(that is outside of the UK)

And the answer is - Yes. Broadly speaking.

However, it appears that the Monaconians put so many restrictions on their marshals it problably isn't worth it (you have to be a certain age, and be able to speak french). Other events may have similar restrictions.

Could I ask our colleagues who have done this to add to this topic please?

(Incidentally, Marshaling in Ireland does not count as abroad)

Are you saying that you would expect non British marshals who wished to marshal in the UK would not need to be able to speak English.... <think>

The Age thing is an unexpected restriction.... but surely being able to speak the language of the country you are hoping to marshal in is just common sense... IMO

probably insurance related....if a minor got injured they might have problems?

allow me to rephrase that.

The Automobile Club du Monaco insist that all marshals working at their events can speak fluent French (IIRC).

Most other events do not specify the ability to speak any particular language for marshals (barring observers who will have to speak to race control in the control's native tounge) although obviously it helps. Since I know marshals who have been as far afield as Dubai and can't speak arabic, I shouldn't think language is really much of a problem most of the time.

There are also no such restrictions on language on UK events - so a marshal with a thin grasp of english and a full grasp of, say, German, would still be very welcome to come and work with us.

Actually it is to do with fitness - Everywhere has a minimum age for insurance, but Monaco has a maximum age for fitness. I think it's something like 35 for the maximum.

Again, by and large there is NO upper age limit for marshals.

Not really, the language of motorsport is English.

So for international events such as the Monaco GP, I would assume that Race Control would speak English but perhaps transmit in French to marshals trackside.

Steve will probably be able to tell us what language LM radio traffic is in.

Erm, are they Monogasque?

Quite possibly. A native of Monaco is what I'm getting at here.

Prehaps it would be better to say - the language of international motorsport...

Natives of Monaco are Septagenarians.... <whistle>

Apart from the marshaling contingent, who are all under 35. apparently.

Race Control at Le Mans is definitely done in French!!!! Therefore all the radio officers on our marshalling teams are French or those who speak French fluently.

Counts me out, so I listen in English (Sunderland-ese????) to Radio Le Mans!!!!

IMHO, the Canadian GP is by far the best I have ever marshalled at.

For contact details see

Marshalspost.com

I can't speak for other countries but here in the USA; foreign marshalls, particularly British Marshalls, have always seemed to be welcomed with open arms at SCCA events. I have worked with them at many venues around our country over the years. The attitude here is that we can always learn something from others.

Language is not usually a problem except in the deep south where we take the time to think what we are saying before we say it. Of course, I have a friend in town who talks so slowly that it is afternoon before he finished saying "Good Morning.,"

I've never marshalled abroad BUT I do know that there are certain procedures one should always follow.

I THINK that you have to get permission from the MSA before you volunteer for an overseas event but I'm sure that Legless can clarify this point.

Okay, here goes ...........

Technically, there is nothing to stop you just contacting a circuit abroad and saying you want to work there - the danger is that in the past some of our less circumspect colleagues have gone away and then passed themselves off as officials far above their actual grade, and this has led to the MSA's name being put into disrepute. The MSA do have a "black book" of naughty boy's names from these silly billy's.

The preferred method is that you contact the MSA for a marshalling abroad form which you complete and return to them. In return, you receive a letter of authority stating that as far as the MSA are concerned, you are a registered marshal with them. This letter is valid for the whole of the year of its issue, so it's a good idea to make copies of it if you intend to visit more than one country in a calendar year.

But after saying that, once you have completed a successful visit to a circuit and proved yourself to them, they will usually be happy to receive you again without the MSA letter. Just keep your nose clean, and then it's good for everyone.

By the way, it is up to you to negotiate your invitation to attend and work at a circuit. The sole exception to this is the Le Mans 24 Hours, where the MSA can authorise you on behalf of the ACO.

The other thing to concern yourself with is insurance cover. The MSA's policy DOES NOT cover you for marshalling abroad, so you might be forced to sign up and pay the club abroad to use theirs. The only exception I know to that is the insurance offered to members of the BMMC, which covers you for marshalling duties abroad (but doesn't cover you for any "holiday periods" of the same trip!!!!).

Right, I think that covers the main points, but I'm always happy to answer any further questions.

I have just received the following e-mail from Derek Machin: