What can I volunteer as?

There are many volunteering roles needed to ensure that motorsport can happen

RESCUE

If Rescue sounds like something that you would like to find out more about, then as long as you have been marshalling for a few years and have undertaken Marshal training and attended a number of events as a Marshal, go and talk to the Crew Chief of a unit when you see them at an event and ask them about it, they might then be able to arrange a taster day for you. Alternatively email your local club and ask if you could be put in touch with the Rescue Unit that they use.

It takes a maximum of two years to train, and trainees seeking an upgrade are required to have collected 10 signatures from a Motorsport UK Rescue Trainer or Duty Crew Leader for attendance at:

• 8 race, rally or speed events (with at least 3 from each of 2 of these disciplines)
• 2 training events (to include fire practical training)
• Attend and pass an assessment session.

Fully licensed Rescue Crew members are required to attend and pass 3-yearly assessments, as well as have attended at least two training sessions per year. Much of the training for Rescue Crews is “on the job” and is recorded in the Rescue Training Record of the individual.

RECOVERY

Recovery Units recover stricken vehicles and provide assistance with the stabilisation of vehicles in order for Rescue Crews to carry out extrication of the competition crew.

WHERE DO I START?

Firstly, you must be a minimum of 17 years old to begin training as a Recovery Official, and you must reach your 18th birthday by the time you undertake your assessment for upgrade.
Contact Motorsport UK for details of a Recovery Unit close to where you live or contact a Unit directly at the next event you are at; they will be happy to show you around their Unit and explain what would be needed to join their team. Applications are welcomed from all genders and from any background.
Spend a day out with the team to understand their role and whether it is something you would like to be involved with. If so, with the help of the Crew Chief, you can apply for your Recovery Trainee Licence from Motorsport UK and start your training.

TRAINING

To obtain a Trainee licence you will first need to gain the support of a current Motorsport UK-registered Uni t and then complete Motorsport UK’s New Officials Registration form, which must be returned to the Membership Team with a supporting letter from the Unit operator.
Your training will be provided free of charge and is designed to help you achieve the competencies needed to be formally assessed before receiving a full licence. The training process can take up to two years and you can work at your own pace.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

As a fully licensed Recovery Official, you will be required to attend a minimum of two Training Events and a number of Motorsport UK-permitted Events per year to develop and refine your skills. A re-assessment must also take place every three years in order to maintain your licence.

TIMEKEEPING

Timekeeping is an essential element of most motorsport events, with the Timekeeper’s role being to record Competitors’ times and positions in order to determine the event results.
The tools used range from simple hand-held stopwatches to complex electronic timing systems that can accurately measure to the nearest thousandth of a second.

WHERE DO I START?

As with any Officials’ role in motorsport, it is a good idea to build up some experience of the role before beginning your formal training period. Contact your local Club and ask if you can go along to their next event to shadow the Timekeepers – the role will vary by discipline so make sure you spend some time thinking about which discipline you would like to progress in.
It should be noted that Timekeepers should have no connection with any particular trader’s or manufacturer’s business that might benefit in a direct or indirect way from the result of a Competition.

If you have been out and about gaining experience in the role, your initial application should be accompanied by a letter of support from the Club or Timekeeper that you have been working with.

TRAINING

Timekeepers can begin training from the age of 16 and are eligible to qualify as fully licensed Timekeepers once they turn 18.
All training for Timekeepers is conducted via modular training programmes; they begin as Trainee Timekeepers and subsequently undertake further modules to progress through the different grades and/or disciplines. Training is carried out under the guidance of senior Timekeepers, who act as mentors throughout the training period.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Subject to prior arrangement with the Chief Timekeeper of an Event, new Timekeepers are encouraged to attend, observe and assist at all types of event with a view to upgrading.
Timekeepers are also encouraged to attend any learning and development sessions organised by Motorsport UK.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the New Officials’ Registration Form HERE and return it to the Membership Team at Motorsport UK, along with the relevant supporting documentation.

SCRUTINEER

Scrutineers are responsible for checking the mechanical state of competing vehicles in terms of compliance with the regulations – ensuring fair play – and general safety.
They are also responsible for environmental aspects such as noise control. Scrutineers can specialise in cars, karts, environmental, or any combination of these.
While experience in engineering or a similar technical field is usually an advantage, it is not essential.

WHERE DO I START?

As with any Officials’ role in motorsport, it is a good idea to build up some experience of the role before beginning your formal training period. Contact your local Club and ask if you can go along to their next event to shadow the Scrutineers. Take some time to fully understand the role and ensure that it is right for you before applying to begin your training.
Prospective trainees must be over the age of 16 and an application form will need to be sent to the Membership Team at Motorsport UK, who will assess your experience and put you in contact with an experienced Scrutineer. This person will act as your mentor as you progress through your training period.

TRAINING

The training for a Scrutineer is conducted via a modular development programme, during which time they are classed as a Trainee Scrutineer. The programme consists of two types of module – a theory based module which can be carried out on Motorsport UK’s online learning platform, The Learning Hub, and some practical modules which will need to be completed by attending a number of events and working with a range of different Scrutineers. Applications to upgrade from Trainee to Scrutineer must be supported by a letter of recommendation from your mentor.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

At every stage of the upgrading process, from Trainee right up to International Scrutineer, an important requirement is the recommendations of at least two Scrutineers (one of whom must be a Chief Scrutineer) who will have been building up data on attendances, performance, potential, commitment and suitability for the various categories of the role.
To maintain your appointment, you must attend at least 2 out 3 annual seminars.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the New Officials’ Registration Form Here and return it to the Membership at Motorsport UK, along with any relevant supporting documentation.

Who should I contact?

Useful contacts include:

In fact the majority of local and national motor clubs will be looking for a range of volunteers. Find yours here.