F&C - Special Roundtable Meeting

A special meeting was convened of Flagging and Communications specialty members. Craig Rhine chaired the meeting. Verne Wandell was introduced as the new Chief of F&C for Western Michigan Region representing the host region.

Concerns were expressed:

1.        Too many events. It was suggested that the number of National events be reduced.

2.        Too few staff for the corners.

3.        Corner worker burnout

4.        Some workers are voting with their feet

5.        After-dinner races should not be held which creates very long days for F&C members.

6.        National office of SCCA does not have an aggressive marketing campaign to attract more F&C workers

7.        Are staffing levels at some events within those prescribed by the G.C.R.?

Some suggestions were offered

1.        Flag chiefs must make noise despite becoming unpopular with the Race Chair and Stewards

2.        Auto Shows have been successful recruitment programs in some regions. Local regions still hold the responsibility for recruitment.

3.        Insurance companies may determine staffing prior to accepting liability.

4.        No after dinner races

5.        National Office must have the names of current regional F&C contacts to whom they may refer new recruit inquiries

6.        Mandate the training of drivers, crews and family members who can bolster the ranks in times of need

7.        Cancel several events due to lack of corner workers

8.        Limited workers need to be treated well

9.        Establish phone trees to invite workers to attend events

10.     Welcome Kits for recruits

v      Personal Welcome

v      Bumper sticker

v      SCCA brochure/guides

v      Patch

v      Sticker

v      Welcome letter

v      Newsletter

11.     How to retain members

v      Newsletters

v      Points to collect for rewards

v      Tours of tracks

v      Phone follow-ups

v      E-mail/telephone reminders

12.     Better use of e-mail, establish a network

13.        Call the 350 workers who are not showing up to events

 Special concern was raised about a flagging situation that occurred at the RunOffs®. The Steward called for a red flag. The pace car was dispatched to bring the cars to the front straight. The corners were not informed of this procedure and confusion resulted. The G.C.R. may be ambiguous of how a red flag situation should be ended.

 Full Course Yellow Flag procedures caused much discussion. At the RunOffs® the rule was all stations would display two yellow flags. Only the station with the incident waves ones of the yellow flags. This differs from most other events in which stations flag the incident. (i.e. lead station single yellow flag, waving single flag at station with incident and all other stations would be double yellow). Most opposed but some were in favor of the procedure. Your opinions of this procedure may be shared with Mr. Kent Williamson.

 There was some uncertainty of the license renewal requirement of four events. Is an event 1, 2 or 3 days? How do people achieve or maintain double or triple specialty licenses? How does Denver ensure the authenticity of signatures on logbooks?

Interesting ruminations abounded about the future of F&C. Formula One has been using radios to direct flaggers to blue flag. On board light systems instead of humans. Will flaggers lose responsibility? Will track lights replace flaggers? Will television replace communicators?

Stewards and workers will have their spring workshop at the Holiday Inn in South Bend Indiana. The host region will be the South Bend Region February 5 - 6, 2000

Craig Rhine announced he was stepping down as the Assistant Divisional Administrator for CenDiv. Tom Phillips will replace Craig. The group thanked Craig for his having assisted over the years. Kim Joiner remains the Divisional Administrator for CenDiv. Pat Burns the National Administrator was present.

MTM Winter Meeting - Now & Future

Grant  & Liz Wilcox have offered their home as the site of the first MTM Winter Meeting of the new millennium on Saturday, February 26, 2000 at 6:00 PM

We really appreciate Liz and Grant opening their home once again. They have offered their home and hospitality for the last ten years. It is time for a break after this year. This will be the last year it will be held at this venue. Make sure that we get one or more members to host the event in the year 2001.

Many thanks to Liz and Grant!!!!

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