Thank you for being a marshal. Without volunteers like you, the event would not happen.

Key officials in a race:
• Event organiser – An event organiser has overall responsibility for the planning, running, promotion, administration, risk management, results filing, and clean-up of a cycling event.
• Commissaires (chief and assistants) – A commissaire is a senior official in a bike race, they ensure all safety and sporting aspects of a race are facilitated and controlled.
• Chief Marshal – The chief marshal coordinates the team of marshals and is their main point of contact.
• Marshals – An off-road race marshal is a race-facing marshal, their main focus is to keep the course clear and safe for the riders. They use flags to warn riders of hazards or to stop a race. An off-road race marshal may also answer questions from spectators, or issue instructions to keep the course and security zones clear.

Marshal briefing:
At the start of the event, all marshals will have a briefing meeting. Key event information and role details will be discussed, maps and equipment will also be handed out. You will need to sign when you take the equipment and as acceptance of this role. If there is anything you are unsure about, or if you have any questions, please ask either the chief marshal, event organiser or a commissaire.

Equipment:
The equipment you will be given is:
• a radio
• a whistle
• a red flag
• a yellow flag
• a hi-vis marshal vest
• event details, including site map with the course and marshal points, the timing schedule, and emergency contact details
• notepad and pen
• course tape
• refreshments for the duration of your marshalling duties
You may also be given a bin bag to collect rubbish in your area.

You will need to bring suitable footwear and clothing for walking, standing or sitting still, so check the weather forecast. You should also be prepared for the weather to change, especially if you are on an exposed hillside! Remember to bring any other equipment, provisions, drinks or snacks you may want during the day in a backpack. These could include waterproofs (these are also windproof!), sun cream and insect repellent, small camping chair, which could all be required during a single British day!

Radio:
You will need to listen to the radio messages to follow what is happening during the event, keep it within earshot. If you need to use your radio to send a message:
• Speak slowly, clearly, and keep your message to the point.
• Give your marshal point number
• Radios are only for event information, only refer to riders by their number, and consider others may overhear your message
• If you are not speaking, do not press the ‘call’ button! Pressing the call button blocks all other radio communication. Ensure you do not press it accidentally.

Whistle:
• You will need to your whistle repeatedly whenever you are waving a flag.
• In downhill events, blow the whistle every time a rider goes past you. One short, loud, blast for each rider – i.e. two blasts for two riders close together and so on.

Flags:
You will need to show flags to riders as briefed, as told on the radio, or if a rider crashes in your area.
What do the flags mean?
• Red flag – tells riders that racing has been stopped – riders stop immediately and await instructions.
• Yellow flag – warns the rider that there is a hazard – riders reduce speed and proceed with caution.
When not in use, keep the flags out of sight, next to you. You should only pick them up and use them if there is an incident. It is important not to create confusion with the flags, keep them out of sight where a rider will not see them accidentally.
How to wave a flag to give the signal:
• Hold the flag so its colour is visible to the rider. For example, the stick in one hand and an opposite corner of the flag in the other hand.
• Extend your arms so the riders can see the flag and move it from side to side.
• Blow your whistle repeatedly to give riders an audible alert that you are showing a flag.

Crashes:
If a rider crashes in your area:
• WAIT a few moments. Do not rush to help them. Usually, they are OK and will move out of the way.
• If after a few moments they are not moving or appear hurt, then either:
o If the rider is not blocking the course and not in a dangerous place and it’s a training session wave your yellow flag to advise the next riders.
OR
o If the rider is blocking the course or has crashed in a dangerous place (like the landing off a jump) AND the next rider is coming, then wave your red flag.
• Radio the chief marshal to report it and to get medical assistance, remember to give your marshal point number.
• Stop spectators from attempting to move riders, moving of riders should be left to the medics who will do so safely.
• If you are having a problem with crashes in your area, radio your chief marshal for extra help.
Security zones
• Security zones are areas just outside the racecourse and are marked by a second line of tape. These areas are kept clear for the safety of all spectators all and riders, should they crash. Security zones will be shown on the course map and you are responsible for keeping security zones in your area clear of all people and objects. Photographers and media are also not permitted in them.
• You need to ask people to move out of the areas, if they don’t, report it to chief marshal immediately.
• You could advise spectators to stand up-hill of the course as it is generally a better view and safer.
Rider off-course
• During a race run a rider might go off the course – i.e. go through or over the course tape.
• If they do, then they have to get back onto the course in the same place that they left it when safe.
• Watch the rider, and if they go back onto the route further along/down the course, make a note of the rider’s number and inform the chief marshal.
Course repairs
• If the course marking tape is broken, please try to fix it. Do this from outside the course, do not put yourself or riders in danger.
• If a course post comes out of the ground, you must put it back in the same place.
• If any big rocks or anything else moves on the course and you consider it to be dangerous, radio your chief marshal for help.
• If you have a problem or are not comfortable making any repairs, then radio for help!

Mechanicals:
Riders are not allowed external assistance during racing. If a rider has a puncture or mechanical, they are required to fix it themselves. Do not assist them. During racing, note and report to the chief marshal any unpermitted assistance or any rider not completing the full course.

Need a break?
Do not leave your position unattended during training or race runs. If you need to leave your marshal point at any time, radio your chief marshal and ask them to send a replacement.

End of racing:
Stay at your marshal point until you receive confirmation from your chief marshal that you can leave your position and that racing has finished. There may be riders still on course or reruns to be completed. You may be asked to clear course tape and bring it with any other rubbish collected.

Thank you again and enjoy the event