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A marshal's plea

NEWS STORY
16/05/2005

Following comments made in a news article concerning marshals last week, we received a number of e-mails from the boys and girls in orange that constitute the lifeblood of motorsport, at all levels.

One particular e-mail, from Pitpass reader, and marshal, Nick Allison, sums up the feeling amongst many of these much-needed volunteers:

As a volunteer marshal for many years allow me to put some flesh on the bones of marshalling in the UK.

All the guys and girls in orange, circuit side, pits, paddock, start-line or wherever are nearly all unpaid volunteers marshalling as a hobby for the love of the sport, be it sprint, hillclimb, clubbie, international or Grand Prix, doing what they love in their own time.

A group of marshals on a post or in the pits or elsewhere come from all levels of society from students to solicitors, from cleaners to chemists, working together to get the job done, ensure safe racing, clear up after the "offs", run the races to time and enjoy their hobby.

Most of these unpaid volunteers, work for a living, have families, take holiday time off for three/four day meetings, pay their own travelling and accommodation costs, buy their own Proban overalls and the rest of the kit (wet proofs, kit bag etc) supply their own food and drink for the day because we want to.

Strange to say in this commercial world the majority do not want to be paid.

However more and more in the face of diminishing numbers of marshals prepared to work sometimes from 7.00am sign on until often, early evening in all weathers, a genuine "thank you", at the end of the day makes the marshal feel his/her contribution to have been worthwhile.

I have to say that at a club level the appreciation of the marshalling team is more frequently expressed than at high profile 'monied' meetings.

So, to teams and competitors just remember we are not the enemy, we do serve a purpose, we have a job to do as well, (some of it good for you, some of it not). Dont ignore us, give us a wave on your slowing down lap, smile a bit and we'll smile back, don't blank us when we say good morning and if its not too painful the odd "thank you" would be nice.

Please Note: These opinions are mine, and not those of any marshals' club of which I am a member.

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