Volunteer
No volunteers, no motorsport!
Whether the event is a Formula One Grand Prix or a club-level hill climb it needs volunteers to be able to run and for those wishing to become involved with motor sport – but not as a competitor, there can be no better introduction than as a marshal or official. From pits and paddock to trackside, they make race meetings run. From service halts to stop lines, they keep rallies on the rails and at sprints, hill climbs, kart races and trials they will be doing everything from essential administrative work, for events or the local club, to providing life-saving safety cover.
To organise any event requires a small army of volunteers, usually many more than the number of competitors. These volunteers carry out a wide range of duties, all of which contribute to the overall efficiency and success of the event.
Whatever you choose, your presence will be welcomed and appreciated. As a marshal, you will join a band of enthusiasts who enjoy their motor sport and through active marshalling clubs, an interesting social life.
Signing-on as a marshal is easy, and there are special training days throughout the year.
After you have gained experience as a marshal, you might like to consider one of the many other duties, such as technical scrutineering or timekeeping.
Seminars and Training Days
Attendance at Training Days and Seminars is an integral part of being a motor sport official.
All MSA supported training days are online on the ViM site – you can even register for the day online.
Minimum Requirements
In general terms, there are none. Volunteers are welcome at any age, although the duties of young people may be limited in certain situations. Those aged between their 11th and 16th birthdays qualify as cadet marshals and though are unable to perform trackside duties can get involved in a host of other interesting roles.
Motor Sport offers ‘equal opportunities’ at all levels, although there are a few legal exemptions, including certain competitor disabilities and minimum ages for both competing and officiating.
If you already have special skills – technical, mechanical, rescue, vehicle recovery, medical, first aid or administration; you may wish to use them as a volunteer in motor sport.
Who should I contact?
The best place to start is Volunteers in Motorsport, a MSA backed initiative to encourage more people like you to become involved with the sport. This programme has been set up specifically to get you on track for action, a crucial involvement in motor sport and making new friends.
Original article courtesy of the GO Motorsport Initiative. www.gomotorsport.net