In Search of Safety Flaggers for Outdoor Nationals

300exc
Posts
214
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3/5/2018
Location
Provo, UT US
3/23/2023 6:56am

I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation.

whatever it grows too by the start of the series, divide it by 12 rds and there you go.

 

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3
mxb2
Posts
22437
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Location
Bowie, MD US
3/23/2023 7:09am
300exc wrote:
I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation...

I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation.

whatever it grows too by the start of the series, divide it by 12 rds and there you go.

 

Good idea,. When you starting it? . Lol.
5
300exc
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Location
Provo, UT US
3/23/2023 7:24am
300exc wrote:
I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation...

I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation.

whatever it grows too by the start of the series, divide it by 12 rds and there you go.

 

mxb2 wrote:
Good idea,. When you starting it? . Lol.

It would take someone younger than me to figure that stuff out.

only pay the ones who stay all day.

 

2
Kanewel433
Posts
203
Joined
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Location
Summerville, SC US
3/23/2023 8:04am
slowoldman wrote:
Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track...

Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track entry fee or get you parked without cost?    On the application it asked about food allergies but that’s all.  Either way I’m in if they ring my phone.  👍

 

You get free entry as a flagger, and it usually comes with an overnight camping/parking space, but this can vary track to track. 

3

The Shop

sumdood
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Location
San Clemente, CA US
Fantasy
3/23/2023 8:52am
slowoldman wrote:
Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track...

Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track entry fee or get you parked without cost?    On the application it asked about food allergies but that’s all.  Either way I’m in if they ring my phone.  👍

 

I doubt they'll have "Too many" applicants, I'd say your chances of getting the call are high. When I did it the entry, parking and or camping and food were comped.  Good luck !  The only tips I have are to bring a camp chair, a small cooler with cold drinks and a couple snacks, sunscreen and chapstick, maybe an umbrella if it's super hot. During the race it'll be hectic and you won't have time for anything except paying attention, but being comfortable during the down time will make the day easier.  

5
mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
3/23/2023 9:29am
300exc wrote:
I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation...

I think the best thing anyone could do for the outdoor flag crews is start a go fund me account and get these folks some appreciation.

whatever it grows too by the start of the series, divide it by 12 rds and there you go.

 

mxb2 wrote:
Good idea,. When you starting it? . Lol.
300exc wrote:

It would take someone younger than me to figure that stuff out.

only pay the ones who stay all day.

 

Like opening a vital account, 5 minute process to create a account.
1
slowoldman
Posts
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12/21/2015
Location
Wendell, NC US
3/23/2023 11:20am
slowoldman wrote:
Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track...

Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track entry fee or get you parked without cost?    On the application it asked about food allergies but that’s all.  Either way I’m in if they ring my phone.  👍

 

Kanewel433 wrote:

You get free entry as a flagger, and it usually comes with an overnight camping/parking space, but this can vary track to track. 

This is awesome.  Budd’s has been a favorite place for me to spectate, as well as race amateur races at. I Definitely will be dry camping, Budd’s is 4+ hours from my home. Thanks again for the information, really appreciate it.  👍

2
slowoldman
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Location
Wendell, NC US
3/23/2023 11:22am
slowoldman wrote:
Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track...

Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track entry fee or get you parked without cost?    On the application it asked about food allergies but that’s all.  Either way I’m in if they ring my phone.  👍

 

sumdood wrote:
I doubt they'll have "Too many" applicants, I'd say your chances of getting the call are high. When I did it the entry, parking and or...

I doubt they'll have "Too many" applicants, I'd say your chances of getting the call are high. When I did it the entry, parking and or camping and food were comped.  Good luck !  The only tips I have are to bring a camp chair, a small cooler with cold drinks and a couple snacks, sunscreen and chapstick, maybe an umbrella if it's super hot. During the race it'll be hectic and you won't have time for anything except paying attention, but being comfortable during the down time will make the day easier.  

This is great first had information and will be taken seriously for sure. Thanks again in advance!  

