THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP KARTING (NatSKA) LEARNING: RACING: WINNING MARSHALLING GUIDE

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Hubert Sullivan
6 years ago
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1 MARSHALLING GUIDE FOR ALL TEAM MEMBERS WHO GO ONTO THE CIRCUIT TO COMPLETE MARSHALLING CONTENTS: TOPIC Key points before going onto the circuit AT YOUR POST THE FLAGS IN USE RADIOS INCIDENTS USING FLAGS OBSERVING AND REPORTING INCIDENTS PAGE Page 1 of 11

2 Karting is a fast-action sport and marshals play a vital role, keeping meetings running smoothly and protecting drivers and spectators alike Key points before you go out onto the circuit: - Make sure you have signed on your teams Adult Helpers form - Be clear about where you are going to be marshalling and what time you need to be there. Don t be late! - Be clear whether all the equipment that you will need is on the marshall post (including drinks and sun cream on hot days!) - Make sure you understand the instructions of the Chief Course Marshal. - DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MARSHAL POST YOU ARE NOT INSURED TO DO SO. In the event of an incident by your post, use your radio to ask for assistance make sure that you use the correct flag. Page 2 of 11

3 1. AT YOUR POST MP = Marshal Post; K = Kart - Work out which section of the track you are monitoring: - Always keep an eye on oncoming race traffic; - ALWAYS WATCH YOUR YELLOW FLAG ZONE; - Be aware of race leaders and keep an eye on back markers be prepared with your blue flag; - Check the track between sessions call for assistance from Chief Course Marshal for help with dealing with any debris, spillages, gravel, excess water or dirt on track, and report ANY TRACK DAMAGE to the Clerk of the Course Page 3 of 11

4 2. THE FLAGS IN USE The Red Flag - The race has been stopped, usually because a kart is lying in a dangerous position after an accident or because conditions are too poor for racing to be safe. The Yellow Flag - Indicates danger ahead and overtaking is prohibited. A stationery yellow flag means slow down, a waved yellow warns that the driver must be prepared to stop if necessary. The Yellow / Black Quarter Flag (aka The Battenburg Flag) slow down, no overtaking (Karting Only) The Green Flag Road Clear. The Blue Flag - Shown to a driver to indicate that a faster kart is behind him and trying to overtake. A racing kart is under no obligation to move over. The White Flag - Warns of a slow-moving vehicle on the track, such as a ambulance, tow truck or safety car. The Yellow / Red Flag - The track is slippery. This usually warns of oil or water on the track. Page 4 of 11

5 Start / Finish Flags: The Black / White Diagonal Flag - Shown with kart number to indicate a warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour. A black flag may follow if the driver takes no heed of the warning. The Black / Orange Disk Flag - Shown with a kart number to indicate that the kart has a mechanical problem and the driverr must return to his pit immediately. The Black Flag - Shown with a kart number to indicate that the driver must report to the Clerk of the Course. The Black / White Chequered Flag - The race has ended. Shown first to the winner, and then to every car to cross the line behind them. The Green / Yellow Chevron Flag False Start (Karting only) Page 5 of 11

6 3. RADIOS Check that your radio is switched on, and on the correct channel; Be aware that there is also a volume control Once you have reported in, do not leave your radio unattended; Listen before you speak others may have greater need of the airwaves Keep messages short and to the point and speak only when necessary or when spoken to; Remember that emergency calls take priority Use your call sign and work through the Clerk of the Course / Race Control think what you want to say BEFORE you press the PTT (push to talk) button, pause then speak across the microphone rather than into it (to avoid the noise of your breath distorting the transmission). Remember to release the button when you have finished so that others can speak Page 6 of 11

7 4. INCIDENTS In the case of an incident you should inform the Clerk of Course of the situation (via radio) in order that he can decide what action to take. Ensure that you deploy the correct flag (initially this may be a waved yellow flag) Options for the Clerk of the Course include: - Calling for a black / yellow (battenburg) flag; - Calling for a race stoppage (red flag); The rule is DON T PANIC let the dust settle before making a decision some drivers are good actors the kart may drive off, the time spent gathering your thoughts and deciding what to do can be invaluable. REMEMBER - If the injury is serious and obvious immediately request medical assistance radio MEDIC STAND BY followed by MARSHALL POST X to CLERK INCIDENT AT POST X MEDICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED REQUEST PERMISSION FOR MEDIC ON CIRCUIT the Clerk will issue further instructions from this point; - If you have an incident which a paramedic on foot could handle request one via the Clerk of the Course by radio; - ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CLERK OF THE COURSE Page 7 of 11

