Frequently Asked Questions - Officials Information
What is the Shepparton & District Car Club's affiliation and its requirements for officials?
The Shepparton & District Car Club is a MA (Motorsport Australia) affiliated club. To ensure smooth conduct of our events, we require suitably qualified officials. Anyone wishing to help with an event must be a recognized official, and they must hold a MA accredited “Officials Licence.”
How can I become an official for the Shepparton & District Car Club?
To become an official, you need to follow a formal process:
• Apply for a General Official's Licence by completing an application form, which designates you as a trainee.
• Trainees are required to work at three events under supervision. Each time, the Clerk of Course will sign the application form.
• Complete a MA Online Training Module. The club organizes group sessions for this, but you can also complete it independently.
• Once the module is complete, submit your trainee licence form to MA, which will issue you a General Official’s licence.
What are the different levels of officials' licences?
MA officials' licences are graded into three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The General Official’s Licence mentioned above is a Bronze level.
What are the key officials needed for an event?
Certain key officials are required to run events at the Bronze level:
Clerk of Course: Responsible for the overall conduct and management of an event.
Steward: The MA representative at the event, ensuring the event runs according to MA guidelines, handling protests, and overseeing safety.
Scrutineer: Ensures that competing vehicles meet the required standards for competition.
Other officials needed for events include:
Event Secretary: Manages event permits, entries, and checks entrants' licences and club membership.
Timekeeper: Responsible for recording the times at events.
Flag Marshall: Positioned around the competition area to provide marshalling, including pre-grid, starting, or flagging at strategic points.
How do I obtain a Bronze level licence for a specific official duty?
To achieve a Bronze level in a specific role (e.g., Event Command, Steward, Scrutineer), you must:
• Work at three events in a supervised or assistant capacity.
• Complete the relevant MA training module (either online or in-person).
• After fulfilling these requirements, submit the “Officials Licence Up-Grade Form” to receive your Bronze level accreditation.
Can I work at any MA event with a Bronze level licence?
Yes, once you obtain a Bronze level General or specific licence, you can offer your services at any MA event. If positions are available, you can assist within your accredited role.
What is expected from members of the Shepparton & District Car Club regarding official training?
As a club member, it’s expected that after an appropriate period of membership (typically one year), members will complete the necessary training module to obtain a General Official’s licence and progress to a specific licence category based on their interests.
Can key officials compete in events?
• At Non-Speed events, key officials (e.g., Clerk of Course) may compete, provided there are two Clerks of Course nominated for the event.
• At Speed events, key officials are not permitted to compete.
Why is it important to have a number of qualified officials in key positions?
Since many of our key officials are also competitors who wish to race regularly, it is essential to have multiple qualified people in each key area. This allows us to rotate officials and share responsibilities throughout the year.