2
Cajun Doc
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Location
Baton Rouge, LA US
3/23/2023 7:52pm
Magoofan wrote:

How are people not trampling others to get in on this?     I am shocked.   

sumdood wrote:
Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes...

Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes or so, sorta maybe kind of get to watch a little bit of the first lap (once they go by your section) after that it's 35 minutes of watching your section from behind while rotating your head every 3/4 second to make sure you're not going to get run over, you're standing on an off camber hill so your back will be history by the end of the day, in between races instead of grabbing a cold one and taking a piss you get to wrestle and drag the fire hose around and water your section, it'll be too dry or too muddy depending on which AMA guy yells at you, then after that when you're almost bored the next race will start and it's stress city for 35 minutes again, oh and the job doesn't pay anything, What's not to like ? Laughing      

80E806F2-FFFD-438B-B1B1-6DBA537C9121

 

4
3/23/2023 9:01pm
Nairb#70 wrote:

Southwick would be a good place to flag. The fences are packed five deep, so spectating is not so good there.

I would honestly rather flag Southwick then spectate it. I skipped it last year. It's the worst National for spectating. I'd rather drive further for other races

Kanewel433
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Location
Summerville, SC US
4/24/2023 6:34pm

Update:  All existing volunteers have been submitted to the respective Race Organizers for the upcoming MX National series.  

Whether you're selected to flag or not, thank you all for the support.  I intend to keep at it year round, so stay tuned for more updates. 

 

-KN

6
4/25/2023 7:58am
sumdood wrote:
  I went through a flagger phase. I'd be down to do it again. If you've never done it before it's an exciting day to say...

FLAGGER SHIRTS 

I went through a flagger phase. I'd be down to do it again. If you've never done it before it's an exciting day to say the least  ! Laughing

 

I’ve got the blue glen Helen shirt from back when they had the national. I’ve also got a photo of me somewhere holding the guitar/1st place trophy. I never flagged we always worked the hole shot club free donuts, in and out burger, and beer plus we worked in the shade!  One of the perks of growing up with the track owners. 
 

 

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1
DerickYZ
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Salamanca, NY US
4/25/2023 8:16am
Kanewel433 wrote:
Update:  All existing volunteers have been submitted to the respective Race Organizers for the upcoming MX National series.   Whether you're selected to flag or not, thank...

Update:  All existing volunteers have been submitted to the respective Race Organizers for the upcoming MX National series.  

Whether you're selected to flag or not, thank you all for the support.  I intend to keep at it year round, so stay tuned for more updates. 

 

-KN

When could we hear back about this? I submitted for Unadilla when this thread first came up, haven't heard anything back. Was curious is all.

1
Kanewel433
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Location
Summerville, SC US
5/12/2023 10:43am

Good news: Some tracks like Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek are at or near their requested headcount for flaggers.

Some other tracks are struggling to get enough committed - knowledgeable - volunteer flaggers.  Continue to spread the word to your racing community and have them sign up at www.FlaggerFinder.com

 

-KN

lumpy790
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11220
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Location
York, SC US
5/12/2023 2:41pm Edited Date/Time 5/12/2023 2:42pm
slowoldman wrote:
Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track...

Just filled out the application to flag, chose Budd’s Creek as my preferred track. Question for those who have done this, do they cover your track entry fee or get you parked without cost?    On the application it asked about food allergies but that’s all.  Either way I’m in if they ring my phone.  👍

 

Kanewel433 wrote:

You get free entry as a flagger, and it usually comes with an overnight camping/parking space, but this can vary track to track. 

slowoldman wrote:
This is awesome.  Budd’s has been a favorite place for me to spectate, as well as race amateur races at. I Definitely will be dry camping...

This is awesome.  Budd’s has been a favorite place for me to spectate, as well as race amateur races at. I Definitely will be dry camping, Budd’s is 4+ hours from my home. Thanks again for the information, really appreciate it.  👍

Cool concept!

Budds Creek normally uses a local dirt bike club Souther Maryland Dirt Riders for their volunteer flaggers. 

