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Training Notes
The Flag Rules Here is a comprehensive guide to the CAMS flag rules and some information on how they can be interpreted. Instructions in this manual regarding flag signals may be amended at any time by race control. (Danger ahead – slow and prepare to take avoiding action)
SOP* This is a signal of danger and should be shown to drivers in two ways with the following meanings: Single waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction. There is a hazard beside or partly on the track. Double waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction or stop. There is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track. Yellow flags should normally be shown only at the marshals’ post immediately preceding the hazard. In some cases however the Clerk of the Course may order them to be shown at more than one marshals’ post preceding an incident. Overtaking is not permitted between the first yellow flag and the green flag displayed after the incident. Yellow flags should not be shown in the pit lane unless there is an incident of which the driver should be made aware.
*SOP = Standard Operating Procedure
Further Information There are designated mirror points at CAMS events. This replaces the stationary yellow flag pre-warning used previously in the CAMS rules. The mirror point ‘copies’ the yellow flags being shown at the following point. At some tracks, there are permanently allocated mirror points. For example: Sandown; 0.5 mirrors 1 and 5.8 mirrors 6; Phillip Island; 1 mirrors 1.1 mirrors 1.2; and 9 mirrors 9.1 mirrors 9.6. Additional mirror points may be added at the discretion of the clerk of course. In addition to these, the Clerk of Course may request a flag point to mirror for a specific incident or for the meeting. A question that has been asked previously is, “what should I do if my point is not a mirror point, but there is a particularly dangerous incident in the next sector, perhaps only just after the next flag point, for which I believe the drivers need a pre-warning?”. If you think the yellow is required, then put it out (it must be waved). If race control disagrees, they will request you withdraw it. With yellow flags, it can take quite a bit of experience to be able to assess whether a car is in a position which needs a flag displayed or not. This is compounded by many factors which need to be taken into account when making the decision – is it wet or dry, is the driver in the car, out of the car but still trackside, or is he over the fence, are there officials working in the area, etc. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer for this. It is best to review each point you get to, identify race line, danger areas on and off the track, how far off the track you think a car needs to be to be safe, taking into account the conditions on the day. Discuss it with others at the point and if you’re unsure, stop the chiefs on their morning track inspection and talk it over with them. That will give you a guideline to follow for that point for that weekend. Double waved yellows may also be used when the track is not blocked to indicate ‘multiple’ hazards and hence to provide an increased level of protection. For example, if there is an incident which requires the use of a single waved yellow flag, and then officials go onto the track to push a vehicle, the flags could be upgraded to double waved yellows whilst the people are in a position of danger. A yellow flag should be waved at the post immediately prior to the grid when marshals are on the track lining up the vehicles for a race start. It should also be used whenever there are people on the track (this includes between events when officials are working on track). V IC
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YELLOW FLAG
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RED FLAG
(Stopping the race or practice)
Further Information
SOP This should be shown waved only on instruction from the Clerk of Course when it becomes necessary to stop a practice session or the race by other than the chequered flag. All drivers are required to slow down immediately and proceed to the pit lane (or the place foreseen by the regulations of the event), and must be prepared to stop if necessary. Overtaking is not permitted.
BLUE FLAG
When the red flag is displayed, additional flags may also be displayed. At the point of incident which necessitated the red flag, a yellow flag will also be displayed to warn drivers of the danger in that sector. The use of a white flag is recommended to warn drivers of moving service vehicles in the sector. If you do not have radio communications, the red flag will be displayed at the starter’s box, and should be displayed by flagpoints around the track by line of sight. That is, the points prior to and after the starter’s box put out their red flag when they see it in the starters box, then the next points in either direction do the same when they see the red flag, etc. so that the red flags are displayed progressively in both directions until all points are showing the red flag. The red flag should be displayed until directed to be withdrawn by race control.
