Support for new marshals

[rumblefish]

Hi Guys
Have just got broadband, so decided to join you! Have never posted anything on this sort of site before, so this is what is called 'jumping in at the deep end'.
Talking to a bunch of the guys at the Oulton training day, it became clear that many were concerned about how well new marshals were supported during the first few meetings. I remember my first marshaling day - turned up, knew no-one, fish out of water, etc, etc. Because of this I ended up with a right load of reprobates, who I still marshal with today! Could we use some of our more experienced marshals as 'mentors' at the start, and have a fixed programme of activities for our new colleagues. The mentor could phone them before an event, ensure that they have a ticket, even take them on the first day if they live close enough. Once there, ensure the rookie is introduced to fellow marshals, especially Cliff if he is touring. Following the tour, they could join the mentor on post, but perhaps view proceedings from the box for the afternoon - in this way they could safely go to one of the more interesting posts. For the following meeting(s) they could join the mentor for the day, before being unleashed on the unsuspecting competitors at posts of their choice.
I am sure that this must have been thought of before, and if so I'm sure someone will tell me! I would not object to doing this, although not every meeting please!
Also, is there any way that old gear could be stored for use by first day rookies?
See ya all!

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by rumblefish

Talking to a bunch of the guys at the Oulton training day, it became clear that many were concerned about how well new marshals were supported during the first few meetings. I remember my first marshaling day - turned up, knew no-one, fish out of water, etc, etc.

It can be daunting; I must say, however, that it didn't take many meetings at Oulton for us to feel at home. For many people, having a 'friendly' face there to greet them & point them in the right direction would make the experience that little bit more pleasant.

Because of this I ended up with a right load of reprobates, who I still marshal with today!

Reprobates? You mean those innocent young lads you have led astray?

[Gnomex]

Welcome rumblefish!

The "mentoring" thing is good - I started two newbies last year using this approach and they have both signed up for this season based on what they saw / did when we were buddied up together.

If I could give you just one piece of advice it would be - "always expect the unexpected" but enjoy yourself and have fun!

[rumblefish]

Reprobates? You mean those innocent young lads you have led astray? [/QUOTE]


I was sweet and innocent before the orange took over!

[EvilPumpkin]

Hi rumblefish

Actually we do that here and it's quite effective. In some ways, it's worse for us as it's such a small marshalling group that everyone knows everyone else - which is quite intimidating for a newcomer. We don't allocate a specific mentor, but we informally allocate a couple of people to ensure that each person is dragged kicking and screaming into conversation whether they like it or not!

We also keep spare ovies, gloves and raingear for the newbies to use on their first few visits.

[Stephen Green]

I think one of the problems is that several clubs orgainse race meetings at Oulton and therefore to have the same 'greaters and meeters' at all race meetings becomes problematical. However, the concept has been adopted at many circuits and works well from my experience and there should be a way of enlarging it to take in more clubs/circuits.

Stephen green
National P.R.O.
British Motorsport Marshals Club.

[Nadine J Lewis]

For your information I was involved in the training day for newbies at Oulton Park this year. During the session entitled "Your first day at circuit" I was introduced to everyone as I do signing-on for 99% of meetings at Oulton Park. I then looked after them for the afternoon when they were doing Fire Training and watching the I.O.'s assessments answering any questions along the way. Most of them have my contact details for any other questions. New for this year - I have all their addresses and will get phone numbers and first date of volunteering at Oulton Park through our Competition Secretary and call them before the meeting!

For their first meeting at Oulton Park they will get the "Cliff Hammond Tour" of the circuit in the morning. Between Cliff, myself and Chief Marshal of the meeting we decide where they are going to be located for the afternoon. Normally I try to get them with me if there is only one of them - if there's more then we spread them around the circuit. For the afternoon (if on my post and I would encourage all observers to do this!) - I suggest they spend the first session in the box. The observer can then take them through the reports which get written if necssary and I will explain who is doing what at each post and where we are responsible for. Between sessions they are encouraged to check the track with the others and if anything happens to watch what everyone does and join in where possible.

Throughout the year we are also planning to get updates on all of them - if possible on post with me or other committee members.

