In 1997 I became Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified Instructor. As a lifelong motorcyclist, this was my opportunity to give back to something I love. Teaching others the practical and responsible intricacies of safe riding. Any moron on two wheels can ride fast in a straight line. It takes talent to corner and brake.
Over the intervening thirteen years, by my count, I taught over 1200 people to ride. Be they pure novices who'd never been on a motorcycle or experienced riders coming in to polish/work on their skills, I've reveled and taken great satisfaction in watching them progress, improve and succeed.
While certified nationally by MSF as an instructor, in Virginia, we answer to the DMV's Virginia Rider Training Program (VRTP). Recently, we received notification on new requirements required to maintain our teaching certification in the Commonwealth. As Instructors we must teach a minimum of 4 Basic Rider Courses per year and attend 2 Professional Development Workshops. In the event that we fail to achieve these standards, in order to reacquire our certification to teach, we must attend a two day re-certification course and receive a Level 1 & level 2 Quality Assurance Report.
I have no issue with the annual 4 BRC/2 PDW requirements. What I take issue with is the way they were presented, the lack of adequate communication coming from VRTP and the absolutely ludicrous re-certification process one has to go through. Despite statements from VRTP that they've been talking about the new requirements since 2008, the recent announcement caught quite a few people, myself included, off guard. This was the first we'd heard of it. In my opinion, VRTP failed miserably in getting the word out.
Being one who wholeheartedly believes in accountability and transparency; I had the temerity to question VRTP. Where did the program get the authority to change the minimum standards required by the national certifying authority (MSF)? Produce the documents, laws and mandates. My response generated a rather lively discussion, with a number of instructors echoing my request for accountability, authority and transparency; while other instructors took me to task for doing so.
In response, VRTP showed its true colors, taking exception at being questioned by a mere Instructor. Suffering from what I refer to as the "Napoleon Syndrome," not only did VRTP completely ignore the many requests for accountability and suggestions on how to improve VRTP communication with its Instructors, they went directly into dictator mode. QUOTE "If you intend to continue to teach as a certified Rider Coach in the State of Virginia at a licensed training site, you will comply with the current standards and policies and procedures as dictated by the VRTP." UNQUOTE
Comply?! Dictate?! I readily admit, I despise dictators. They are lugubrious, plaintive, crocodilian, Punchinello's with an overinflated sense of superiority and self worth. VRTP fits the bill perfectly; believing they are affording us the privilege to teach in Virginia. QUOTE "From this point forward, let there be no misunderstanding: privilegeprivilege
privilegeprivilegeprivilegeprivilegeprivilegeprivilegeprivilege" UNQUOTE.
VRTP is under some delusional belief that it makes the safety program what it is. Nothing could be further from the truth. Motorcycle Safety Education in the Commonwealth is successful due to the efforts and dedication of the 300+ MSF certified instructors, not because of the VRTP. The VRTP is nothing more than a necessary evil, who's existence should be to serve as the focal point for Motorcycle Safety in Virginia, lead the program and be accountable to those both above and below them. VRTP has failed in all respects. With its "complying" and "dictating" stance, the VRTP believes they are above accountability and has, in my view, clearly demonstrated a distinct lack of even the barest semblance of leadership ability.
After calling the program out one last time for its lack of adequate communication to the Instructors, falsehoods and overall BS, I decided I could no longer be a part of Motorcycle Safety in the Commonwealth. I find it too personally repugnant and abhorrent; having to answer to any persons or organization that holds such contempt, disrespect and disdain for myself and my fellow instructors.
I remain passionate about Motorcycle Safety and will miss teaching. What I lament most however is the immense, personal satisfaction of watching my students progress from the basic, through the more advanced, to successful completion of the course and the ultimate celebration of their achievements.
Vivere est Cogitare
