Grading

[N M Ramsden]

I am a marshal who has recently completed my trainee year, I have marshalled mainly at Combe but also at Pembrey (yes it rained !!)

I am unsure what happens now with regard to grading and such like.

During my first year I noticed other marshal's collecting signatures from their observer I presume that they are doing this to enable them to improve their current grade/status. How do I get my hands on a grading card ? Who provides them ?

What does this next year hold for me ? i.e. do I just have to continue as a course marshal or can I diversify if I wish ?

I appreciate all feedback to try and set me in the right direction to a long and enjoyable time as a marshal.

PS I used to logon as NICKR but due to a change of job and subsequent email address I had to re-register !!

[Dave Brand]

To upgrade from trainee to course marshal you need ten signatures for performing duty plus one each for introductory training & fire training; without these signatures you will still be graded as a trainee. Note that the signatures are given for performing the duty, not just for turning up & that you need an examining observer on post; you won't necessarily get the ten signatures in ten meetings!

I'm surprised that your club didn't give you a grading card. Did you do a training day last year? If you did, the grading system should have been explained to you.

If you haven't already done so, you need to get yourself booked in to a training day - be quick, as training has already started.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like you've got another year as a trainee to look forward to!

Dave.

[N M Ramsden]

Dave, that's not such bad news.

I am booked on the training course at Combe late in February, I didn't get a grading card because I was told that as a trainee we wouldn't be getting one until we had completed a year and then we could start collecting signatures.

Strange !! Anyway let's see what they say.

Perhaps I could pass my findings onto Mr Fawdington.

[Dave Brand]

Originally posted by N M Ramsden

I didn't get a grading card because I was told that as a trainee we wouldn't be getting one until we had completed a year and then we could start collecting signatures.

Strange !! Anyway let's see what they say.

That is strange! Maybe your club is working to its own rules? I started marshalling last year as a BMMC member & started collecting signatures right from the start. My upgrade to course marshal was approved in September.

I'm not sure that anybody totally understands the MSA grading system!

Another year as a trainee won't do you any harm, though, will it? Now I've got rid of that white badge, I'm not rushing things!

[N M Ramsden]

That's another thing, I have never had to wear the dreaded white badge. The fact that I have been a trainee only got a mention during signing on at the post.

I was also told that I shouldn't leave the bank during my first year but when you're at Pembrey with only a sprinkling of marshals that's very difficult to adhere to. Also there was a meeting at Combe last year when the TOCA Tour was at Thruxton as were most of the marshalling community !!!!

Guess what 'Strange'

I think the BRSCC at Combe could benefit from the difficulties I have had !!

[Teletubby]

As I understand it, the MSA do not take note of Novices. Your club recommends you for upgrading and as long as you have 2 training signatures (1 training day could potentially provide both if it includes practical fire training) and 10 signatures from your observer to indicate that you can do the job. Once you are graded as a Course Marshal then the MSA will send you a record card (often wrongly called a licence). Your club should be able to tell if you have completed the requisite events and can arrange the upgrading.

HTH

Martin

[Richard Sneader]

Hi N M Ramsden,
With reference to your grading in your first year I find it very strange the info you have recieved from joining as a marshal. You only get a white trainee badge if you join the BMMC although BARC, BRSCC do have trainee badges that are white and you can get these through each club. There is nothing wrong with wearing a trainee badge untill you upgrade to course as it helps the likes of myself an IO recognise who you are and what to do with my team on post. Who ever told you you should stay on the bank for your first year is talking B******S. On my post at race meetings I go out of my way to encourage instruct and give trainees little tasks to help them learn how things happen and keep them interested. Also I encourage any trainees on my post to ask as many questions as they feel the need to ask otherwise how do you know the answers to things( as long as it is not questions about where babys come from!!!).
Also I get trainees involved with the whole day and at incidents getting my more experienced marshals or myself to show you things at and during incidents. Indeed aleays remember as a trainee you are part of the team.
With reference to diversifying personally speaking I would do a couple of years on the bank first get some marshaling experiance in and get to know people, then have a look. Normally for fire tender you have to be a red badge with at least 2-3 years experiance and I think rescue units are the same. Other stuff eg pits assembly, startline you can diverse at any time.
By the way what club(s) are you a member of? If you are not already I would suggest joining the BMMC as this gives you good grading grounding and info.
Take care and enjoy your second season.
Richard Sneader...
red black/ 396

[Dave Brand]

A couple of points:

Firstly, you're right, Teletubbie, the MSA doesn't take note of novices. When a novice's grading card has been submitted & the upgrade approved an MSA number is issued - then you're a real marshal!

Secondly, I don't see how a trainee can learn anything by staying on the bank. Might as well sit in the stands & keep warm & dry! It explains why no grading card was issued, however - you can't legitimately get a signature if you've done nothing! I would also find it frustrating; what's the point of volunteering for the job if you're not allowed to do anything?

I found that I learnt a lot about incident handling by actually getting out there & something; just watching woold have taught me much less.

As you say, rzsio396, as a trainee you are part of the team. Staying on the bank would have made me feel excluded; I must say that at every meeting I marshalled at last year I was made to feel part of the team.

Ah well, everybody has their own way of doing things!

[DarrellB]

N Ramsden

It may be worthwhile visiting more circuits as well because each has its own way operating and its good for your training to get a variety of viewpoints and meet lots more of us interesting marshalling types!!

I definitely think you should consider joining the BMMC as it is the major club for marshals and their training.

Don't worry about being a trainee for more than a year as it is not necessarily a good thing to rush up through the grades until you feel confident in progressing yourself.

[Marshal]

Hi Nick and welcome back

Sorry to hear that your "team" at Combe didn't see fit to let you off the bank, but I'm glad the experience hasn't put you off, I look forward to catching up with you at the training day at Combe on the 23rd.

