What's happened to marshalling basics

[Pete Howarth]

An observation from around the circuits over the last few years, the day 1 basics seem to be vanishing.

No smoking while cars are on the track,
Be alert at all times while cars are on the track, not sat down or hiding in marshals huts
Don't stand in groups.

There are other items I could mention,but I'm sure others will.

I'm not talking of newbies, but experienced marshals up to and including observers.

[Micky.H]

Have we become complacent or lazy, or just can't be bothered?

Walking the track between sessions seems to of gone by the way side.

[flying muppet]

Originally Posted by Micky.H

Walking the track between sessions seems to of gone by the way side.

Are you sure of this? It happens at all the circuits I frequent.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Micky.H

Walking the track between sessions seems to of gone by the way side.

Not on the posts I'm on! I do find, however, that we start the day full of good intentions but by mid-afternoon a gentle reminder may be needed.

[EvilPumpkin]

It also depends on the circumstances. The high level of turnaround between sessions means that if we want to check the track between sessions, we have to request a gap - and that request will be denied unless we have a valid reason for checking, such as a suspicion of oil or visible debris.

As for smoking during sessions, again, it depends on the circumstances. I would never smoke at an incident, but I have been known to smoke during sessions if the turnaround is too high to provide a break and I know that I can dispose of it safely if I have to attend something. Mind you these days, I'm mostly flagging so again, less of an issue.

Standing in clumps.... what constitutes a clump? You're lucky if you get enough marshals together at a circuit to make one. I've spent a fair bit of time this year posted on my own with flags and a radio - making a clump of exactly one.

[Grandslammer]

Not against anyone having a smoke,(gave it up 12 years ago )but I never smoked while cars were on circuit,no matter what discipline I was undertaking.Apart from being dangerous, it doesn't look very professional and becomes rather hypocritcal,when expecting other trackside personnel e.g photographers,media,etc to stubb their ciggies out!!

[EvilPumpkin]

I only smoke during sessions if I have no time to have a fag any other way and not even then unless I'm satisfied that it's safe to do so.

Frankly, I'm much more concerned about some other things I've seen lately, like inability to determine which flags to use, people standing around having committee meetings in gravel traps while there is traffic on the circuit and missed yellows. I consider that to be far more serious than someone having a quick fag on the warm up lap.

[rumblefish]

I usually don't smoke when cars are on circuit, so I was somewhat concerned when faced with the 4 hour Fun Cup. However, the competitors were kind enough to arrange two safety car periods - giving me just enough time for a very swift Woodbine on each occasion - thanks guys.
I am surprised that circuit walking is decreasing. I understand about quick turn rounds and the problem these pose, but I will get out on circuit as often as possible, if only to stretch my legs. And I rarely return without some small (and possibly vital) piece of metalwork.

[Woolley]

We started out walking the circuit at the week-end, but they started bringing the next lot out immediately after the previous race had ended so it became impossible. You had to assume that this may happen after each session. I find walking the track very rewarding. Most of my tool kit has been collected this way.

[Clive]

I kno wwhat you mean. Only last weekend I had to stop someone from rolling a cigarette whilst sitting down as the karts were whizzing past - and he was flagging!!
Generally despite reminders at every training event I've run, it does seem as though the basics have slipped a tad, but as has been said, when it's a full program you dont have time to walk out, let alone inspect!

[davey boy]

im quite new to marshalling but i have i do agree as a smoker the track walk is a good time for a smoke but when the race and one in then one out it is hard i would never smoke while a race is on unless like in the 4hour fun cup at OP as i am quite a big smoker. but even then i made sure i couldnt be seen with a fag in my hand by the drivers or the sepcys. i marshalled the WRC last year and all the smoker did it but when we had to act thats just what we did. next we will be told not to nibble food because we ave a so called dinner hour, or drink water as it could afect are ability to act in a incident, but as all of us know when it hits the fan what ever id in our hand goes(2 bottles of water so far)

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by davey boy

i would never smoke while a race is on unless like in the 4hour fun cup at OP as i am quite a big smoker.

The plan to give up smoking in preparation for the Fun Cup didn't last long, did it?

[Pete Howarth]

Others,

Leaving a driver unattended on the bank after an impact,
Standing the wrong side of retired car, so in the event of the car being struck getting showered in debris,
Leaving a driver sat in the car when retired around the circuit while other cars are circulating,
Going to an incident not using barriers and cars as protection,

[Mark Mitchell]

....Not having a go at moving a car.
Particularly at places like Donington where Marshals seem resigned to the fact that if a car is in the gravel, only a tractor can move it!

[badgeman62]

i dont think the smoking issue is as important as turning up to an incident without a bottle which i know has happened.maybe training in this area is much more important,and much needed.

[davey boy]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

The plan to give up smoking in preparation for the Fun Cup didn't last long, did it?

nope but i did try dave

[shjo558]

I'll maybe finish a fag as the cars come out on their green flag lap, but wouldn't light up during a race.

Anyone thought about eating when cars are out? I was eating a lolly the other week and ran out to a car, was only on reflection I did wonder how it would be removed from my throat if I had fell on my head on the way to the car!

As an IO I would expect and ensure that the track was checked in between all sessions and races, if nothing had happened I would be quite happy to give it the once over on my own. Although I must admit, sweeping the track does seem to take longer and longer as the day goes on and by the end of the day a few stones don't seem to matter quite as much as they did in the morning.

[Pete Howarth]

Originally Posted by badgeman62

i dont think the smoking issue is as important as turning up to an incident without a bottle which i know has happened.maybe training in this area is much more important,and much needed.

The incident involving the Viper at 1998 GP, spliting the fuel tank makes both points valid

[The Fat Clerk]

As an Observer I like to check the track as well as team, makes me feel better.

[shjo558]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

As an Observer I like to check the track as well as team, makes me feel better.

We are all a team and every bit helps.

[Dutch chap]

Originally Posted by Pete Howarth

Others,

Leaving a driver unattended on the bank after an impact,
Standing the wrong side of retired car, so in the event of the car being struck getting showered in debris,
Leaving a driver sat in the car when retired around the circuit while other cars are circulating,
Going to an incident not using barriers and cars as protection,

What exactly do you mean by 'the wrong side' and why?

[Clive]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

As an Observer I like to check the track as well as team, makes me feel better.

ditto unless its raining and then I copy Dave and stay in the hut!!

[Sheila M]

I try to do my bit (for what it's worth) as well.

At Mallory we in the now un-pit lane assist post 1 if there is debris or fluid on the track that they might not have spotted.

At Donington, my own rule is that if it's within the blue and white hatched zone at the pit exit provided I've got enough personpower I'll sort it, if not, whoever we've got will assist post 2 if we can.

[shjo558]

Originally Posted by Clive

ditto unless its raining and then I copy Dave and stay in the hut!!

We tend to call the coastguard when it rains at knockhill.

[Micky.H]

Originally Posted by Dutch chap

What exactly do you mean by 'the wrong side' and why?

Basically if you stand near a 'stricken' car and it gets hit then the debris will continue forward 'down-wind' of the incident to were 'some' people stand, hence the wrong side - therefore if you stand 'up-wind' of the incident your out of the flying path.