hougaard 8.71 (EL x 1.4) hmm? What will the points limit in the PL be after the first set of new averages? [should really be about 42 in both leagues) Or will riders have a single average be calculated with points weighted 1.4 PL to 1.0 CL - this is done in Denmark - if so the PL points limit needs to be about 58 once the new averages kick in) Are there any changes to doubling up rules? In particular is the two restriction still in force? What if a rider doubles up for the Championship play-off winners and the bottom team in the Premiership? (as Paul Starke did this year). Are there new rules for assessing new foreigners and other riders without a 2016 average? So if a rider breaks his leg on 31 July, it's guests all the way for the rest of the season? Will there be squads as per 2016? Or is it acknowledged that this year's scheme was poorly conceived? (Personally I'd keep the concept of the spare double upper than junk the rest of the squad rules)

Including riders already mentioned: Jim Quarmby Barnsley (1930), Hector Quadro Argentina 2007-09 Santiago Quadro Argentina 2013 Chris Quigley Australia Berwick 1973-74 Allan Quinn 1950s Australia Harringay Jorgen Qvistgaard Denmark 2006 Morten Qvistgaard Denmark 2005-06 Cyril Quick GB Bristol 1947-48 Giuseppe/Stefano Quargentan Italy 1972-4 Steve Quick GB Halifax Jnr 1985 Bob Quick SA 1948 Edin. Aston Quin NZ 1952 Hector Quevedo USA 2001-2007 David Quick USA 2000-01 Robi Quick USA 2004 And no I don't think I have seen any of them!

Yes really http://www.speedwaygb.co/news.php?extend.31548

It has been stated earlier on this thread that the rule no longer appears to be operative and has been ignored several times this season. Can anyone actually provide the specific instances when this has occured?

And yet he nominated the ineligible Darryl Ritchings for heat 15 last Wednesday.

But 19.3.3 refers to home team number one, and James Shanes appears to be guesting for the AWAY team for the second time in 8 days.

But as I understand it, to be classified as self-employed, you must be able to offer your services to whoever you like, whenever you like. Not necessarily true. Tests of employment vs self-employment are numerous and no one test over-rides others . For example a self-employed consultant could easily have a clause in the contract for services that prevents him/her offering services to a client/customer's direct competitor. And then of course, there is the matter of riders being "assets" and how that reconciles with the notion of free self-employment. Complete red herring as the asset system is nothing to do with employment, it is specific to sport. And technically riders are not assets, it is the contract that is the asset.

I'm pretty sure that speedway riders are still self-employed. Looking at all the leading cases (e.g. Lorimer) I think that it is still quite clear that speedway riders are self-employed. (For example whose responsibility is it to find a substitute if the rider can't perform services because they are working elsewhere?) And this is an employment tribunal so does not set a precedent that displaces existing tax case law. [Note I used to earn my living explaining tax law to accountants]

agree with all your points http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=80540&p=2741362

AGM Agenda 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of last meeting 3. Assessed averages for foreign deckchairs 4. Relocating of deckchairs 5. Allocation of lifeboats 6. Abandon ship

Yes there is an agenda that is currently circulating. By an large agenda's aren't particularly revealing so even if we could see it I doubt we'd feel much better informed.

'Beg, Steal or Borrow' rather apt anthem for speedway promoters. PS Lynn Paul's sister was in my class at school!

2002 - Pat Bliss was Reading's away team manager (Nick Dyer did the home matches)

Last night's Glasgow v Sheffield match was one of the most gripping matches of the season - and I was 'only' experiencing it via the updates. That should remind us all how great the service is.

Possibly the week's least unexpected news.

Agreed, but I think the other key principle is to maximise the average of your nos. 1,2 & 6 as they are the riders who get extra rides. So with a 42.50 limit the optimum lineup is something like: 9.00, 8.50, 6.00, 5.50, 5.50, 5.00, 3.00. Then just find the riders on bargain averages (oh and the money to pay for them!)

Would the answer to miadfa8's question be BSI? Would be interesting to know figures for Go speed too.

Monetary policy is not the responsibility of the Chancellor, it rests with the BoE's Monetary Policy Committee. http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetarypolicy/Pages/qe/qe_faqs.aspx

Can't see anything in the regulations to that effect