Update from the Puget Sound MINI Motoring Club Board: Statement on Events During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 21, 2021

The PSMINI club would like to announce their new guidelines for events in accordance with COVID-19 state ordinances and guidelines.

PSMINI is an organized non-profit social club, registered with the State of Washington. While some casual clubs and Facebook friends have continued to gather, PSMINI and other organized clubs have had to update guidelines and add restrictions in order to host events that will be safe for those that choose to attend

According to 'Washington State Safe Start guidelines' (https://www.governor.wa.gov/.../COVID19Phase1and2OutdoorR...), non-profit, volunteer-run recreational groups are generally required to adhere to the same practices as those for for-profit businesses. At this time, all local regions are required to practice social distancing in accordance 'Washington State’s four-phase Safe Start' (https://coronavirus.wa.gov/.../safe.../whats-open-each-phase).

The PSMINI Board will be allowing a small number of events to be held this year.  As part of those events, we will be publishing COVID safety guidelines for both participants and drive leaders.  Depending on activity, these can include naming a representative responsible for following/enforcing Safe Start guidelines, providing hand-washing stations & PPE for event staff, temperature checks for all participants, and limiting participation to between 5 and 25 members. The PSMINI Board will have a zero tolerance policy for those that choose to not follow the guidelines.

Happily, some car related activities have been allowed to proceed under a special governor-approved motorsports facility variance. These include events like HPDE (track days), autocross, and car control clinics. These events allow a larger number of participants and require adherence to public health guidelines. The club has encouraged participation in these approved motorsports events, while reminding members to follow the our social media guidelines (https://psmini.wildapricot.org/Social-Media-Guidelines) for promoting other formal/informal clubs.

Every PSMINI member is responsible for the level of health risk they are comfortable taking, for themselves and their families. As a club, the PSMINI Board will continue to look for the safest ways to provide a fun environment, in accordance with current state requirements.

A few final notes:

We would like to remind dues-paying PSMINI members that they continue to enjoy discounted products and services during this time, and that their dues help pay for everything needed to keep an 100% volunteer-led club going, including the technology infrastructure to manage a membership database, website, and more, for 2021 and beyond. While yearly dues are non-refundable, members are free to cancel paid memberships at any time and disregard future renewal notices.

Additionally, membership dues do not substantially fund club sponsored driving events, apart from the annual Maryhill Loops Run event, for which the club pays road rental and insurance costs.

We look forward to gathering again to drive our MINIs together. Until then, continue to participate in our PSMINI Facebook group, virtual events, and other safe activities to enjoy your MINI. Your safety is always our biggest concern. The PSMINI Board looks forward to motoring with you all again very soon.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to share them with us as board@psmini.org