Posted: June.26.2010 at 10:17am | IP Logged

Since I've encouraged all to participate in GCR reading circles, and study groups...

Well, maybe not to that extent, but we all need to attempt to stay current with changes represented by the printed (.pdf) GCR which is now an officially 'living' document.

This small exchange occurred with another F&C volunteer as he got the bug to dwell into the murky depths of the GCR with regard to the operational sanctity of the Stewardship, and their authority over certain aspects of our basic F&C operations.

So for discussions sake... (ONLY)

He sez:

"So, I see no direct reference to the stewards ability to do what even supplemental are not allowed to do (ammend 6.1,),and a Chief of F&C is established to administer Flagging.

I know, it's easier to just play nice, but I don't think that is what the rule book says. In short the CS only powers regarding flags are when to use the black, red, meatball and checkered flags."

I'll share an exerpt of my reply, which was intended to challenge him to read on...

"So under who’s authority do we receive the call for a FCY with, or without the Safety Car (we get to call it that in SCCA)? 

And are you telling me that if Control says that the ACS-Base Comm orders the canceling of a local yellow, that the we can tell them to pack sand?

We have to remember many things about people.  Most operate from obsolete information.  Some believe that the Stewards have some ‘God’-like power.  They don’t.

Stewards pay for their own lunch too, as they are just as ‘volunteer’ as the rest of us.  As I ponder the theme, if they were to accept ‘gratuities’, or a free lunch from a competitor, then that might reflect on their integrity, compromise their objectivity, and be considered an attempt at bribery.  And that is a violation of GCR.

So when you get right down to it, we should see no Stewards attending, or accepting any awards from, a ‘sponsor’ presented ‘Chalet’ parties, during the event week-end.

WARNING!!--This whole reading of the book game can be very consuming.  Also, be very cautious in the application of such knowledge.  You might wind up pissing somebody off when you ask the question, “What section of the GCR qualified your actions?”

Does this mean that the GCR indirectly says that there can be NO FREE LUNCH?

I encourage any of our F&C people to question these things, in order to be better prepared for the time the they will need to flush some of the frustrations that go with the job we do.

I now pose the theme to this forum, that some may have insight as to the perspective of those many others that are also "GCR" enlightened.

Posted: July.02.2010 at 8:17am | IP Logged

(sigh) I had really hoped that by now everyone within SCCA (drivers, entrants and volunteers alike) understood that we all play for the same team.  Evidently not everyone agrees.

Check the definition of "bribe."  Accepting a free lunch is not a bribe unless there is an understanding that something corrupting is expected in return. 

In 30+ years, I have witnessed many instances of drivers providing gifts, food, beverages, or even money toward the volunteers.  Not once have I detected that the driver expected something in return.  Instead it has always been as a token of thanks for our time.

Posted: July.04.2010 at 5:46am | IP Logged

Point your friend toward GCR 5.12.2.A (Powers of the Chief Steward).  It begins with (emphasis added):

The Chief Steward shall:
1. Execute the program of competitions and other activities safely
by controlling drivers, their cars, the Officials, and workers
from the commencement of activities until the time for protests
from the last competition has expired.

Your friend might read the following rules, giving the CS power to remove an official (e.g. flagger) who is incapable or refuses a direction.

Your friend is also misreading the flag rules.  Certain flags (e.g. Red, Black) may be displayed only at the direction of the CS.  The CS may order the display of any flag (though the wise CS leaves those decisions to the relevant corner captain).

Remind your friend also that the CS may (and invariably does) delegate some or all of his powers to Assistant Chief Stewards.  Absent any indication to the contrary, participants should assume that an ACS is speaking with the full authority of the CS.

Also, to follow up on Bob Hudson's thought, soliciting, accepting, or offering a bribe is a grave breach of the rules.  So is making an unfounded allegation of bribery.  I would suggest that your friend be awfully darn sure about his facts before alleging any bribery.