Officials Positions and Duties
Race Control:
This is the Steward and Clerk of Course’s office while the track is in use. It is located in the Control Tower at the start-line above the Race Office.
Steward
The person with the supreme control of a race meeting.
The Steward is Motorcycling Australia’s representative.
The Steward has the power to enforce penalties and adjudicate over the rules.
It is rare for competitors to have any dealings with the Steward as the actual running of the meeting is done by the Clerk of the Course.
Clerk of Course
The Clerk of the Course is responsible to the Steward for the running of the meeting.
The Clerk of the Course will ensure that the circuit is safe, the officials are at their posts and refer to the Steward those difficulties that cannot be resolved at a lower level.
If you have any questions regarding safety, legality or the running of the races direct them to the Clerk of the Course.
To become a Clerk of Course you will first need to experience a various number of roles to give you the background knowledge required.
Communicators:
Located in Race Control, two personnel act as Communications between Race Control, Chief Marshal, Flag Marshals and Crash Crews.
They control radio communications with all marshal points and log data on all track activity during practice, qualifying and racing.
CCTV Operator:
Race days a person is also required to operate the CCTV (closed circuit tv monitors).
Pit Lane / Dummy Grid
Controlled by a number of grid and pit lane officials they set up the starting grid before each practice, qualifying and race.
They also control vehicles, people in Pit Lane, Pit Entry and Pit Exit, acting under direction from Race Control.
Starter / Finisher:
Responsible for commencing the start and finish of each practice/qualifying session and race at direction of Race Control.
The Starter, on the instructions of a key official, may: Delay a start, direct a restart, direct a competitor to start from rear of grid, pit lane etc.
Must be familiar with all Flags and starting light procedures.
Flag Marshals
Responsible for waving flags to signalling race conditions and instructions to riders and providing initial safety assistance.
Track Marshals
Track Marshals are also based at the marshal posts (sometimes one and the same)
Duties include
- Helping the fallen riders
- Using the flags if requested
- Sweeping the track
- Assisting the Recovery Crews
- Check the track thoroughly between each session in order to remove all debris which could cause a hazard to the next competitors using the track
- One Marshal at each post will have radio contact with the Race Control Communicators
- NOTE: Entering onto a “hot track” must always be under the direction of Race Control
Scrutineering:
Scrutineers/machine examiners – Mechanical/engineering knowledge required.
Duties include
- Checking all motorcycles for safety and eligibility at the beginning of the meeting
- To re-examine any motorcycles and riding gear involved in accidents prior to being permitted to return to the track
- Conduct tyre checks as per the supplementary regulations
Specific Accreditation courses are held yearly by MWA
Scribes:
Assist the Scrutineer/machine examiners with the checking of competitors MA Licenses’ and all riding gear – leathers (back protector), helmet, gloves and boots.
Recovery Crew:
Trailer teams and their assistants who recover broken bikes from around the circuit after each session or race, and return them to the Pit Paddock or the scrutineering bay as appropriate.
Timing:
Group of timekeepers working from the timing room adjacent to Race Control overlooking the Start/Finish line.
Their task is to record the time taken for every lap of every competitor during all qualifying sessions and races, and to produce the printed results of each race.
Computer knowledge is an advantage here but also a quick keen eye for lap scoring as a volunteer is welcome.
Timing Transponders are issued at the start of each race day and require a person to record allocation and return of transmitters at the end of the day.
Website Updates:
A position available on race days for someone to post updates to the Club website and Motorcycling WA.
Medical:
Comprises Paramedics, doctor/nurses and support staff available to provide medical intervention at any time and any place around the circuit.
The Medical Centre is located at the south end of the pits next to the scrutineering bay.
Race Administration Office Support:
Located at ground level below the Race Control/ Timing Tower.
It is the sporting and event administration centre and the location of the Race Secretary, who is responsible for the organization of the event.
Assistants to the Race Secretary are required for filing & distributing documentation, photocopying, issuing lap times/results and general enquiries.
Other roles to assist with are lunch preparation and distribution, Pit Paddock set up and sponsor signage.
Briefings and on the spot training are provided on the day.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING IS PROVIDED BY WAY OF ACCREDITATION COURSES