Road Marshal Guidelines

Road Marshal is the title bestowed on a group of very unique people, in a challenging cycling event like The International Tour de Toona. This position requires individuals with a wide assortment of talents. A good Road Marshal must be enthusiastic, informative, communicate well with others and react quickly and calmly to any problem. Marshals are required to work with one major goal in mind: TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND FLAWLESS BICYCLE RACE FOR PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS. This goal can be reached by following these guidelines. Race Marshals should be prepared for anything that may happen, and most of all, use GOOD COMMON SENSE.

You MUST BE 16 YEARS OLD or accompanied by an adult.

BE PREPARED

Don't be fooled, a Road Marshal's job is hard. Leave the heavy partying for the final night, get a good night's rest, and be prepared for the day ahead. Other than wearing your official T-shirt and clean clothing; there are a few more items that you should consider having.

Sun screen and lip guard Sunglasses Water or Juice Clear Rain gear Healthy snacks Cool weather clothing

Comfortable Footwear Hat or Visor Course maps Current race information Wrist watch, to be on time! Whistle (if available)

Small Cooler Trash Bag Push Broom (if at a turn)

POLICE AUTHORITY

The racers depend on the Marshals at every turn in the road. The racers will look to you for direction if a situation or caution scenario arises and you must be prepared to provide it. That's one of the main reasons you are there. You also become the "race interpreter" for the police representatives. For those marshals who will have contact with the various Police authorities; please give them the respect and the response they deserve. Explain your role as a marshal and develop a good working relationship. They may be unsure of the dynamics of the event and your explanations will allow them to do their jobs better and enjoy the event more. Do exactly what the police say if a crisis occurs. Remember you are not a policeman; only duly authorized officers can enforce the law. Never compromise the event or yourself by exceeding your authority. If a problem of jurisdiction or misunderstanding about responsibility arises, notify the Marshal Coordinator. What you do and say reflects on the race-the proper respect combined with helpful information and a "thank you" in the end goes a long way in building a good relationship with the authorities.

MARSHAL DUTIES

Securing the race course is but a small part of your overall responsibility. From pre-race to post-race each marshal will be involved in a range of tasks that lead to the building of the best possible event.

BEFORE THE RACE: Use this time to train your eye for safety hazards and look out for the upcoming needs of racers and spectators. Eliminate potentially dangerous situations such as potholes, gravel and loose equipment. Keep the area shipshape.

Course set up duties include the following: (should be done one hour before start time)

1. Courses must be swept clean of all debris-the smallest sharp object may cause a flat.
2. Cones and hay bales should be strategically placed, taking into account the sweeping arc of a high-speed turn and the need to protect racers should they go down. Work with the set up crew on their placement. Look for anything that could be dangerous if a racer slams into it at 30 mph.
3. Make sure there are garbage bags/cans nearby. It will make your clean up job a lot easier.
4. Work with the set up crew on securing the road surface. manhole covers and all grates should be covered.

When you've completed your course set up duties, be sure to stow your equipment (brooms, shovels, extra trash bags, etc.) in a safe place so they're not a safety hazard and are not stolen. Remember to pick them up before you leave too!

DURING THE RACE: Marshal Duties very according to what part of the course you are responsible for. Always remember that teamwork and helping each other is what makes the whole event work. If you have done your homework, you should know the following things:

1. The days' course route, distance, etc.
2. Current race and team leaders
3. Location of team, staff & spectator parking
4. Rerouting of traffic patterns

MEDIA/VIPS: They will be the nicest and most difficult people you will have to deal with. Always remember your job is their safety and the safety of the racers. Help the photographer get that once-in-a-lifetime shot, making sure that it won't cause an once-in-a-lifetime accident. Most photographers will welcome your help in finding a place on the course. But if a photographer is endangering himself or the racers, get them off the course, regardless of what his credentials say.

BACK COURSE AND ROAD RACES: While working the back course or a remote section of a road race remember this-even though there aren't as many, the people and animals are probably twice as dangerous. It's easy to contain a crowd at the START/FINISH area with a fence. It's much harder to contain a curious child in a remote area of a road race. With no fencing to help, marshals working in these areas must be constantly alert for hazards. Talk with the people you see, inform them of what's about to happen. Ask the adults about children playing and loose animals that might be in the area. The dog that is snoozing on a porch 5 minutes before the pack (of riders) arrives will be screaming past you when it sees the activity. Your intersection with spectators will be more one-on-one away from the START/FINISH line. Again, a smile will go a long way, it may be tough to pacify an angry motorist; you've been delayed before -it can be aggravating no matter what the reason. Be sympathetic but firm, and encourage them to enjoy the race. Help spectators have a great experience at the race. Answer their questions with a smile, no matter how silly they may seem.

AFTER THE RACE: Once the race is completed or past your post, please leave the site clean and with no garbage. If we don't clean up after ourselves, we may not be invited back. If you have any water bottles from racers that may have thrown them, please bring them back to the START/FINISH area-they may be looking for them after the race. PUBLIC RELATIONS: A marshal's job is more than safety. You will have more involvement with the local people, the spectators, and the people caught unaware than any other race employee. You are, in effect a goodwill ambassador. It is very important to the long term goals of the race that a positive impression is made on everyone involved. The manner in which you conduct yourself, deal with other people and carry out your responsibility will go a long way toward assuring that the races are established as a world class event.

MARSHAL RULES

1. BACK TO THE COURSE-EYES ON THE CROWD: The first and foremost duty of a marshal is to separate the racers and the race course activities and actions of the general public. Potential dangers to racers and spectators will come from the crowd not from the course. Although the action may be exciting and you may have the best seat in the house, it is not your job to watch the race.
2. YOU ARE A MARSHAL, NOT A POLICEMAN: Reread that section of these guidelines if you have questions.
3. BE ALERT: It only takes seconds to turn a potential problem into a disaster and your job is to avert the problem before the disaster occurs.
4. Know your schedule and be on time: it is crucial for every marshal to be on time. Whether it is for a meeting, transportation or arriving on site, you should always be prompt. Other people are depending on you to be there.
5. KNOW DAILY RACE INFORMATION: Spectators will want to know who the leaders are, where the next day's stage is, when the racers are arriving/leaving, and other general race information. Take a little time each morning to catch up on all the new information.
6. KNOW WHERE THE TOILETS ARE: Portable toilets will be at every race START/FINISH. While it may be one of the most boring questions you will be asked, the people doing the asking will be mighty grateful for the information.

ABOVE ALL, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR WORK AS A ROAD MARSHAL!