Marshalling is a key part of RC racing. Being an efficient marshal enables all to enjoy racing, however; safety is a priority.
Firstly, marshalling is not an option, it’s something you have to do if you want to race*. After your race has finished, you will be required to be at your position prior to the next race starting.
Secondly, marshal how you want to be marshalled yourself – every marshal should ensure their own safety before assisting an RC vehicle on track, and this should be done in a timely manner where possible.
*We appreciate that not every racer will be in a position to marshal, especially young children and those with disabilities. In these instances, we ask that you ask a fellow racer to take your place to ensure there are enough marshals on track for the race to begin.
Marshal rules
Your safety comes first
Think of yourself first and the car last
Parents should assist younger marshals until they are confident they can marshal safely (Spectator BRCA memberships are available £10p/a for non-racing parents)
Dress appropriately
No sandals, high heels, loose shoelaces etc – common sense
Wear your hi-viz jacket. If you do not have one, the Club has spares available to use
Look both ways before entering the track
Eagerness can turn running in to oncoming traffic into an unfortunate accident
Pay attention
No phones, drinks, chats with your friends etc.
Your full attention should be on your marshalling area. Don’t follow the racing, however exciting the competition may be or how well your friend/family member is doing
Fast, but safe
Ensure you marshal in a timely manner, but only when safe
Marshal how you would want to be marshalled in the same situation
Break downs
Take a quick moment to check if the car can be repaired
If so, do so as long as it does not interfere with your marshalling
If not, remove the car from the track to a safe position before returning your attention back to your marshalling area
Stay out of view
Be aware of the driver’s sightlines
Boughton is only a small hall so blocking the track is inevitable. Bear this in mind, crouch if required and try to exit the track ASAP (where safe to do so)
Make sure it is safe to pick the car up
Ensure that the wheels have stopped moving and that there is no risk of other cars hitting you as you collect the crashed car
It is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure it is safe for you to pick it up
Return the car correctly
The aim is to not crash – Therefore a crash should be a penalty
It can be tempting to help the driver and return the car back into the action but this provides an unfair advantage
Return the car where the crash occurred (where safe) to a safe position (i.e. off the racing line) to prevent involving other drivers unfairly
Try to return the car in the same direction as the crash occurred. Drivers or other marshals can assist by prompting which direction/side of rope the crash occurred
Continue to the end of the race
Don’t leave your positions because the leader has finished. Other cars may still be battling and may need marshalling or could be interrupted by you entering the track