(Overtaking signal)
SOP This should normally be waved, as an indication to a driver that he is about to be overtaken. It has different meanings during practice and the race. During practice: Give way to a faster car which is about to overtake you. During the race: The flag should normally be shown to a car about to be lapped and, when shown, the driver concerned must allow the following car to pass at the earliest opportunity. Pit Exit (at all times): A stationary flag should be displayed to a driver leaving the pits if traffic is approaching on the track.
Further Information In normal circumstances during racing, the blue flag is used for lapping cars only, not cars moving through the field, even if they are faster cars who qualified at rear of grid or who have had a mishap and are coming back through the field. At some meetings, such as historic races, there is a great disparity of speed between cars in particular categories. To assist the drivers at these events, the Clerk of Course may advise that a stationary blue flag can be used to indicate to a driver that a much faster car is approaching and that he will be overtaken in the next sector. If a stationary blue is to be used, the Chief flag marshal will advise you at the briefing. A stationary blue flag will also be shown at pit exit to advise drivers entering the track that they will be merging with faster cars on the main straight.
YELLOW WITH RED STRIPES
(Deterioration of adhesion / slippery surface)
SOP
Further Information
This should be shown motionless to inform drivers that there is a deterioration of adhesion due to oil, water, dirt etc on the track in the area beyond the flag. This flag should be displayed, for at least (depending on the circumstances) four laps unless the surface returns to normal beforehand. It is not necessary for the sector beyond where this flag is being shown to show a green flag.
Note that this flag is NOT used to cover any debris on the track that is likely to cause damage to a vehicle if they ran over it. In this instance, the appropriate level of waved yellow flag should be used.
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Remember this rule: If you can drive through it, you use the ‘lack of adhesion flag’, if you have to drive around it, then wave the yellow flag.
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WHITE FLAG
(Slow moving vehicle or service vehicle on the track ahead)
SOP
Further Information
This flag should be waved and is used to indicate to the driver that there is a much slower vehicle on the sector of track controlled by that flag post.
GREEN FLAG
This flag is used for any moving service vehicle on the track or a slow moving race vehicle. Note that if the vehicle stops, the white flag should be withdrawn and the appropriate level of yellow flag displayed.
(All clear ahead)
SOP
Further Information
This should be used to indicate that the track is clear and should be waved at the flag post immediately after the incident that necessitated the use of one or more yellow flags. It may also be used, if deemed necessary by the Clerk of Course, to signal the start of a warm-up lap or the start of a practice session.
The green flag at the post following a yellow flag should be waved until the last car that saw the yellow flag has passed the green flag. The green flag is also used at the conclusion of a safety car period – see separate section for safety car flag signals.
SAFETY CAR PROCEDURES SC Here is a brief summary of the safety car procedures. When the safety car is deployed, Race Control will advise all points. The Safety Car board and a waved yellow flag should be displayed at all points. As with the red flag, if there is no radio communications with flag points, the starter will display the board and flag and all points will follow via line of sight. When the safety car period ends (preceded by the safety car being instructed to switch off its lights), the instruction will be given to the starter, who will display the green flag as a signal to the field to restart. Safety car boards and flags should be withdrawn and green flags displayed immediately at all points upon instruction from Race Control.
The green flag can be issued and withdrawn upon instruction from Race Control. The Chief Flagmarshal is to notify the team of any changes to this process at the morning briefing. Note that on the restart, the cars may not overtake until they pass the green flag at the control line. This may mean that cars are seeing green flags at the points preceding the start/finish line, particularly if the field is spread out. So, make sure that you watch for passing and report any passing before the control line. Where there is a flagpoint just preceding the starter’s control line (e.g. Phillip Island), the start/finish flag point should not display a green flag, as it is very difficult for the drivers to distinguish which flag represents the control line when the points are close.
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The Flag Combinations In the strictest sense, these are the valid combinations – but there’s a lot of interpretation that can be applied.
Red Flag The only other flags to be displayed are the yellow flags at the point of the incident. Note that if there are multiple incidents around the track requiring yellow flags, then each of these points should display a yellow flag as well as the red.
Yellow Flag The blue and green flags cannot be displayed with the yellow flag. All other appropriate flags should be shown with the yellow flag. This includes the white flag if you have service vehicles moving in your sector to the incident. But remember to withdraw the white flag as soon as the vehicle stops at the incident, as they will then be covered under your yellow flag.
