Returning to marshaling

[chinook220]

Hi all,

I’ve been out of orange for 7 years, and looking to come back to the bank.

I obviously need to attend a training day but will I have to register as a trainee again?

Thanks

[ChrisA]

I too was away for a number of years, due to ill health. Having been an Examining Post Chief I hoped, with a training day to return. But no, according to Motorsport UK I could return but as a trainee again. Decided to stay an armchair supporter. Hope this helps.

[HairyDJ]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

I too was away for a number of years, due to ill health. Having been an Examining Post Chief I hoped, with a training day to return. But no, according to Motorsport UK I could return but as a trainee again. Decided to stay an armchair supporter. Hope this helps.

Sad to read this Chris, happy memories of learning from you in my early days

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by HairyDJ

Sad to read this Chris, happy memories of learning from you in my early days

Thanks Dave. Good to hear from you.

[mark_l]

I had been looking at returning to the bank after 20 years away, but looking at the hoops to jump through with Motorsport UK I have decided not to bother.

I have never wanted to be a flag marshal but it seems to even become a track marshal I need to do at least 2 days flagging, plus two assessments and 4 training modules.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by mark_l

I had been looking at returning to the bank after 20 years away, but looking at the hoops to jump through with Motorsport UK I have decided not to bother.

I have never wanted to be a flag marshal but it seems to even become a track marshal I need to do at least 2 days flagging, plus two assessments and 4 training modules.

Hi Mark, you'd be surprised at flagging. It can be an enjoyable discipline. If you can read a race, ie remember the first 5/6 cars, when it comes to blues it is easy. Give it a go. If not, and you wish to stay on the bank as a track marshal, then you can say you've tried it.

[The Fat Clerk]

Had a really aggressive & personalised email from the BARC today which wound me up big time. It was about people not turning up after volunteering, something I've never done in 36 years.
An hour later an amended version was sent out after no doubt a torrid of abuse being sent to Thruxton.
Sums up BARC a treat, glad the only time I go to their meetings is when I'm the MUK Steward, be interesting to see if their number of Marshals falls even more, I certainly wont ever volunteer for them again and I'm sure others will do the same.

[Mike_Powell]

Sadly, I'm rapidly losing enthusiasm for motor racing, so I think I shall be hanging up my (new and unworn) probans any day now.

[rbs]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

Had a really aggressive & personalised email from the BARC today which wound me up big time. It was about people not turning up after volunteering, something I've never done in 36 years.
An hour later an amended version was sent out after no doubt a torrid of abuse being sent to Thruxton.
Sums up BARC a treat, glad the only time I go to their meetings is when I'm the MUK Steward, be interesting to see if their number of Marshals falls even more, I certainly wont ever volunteer for them again and I'm sure others will do the same.

I had the same e mail and felt the same way, 6 years and neer once not turned up, always managed to get an apology in should I have had to cancel. my BARC days are vvery limited now ut will be less in future.
BARC could talk to the culprits direct not us that are reliable.May be BTCC is not as alluring as they think!

[The Fat Clerk]

I emailed BARC this morning asking to be taken off their mailing list and had a near instant phone call back, being all apologetic etc.

What made me smile was the caller mentioned that as I was the MSUK Steward @ Donington this weekend, he hoped that this email wouldn't affect my report, as if:

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

I emailed BARC this morning asking to be taken off their mailing list and had a near instant phone call back, being all apologetic etc.

What made me smile was the caller mentioned that as I was the MSUK Steward @ Donington this weekend, he hoped that this email wouldn't affect my report, as if:

I don't think BARC know themselves what is happening. I haven't marshalled for over eleven years now, due to ill health, but still receive availability forms and txt's.

[JimW]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

Had a really aggressive & personalised email from the BARC today which wound me up big time. It was about people not turning up after volunteering, something I've never done in 36 years.
An hour later an amended version was sent out after no doubt a torrid of abuse being sent to Thruxton.
Sums up BARC a treat, glad the only time I go to their meetings is when I'm the MUK Steward, be interesting to see if their number of Marshals falls even more, I certainly wont ever volunteer for them again and I'm sure others will do the same.

Oh, I don't think we should confuse a clumsily drafted email with the Club's intentions.

[JimW]

Don't confuse jumping through MSUK grading hoops with marshalling. Volunteer for the meetings you want and, provided they are not one of the "important" or very over-subscribed ones, you will be welcome. By all means make sure the organising club's chief marshal knows of your situation. Having said that, things have changed and a training day will help make sure you are up-to-date.

I can assure you that many meetings are BADLY under supplied with marshals.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

I emailed BARC this morning asking to be taken off their mailing list and had a near instant phone call back, being all apologetic etc.

What made me smile was the caller mentioned that as I was the MSUK Steward @ Donington this weekend, he hoped that this email wouldn't affect my report, as if:

I apologise in advance for my presence in race control on Sunday. At least with me on the inside end of the PC/flag radio the surface of "what could possibly go wrong?" is greatly diminished!

[PVDA]

We down in the colonies have what is called "Recognised Prior Learning" which should count for something when it comes down to the training requirement hoops to jump through to get back to a minimum grading.

Obviously one who has left should not expect to immediately go back to where they were on the grading ladder straight away.

[JimW]

Originally Posted by Greem

I apologise in advance for my presence in race control on Sunday. At least with me on the inside end of the PC/flag radio the surface of "what could possibly go wrong?" is greatly diminished!

I shall be listening to you. Points will be awarded as appropriate.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by JimW

I shall be listening to you. Points will be awarded as appropriate.

That could be taken as a threat - but I know it isn't really

[Greem]

/me says quietly...

Looks like I got away with that then!

[JimW]

Originally Posted by Greem

/me says quietly...

Looks like I got away with that then!

[Woolley]

Originally Posted by Greem

/me says quietly...

Looks like I got away with that then!

It's noted in his little book for bringing out when necessary.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by PVDA

We down in the colonies have what is called "Recognised Prior Learning" which should count for something when it comes down to the training requirement hoops to jump through to get back to a minimum grading.

Obviously one who has left should not expect to immediately go back to where they were on the grading ladder straight away.

Agreed. Not on the grading ladder but hopefully more than welcome back to the preferred area where one would like to volunteer. It also serves as a good reminder for clubs and specialty chief to have their contact info easily available so that interested and motivated returnees have no problem contacting them and inform those who need to know about their specifics. I know I would jump at folks who are wanting to get back into marshaling and welcome them with open arms! Then again, the situation over here in the US are rather dire.

[Bardie101]

Originally Posted by Mike_Powell

Sadly, I'm rapidly losing enthusiasm for motor racing, so I think I shall be hanging up my (new and unworn) probans any day now.

Felt the same way myself 4 years ago, so after 18yrs on bank I decided to take a break and spend sometime spectating. Initially was just having a year out enjoyed the free time and freedom to come and go as I please and haven't had the urge to return.

[The Fat Clerk]

This is my 36th and last season, My Wife Elaine and I are moving over to Northern Ireland in retirement and it feels like a good time to say thank you and good night, might carry on Stewarding if MSUK will have me.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

This is my 36th and last season, My Wife Elaine and I are moving over to Northern Ireland in retirement and it feels like a good time to say thank you and good night, might carry on Stewarding if MSUK will have me.

You and Elaine will both be missed. All that experience and knowledge.

[The Fat Clerk]

Thanks Chris.
I think after 36 years it's time to say thank you and goodnight.