Marshal Art
Vaibhav Sharma

While drivers, cars and speed hog the limelight, there is way more to F1, and one of the most important parts is the marshal. Marshals hold great responsibility and are expected to follow high standards with respect to their conduct and professionalism. To this end, it is important that all marshals strictly follow the basic rules set out below.

n Place safety and welfare above all else.

n Accept responsibility for all actions taken.

n Be impartial and avoid any situation that may lead to a conflict of interest.

n Be courteous, respectful and open to interaction.

n Seek continual self-improvement through training, performance appraisal and regular updating of competencies.

n Be positive role models in behaviour and personal appearance.

n Maintain an equal opportunity and harassment-free sport practice.

Marshals are one of the public faces of motor sport — particularly in the paddock, the pits and trackside, where they are more likely to have direct contact with spectators and could appear on TV, with the possibility of being seen by millions of viewers.

There are some basic rules that all marshals must abide by so that there is an orderly, safe and well-controlled team. Failure to follow these basic rules may result in a change of duties or, in serious cases, the removal of "official credentials" for the meeting.

Cameras: Marshals must not carry cameras while on duty, and may not take photographs unless given permission by their senior marshals.

Autographs/photo opportunities: Marshals, while on duty, may not seek autographs or photo opportunities from competitors, nor take work-breaks waiting outside the F1 GP paddock in the hope of seeing competitors.

Mobile phones/radios: Mobile phones and private radios must not be switched on or used while a marshal is on duty, except where specific permission is given by a senior marshal.

Alcohol/ smoking: Marshals may not drink (or be affected by) alcohol prior to events finishing each day, nor may they use any drug, which is likely to affect their alertness or judgement.

Punctuality: Turn up on time and at the right location. Being either late or being absent from your position at the event can have significant consequences. Another marshal would need to be found to fill your role. In particular, give yourself ample time for travel.

Uniforms: Uniforms must be worn as supplied at all times, including the tabards, which are issued at the event. The uniform remains the property of the promoter. Overalls must be handed in at the end of the race weekend.

Credentials: Passes/tabards must be worn at all times. Do not lose them and under no circumstances should they be lent or given to someone else. Should you lose your pass, you will need to get it replaced at the Credentials’ Office and the original pass will be cancelled.

Safety Barriers: Marshals must remain behind the safety barriers at all times while the track is secured for competition, unless they are directly involved in emergency work.

Be alert and do not get distracted: At all times, marshals must remain alert and standing, facing race direction in order to anticipate incidents and avoid debris and other dangers, which may not be contained by the barriers and debris fence panel.

Incidents: In the event of an incident at your point, do not ask competitors that are involved in incidents for autographs and/or photo opportunities, as this may aggravate an already distressed individual, particularly if the incident involves contact.

Briefings and instructions: Each day, all marshals will gather at the Muster Tent (except the Medical Team, which will meet at the Medical Centre) for a general briefing, followed by briefings from their respective team leaders. They will then proceed to their individual areas of duty for the day.

Injuries, ill-health and medical problems: Marshals must immediately report any medical problems, injuries or illnesses they have suffered which may affect their ability to fulfil their duties.

Hazards/occupational health & safety (OH&S): Marshals should report any hazards around the circuit which they believe could be a risk to the personnel and the event.

HOME