I believe that all marshals at Oulton Park are approachable and won't let someone (new or old!) stay on their own in a corner and not saying anything. I'm nosy as well as talkative so it comes naturally to me!

If there are any other suggestions we can work into encouraging newbies to come and stay send me your ideas.

[KayBee]

Originally Posted by Stephen Green

I think one of the problems is that several clubs orgainse race meetings at Oulton and therefore to have the same 'greaters and meeters' at all race meetings becomes problematical. However, the concept has been adopted at many circuits and works well from my experience and there should be a way of enlarging it to take in more clubs/circuits.

Stephen green
National P.R.O.
British Motorsport Marshals Club.

Stephen even though several clubs do arrange meetings at Oulton the signing on arrangemts are ALWAYS done by the same people or their deputies.

The following normally do sign on at Oulton: Flying Muppet, MarshalGirl, Mike Cadwallader and someone for Specialist and Senior Official Duties.

As far as I know the only time the Chief Marshal handles sign on duties is for latecomers and if personnel have to be moved once the meeting has commenced.

[Stoowert]

A very interesting topic! I'll take on board the suggestion about keeping the virgin marshal near the centre of things. Trouble is, chances are they'll only be 3 or 4 course marshals on post, so he, or she would be expected to help out just when reports are being written! At Brands, Chris Patterson was the BRSCC's Mother Hen. He could be spotted trapesing accross clearways with his brood in tow. Sadly, it no longer nessessary as so few new marshals. As for a stockpile of probans etc., There must be a huge mountain of orange just sitting around with all the ex-marshals out there! Trouble is, how do we get hold of it?
I've seen the mentor system in operation at Brands, and it works! Brands, of all places can seen a bit intimidating for a visiting marshal, let alone a first-timer. I was lucky to be introduced by another marshal, otherwise I doubt I would have kept at it.

[ChrisO_OP]

I am often to be found at the circuit and would as an experienced IO be happy to assist in taking under the wing (when not on the fire truck) any new recruit to the orange.

My children have marshalled (but mainly my daughter who has been marshalling since she was about 10 and is now 15), and as such have always found that marshals take an extra special interest in ensuring the young blood is encouraged to come back time after time. Many thanks to all the marshals in the Paddock for the years of fun they have bestowed upon her leaving me free to enjoy my days at the circuit.

[Hepatic]

I have to say i'm not known to be particulary outgoing, but it took me the grand total of one meeting to feel at home at Oulton, all thanks to Jan Gower. I'm sure there's plenty of people like Jan out there that insist on keeping everyone involved, even when the racing might not be particulary interesting. Without doubt her persistance paid off with me, as in only my 2nd year i've already booked up most of the weekends to go out in the probies!

A mentor is a great idea - to work with the same person for at least 5 meets would be in ideal way of not only helping newbies to learn the ropes, but also give the mentor a great idea of how the newbie is getting along too.

[Nadine J Lewis]

Originally Posted by Hepatic

A mentor is a great idea - to work with the same person for at least 5 meets would be in ideal way of not only helping newbies to learn the ropes, but also give the mentor a great idea of how the newbie is getting along too.

Completely agree this would work really well if we could guarantee the mentors attended 5 meetings in a row and were prepared to put in this effort and there were enough of them. We have 20+ new marshals starting at Oulton Park this year - if they all turn up on the first meeting that makes about 1 per post!!! Any other suggsetions or volunteers to become mentors gratefully received!

[Stephen Green]

I am the new Mother Hen for BRSCC.....

At Brands I have started to introduce 'training posts' where new marshals will be guided through the day and helped in as many ways as possible. Rather like MarshalGirl's post above, we want to retain as many new marshals as possible and the only was we can do that is to make their days interesting. Could I interest you in becoming a part of my team Stoowert?

