Maine Antique Tractor Club

 

Safety Rules---April, 2, 2006

 

 

Safety is the responsibility of all MATC members.  Everyone needs to think “Safety First” with tractors.   The farm tractor or garden tractor operator must exercise care for the safety of others and must maintain complete control of the tractor.

 

All participants in a MATC tractor activity must be a member of EDGE&TA.

 

1.       All members must insure that their tractors are in a safe operating condition.  They are encouraged to check their tractors operating systems before all shows, parades, treks, and other functions.

 

2.       Neither alcoholic beverages nor their consumption are allowed during MATC tractor activities.

 

3.       Bare feet are not allowed on the show grounds or while operating a tractor

 

4.       YOUTH:

            A.    Youth from the ages of 12 through 17 years may not drive/operate a “farm” tractor at a MATC function unless they have passed the MATC YOUTH SAFETY COURSE FOR FARM TRACTORS.

            B.    Youth from the ages of 5 through 11 years may not drive/operate a “lawn and garden” tractor unless they have passed the MATC YOUTH SAFETY COURSE FOR LAWN AND GARDEN TRACTORS.

C.      When a youth is participating in a parade or trek, or driving from one location to another, the adult or guardian will be responsible for the young operator.  The youth operator will follow behind the adult driver.

 

5.     The use of ATV’s (3 or 4 wheelers), golf carts or any motorized transportation is limited to drivers the age of 16 years old or older at any MATC event.

 

6.     There will be only one (1) person on any tractor while they are running or being driven.

 

7.     Parade/Tractor Trek Rules---see MATC Rules.

 

8.     Farm Tractor Pulling---see MATC Pulling Rules

 

9.     Lawn and Garden Tractor Pulling---see MATC Lawn and Garden Tractor  Pulling Rules.

 

10.  SPEED:  The speed of all tractors, farm and garden, will be limited to no more than a brisk walking speed at all MATC activities (Farm tractors use first or second gear, not to exceed 3.5 mph). (Garden tractors not to exceed 3.5 mph).  Exception only—a tractor parade or trek.

 

11.  Each club member must have a certified fire extinguisher with their tractor or within an accessible distance at all MATC activities.

 

12.  Each member should carry a chain with them suitable to tow their tractor should it become necessary during a parade or trek.

 

13.  Any farm equipment being moved for exhibition purposes must have all moving parts secured.

 

14.  Members are responsible for keeping the public off their own tractors.  The use of a sign or using a large stuffed animal in the seat is suggested.

 

15.  Any tractor that is running must be attended to at all times.

 

16.  Working displays for equipment and running tractors must be supervised and roped off.

 

17.  Each exhibitor is responsible to prevent oil and gasoline spillage.

 

18.  The driver must have a safely operating tractor with all parts functioning.  For example: if a clutch pedal extension part is needed for a driver who cannot reach the pedal safely, the pedal extension must be secured so as not to interfere with the normal pedal operation while maintaining a normal driving position.

 

19.  Should there be a conflict at a MATC function between the rules of the property owner and the MATC Safety Rules, members shall abide by the rules of the property owner. The property owners rules may be more restrictive than MATC Rules, but cannot be less restrictive.

 

20.  SAFETY GUIDELINES ENFORCEMENT:  MATC enforcement will be handled by the Club Officers, Board of Directors and Safety Committee.  Any member may bring an observed violation to any Club Officer during a MATC event.  This officer will verbally notify the person of the violation.  Action on a second offense will be decided at a meeting of the MATC Officers, Board of Directors and Safety Committee members.