Caution ! These can be extremely busy and crowded areas

• The Start Line is usually staffed by at least 3 Marshals, equipped with a Rally Clock, Flag and Check Sheet (similar to the one at the ATC).

• The Marshals with the Clock and Flag are responsible for starting the cars, whilst thee third Marshal will make entries on the competitors Time Card and maintains the check sheet, or alternatively takes it to a fourth Marshal (under cover) who enters the details.

• Marshals entering information on the Time Card will check the information already on the card is correct, amend it if necessary, fill in the Start Time (if necessary), enter either a 'bingo' number or previous car number depending which system is being used.

        (Previous car number is a useful safety measure. When the competitor arrives at the Stop Line, the Finish Marshals will check the number on the Time Card with the previous car to arrive at the finish. If the numbers tally, all is ok however if not there may be a car off in-stage)

• Competitors come to the Start Line when told to do so by the Start Line Marshals. It should not be necessary to knock on their window as the Navigator should be watching the flow of cars ahead.

• Start Line Marshals may delay a competitor in the event of an incident in stage. If this occurs, they will amend the Start Time on the competitors Time Card.

• Start Line Marshals may also ask competitors to look out for specific cars stuck in stage (as per messages pertaining to Previous Car numbers) or of specific problems in-stage

• A navigator may ask to look at the Start Clock so as to check the time

• The Marshal with the clock will advise the competitors when there are 30 seconds, 15 seconds and 10 seconds to go, and then provide a count down from 5 seconds

• At 10 seconds the Marshal with the Flag will hold it in front of the windscreen on the drivers side (NOT ON THE WINDSCREEN as this may smear and impede their vision, plus it makes it easier to judge a jump start)

• As part of the countdown process the Clock Marshal will count down with fingers to the navigator whilst also shouting out the countdown to the Flag Marshal (the competitors won't hear, but rely on the visual signals)

• On ZERO the Marshal will point down the stage and the Flag Marshal quickly whip the flag away.

Marshals on Start Lines should wear stout boots and thick protective clocking as stones will fly as the start area gets cut up and it's also advisable to quickly turn away and protect the face from flying stones. Additionally it may also be advisable to have ear protection given the noise generated by many current cars, especially WRC spec. (Remember you'll be even more reliant on your colleagues as your 'look out' as you'll not hear them)

As well as the Start Line Marshals, you are also likely to find :-

1. Stage Commander

2. Stage Safety Officer - on Internationals located at Stop Line

3. Start radio car(s) - possibly more than one depending on radio frequencies being used.

4. Doctor

5. Rescue Unit - quite often with the Doctor aboard

6. Recovery Unit

The Stage Commander has sole responsibility for the stage and its management. The next step up in the chain of command is the Clerk of the Course, who is usually based at Rally HQ. It is the Stage Commander as the person on the ground who says whether a stage will run or not.

The Stage Safety Officer usually acts as the Stage Commander's deputy and has the job of ensuring that the stage is set up properly, with arrows, warning boards, tape and road blocks in the appropriate places.

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