The flagman at many tracks is usually a volunteer, yet his/her job is vitally important to the conduct of any race. This job is only for people with a high sense of responsibility and cool heads. The flagger needs to be 16 years old or older, and has to sign the waiver. A short 5 – 10 minute school on flagging by the Chief Flagman or the Referee could prevent a serious mishap. It may be wise to stress the importance of their job by briefing them on the following:

1. Operate on the inside of a curve, never the outside.
2. Keep your flag concealed by your leg or body. Never point with it. Don’t let it flutter, and never roll it up.
3. Stay in place. The riders expect you to be in the same place lap after lap. They often slow down, accelerate or change gears at your flag station.
4. Keep your head moving. Watch traffic coming and going. Never fix your attention on one point for more than a second or two at a time.
5. When an obstruction occurs near your station, run immediately against traffic, working your flag to warn oncoming riders so they have time to slow down and take avoiding action.
6. Do not watch the results of the crash. Your duty is to prevent oncoming riders from crashing into the obstruction. Leave rescue efforts to others. Your job is to prevent accidents.
7. If the track is partially blocked, work your flag with one hand and make either a “Come here” or “Go away” motion with your free hand. Riders will interpret “Come here” to mean they can pass on your side, and “Go away” to pass on the far side. Be sure that you understand these signals before you use them. Ask the Chief Flagman or the Referee.
8. Make all signals Simple, clear, and easy to understand by the riders. Avoid all complicated or confusing signals.
9. Never leave your post during a race or meet until you are relieved by the Chief Flagman.
10. Protect yourself at all times. Flagman almost never get hurt at race or meet, but if a vehicle should go out of control and run you down, your only escape is to jump out of the way, hoping to only get a mild bump instead of being mowed down.

FINALLY: Remember that if you leave your post or permit your attention to wonder, riders may be crippled or killed because of it!