[N M Ramsden]

rzsio396, Dave, Darrell, Marshal

Although it was suggested that I didn't leave the bank that went out of the window at the very first event. First qualifying session of the day Golf GTI Roadsports, decided to part on it's roof at the Esses !!! Also at Pembrey first visit there I was put on turn 1, Hatchets Hairpin.... Say no more.

I have joined both BRSCC and also BARC but as of yet not BMMC (i tried to join them last year but they lost my cheque and I never got around to sorting it out). On your recommendations I will probably join them soon.

I had various teams at Combe last year and all were good to me, some more than others and I did gain alot of experience throughout the year. Pembrey is very good for hands on stuff due to it being so far from civilisation (and i'm a Welshman) and their huge lack of marshals.

Marshal, I look forward to catching up with you soon at Combe.

Who else will be attending training this year and where?

[Claire]

I am training at Brands on 23rd Feb and then starting my first season as a trainee. I hope I get to stand on a post with someone like rzsio396 it sounds like any trainees that spent time with him gained a lot of experience. I wish you well NM.

[N M Ramsden]

Thanks Claire and welcome to the wonderfull world of marshalling.... it's great. Be Safe ! NMR

[Richard Sneader]

Hi N M Ramsden,
As you are asking I will be at Brands training day in Febuary instructing practicle fire fighting and incident handling. Also I should be instructing at Snettertons training day on the 10th Feb and Instructing at Lyddens training day on the 17th March.
I fully agree with alot of the replys about getting around the various circuits. Come to Brands my local track and you as all the others on this site are more than welocome to come on my post. I believe you will learn somthing.
Claire I will see you at Brands and on the fire ground. It is the best fire training I have seen to date( I have been to other circuits to compare) Donington Parks Fire training is also on the same level as ours.
If anyone else is going to Brands I would like to put faces to the typing. If anyone needs marshaling advice then come and see me at Brands My overalls are easy to spot as it is a race suit but I also have an ambulance badge on each arm and I were an MG racing cap( new colours)
Take care all enjoy your training.
Richard Sneader...
red black 396

[Dave Brand]

Originally posted by N M Ramsden

Who else will be attending training this year and where?

I'll be at Oulton on the 23rd.

Dave.

[DarrellB]

Originally posted by N M Ramsden


Who else will be attending training this year and where?

BARC Marshals training will be at Thruxton on the 16th and 17th of Feb. Thruxton is about another 45mins from Combe (if you drive anything like I do!)

There is also another day scheduled at Thruxton for the 2nd and 3rd of March when the rescue crews will be demonstrating the kit and letting anyone who's interested to have a go. As a member of BARC you will probably receive details in teh post in the near future.

One other training day is the BRDC MC day at Silverstone on the 17th FEB (contact Pam Dearn at the circuit).

[jase]

Originally posted by DarrellB
..One other training day is the BRDC MC day at Silverstone on the 17th FEB (contact Pam Dearn at the circuit).

That's good to know, as us members of the club have yet to be advised of the date and times

[Teletubby]

I trust that everyone who is on the BARC list has received details about the 2nd and 3rd March as I have already had replies!

Are you coming along to help me out then Darrell?

Martin

[Dan Friel]

Welcome back Nick!!

Your problems with grading sums up the total confusion at the moment.. I'm not even sure of the system (if there is one) and I've been doing this for eight years now..

I think you need to be a member of the BMMC.. as it sounds like the MSA don't know you exist.. I definitely recommend it (and you get extra insurance). I've never been a member of any other motor club.

It sounds like you need to collect signatures this year to get rid of the 'novice' tag - but I wouldn't worry too much about it, you've got plenty of experience already.

No panic about rushing up the ladder, I've been a course marshal for seven years now, which suits me fine.

See you at Combe 23 Feb.

[DarrellB]

Originally posted by Teletubby
I trust that everyone who is on the BARC list has received details about the 2nd and 3rd March as I have already had replies!

Are you coming along to help me out then Darrell?

Martin

I'll be there, let me know the time..... and I will be late as usual.

[Peter Harding]

Your problems understanding the grading seem to be quite common although, as Mr Fawdington is on the MSA grading committee he should be able to clear things up. As a fellow member of that committee I could also help with problems if you phone me on 01206 502064.
When you start, the club chief marshal has a supply of blank grading and upgrade cards which he can provide. He should note that he has given you one and when you have the required signatures will inform the MSA who will enter you on their records as a course or specialist as appropriate. Once you are on the MSA system you will get your annual grading card direct from them.

While I have your attention, you should note that the 750MC are at Pembrey 15/16 June and you can volunteer for this by contacting me. -
Email at "Pete@mountunemarshals.co.uk

Pete Harding
Chief Marshal 750MC

[KayBee]

Question for Stephen or any other Brands Hatch CAR marshals.

There is a Bemsee training day at Brands (Hailwoods) on 24 February is this a joint do or is Brands so big that two separate training days can be run at the same time.

Thanx Karen

[Teletubby]

Darrell, I assume that, as usual, it won't be your fault though?

[Richard Sneader]

Karen.
The BEMSEE ARE A SEPARATE CLUB AND HOLD THERE TRAINING DAYS SEPARATE. ON THE SUNDAY AT BRANDS IT IS FLAGS, IO'S. OBSERVERS. SPECIALISTS AND OTHER GRADES.
RCHARD SNEADER...

[KayBee]

So Brands has enough facilities to hold two completely separate training days.

The reason I asked the question is because Racesafe (who run Superbike/GP marshalling) are planning to hold a combined (with BRDC)fire training sesession at Silverstone later this month.