So you're interested in joining VFT, what's next?

The VFT is an equal opportunity club. You need to be at least 16 years old to join and have a way to get to and from each event. You’ll be working in a team, so you will need to be friendly, reliable and ready to help each other out. Get ready to work hard but play harder! You will also need some warm clothing and wet-weather gear for those not so-sunny days…

At first you will be on a trainee licence where you will be placed trackside on a flag point with an experienced senior official who will you show you the ropes and teach you everything you need to know.  After that, provided your skills assessment is complete, after 10 days of trackside experience you can apply to become a VFT Grade 4 and Motorsport Australia General Official.

Motor racing is exciting and demanding

Both driver and marshal derive satisfaction from being able to play their part. The difference between the driver and the Marshal is that the driver is an individual and the Marshal can only play his or her full role as a member of a TEAM. The prerequisite for a competent FLAG MARSHAL are:

• Enthusiasm
• Reliability
• Dedication
• Common sense and Team Spirit
• Concentration

Motor Racing is Dangerous

A fact of which everyone who attends meetings, is constantly reminded. Marshalling could be more dangerous because of the frontline positions to which the Flag Marshal is exposed. Protect yourself and your partner first.

Flagmarshalling can be uncomfortable

This can be greatly reduced by being prepared. Whatever the time of year, or the weather forecast, sufficient clothing for any condition must be taken with you. Should you join the VFT, you will be given the opportunity to purchase wet weather gear and uniform clothing through the club at a reasonable cost. You will also be advised as to what type of clothing to take with you to race meetings.

General

On-track training is provided to all new officials and further training via special Training Days will take place from time to time, as determined by the Chief Flag Marshal and Training Committee. It is advisable to arrive at the circuit early, in plenty of time to sign-on at the specified time (don’t worry you will be told what time you need to arrive). This will allow organisers to provide you with information you will require to perform your duties, allow you to be covered by Motorsport Australia Insurance and allow the senior officials to check who has reported for duty, so that you can be allocated to a post. Allow yourself time to check your equipment. The time you take now, will save valuable minutes later on, if there is an emergency. Flag Marshals are the main form of communication between drivers on the track and the Officials running the meeting. They do this by displaying coloured flags in pre-arranged patterns. By use of the correct flag signals, the Flag Marshal can keep the driver informed of the state of the circuit, the occurrence and importance of any incident around the course, the presence of extraneous or slow vehicles on the track and the proximity of other competing cars. The flag system can be used to control the flow of the event or in fact, stop the event. It is a vital function and one which takes full concentration to carry out with the accuracy and judgment required. Click here to view a brief explanation of what the flags mean.

Benefits of being a Flag Marshal

• Free entrance to race meetings
• Free meals whilst on duty at the circuit
• Free programs
• Friendship
• Meet people you would not normally meet
• Belong to a team

Membership Fees

Annual membership fees are $30 for a single and $35 for a couple/family*

*membership fees are subject to change.