FLAGS
BLUE FLAG
GREEN FLAG
YELLOW YELLOW FLAG FLAG
WHITE FLAG
RED FLAG
YELLOW & RED STRIPES
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BOARD
BLUE FLAG GREEN FLAG YELLOW FLAG YELLOW FLAG WHITE FLAG RED FLAG YELLOW & RED STRIPES
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One question which is often asked by new members is “why can’t I show a blue flag if the yellow flag is displayed? The cars are still allowed to pass as they approach the flag point, and if they do, shouldn’t I display the blue flag?” Technically, the cars can pass prior to the point displaying the yellow. However, when they see the yellow flags, they should be preparing for the upcoming hazard (‘reduce speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction’). The blue flag is not only contradictory, but may be a distraction or even block the sight of the yellow flag from the driver. Hence, the blue flag should be safely tucked away whenever the yellow flag is displayed.
Blue Flag When the blue flag is displayed, the white and yellow/red stripes flags are the only other flags which can be shown at the same time.
White Flag The white flag can be shown at any time if there are slow-moving cars or service vehicles on track.
Green Flag This flag can be displayed with the white flag. See discussion above under yellow/red stripes as to this combination. TO R I A N
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This can be displayed with any flag except the red flag. One point of discussion is should this be displayed at the same time as a green flag? The green flag advises the driver that the track is clear of the yellow flag incident preceding your point and he may now overtake, but the ‘yellow with red stripes flag’ advises that there is a deterioration of adhesion in the track ahead. As the rules stand, both flags can be shown. However, the priority should be given to displaying the ‘yellow with red stripes flag’ - it is important that the driver is warned of the deterioration of adhesion ahead.
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Yellow with Red Stripes Flag
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Flagging Scenarios Here is a chance to test your knowledge and work out which flags should be shown in each of these scenarios.
Scenario #1 1
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
Car 24 is moving slowly in your sector Car 24 is moving slowly in your sector
Car 24 is moving slowly in your sector ...
Car 24 is moving slowly in your sector
Car 24Flag(s)? is moving slowly in your sector Car 24 is moving slowly in your sector
2 FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a stop next to the tyre wall 30 metres away
FLAG POINT
Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a stop next towall the30tyre wallaway 30 metres away ... stop next to the tyre metres
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
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FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
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FLAG POINT FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay and then a tow truck drives into your sector Flag(s)? The driver of car 24 gets out of the vehicle and starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay The then drivera of cartruck 24 gets outinto of the vehicle and tow drives your sectorand starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay The cartruck 24 gets outinto of the vehicle and driver then aof tow drives your sectorand starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay and then a tow truck drives into your sector
The tow truck stops off the track and the recovery crew exit their vehicle to approach car 24 ... The tow truck stops off the track and the recovery crew exit their vehicle to hook up Flag(s)? the stationary car off the track and the The tow truck stops
recovery crew exit their vehicle to hook up the stationary car The tow truck stops off the track and the The chequered flagtheir has now been recovery crew exit vehicle to called, hook up Thestationary tow truck stopsdown offflag” the cars are“Chequered on a warm laptrack and the the car recovery crew exit their vehicle to hook up The chequered flag has now beenand called, atrack warm down towThe cars truck stops offon the the lap. The tow truck the stationary car are cars areand on acar warm down lapthe to recovery crew exit vehicle hookstill in up 24their enter track your sector the stationary car The chequered flag has nowthe beenpits ... called, heading towards
FLAG
The tow truck and car enter the track still in your sector and drive towards the pits The tow truck and car enter the track still
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cars are on a warm down lap The chequered flag has now been called, cars areFlag(s)? on a warm down lap track still The truck and The tow chequered flagcar hasenter nowthe been called, in your sector and drive towards the pits cars are on a warm down lap The tow truck and car enter the track still in your sector and drive towards the pits
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The driver of car 24 gets out of the vehicle and
The driver of car 24 gets out of the vehicle and starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay starts to look under the bonnet at the engine bay andtow then a tow truck your drives into your sector ... and then drives sector The driveraof cartruck 24 gets outinto of the vehicle and
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FLAG POINT
Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a Flag(s)? stop next to the tyre wall 30 metres away Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a stop next to the tyre wall 30 metres away Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a stop next to the tyre wall 30 metres away
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Car 24 pulls off the track and comes to a
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FLAG POINT
Scenario #2
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
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FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
Recovery and medical crews move into your sector ... “RED FLAG RED FLAG RED FLAG!” Flag(s)?
