Quote Originally Posted by Sulland View Post
  • Are there training courses for different categories, with an exam to prove their knowledge?
  • Is there a ladder, ending up as top dog?
  • Are marshalls payed, given food and drink, gift cards or in any other way appreciated?
  • Does your country have a pool of marshalls online, where rally organisers can pick, and check availability?
I'll try to answer with what I know of how it happens in Belgium

- There are courses for marshals, in both Flanders and Wallonia, to teach them what to do, how to handle a fire extinguisher etc. At the end there are a few tests. But from what I've heard they're very easy, as they need to be, they can not be picky with who they choose as a marshal, everyone who helps is more than welcome.
- There's no "ladder" as you say it. However only those who followed a course and the exam can be a marshal on the stages. Many other helping hands are there for service parks, regroup, entry tickets, setting up stages etc.
- The marshals are paid, but not much. From what I know they are getting 25 euros/day (on which no tax is to be paid, obviously) and a food package. I know some sponsor (chain of petrol stations) once gave some voucher for fuel to the marshals. Also some sponsors gave away caps, proper vests to wear etc.
- I don't think there's any pool of marshals online here, but it's a small world, people from clubs know each other and help each other out with organizing events.

Some years ago we had huge problems in Belgium finding marshals, it seems a bit better now, but still, it's very important to take care of these people, as they are the ones keeping our sport alive. It's becoming harder to find people willing to give up their weekend for another one's pleasure.

I think the main thing is to really show marshals you appreciate them, also spectators should be aware of how important they are. If you treat them well, most will be happy to come back. Try to be creative as an organizer, think what could be interesting to them. When making up the budget for an event, you could think about them as well. If you ask an extra 20 euros entry fee for drivers, but mention that it is to take care of the marshals, they'll gladly pay it and you'll have just as many cars at the start of the event. Depending on the amount of entries and volunteers, you can do something with that. Also approaching sponsors for this could turn out well, for example for some clothing/cap/umbrella, or vouchers in case they are selling petrol/consumer goods. Maybe a stupid idea but for a winter rally giving them a bag of wood to make a little fire could be an inexpensive but nice surprise...