Course Control Instructions

1.     RADIO: It’s important to understand how to use the radio correctly.

a.     Radio should be set to frequency 7.3 to communicate with workers. (this is also listed inside the radio box)

b.     Use the orange talk button to communicate.

c.     Don’t use the “Call” button.

d.     Always wait to talk for a second after depressing the talk button (otherwise your first few words may get cut off)

e.     Face into the wind when talking so that the wind doesn’t blow into the microphone.

f.      If your radio “beeps” when you depress the talk button that’s a signal that your batteries are going dead. (some radios now have a battery level display)

2.     Make sure the worker stations know how to operate the radio and the correct frequency.

3.     Find a spot to stand in front of the timing vehicle where you have a clear view of the course, and also where Timing can easily see you through a window.  You might have to move the PA speaker so the Announcer doesn’t interfere with your duties.

4.     Establish a communication method with the time recorder in the van; hand signals, verbal, whatever. Decide whether you’re going to explicitly indicate a signal of “clean” for a clean run (good), or assume that if you don’t signal or tell them anything, the run was clean (not so good). Hint: a closed fist is a good signal to use for a clean run.

5.     Check in with worker stations before the first car runs. Remind them that the person with the radio should hold the red flag and know how to wave it if a red-flag situation arises.

6.     Have worker stations check that all cones are correctly in their boxes before the first car runs.

7.     Have worker stations spread their people out as applicable for their coverage areas.

8.     Remind worker stations to:

a.     Run after cones

b.     Watch out for multiple cars on course

c.     Get out of the way if a car is coming even if they can’t get the cones back up

d.     Be safe first

9.     Remind stations to call station number, penalties, and car i.d. as the car leaves their coverage area for the last time (example: “Station-3, 2-cones on red RX-7 #45”).

10.  Acknowledge all call-ins by station number (e.g. “Two cones on 45, thank you Station Three”).

11.  Watch for cones in the start and exit lanes; they count too. Check with the station that covers that area to be sure they know to watch it.  (the Starter may help with this)

12.  Communicate the penalty total to the time recorder as soon after the car leaves the exit lane.

13.  If the worker stations have trouble keeping up, communicate to the Starter that the second-car start interval needs to be increased.

14.  RED FLAG: Call a red-flag situation if:

a.     A Course Worker tells you to

b.     Timing tells you to

c.     The Safety Steward tells you to

d.     A potential close encounter between cars is developing due to a spin, car breakdown, lost driver, etc. Tell the worker stations which car (or cars) to red flag, with some urgency.