Originally Posted by Stoowert

A very interesting topic! I'll take on board the suggestion about keeping the virgin marshal near the centre of things. Trouble is, chances are they'll only be 3 or 4 course marshals on post, so he, or she would be expected to help out just when reports are being written! At Brands, Chris Patterson was the BRSCC's Mother Hen. He could be spotted trapesing accross clearways with his brood in tow. Sadly, it no longer nessessary as so few new marshals. As for a stockpile of probans etc., There must be a huge mountain of orange just sitting around with all the ex-marshals out there! Trouble is, how do we get hold of it?
I've seen the mentor system in operation at Brands, and it works! Brands, of all places can seen a bit intimidating for a visiting marshal, let alone a first-timer. I was lucky to be introduced by another marshal, otherwise I doubt I would have kept at it.

[Mark Mitchell]

Originally Posted by MarshalGirl

Any other suggsetions or volunteers to become mentors gratefully received!

Nadine,

I constantly contact the BMMC North team to offer my help with matters just like this - but NEVER get a reply/answer! (Perhaps I smell!!)

So again, I am more than willing to have a new member spend the afternoon/day etc in the box with me and hopefully - along with the IO - give an insight of what is required from a course marshal and to explain why we do, what we do!

I am at OP on BH Monday, so please let me help!
You have my contact details, so use me!!

Mark

BTW Nadine - when you & I are on post together, something usually happens so there's a good starting point!

[Ian Gaw]

Nadine,
Always willing to help especially at Water Tower!!!!!Plenty of time to explain what goes on as "nothing ever happens there"!See you BH Monday

[bluebeard]

Ooooooooooooooooooooh Ian.... VERY risky statement that! I know where I dont want to be on easter monday now
ps.... especially if you are on the pork pies

[Stoowert]

Stephen, I'd love to help! To me, it's the best part of marshalling, is getting poor innocent people hooked to the orange! I may not be able to get to Brands for the first few races due to my bike accident, and trips to Long Beach, Jersey Festival of Motoring and Le Mans. BTW If any novices want to carry their training to Le Mans, no problem! It's much easier marshalling there. I'm a team leader on post 70, so don't just sit there feeling inadiquate - get over there! You wont regret it plus you'll learn so much more...

[Stephen Green]

Cheers Stoowert, you are on!

[Nadine J Lewis]

Originally Posted by Mark Mitchell

Nadine,
I constantly contact the BMMC North team to offer my help with matters just like this - but NEVER get a reply/answer! (Perhaps I smell!!)

Perhaps you do smell - but I haven't noticed. Thanks for the offer much appreciated.

[Mark Mitchell]

Originally Posted by MarshalGirl

Perhaps you do smell - but I haven't noticed. Thanks for the offer much appreciated.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by rumblefish

I was sweet and innocent before the orange took over!

Weren't we all!

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by MarshalGirl

Any other suggsetions or volunteers to become mentors gratefully received!

Sounds like a good idea - I'd be happy to be involved.

[Mike Kelly 1]

Its a great idea to have a mentor for the first couple of meetings. That way the new marshal can not only learn but also get to feel "part of the team" which is what we strive for. As an I.O. at Oulton (mainly) and most of the other circuits that wear orange I would gladly be a mentor a new marshal.

As for spending the first day in the box, I agree to the extent that it gives them a close view of the on track action and what we do in the heat of the moment, but as new marshals that have worked with me know, I like to get them involved with track work. This will obviously only be done when very safe i.e 2nd tour of the safety car or after the cars are clear of the circuit post chequered flag. This way, hopefully they will be hooked. My first day on the bank was at the old hairpin at Donington and i ended up in John Clelands car being towed backwards out of the gravel. Result - hooked!

[Mark Mitchell]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly 1

My first day on the bank was at the old hairpin at Donington and i ended up in John Clelands car being towed backwards out of the gravel. Result - hooked!

Hooked or hooked up?

[rumblefish]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly 1

As for spending the first day in the box, I agree to the extent that it gives them a close view of the on track action and what we do in the heat of the moment, but as new marshals that have worked with me know, I like to get them involved with track work.

I do agree with this generally. However, having been IO on Shell with certain Formula Ford drivers who were trying marshaling for the first time at the FPA meeting, I did have second thoughts. We know they can be 'brave and fearless' in their cars, but it is the only time I have ever seen ANYONE running headlong TOWARDS a spinning, totally out-of- control, single seater. Utterly terrifying!