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Last Login: 10/26/2008 9:00:38 AM
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Mussel Kar (9/30/2008)
Sheesh! Susan and I skip one event and it all goes to pieces in a heartbeat. JK. Recently I have had to repeatedly tell my corner workers to get off their cell phones. Even had to tell one of them not to sit down again.oh no, don't tell me you were being BOSSY! (-: but seriously, all this discussion that i started does need to be tempered by a recognition that these problems are not the norm -- most of the people i've worked with have been fun to do it with because they've cared about doing a good job and helping each other achieve that goal. like Larry said, sometimes that's meant pointing out something i've missed seeing, or running over from their spot to help me [sometimes even from the next corner], or catching sight of a car number i missed. then i watch for when i can return the favor. my basic point was about how that focus [on caring about keeping the course right and safe for other drivers] is more important that worrying about having one's ego bruised by being told "not to sit down again" or "check that cone." so sorry to let you down, but no, even though i missed you and Susan, i have to say that things really didn't go to hell in a handbasket without you. (-:
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Last Login: 12/20/2008 5:06:12 PM
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First of all, let me say I'm in awe of the dedication the Boston Chapter enjoys from key people involved in their autocross program. Larry, Christo, and many others who I can't all name do a great job with handling those issues that crop up during an event. Thank you for those efforts!
Most of the radio problems I heard in the timing tent seemed due to static - meaning there was either interference or weak signal strength from certain stations. Those stations seemed to be the furthest away, so I'm guessing it was signal strength. The other portion of it is the old "press button - pause - speak" stuff that routinely happens with those not accustomed to using a radio.
I've talked with Bryan about the corner boss situation/comments. Unfortunately, I missed out stopping in to O'Hanlon's after the event to follow up with Larry, and I forgot about it.
Granted, I always assume there may be an optimistic explanation to people's behavior, so I'm guessing this may simply be a difference in clubs' philosophies as to what is expected out of a corner boss. At any of the SCCA events I've attended, the corner boss is expected to be in charge of the radio and the flagging - nothing else. Those 2 responsibilities are given great importance, from a safety perspective, so bosses aren't allowed to chase cones, just as they aren't allowed to use cell phones, chat excessively with their co-workers, etc. Chasing cones would distract them from keeping an eye out for situations needing a red flag displayed, and also makes communication more difficult due to tasks that require you to turn your attention to them rather than listen to the radio. So, what I'm guessing is people just apply the norms from other autocrossing events to the Boston BMWCCA events, thinking they're abiding by the rules. I, too, took Larry's comments as an admonition of some who had previously worked as bosses as having a high opinion of their privileges in the corner boss position, and they should pitch in. I simply chalked it up to misunderstandings rather than poor attitudes on behalf of the corner bosses.
While Boston is certainly within their rights to define their work positions as they see fit, I would point out that they pump cars through the course at a tremendous rate, which is a tribute to their efficiencies but can also stress those working the course, as well as the sometimes harried timing tent personnel who may be dealing with a lot of O/C and cone calls.  I would recommend adding more workers to corners if possible, rather than adding an area of coverage to the bosses who are supposed to be manning the radio and flag. I realize that's dictated by the availability of workers, which sometimes takes a hit based on no-shows or early-departures, but I think it'll help maintain the level of safety we've enjoyed so far.
As far as the comment made earlier about better distribution of workers, it's not always evident as to what areas will be hot spots and which will be dead zones. This typically requires a fair amount of runs to be made before the patterns are established. I think Boston does a fairly decent job of adjusting the workers on the fly - that's a tough thing to do mid-heat.
Hope that helps...
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 11:13:21 AM
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Athena46 (10/3/2008)
Mussel Kar (9/30/2008)
Sheesh! Susan and I skip one event and it all goes to pieces in a heartbeat. JK. Recently I have had to repeatedly tell my corner workers to get off their cell phones. Even had to tell one of them not to sit down again.oh no, don't tell me you were being BOSSY! (-: but seriously, all this discussion that i started does need to be tempered by a recognition that these problems are not the norm -- most of the people i've worked with have been fun to do it with because they've cared about doing a good job and helping each other achieve that goal. like Larry said, sometimes that's meant pointing out something i've missed seeing, or running over from their spot to help me [sometimes even from the next corner], or catching sight of a car number i missed. then i watch for when i can return the favor. my basic point was about how that focus [on caring about keeping the course right and safe for other drivers] is more important that worrying about having one's ego bruised by being told "not to sit down again" or "check that cone." so sorry to let you down, but no, even though i missed you and Susan, i have to say that things really didn't go to hell in a handbasket without you. (-: I knew it, your just buzzing me because I took the flag and radio away from you at your first event, and then I politely told you where to go.  (over to the left) Hope you had a good time yesterday, I know I did. Susan was a bit frustrated though. Some days you hit them, some days you don't.
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Forum Member
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 11:13:21 AM
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| Excellent post and I could not agree more. When I have the radio I try to position myself safely near the center of my station and only get cones very close to me. I also hold a little meeting with any novice course workers telling them what to expect, and why I expect it. We are all there for fun and many of us are also there for competition. Re runs can sometimes give you a slight advantage, and sometimes put you back on the course with very hot tires.
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