Welcome to the team!
MARSHAL INFORMATION OVERVIEW
WHAT MARSHALS DO
Corner marshals are an integral part of road-course motorsports, providing vital safety and support services at all levels of car and motorcycle racing events. The primary duties of a corner marshal include:
⦁ Informing drivers, through the use of flags or other signals, of on-track hazards or incidents, the conditions of the race surface, the condition of their vehicles or any other situation that affects the safe running of the event
⦁ Communicating to race officials all information pertaining to an assigned section of the race track, including observations relating to all racing incidents, condition of the racing surface, driver behaviour, vehicle condition, etc.
⦁ Responding quickly and appropriately to racing incidents by displaying flags, showing signals or making suitable safety responses that will assist in safeguarding the well-being of other race workers, drivers and spectators
⦁ All marshals must be at least 16 years of age, and should be: able to work in a team environment; physically fit; reliable and punctual; receptive to instructions, and flexible
DRESS CODE / TRACK GEAR
The standard dress code is WHITE clothing (if you can’t find white, light grey will work). This is for visibility, i.e., the drivers will recognize you, and the long sleeves and pants will provide a layer of protection from the elements:
⦁ Long pants or coveralls
⦁ Shirt, preferably long-sleeved or a t-shirt is okay. Cotton or a cotton blend is preferred for flame resistance
⦁ No sandals or open toed shoes are permitted
⦁ NO red or yellow clothing is allowed
As you will be trackside the whole day, with little or no shelter; be prepared for all types of weather. Suggested gear includes:
⦁ Leather or leather-palmed gloves, belt that will hold a radio
⦁ Extra layers, just in case. We can have all 4 seasons in the same weekend at the track!
⦁ Sunglasses
⦁ Rain suit (jacket and pants). White is the preferred colour but green and blue are acceptable. No red or yellow
⦁ Whistle – the louder the better
⦁ Sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, band aids and if required an allergy kit – let us know if you have allergies
⦁ Comfortable footwear – consider ones with ankle support, anti-skid tread, water resistance and warmth
⦁ Hat or a cap. Light colour is best for hot days. No red or yellow hats.
⦁ A plastic bucket, waterproof backpack or bag/garbage bag to keep it try, for moving and storing your equipment
⦁ Lunch and water are usually supplied, but we recommend bringing snacks and drinks for yourself for the day
RACE DAY GUIDELINES
⦁ Consumption of alcohol is expressly prohibited until all competitions are concluded for the day
⦁ Cameras and cell phones – handy and fun to have at the track even essential for some but please do not use them or have them out when a session is under way on the track
⦁ Anyone under the age of 16 is not permitted trackside or on the marshal stands
⦁ Sexual harassment; physical, verbal or implied will not be tolerated under any circumstance
⦁ When the day’s events are completed, although this is your personal time, your actions still reflect on ARRCA and we ask that you conduct yourself accordingly
FLAGGING
⦁ You must remain alert and be ready to react instantly to show the appropriate flag, and when flagging alone, NEVER turn your back to oncoming traffic. Make sure you keep flags out of sight when they are not being used
⦁ Flags may be used in different ways for motorcycle and car races – information is provided at the track
⦁ Flags are used to give racers advance warning of something ahead, possibly beyond their sight – this may include incidents, slow-moving traffic or track conditions that occur, between your corner and the next manned marshal stand. You do not show flags for something that happens BEFORE your corner
FLAGGING SPECIFICS FOR BIKES AND CARS
SINGLE STEADY YELLOW
⦁ Warns racers that there is a hazard off of the track, they should take caution and be prepared for a racer possibly re-entering the track surface ahead; or
⦁ Warns racers of a waved yellow flag at the next manned marshal stand
SINGLE WAVED YELLOW
⦁ A single waved yellow flag indicates to racers that there is a significant hazard on the track surface between you and the next manned marshal stand
⦁ Racers must take caution and be prepared to slow or alter their racing line. No passing is allowed until past the incident or, depending on series rules, past the next flag station
DOUBLE WAVED YELLOW
A double waved yellow flag indicates to racers that there is a MAJOR hazard on the track surface between you and the next manned marshal stand, and the track is seriously or completely obstructed and/or workers may be on the track
⦁ Racers must take extreme caution, be prepared to slow and alter their racing line, or even stop on the track. No passing is allowed until past the incident or, depending on series rules, past the next manned marshal stand
RED
The red flag is always waved, and you only use the red flag when told by Race Control, who will call on the radio “RED FLAG, RED FLAG, RED FLAG, ALL CORNERS RED FLAG”
⦁ The red flag is displayed at all corners, and means the session has been stopped, usually as a result of an incident
⦁ Racers are expected to stop racing immediately, and slowly proceed back to either the Start/Finish line or Pits, as directed by the series rules and officials, or stop on the track where indicated
GREEN
⦁ Indicates a clear track – shown on the next manned marshal stand, after an incident (waved yellow)
WHITE
⦁ Racer is approaching a slower vehicle on track
STEADY DEBRIS
- Debris on track such as oil, dirt, etc.
BLUE
- Used for cars only – racer is about to be overtaken by a faster car
If you have any questions, contact us via e-mail at president@arrca.ca
