April Issue of "The Marshal"

[Shelagh]

I don't know if you've seen this yet, but what great letters from some of our stalwarts. They make the point in a balanced view and really get the message across.

Good on you, guys.

Now all we have to do is hope it isn't so much "chip wrapper" and that the MSA might actually start getting the message.

[Hepatic]

Yep, although the front page thing about flashcards, ebooks and all that technology jazz just confused the life out of me! Can't even find the software on Android Market

[Bodysnatcher]

I thought that was an April fool!
After all mobile phones are banned on post are'nt they?, Especially when connected to the evil internet (see page 25, last sentence)
I was looking for the link to the MSA/IVM compulsory briefings script / flashcards.

(this post may be tongue in cheek)

[HairyDJ]

Remember the "pack of cards" most wanted list used by the USA in Iraq? maybe we could extend this apps idea to build a collection of pictures of legendary "to be feared / admired / watched from a safe distance" marshals?

Anything that helps get new marshals to do a bit of homework / revision is good, although I still prefer good old fashioned paper for my reference library. Well done Bob!

[Bodysnatcher]

True, when I saw Bob Rae's name at the end I knew it was for real.
Will give the young uns something to do between sessions as opposed to updating FB status.

[Tom Bee]

Since we are on about motorsport magazines has anyone read the recent copy of 'MSA' magazine?

I never really rated it before but I have just finished it and I enjoyed reading every article.

[PieMan]

Originally Posted by HairyDJ

Remember the "pack of cards" most wanted list used by the USA in Iraq? maybe we could extend this apps idea to build a collection of pictures of legendary "to be feared / admired / watched from a safe distance" marshals?

I'm sure the regalia people can come up with something but I don't know any games that use two playing cards and 50 jokers...

[Steven Humphrey]

Originally Posted by Tom Bee

Since we are on about motorsport magazines has anyone read the recent copy of 'MSA' magazine?

I never really rated it before but I have just finished it and I enjoyed reading every article.

Agreed-it's much better than the old version. Great article on Ollie Webb attending the Silverstone training day!

[PVDA]

It isn't on the WWW somewhere for those of us Down Under to look at??

[deley]

Originally Posted by PVDA

It isn't on the WWW somewhere for those of us Down Under to look at??

"The Marshal" don't believe so but the MSA magazine is via the MSA website.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by PVDA

It isn't on the WWW somewhere for those of us Down Under to look at??

It will be at:

http://www.motorsportsafetyfund.com/

The current issue, issue 29, isn't yet on line.

[Steve Milward]

The cover story about electronic copies of the Pocket Guide to Marshaling is all well and good but it doesnt state where to find it on the web.

Ive looked in the obvious place, i.e. the website but cant find anything.

[m1fcf]

Originally Posted by Mildrop

The cover story about electronic copies of the Pocket Guide to Marshaling is all well and good but it doesnt state where to find it on the web.

Ive looked in the obvious place, i.e. the website but cant find anything.

From memory, you have to download an App from the iTunes App Store - then it will appear as an option inside the app. If I remember, I will take another look at 'The Marshal' tonight to see if I was on track.

[AndyMil]

Pocket guide wil be linked from MSF website, but not sure when.
Far easier to read it off my phone than the scrunched up papercopy I keep in my overall pocket.

Well done Bob!

[Woolley]

I failed miserably to find the app or download it. I'll wait until I'm at a circuit and find a teenage trainee to do it for me.

Enjoyed the letters page, some erudite and sensible essays. The only thing I disagreed on was the suggestion the marshals 'voting with their feet' equates to strike action. I'd take the latter as "we've volunteered, we're either not coming or when we do we're not going to play" as opposed to "It's my hobby, I'll decide where I practice it and what for according to what the meeting is and how I'm treated by the venue or club". For instance, I've voted with my feet regarding Donington timetables, BTCC driving standards and F1 in general. In no way is that strike action nor do I feel any duty to support anyone who has a different opinion - I'm sure I go to events that they wouldn't consider in return.