8 5. USING FLAGS - THE RED FLAG this will be requested by Circuit Marshals via the Clerk of the Course Circuit Marshalss - Assess the situation - If you feel that a race stop is required request this IT IS THE CLERK OF THE COURSE ALONE WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REQUEST A RED FLAG; Make sure that all karts are stopped quickly and safely and ensure that it is possible for emergency vehicles to get to the incident quickly; If possible try to identify the cause of the accident and write down your report as soon as possible while it is still clear in your head. If possible use diagrams to assist your description. - The BLACK & YELLOW QUARTER FLAG (BATTENBURG) Assess the situation obtain appropriate authority from the Clerk of the Course they will instruct the starter (and all other marshall posts); When the incident is clear, inform the CoC who will instruct the starter and other marshall posts that racing should be resumed (note: the black and yellow flag should be shown in the first instance at the Start / Finish line, and withdrawn from there first) If for any reason an incident becomes unsafe while this flag is deployed consider requesting a red flag from the CoCC as above; Remember if the race has run more than 75% of its distance the CoC may decide to opt for the red flag; Page 8 of 11

9 6. OBSERVING AND REPORTING INCIDENTS The Clerk of the Course is likely to insist on a report if an incident is likely to result in a penalty being applied; Ensure that you can see the approach to corners and the turn in points many incidents happen when braking into corners; Keep in mind that last lap incidents are very common and may be contentious; a) CONTACT DRIVING First of all bear in mind that contact occurs for a number of reasons: Sheer numbers on the grid; Width of the circuit; Track configuration; Driver error; Slower drivers getting in the way; Deliberate attempt to take a competitor out; Track conditions. NUDGE AND PUSH - If a driver hits the kart in front and pushes hard enough to force the kart to either go wide or lose control that is an offence AND THE OFFENDING DRIVER MUST BE REPORTED. LIGHT TAP - If a driver just taps the one in front, make a note and watch if it happens again. DIVING UP THE INSIDE TO OVERTAKE This is one of the most common causes of incidents, and you need to be very careful in deciding what has happened? Was there a gap? Did the driver use the kerb to complete the manoeuvre? If so REPORT IT. Page 9 of 11

10 If there is contact, note the contact point on the other kart. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT for the Clerk of the Course Make sure that you write your report as soon as possible and if possible draw a diagram (making sure that it is as accurate as possible). b) OVERTAKING UNDER THE YELLOW FLAG Issues to consider and noted in reports to the Clerk of the Course: Was the kart that was being overtaken travelling at less than racing speed due to: o mechanical problems; or o The driver recovering from an off circuit excursion ; or o Had just left the pit lane? Had the flag only just been shown? Was the driver almost at the marshal point when it was displayed? Was the driver waved past by another driver? Was it beforee or after the incident occurred? Were there officials on the track? Did the driver realise the error and relinquish the position (although that isn t an excuse for overtaking in the first place?) Was the flag shown clearly? Was the drivers view obstructed? E.g. were they part of a group racing closely together Did the driver appear to ignore the flag? Was the driver in a slip streaming train (in which case it is unlikely that he would be able to see anything other than the kart in front until it was too late). c) MISSING PART OF THE CIRCUIT Consider the possible causes: Being squeezed out by another kart; Page 10 of 11

11 Loss of control; Mechanical problems; Not driving appropriately for the conditions; Avoiding an accident; Did the driver rejoin the track as close to the point possible? d) UNFAIR TACTICS A tricky area but things to watch out for include: Deliberate blocking; Brake testing a driver behind; Taking an incorrect grid position at the start. e) ASSAULT It is important to get the facts before putting pen to paper. An assault case may be heard by the Stewards and therefore incident reports should always accurately reflect the observations and note include opinionn or apportion blame. Always remember to take into consideration the circumstances leading to an incident before you submit a report to the Clerk of the Course. Also consider that the decision of the Clerk may be appealed against which means that it will then be passed on to the Steward to be heard again. The golden rule is that once you have submitted your report stick to your evidence. If you do feel you have made a mistake or you are not 100% sure, then say so. Remember thatt your report may result in a driver being excluded so maker sure of your facts you may be called to give evidence. Page 11 of 11 of departure as

Flag Marshal s Briefing Notes

CAMS NSW Supersprint Championships Flag Marshal s Briefing Notes By Ian Williams, CAMS NSW Supersprint Panel 1. Welcome Thanks for volunteering your time today. As well as being a crucial part of running