Marshalling - Is it right that we insist?

[Amy]

Giggling is good - just don't make me laugh/giggle when going up a hill. Tend to fall off due to failure to breathe

But we're getting a bit off topic here...

[Phil H]

I've enjoyed the marshalling and stuff I've done so far (and I only need one more and I'll have got all of my membership fee back). OK, I was a bit nervous at first, not knowing what to expect but it turned out OK and nobody died.

"Naming and shaming" etc. makes it sound like an unpleasant chore when really it isn't. Also isn't there a membership list with contact info somewhere that means that "offenders" can be advised discreetly. Praise in public, criticize in private or something.

[Andrew G]

I think it's an absolutely selfish piss-take if you repeatedly break the agreement that you signed up to. Snoop did a superb job when he was co-ordinating marshals but understandably dropped it when he was subject to shameful behaviour that he should not have had to out up with.

I'm in favour of the having a word with known repeat offenders and then saying they are not welcome on CRs or to race in Addiscombe colours until the duty has been fulfilled. Post their names on the noticeboard at the cafe and list them on the forum. Why should we be scared of upsetting someone who couldn't give a toss about a large number of the club or upsetting them through their lack of action.

Right, now as you can see from the sticky at the top I need some marshals for the SCCU 100, if you can help I would be very grateful.

[Amy]

Andrew,
I had thought of offering for either the 50 or the 100 but then I thought, that'd be my fourth and fifth times this year and it's about time someone else who hasn't done a duty yet came forward. I can't do the 100 anyway because I'm in Wales that weekend.

[Toks]

mmm...he says while posting a message on his 3G phone fom Sunny Romford. My contribution to the club in the last 3 years has come via the Club Road Race where I happily chip in 40 to 50 towards after race snacks, Preems and Race Winnings. I only tend to turn up for the Palace marshalling cause I don't have my car freely available. I will endeavour to marshal at a few TT'S AND RR's. I didnt realise there was a financial incentive. Perhaps Perhaps

[Toks]

Perhaps a letter something along the lines of 'Hi 'Super agreeable Toks' we've noticed you haven't managed to fulfill your marshalling duties this year which one of the following events would you be available for...' Also if they refuse after two warnings they should pay an extra 5-10 on next years membership (Also let them know that marshalling reduces your club fee). Be agreeable, don't do name and shame!

[Dombo]

Why is there a financial incentive to volunteer to help? I marshalled recently at a RR and did not expect (or get) any money for doing so. It was quite enjoyable, in good company, and a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.

[Ivor]

[quote="Dombo"]Why is there a financial incentive to volunteer to help? I marshalled recently at a RR and did not expect (or get) any money for doing so. It was quite enjoyable, in good company, and a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.

[Elliot M]

IIRC it was new for this year to see if hard cash would succeed where appeals to better nature hadn't, and to offset petrol/travel costs. Plus to encourage forward planning, you only get it if you've volunteered in advance, not if you turn up on the day. You also get a nice letter of thanks.

[Snoop Doug]

[quote="Toks"]Perhaps a letter something along the lines of 'Hi 'Super agreeable Toks' we've noticed you haven't managed to fulfill your marshalling duties this year which one of the following events would you be available for...' Also if they refuse after two warnings they should pay an extra 5-10 on next years membership (Also let them know that marshalling reduces your club fee). Be agreeable, don't do name and shame!

[Rob Q]

[quote="Elliot M"]Plus to encourage forward planning, you only get it if you've volunteered in advance, not if you turn up on the day. You also get a nice letter of thanks.

[quote="Rob Q"][quote="Elliot M"]Plus to encourage forward planning, you only get it if you've volunteered in advance, not if you turn up on the day. You also get a nice letter of thanks.

[Rotherham Steve]

Addiscombe is the most friendly and agreeable club I've come across, by far. Would forcing people to marshall be inconsistent with the agreeability factor?

Compared to most clubs I know, Addiscombe is also one of the biggest. If people put something into the club, like lots of you do, you get a lot out - friendship, cameraderie, a laugh on the corner after too many beers for marshalling duties , and if enough people can be drawn in, then maybe there's no need to force people to marshall?

I think that the thing maybe missing from the current formula is a really positive way of thanking the vital few who put all the effort in and make things happen, make sure they realise how much the club values their efforts. I don't necessarily mean the people who turn up and do the odd bit of marshalling, tho they deserve a pat on the back. I really mean the people who do the organising, chasing, admin etc etc. @all of you who put in the effort, and @those who have in the past, well done, you've made the club the success that it is

[Paul H]

I think you have to sensible about this as some people are not interested in racing and have too many other commitments to marshal.

Im a member of quite a few clubs and none of them apart from ACC make you marshal and if they did, I would have to cancel my membership for some of them which will cost them revenue.

I have of course done my duty for ACC this year.

[Snoop Doug]

The money thang was (I think) intended as an encouragement and an acknowledgement that it costs most of us a few quid to get to/from a race. Sorry to those who have not received a payment - and I'm sure that is an oversight nothing more. Have a quick word with the race organiser and doubtless it will be sorted quickly.

Rotherham Steve - nice post. This should indeed be about encouragement - not forcing. The reality is we really struggle to get enough help across the racing season. A hard core of people do a lot, probably more than they would ideally like. We are a big club, but size is not important when we can't draw from a big enough pool of support.

Raw ingredients. Club runs, road races, time trials, social events, generous discounts for club members, an interesting vibrant forum, putting a little back into the sport. Why don't these things coalesce, mix, integrate?