MSA Grading Scheme, completely pointless?

[vanny]

Beyond the fact that every year since i started marshalling the rules and methods seem to change, is there actually any point in the MSA Grading Scheme if you only marshal at Aintree?

For example, here is the exact wording from the MSA on how to obtain signatures;

• On arrival at post present record card to the Post Chief (or marshal carrying out
that duty)
• The Post Chief reviews comments in record card
• The marshal must be allocated to the duty for which they are seeking an upgrade
in order to gain a signature.
• During the day the Post Chief observes the marshal
• Any adverse behaviours discussed so the marshal can apply any corrective or
improved actions.
• Debrief at the end of the day
• Comments recorded in the marshal’s record card
• Post Chief signs to confirm the attendance

Now as Aintree Track and Sprint events usually go, there isn't a specific Post Chief, if anything the person with the radio is the Post Chief, making me the Post Chief, mmm, I suspect that isn't going to work!

Here is the exact wording for assessment;

What needs to be demonstrated on an assessment day?
Knowledge – does the marshal have the knowledge
appropriate to the grade they are seeking?  
E.g.  for a track marshal – do they know the hand signals,
do they know the on‐post flag procedures.
Skills – can they actually do the job
Attitude – Have they the right attitude to fellow marshals,
competitors, spectators.  Do they respond well under
pressure.
Experience – already demonstrated by the attendance
signatures

Demonstrating 'hand signals' on a track day could be entertaining, i know a few special ones, but while i know the ones there looking for, i doubt i would ever ever use them at Aintree.

Quite frankly the MSA seem to have turned the grading scheme into a bit of a boys club, the few times i've marshalled at 750MC events at Mallory and Silverstone i have most certainly felt like an outsider. The others on the post really don't like having someone new as it messes with there 'arrangement'. If you don't know someone in the club, your not really welcome!

But the MSA scheme doesn't (as best i can tell) cater for, or care about the smaller clubs like ours.

What has got me rather annoyed is that as of this year you HAVE to register with the MSA EVERY SINGLE YEAR. This isn't really a big problem, except they didn't actually bother to tell me!!!!!! Probably not helped that for the last year they have had the wrong address on there system, which I've told them twice, but they didn't bother to change. They've also decided that you HAVE to have your registration paperwork countersigned by a marshals club, which means you HAVE to be a member, again, news to me!

The MSA are a bit like the FIA, amazing at creating paper work, but of no discernible use to the sport.

[runner]

I here what you say and agree to a point, but the problem will always be the smaller clubs loose out to the large clubs. The BMMC chairman and the speed rep are both club members maybe they should be involved with this issue? They maybe able to give you better advice, if you go on the BMMC north website, their contact deatils are there. Hope this helps.

[kernow]

Hi Vanny,

Good to see you at Chowley yesterday.

Yes the MSA has changed the requirements for Marshals to upgrade, mainly to ensure they have the right level of experience in dealing with incidents (what we’re there for).
This is only the second change in the 10 years I’ve been marshalling.

Is there a point being an MSA graded marshal at Aintree? I have to say it’s not a necessity and most aren’t, but they do have the knowledge and experience to deal with incidents. I would always recommend that they do go for training and upgrade as they progress. If you’re on post and have an incident and have to help a driver still in the car, it’s good to know the person on post with you knows how to use an extinguisher if there should be a fuel leak onto a hot exhaust.

Unfortunately all the examples you give for assessment are from the Race marshal upgrade requirements not for Speed marshals. The MSA hasn’t issued guidelines these yet and I did challenge the BMMC National Chairman about this and they hope to issue them this year, MSA bureaucracy moves slowly.

If you want a signature for attendance at Aintree then ask me at the event, likewise if you need to upgrade ask me at the start of the event and I will make sure you are assessed during the day. I am an X grade speed marshal and can do the upgrade if you have the number of signatures on your record card and training days. Look forward to seeing your “hand signals". ;D

I’m sorry you weren’t made welcome at Mallory and Silverstone, that is really down to the Post Chief to make sure his team on post is working well together, did you say anything about it at the end of the day? Feedback goes 2 ways.

You’re right that the grading scheme is a one size fits all approach; speed events cover everything from National B events at Aintree to British Championship rounds and high profile events such as Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Re registering with the MSA every year, they have always issued a new Marshal’s Registration Card, this year it changed to a “credit card” style and all marshals were asked to confirm they were still marshalling, I’m not sure this is an annual event but will check for you.

The MSA through the Marshal’s Working Group is trying to make sure that we have marshals with the right level of skills to ensure our sport is safe not only for competitors but those standing behind the barrier.
If you have suggestions as to how to make things better please email me and I will raise them through the BMMC to the MSA Working Group.

Look forward to seeing you at Aintree this year.

[runner]

Have contacte the MSA to see if my Fire Marshals (NHS) course from work is valid, still waiting to hear. I think the MSA should allow other agencies training to count.