The More Things Change

NEWS Thursday 24th March 2016, 2:30pm

by Toby Lerone

  Edinburgh Monarchs

As the Border Roofing Monarchs move closer to the start of the 2016 season it is important to take a look at what lies ahead and what rule changes have taken place for the upcoming season.

As has become the custom in recent years, the season kicks off with the League Cup group stages. Berwick and Glasgow join ourselves in the Border section. Only the winner of the group will proceed to the semi final stage.

The Premier League then swings into action as we race all of our rivals from across the UK. The top six finishers in the League table will once again progress to the Play Offs to decide the 2016 League Champions.

The format for the Play Offs remains the same as 2015 meaning the top two finishers progress straight to the semi finals. Those finishing 3rd to 6th then battle it out in two quarter finals to join them.

The Knock Out Cup remains the same as always. The Border Roofing Monarchs await news on first round opponents Plymouth Devils. The Devils have recently announced doubt over their future, we wish them all the very best and hope they come to tapes this season. The winners of Glasgow versus Redcar await in the next round.

There are some rule changes of note, one being the introduction of the number 7 position in every team being reserved for a British 3-pointer. These number 7s cannot be replaced by their fellow reserve in heat 4.

Another change that sharp-eyed spectators may notice is the introduction of a second line behind the start line on the track. This will be drawn 430mm from the tapes. At the start of each race every rider must align the spindle of their front wheel above this line. The idea behind this ruling is to make movement at the start more difficult to achieve and thus reduce the number of false starts encountered.

The rule regarding the two minute time allowance has also seen a slight alteration. At the expiry of this time allowance riders must be on the track, under power, and proceeding without stopping towards the starting gate. They are then only permitted to prepare their starting area if sufficient time remains.

Furthermore, no motorcycles are permitted to be ridden across the centre green. This means that riders may no longer take a short cut across the grass to the starting gate this season.

Simon Stead has been the first to encounter another rule change for this season. Following a crash at the Ben Fund meeting and the ensuing concussion he suffered Simon has had to sit out a minimum of 9 days as a rider aged over 20. Riders aged 16-19 must sit out a minimum of 12 days. All must receive medical clearance before resuming racing.

The rules around averages remain the same other than for new 5-point assessed riders. Anyone with such an average cannot drop below a 5-point average this season, regardless of how few points they may score.

Otherwise things stay the same for the 2016 season as we look forward to another exciting season!

The Border Roofing Monarchs take to the Armadale track for the first time in 2016 on Good Friday 25th from 7pm. Spectators can attend for free with gates opening at 6.45pm.

Track staff, and prospective track staff, are reminded to attend a meeting at 6.15pm in the George Hunter Memorial Lounge. Staff should enter the stadium using the back gate.