Training Manual
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LICENCE UPGRADE PROCEDURE
On behalf of: VFT Training Committee
Re: Event Assessment and licence upgrade
To: All VFT club members
The VFT prides itself on being one of the most professional Flag Marshalling teams in Australia, if not the world. We have had this view expressed to the team and the chief from many people involved in motor sport at all levels from around the world. We have achieved this high standard by being very stringent with our training and assessment procedures.
Program the Training Committee has developed a process for attaining a licence upgrade. This process, which comes under the CAMS guidelines, yet maintains our high standards for flagging in Victoria, covers event assessment over an extended period, rather than at a specific meeting. Where relevant, the CAMS event assessment will be completed at the conclusion of the VFT assessment. By this time, all criteria for the CAMS upgrade will have been achieved.
The co-relation between VFT gradings and CAMS gradings is shown below
Guidelines to apply for an event assessment
1. Be aware of the requirements, and be competent at the grade level you are currently at, whether trainee or Grade 1. The recommended experience at your current grading before applying for an upgrade is shown on the diagram on the previous page. It is at the discretion of the Training Committee to consider applications for upgrade outside this period.
2. Develop your knowledge and understanding of what is required to achieve the next grade. Refer to VFT Gradings Guidelines for further details. Ask other members who are at that grade what the expectations are of them. Read the CAMS criteria for a flag marshal at that grade. Talk to the Chief Flag Marshal and/or the Training Committee members for further information and support.
3. Work and act as if you were at the grade you wish to be promoted to.
4. When you feel confident and competent approach the Training Committee / Chief Flag Marshal, to express your readiness for event assessment.
5. You will then be evaluated at a range of meetings and circuits, in a variety of ways, including written, verbal and practical demonstration.
6. This will be a non-threatening method of assessment, as there will be feedback along the way to help you to achieve your goal. You cannot Fail; you will be assessed until all criteria have been met. The period of time will depend on the number and type of meetings attended etc.
7. Further details of types of events etc required can be attained from the Chief Flag Marshal, or the Training Committee. Refer also to the VFT Upgrade Assessment Forms.
This method of assessment should help to satisfy the needs of team members, CAMS and the integrity and high standards placed on itself by the VFT.
VFT Gradings Guidelines
When observing marshals for re-grading recommendations, the Victorian Flagmarshalling Team utilises the minimum requirements as defined by CAMS, together with the VFTs minimum standard for any meeting. The combination of these requirements, which are used by the VFT when re-gradings are considered, are listed on the following pages.
Trainee
This grading is for flag marshals who have little or no prior experience. It provides an opportunity for you to receive track-side training.
For promotion to Grade 4, flag marshals should have:
- shown a willingness to attend race meetings and to be under the control and instruction of a senior official at all times
- demonstrated basic common sense at all times while working trackside
- attended 10 days track side at race meetings
- joined the VFT and become financial.
At this grading you may not be eligible to work at major national or international events.
Grade 4
To retain Grade 4 marshals must have demonstrated a working knowledge of the official structure of a race meeting and the lines of authority. They should also be able to satisfy senior officials of their ability to fill the role to the standards required by the Chief Flag Marshal without direct supervision by other officials.
For promotion to Grade 3, flag marshals should have:
- attended and passed a Flagging and Communications Course (CAMS Bronze Circuit Official category module). It is recommended that you attend this course as early as possible after joining the VFT, as there is lots of information which will be useful to you early in your trackside participation.
- demonstrated and shown ability to satisfactorily and efficiently use the flags in accordance with rules, both under supervision and without supervision
- satisfactorily attended a basic Fire Fighting course where possible (or alternatively demonstrated an understanding of basic fire fighting techniques and the use of the extinguishers used at race meetings).
- demonstrated the ability to act as team leaders
- demonstrated the ability to prepare and present written and verbal reports
- demonstrated the ability to act appropriately at the scene of an incident.
Grade 3
Grade 3 marshals must work regularly trackside so as to satisfy senior officials of an ability to fill the role to the standards required by the Chief Flag Marshal without supervision by other officials. They may be asked to provide supervision and training to Grade 4 and Trainee flag marshals.
For promotion to Grade 3 Advanced, flag marshals should have:
- officiated at sufficient events to demonstrate competence as flag marshals
- demonstrated a working knowledge of the official structure of race meetings and the lines of authority
- demonstrated the ability to act as team leaders
- demonstrated competency in producing verbal and written reports of incidents witnessed on the track.
- demonstrated the ability to act as Assistant Chief at state level meetings
- demonstrated their willingness and ability to act as team leader and to train new members on a consistent basis.
Note: It is not mandatory to move through the gradings over time and assume a higher level of responsibility. For those marshals who do not want to undertake additional training and leadership responsibilities, they should retain their Grade 3 license.
Grade 3 Advanced
Grade 3 Advanced marshals must work regularly trackside (at least six days each year) so as to satisfy senior officials of an ability to fill the role to the standards required by the Chief Flag Marshal without supervision of other officials. They will be expected to provide supervision and training to Grade 3, Grade 4 and Trainee flag marshals. They will also be expected to be able to assume the role of Chief or Assistant Chief at state level.
For promotion to Grade 2, flag marshals should have:
- officiated at sufficient events to demonstrate competence as flag marshals
- demonstrated a working knowledge of the official structure of race meetings and the lines of authority
- demonstrated the ability to act as team leaders
- demonstrated competency in producing verbal and written reports of incidents witnessed on the track
- demonstrated the ability to act as Chief flag marshal at state level meetings
- demonstrated their willingness and ability to act as team leader and to train members on a consistent basis.
Grade 2
Grade 2 flag marshals may fill the role of Chief Flag Marshal at State or National race meetings, and Assistant Chief at major National and International events.
To retain Grade 2, flag marshals must:
- work as flag marshals or senior flag marshals for at least six days each year
- maintain the standard of leadership required by the VFT Training committee
- maintain the standard of judgment required by the Chief Flag Marshal.
For promotion to Grade 1, flag marshals should have:
- demonstrated the ability to act as the Chief Flag Marshal at National race meetings, to the satisfaction of senior officials
- kept up to date with regulations and flagging requirements.
Grade 1
Grade 1 flag marshals may fill the role of Chief Flag Marshal at Major National race meetings, and at most international events.
To retain Grade 1 marshals must demonstrate the continuing ability to fill the role of Chief Flag Marshal.
NOTE: It is desirable that flag marshals attend courses such as Basic and Advanced Fire-Fighting on a regular basis.
Documents:
Event Assessment Forms:
NOTE: Download appropriate from below. Completed forms must include name and CAMS License number. Submit completed form to Club Secretary. Grade 3 and Grade 3 Adv upgrades can be assessed at State or National events, Grades 1 and 2 at National events only. Please list events you are likely to attend so Training Committee can schedule you in. You are also required to complete and attache the CAMS Upgrade Form with the VFT form. Form available at CAMS Licence Upgrade and Renewal page here.
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