[The Fat Clerk]

Originally Posted by Woolley

For instance, I've voted with my feet regarding Donington timetables, BTCC driving standards and F1 in general. In no way is that strike action nor do I feel any duty to support anyone who has a different opinion - I'm sure I go to events that they wouldn't consider in return.

Here,here, I haven't done a BTCC meeting for around 10 years, a Grand Prix for a few less and only go to Donny as a Steward or Clerk of the Course.
Yet I love places like Thoresby Park, Whilton Mill and Hyde Park @ 5am in November. We are volunteers so we can pick and choose.

[mattt]

What is the App name, i dont have the magazine with me at uni, and i want to check it out before i go home.

[FRENCHIE44T]

Having just read the letter in "The Marshal" by Chris Whitlock, I totally agree with whyat he says and you would think if circuit owners are going to revise tracks and change tyre walls and catch fencing, you would thing that by now, some imput from Marshals of both the Incident & Flag type.

I mean PLEASE leave enough gap for us to get to incidents safely behind tyre walls rather than going the long way round or as a last resort in front of tyre walls. Then again with flag points, the need to alighn in drivers sight, NOT just putting then where they think is a good place to wave the flag from.

OK rant over.

[deley]

Having read the latest copy of "The Marshal" it contains some useful information regarding a better way of raising issues with circuits and the MSA than posting on internet forums.

[Woolley]

Originally Posted by deley

a better way of raising issues with circuits and the MSA than posting on internet forums.

I agree it's no good posting here and expecting the powers to pick it up and deal with it, though it does make it a little harder for them to ignore it! Internet forum helps to identify it's not just you, though, which used to be the inference when things get raised. Or sometimes it identifies that it is just you...

[Shelagh]

We have just spotted the bit about "Flag Grade" (page 17) - assume we have to contact our local rep to maintain that grade - but surely I get "grandmother" rights (and no comment on my age, thank you)!

Assume I would still be "experienced" having an old red badge, but what happens to those who went green to blue direct (in old badge system-speak for anybody new)?

Why should I have to do anything anyway? Don't they have this stuff on a database somewhere? ...........................

[rbs]

Originally Posted by deley

Having read the latest copy of "The Marshal" it contains some useful information regarding a better way of raising issues with circuits and the MSA than posting on internet forums.

Have you tried to write to the MSA,or the circuits? have you handed a report to the chief marshal of the day, I have done all 3 and I bet you can guess who is the only one to give a sensible reply, one will not respond!!!

[FRENCHIE44T]

Originally Posted by rbs

Have you tried to write to the MSA,or the circuits? have you handed a report to the chief marshal of the day, I have done all 3 and I bet you can guess who is the only one to give a sensible reply, one will not respond!!!

In a word "YES" I have


My views on here are just that, and only inteded for this thread. I have already explored other lines of enquirey.

[Shelagh]

Originally Posted by Shelagh

We have just spotted the bit about "Flag Grade" (page 17) - assume we have to contact our local rep to maintain that grade - but surely I get "grandmother" rights (and no comment on my age, thank you)!

Assume I would still be "experienced" having an old red badge, but what happens to those who went green to blue direct (in old badge system-speak for anybody new)?

Why should I have to do anything anyway? Don't they have this stuff on a database somewhere? ...........................

No response to this...anybody volunteering?

[TwoSheds]

Originally Posted by Shelagh

We have just spotted the bit about "Flag Grade" (page 17) - assume we have to contact our local rep to maintain that grade - but surely I get "grandmother" rights (and no comment on my age, thank you)!

Assume I would still be "experienced" having an old red badge, but what happens to those who went green to blue direct (in old badge system-speak for anybody new)?

Why should I have to do anything anyway? Don't they have this stuff on a database somewhere? ...........................

Originally Posted by Shelagh

No response to this...anybody volunteering?

Okay, I'll bite.

As I understand the process, you need to get your Primary Club (i.e. the one listed first on your Marshal's Record Card) to write to the MSA, telling them you used to hold a Flag Grade and requesting that you be granted it again. That's the process I followed and my new MRC now shows two grades, Experienced Marshal (Race) and Flag Marshal (Race).

I don't think it matters how you got to flag grade, i.e. green->red->red/blue or green->blue, all that matters is that you previously held a flag grade.