What a boring job this is! Its hard to stay alertInstructions to Flagpersons Your job as flagger is to warn the approaching riders of a danger ahead and protect a downed rider, by displaying the yellow caution flag.

A yellow flag displayed motionless means caution.

A yellow flag waved vigorously means great danger. Be prepared to stop.

A yellow flag waved vertically over your head will summon the ambulance.

Please stay alert at all times. The safety of the riders is sometimes in your hands.

You will normally wave the flag from the side of the track.—Do not place yourself in a dangerous position by getting too close to the track. Cross or enter the track only when it is safe to do so.

It is best to flag from the edge of the track the fallen rider is nearest, but cross the track only when it is safe.

You need to be (upstream) from the downed rider to be effective. If you have to move up the track to get before the downed rider, start flagging as you go—a flag after the rider is better than no flag.

It is usually helpful to flag with one hand, and motion the riders with your other hand by pointing towards the side of the track you want to steer the coming riders to.

It is not your job to help the rider get his bike going.  You need to be upstream from the down rider to warn other riders that he is down.  If you run down to the rider, you will both be in jeopardy of getting run over.  Stay where you can be visible to the on coming riders.


I sent for, and received the following from AMA (American Motorcyclist Association), Westerville Ohio.
 

The Flagman at many tracks is usually a volunteer, yet his job is vitally important to the conduct of any motorcycle race.  This job is only for people with a high sense of responsibility and cool heads.  A short 5-10 minute school on flagging by the chief Flagman or the track referee could prevent a serious mishap.  It may be wise to stress the importance of their job by briefing them on the following:

The purpose of a Flagman is to warn the rider of a hazardous situation on or near the track and to protect workers and downed riders from oncoming traffic.  Your flag covers everything from your position on to the next Flagman.  As long as there are riders on the track, do not leave your position.

Always position yourself on the inside of a curve and stay at the same location so riders know where you will be lap after lap.  Keep your flag concealed by your leg or body, do not point it or let it flutter.  Position yourself to view the areas where the oncoming riders do not have a clear unobstructed view of the track ahead ie: turns, jumps, etc.  Protect yourself and the downed rider.  Be alert, never fix your attention on one spot for more than a couple seconds.  Do not watch the results of a crash, leave rescue efforts to others, your job is to prevent accidents.  When an obstruction occurs near your station move immediately against traffic, positioning yourself between the downed rider and oncoming traffic in such a manner to indicate to riders there is an obstruction on the track beyond your location.  If the track is only partially blocked, work your flag with one hand and make simple, clear, and easy to understand gestures directing the riders to the clear portion of the track.  If the downed rider's motorcycle is between him and the oncoming traffic, it should be left as a barrier to help protect the rider.

A stationary yellow flag indicates danger on or near the track ahead.

A waving yellow flag should be used just ahead of the danger that exists.  If the next Flagman after you is waving his flag indicating danger, then hold your flag stationary to indicate danger does exist ahead.

Be completely familiar with the flagman's communication procedures whether it is radio, hand signals, or additional flags.

A police type whistle being blown is a good additional flagman's communication tool, as it can alert other flagmen and track personnel, along with the riders.