Car 24 is hit badly by car 51 centre of track ... Flag(s)? FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
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FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
Medics attend to the driver, recovery attend to car 24 and the clean up crew removes debris and puts soaker on the oil ... Flag(s)?
Car 24 rolls over into the tyre wall 8 metres away, car 51 is stationary centre of track. Flag(s)? Debris and liquid is on the track ...
FLAG POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
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7 FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
Emergency crews rejoin the track in your sector and the track has soaker covering the oil spill ... Flag(s)?
Car 51 moves away slowly towards pits ... Flag(s)?
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FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
FLAG FLAG POINT POINT
“WITHDRAW RED FLAG, CARS ARE RE-ENTERING THE CIRCUIT ...”
Flag(s)?
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FLAG POINT
FLAG POINT FLAG POINT
The driver of car 24 crawls out, visibly dazed ... Flag(s)?
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Setting Up Your Flag Point These are some of the things you should be thinking about when arriving at your point each day. Of course every flag point is different and some tracks have bunkers, shelters, platforms, cages etc. Try to apply these principles to your location each time and collaborate with your team to get the best set up for the weekend.
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Mirror Points At mirror points, whenever a yellow flag is waved at the following point, the same flag signal is displayed at the mirror point. Here are two circuit diagrams showing you where the mirror points are usually applied at Sandown and Phillip Island. This is a provided as a guide only. You should always attend the flag briefings at the meeting where you will be advised of what mirror points are being utilized for the event.
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Fire Extinguishers Here are the two types of fire extinguisher you will have on your flagpoint. Stand them separately at different track entry points (but keeping your escape routes clear) and then you can easily grab an extinguisher if you are required to attend a car fire trackside.
Blue Extinguisher Foam
White Extinguisher Dry Chemical
The extinguisher with the blue stripe contains a foam that will smother the flames and vapour coming from a fuel fire. DO NOT use this extinguisher on an electrical fire. Foam causes less damage to vehicles.
The extinguisher with the white stripe contains a powder that will choke the oxygen from flames coming from any type of fire by interrupting the chemical reaction. Use the powder on large fires.
How to use a fire extinguisher: When you get to your point, check that the gauge on the extinguisher is green, with the plastic tamper tag in place. Check the cylinder for any damage or hose obstructions. Turn the dry chemical extinguisher upside down a few times to break up any settled powder. If you have to attend a fire, approach upwind and remove the pin from the handle. Squeeze the handle for a short test-burst, aim the hose at the base of the fire and use side side to sweeping motions to put out the fire. For engine fires lift the bonnet slightly and spray the nozzle into the engine bay. Do not open the bonnet fully straight away as too much oxygen can fan the flames. TO R I A N
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Hand Signals When marshals attend a trackside incident, information needs to be quickly relayed back to the communicator at the point and then up to Race Control. You will need to use these signals to tell the people back at the point what is happening with the car and driver. Marshals at the point must then repeat them back as acknowledgement of the communication.
Fluid on the track Point to the fluid and ‘spread soaker’ with the other hand
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Medical attention required Cross arms over head
Fire marshals required Arms form an ‘F’
Flat tow required Arms form a ‘T’
Lift tow required Arms raise and lower repeatedly
Rescue equipment required Arms form a ‘W’
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The driver is OK Thumbs up
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Is it safe to cross the track? Arm vertical: Wait (not safe) Arm lowered: Cross (safe)
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Assistance required Pat top of head
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