What do the Marshall and Check Marshall do?

Marshall (works under the Chief Referee, Sectional Referee or Event Director):

• Checks entries are in order and marshals competitors before they go to the start.
• Organises and displays draws, assembles competitors in drawn order and keeps discipline in the marshalling area.
• Makes sure numbers in each race stay within the event's competitor limits, and confirms starting numbers for water races with the Chief Referee.
• Checks competitors comply with LSA general rules and works with Scrutineers on gear and safety compliance.
• Reports infringements or irregularities to the Chief Referee.

Check Marshall:

• Assists the Marshall and records every competitor's name and race number before the race.
• Accompanies competitors to the start line and makes sure they are positioned as drawn.
• Checks competitors are dressed as the manual requires (e.g. club skull cap fastened under the chin).
• Reports team changes and equipment infringements to the Marshall and Chief Referee.

Rules worth knowing: a competitor who reports late to marshalling can't start, and a competitor absent from the start is disqualified. Competitors declare that they will start, or withdraw, with the Marshall before the event. Before each start, a Marshall places competitors in drawn order and takes them and their equipment to the start area.

Like all officials, Marshalls must report safety concerns at once and may suspend competition in their area if there is a catastrophic event.