MSA e-Wheels August 2008?
Duty of care to marshals
How long should marshals be on duty before they have a break? In view of the range of different motor sport events – from autotests to international race meetings and rallies – it is not possible for the MSA to be specific.

MSA regulations [A(a)] 52 and 53 (MSA Competitors' and Officials' Yearbook 2008 page 87) make specific reference to race meetings, (requiring marshals to be relieved after six hours of continuous racing). It is recommended that opportunities for adequate breaks are planned and provided for marshals and volunteer officials within the structure of an event, bearing in mind the nature of different locations and prevailing weather conditions. Provision should also be included for toilet facilities for both genders, wherever possible.

Of course, the nature of the sport is such that unexpected incidents can result in deviation from the original programme but this should not prejudice the duty of care to marshals and volunteer officials.

Club appeals for marshals
The MSA now has more than 12,000 Registered Marshals across all disciplines. However, with around 100 MSA permitted events running most weeks and the increased cost of travelling, it is still common for organising clubs to appeal for more marshals.

Please consider the wording of such appeals. ‘Previous experience not essential’ should attract newcomers and reflects the level of training provided – from an appropriate briefing for straightforward marshalling tasks to pairing up with more experienced marshals for potentially demanding tasks. Of course, marshals should always be encouraged to attend supplementary training sessions to improve their self-development and competence.

Phrases such as ‘no experience needed’ would still encourage newcomers but could send out the wrong message about the level of training and support available.

Junior autocross
Autocross is a good entry-level form of motor sport and is one of the more affordable disciplines. In 2006, a junior class was introduced for 14 to 17 year olds and interest in it has developed steadily. Competing against the clock on an off-road circuit with a constantly changing surface provides useful experience in vehicle control within a relatively safe environment.

The Junior class is part of the MSA British Autocross Championship, which has been revived for 2008, and because of the way points are awarded, it is possible for a competitor from this class to become the MSA British Autocross Champion.

MSA Judicial Procedures
Each year, the MSA produces a Judicial Procedures booklet, which gives practical guidance to MSA Stewards on the process to be undertaken in the event of a protest or appeal being received at an event. This is supplementary to the formal and definitive process detailed in the relevant MSA Yearbook. This booklet is now also available to download by Licensed Clerks of the Course via the ‘Members’ section of the MSA website – click on Member Publications>Officials. It may also be a useful reference document for other Clerks of the Course to download.

Motorsport Vehicle Recovery – new training DVD
The Motorsport Safety Fund – a registered charity which works closely with the MSA to help improve safety training in motor sport – has produced a new film, Motorsport Vehicle Recovery. It provides guidance tailored to the needs of drivers, marshals and recovery operators. The DVD (which also includes a Motorsport Rescue section) costs £10 and is available from Stuart Turner on 01608 645029 or at turnerstuart@talk21.com. Details of the Fund’s other publications and DVDs can be found at www.motorsportsafetyfund.com

Gloucestershire RLO
For the awareness of those clubs who use this part of the country, the MSA Route Liaison Officer for Gloucestershire has notified us of a recent change of address as follows: Martin Saunders, 44 Pilgrove Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0WA. E-mail: ted163@gmail.com Tel/fax: 01242 530319. Mobile: 07798 584713

e-Wheels
Pdf versions of previous e-Wheels can be downloaded from the MSA website www.msauk.org by clicking on MSA publications>Wheels>e-Wheels. Some club officials have said it can be difficult to cut and paste from this format into some programmes and we are now adding a Word format version in the same section. Such feedback from club officials is always welcome.

Motorsport Alliance unveiled
The Motorsport Alliance is a new joint initiative between the Motor Sports Association (UK governing body of four wheel motor sport), the Auto Cycle Union (UK governing body of two wheel motorcycle sport) and the Motorsport Industry Association (the UK's industry association for motor sport).

The Motorsport Alliance will allow the MSA, ACU and MIA to speak on behalf of UK motor sport with a single voice, when appropriate or necessary.

Reid is Performance Director
Former World Rally Champion co-driver, Robert Reid, has been appointed to the newly created role of Performance Director. The MSA Performance Director will be the figurehead for all human performance within motor sport and will set the strategy for all MSA sports performance initiatives.

Go Motorsport gains support
SEAT Sport UK is the latest organisation to back the Go Motorsport campaign, which has gained support from a number of high profile motor sport people such as Lord March, David Coulthard and Malcolm Wilson.


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