Marshal shout out: The British Downhill Series needs you!

This is your chance to see the World’s fastest riders in action, up close and personal plus you get £80.00 towards your travelling expenses.

Without marshals there would be no race series, it’s as simple as that. The whistle blowing, flag waving, trackside stewards are the unsung heros of racing, (maybe we should do a feature on them?).

The British Downhill Series needs a few more marshals for this years events. If you’re interested then have a read below and get in touch with the race organiser Si Paton at si@descent-gear.com.

 

This is the Marshals Hand Book for the 2013 British Downhill Series, have a detailed read through.

 

Introduction:You must be at least 21 years old on the day of the race.

 

Thank you for volunteering to work as a course marshal during the British Downhill Series 2013, the number one National race series in the world. This guide will serve as a tool to assist you with your duties. It will explain your role in the overall workings of the event, your responsibilities and give you suggestions on handling situations you are likely to encounter as a course marshal.

 

Course marshals are extremely important to an event of this size. Remember, you are the main point of contact between the public and the event. In a sense, you are an important ambassador for the sport. Essentially, this is only a guide and we recommend you also to read a copy of the UCI and BC regulations for a complete understanding of the technical aspects of the sport.

 

Your specific responsibilities will include:

 • Ensuring that spectators stay in designated areas off the course.

• Ensuring that medical help responds when required.

• Informing riders of accidents and or dangers.

• Making any necessary course repairs as soon as possible.

• Reporting any incidents of foul riding, cutting of the course and any other significant rule infraction.

• Write down any possible infringements made by riders.

• Assisting the media in carrying out their jobs in the most professional and safest manner possible.Helping to clear the course of rubbish, course tape and poles on Sunday close of play.

 

Hours: We require you for both days.

Saturday 08:00 to 18:00 Meet at registration tent 08:00 sharp.

Sunday 07:30 to 17:30 Meet at registration tent 07:30 sharp.

 

We will supply you with the following:

 • A high visibilityvest at all times on the hill.

• A radio.

• A whistle

•Transport up the course and back down.

• Course repair supplies (course tape, replacement stakes, zip ties, etc.).

• Food and drink for the day. Each morning we will provide you with a cup of tea/coffee and a bacon/egg/sausage etc.. sandwhich. Plus a sandwich/baguette for lunch, canned drink, water, crisps and a chocolate bar. You can bring your own flask and the caterer will fill that up for you each morning. You may also want to bring along additional food for yourself.

• A bin bag to clean your area at the end of the day.

• Yellow Flag, this maybe used during practice only (Saturday all day and Sunday from 08:30 to 10:45) and is to slow the riders down if there is a small incident infront of you that the riders can negotiate at a very slow speed i.e walking pace. Please note come 11:00 on Sunday the Yellow Flag must be put away as it will not be used once racing commences.

• Red Flag, this maybe used during practice and racing and is to stop riders for when the track ahead is closed.

 

Keep in mind that you will be outdoors for a very long period of time, generally in a mountainous environment. Such areas often experience rapid weather changes. Therefore, you should carry a backpack or small bag with everything that you might need, including a jacket, rain gear, sunscreen and insect repellent. In addition, you will need a pen and paper to make notes about incidents.

 

Finally, never lose sight of the fact that in the case of an accident, you can literally hold a rider’s life in your hands. With this in mind, we ask you to approach and execute your responsibilities with the utmost seriousness.

 

Communication:

A radio is a great responsibility. If you have a radio you are at a key location on the course and you will be a point of contact for your head marshal and UCI / BC Commissaire.

 

Radio Rules:

• If you are talking on the radio – No one else can transmit.

• Only communicate over the radio if it is important.

• Put the radio in a position where you can easily hear anyone trying to contact you.

• Act on any news instantly.

• All emergency communication must go through your marshal coordinator who will directly inform the Commissaires.

• Use the list of channels you’ve been given to contact someone on a different frequency.

• Respond to all radio checks.

• You are often the first person to contact medical assistance after a crash. Provide an accurate description of your location and the situation.

 

UCI and BC Commissaires:Once the race has started the Head Commissaire is in control of the event and is responsible for ensuring the race is run under the race rules. They may contact you to seek your input on a certain situation that you have witnessed at your location. For those holding radios and red flags then only the Head Commmissaire can call a red flag situation and it is their command you must follow.

 

Team Managers / Staff:

Team personnel have limited access to the start, finish areas and uplift system.

• Team personnel MUST only be granted the same access as a member of the public.

• Report any incident to your Head Marshal if you believe the Team personnel member(s) are acting inappropriately, or are refusing to follow your reasonable directions.

 

If you are happy with the above then please contact the Race Director Si Paton via e-mail si@descent-gear.com with the following information:

 

Full Name:Mobile Phone Number:Venue/s you wish to attend:

I will then confirm your attendance ASAP to receiving your e-mail.

 

Many thanks.

 

Si..

07968 229 359