Marshal Lore
Page 44
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ONE of the greatest problems in organizing eliminating rounds of the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition is to find a sufficient number of marshals. It is they who deternfine the success of an event, not only by hastening the proceedings, but by marking with scrupulous accuracy and handling competitors with tact. A marshal who treats contestants in an off-hand or superior manner is the greatest deterrent to future entries.
The officials are usually members of motor clubs who give their services enthusiastically. They are not to be blamed if they cannot understand why lorry drivers often have difficulty in comprehending clearly expressed competition instructions. They are, however, culpable if they show their impatience.
. There is a great difference between motor sport and the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition. Commercialvehicle drivers who are entered for the contest are not necessarily volunteers. They are not indulging in recreation, but in an extension of their daily work, for which they sacrifice their spare time. They are not accustomed to weighing the niceties of words, but their proved professional skill is an example to everyone and they resent any reflection on it. • Moreover, the outcome of the competition may have far more important consequences for professional drivers than a sporting event has for private motorists. To gain • an award influences a man's prestige in the eyes of his fellow workers and of his employer. Accuracy and justice in marking are, therefore, vital.
• To swell the ranks of marshals, more operators and representatives of the motor trade might be persuaded to give their services. A marshal who had a direct interest in any particular competitor's success could bc paired with one who was impartial. Proceedings would be speeded up and boredom through long periods of waiting would be avoided.
It would also be helpful if regulations could be explained verbally before the contest began. The most practicable method of doing so might be to broadcast an invitation to drivers who were in doubt about the meaning of the rules to report to a well-identified official who would answer their question& The competition is growing steadily and a good start has been made to this year's event. The improvements still remaining to be made are principally matters of detail organization, to which efficient, tactful marshals are the key.