Background

This page explains the work permit criteria for speedway for the 2008 season. These criteria were agreed following consultation with the British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA), the Speedway Control Bureau (SCB) and the Speedway Riders Association (SRA). This criteria is supplementary guidance to the published employer guidance notes and both sets of guidance should be referred to when making an application.

Length of season

The season for this sport is from 1 March to 31 October.

Criteria

Work permits will be issued to riders of the highest calibre who are able to make a significant contribution to the development of British Speedway in the Elite and Premier Leagues. To be eligible they must meet one of the following criteria.

Initial Applications

Riders who competed overseas in the 2007 season will need to fulfil one of the following criteria:

a) Finished in the first four places in the State Championships in one of the following countries:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• United States, or

b) Competed in the recognised professional leagues in:

• Poland (Extra League and First Division)
• Czech Republic (First Division)
• Sweden (Elite League and First Division), and

Achieved an average in excess of 6 points per meeting whilst competing in one of the above leagues, or

c) Riders who have competed in the 2007 season in any country not listed above must be the current National Champion.

Riders who competed in the United Kingdom in the 2007 season must have achieved the following averages for the application to be approved.

• Elite League 4 points per meeting; or
• Premier League 7 points per meeting

Riders who competed in the United Kingdom in the 2007 season but fail to meet the above criteria may also qualify if they meet the criteria for riders who competed overseas in the 2007 season.

The employer should provide a stencil from the BSPA as evidence of the averages achieved over this season. If this has not been provided the UK Border Agency will contact the BSPA to confirm the averages.

Injuries

Riders must compete in a minimum of 12 official fixtures per season in order to qualify for an actual average. Official fixtures are:

• Elite League: League Meetings only; and
• Premier League: Trophy and League Meetings.

If a rider is injured prior to obtaining an actual average, his assessed average will remain applicable and the rider should be given the opportunity to resume racing based on this assessment

Change of employment applications

A rider working in the United Kingdom at the time of the application who wishes to transfer from one club to another will need to obtain approval from the UK Border Agency to do so before they commence employment.

Extension applications

Applications for riders to extend their current permission will be considered against the initial application criteria outlined above.

Length of issue

Permits will be issued for the length of the contract, up to a maximum of five years.

Salary

There are no specific guidelines for this sport. The rider should be paid at a rate in line with that laid down by the BSPA at the beginning of each season. The expected remuneration for the 2008 season is a minimum of £210 per week, plus accommodation allowance plus a guaranteed contribution of £52.50 per week towards living expenses.