Boggins
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Hermosa Beach, CA US
5/13/2023 5:52pm

Paging BCB (brake check Bob Casper.)

Jeremy A.K.
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North Tonawanda, NY US
5/13/2023 6:21pm

I just got an email for the Unadilla race . Not much information available yet.

Kanewel433
Posts
203
Joined
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Location
Summerville, SC US
3/18/2024 8:10pm Edited Date/Time 3/18/2024 8:11pm

🏁 Calling all volunteers! The 2024 Supermotocross season is underway and Flagger Finder is once again rallying volunteers to join our cause. Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we made significant strides in supplying volunteer flaggers to the majority of the 11 races in the series. Your feedback was invaluable, and we're committed to enhancing the experience this year!

We've discovered that while some tracks have established partnerships with local clubs to fulfill volunteer needs, there's still a demand for additional flaggers to ensure seamless operations. With ample volunteers, we can effectively segment the track, optimizing response times and maintaining rider safety. It's imperative to uphold the professionalism of our sport; no rider should ever have to wield a flag due to a shortage of trained personnel. Our foremost concern is rider safety, so while numbers matter, ensuring our volunteers understand flagging protocols is paramount.

Join us in safeguarding the thrill of motocross while embracing the responsibility of keeping riders safe. Let's make this season unforgettable for all the right reasons!

-KN

6
ohh_454
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Nuevo, CA US
Fantasy
3/18/2024 9:58pm
Magoofan wrote:

How are people not trampling others to get in on this?     I am shocked.   

sumdood wrote:
Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes...

Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes or so, sorta maybe kind of get to watch a little bit of the first lap (once they go by your section) after that it's 35 minutes of watching your section from behind while rotating your head every 3/4 second to make sure you're not going to get run over, you're standing on an off camber hill so your back will be history by the end of the day, in between races instead of grabbing a cold one and taking a piss you get to wrestle and drag the fire hose around and water your section, it'll be too dry or too muddy depending on which AMA guy yells at you, then after that when you're almost bored the next race will start and it's stress city for 35 minutes again, oh and the job doesn't pay anything, What's not to like ? Laughing      

C.Worthy wrote:
Haha SO TRUE. I’ve flagged at the Elsinore National and I don’t think I’d ever do it again. Such a rad experience but I like to...

Haha SO TRUE. I’ve flagged at the Elsinore National and I don’t think I’d ever do it again. Such a rad experience but I like to actually watch and enjoy the racing and be able to move around the track. 

The Elsinore national when it was like 120 degrees out? 😂😂😂😂😂 man I never wanted to go to a national again after that 😂😂😂

C.Worthy
Posts
1038
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1/19/2012
Location
CA US
3/18/2024 10:49pm
sumdood wrote:
Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes...

Come on where else do you get to stand on your feet all day in the blazing sun, get roosted by 40 pro's every couple minutes or so, sorta maybe kind of get to watch a little bit of the first lap (once they go by your section) after that it's 35 minutes of watching your section from behind while rotating your head every 3/4 second to make sure you're not going to get run over, you're standing on an off camber hill so your back will be history by the end of the day, in between races instead of grabbing a cold one and taking a piss you get to wrestle and drag the fire hose around and water your section, it'll be too dry or too muddy depending on which AMA guy yells at you, then after that when you're almost bored the next race will start and it's stress city for 35 minutes again, oh and the job doesn't pay anything, What's not to like ? Laughing      

C.Worthy wrote:
Haha SO TRUE. I’ve flagged at the Elsinore National and I don’t think I’d ever do it again. Such a rad experience but I like to...

Haha SO TRUE. I’ve flagged at the Elsinore National and I don’t think I’d ever do it again. Such a rad experience but I like to actually watch and enjoy the racing and be able to move around the track. 

ohh_454 wrote:

The Elsinore national when it was like 120 degrees out? 😂😂😂😂😂 man I never wanted to go to a national again after that 😂😂😂

I flagged in 2013 and it was high 90s to maybe 100. Miserable. I went in 2012 when it was like over 110 and being a spectator that day with no shade was nuts! Hottest race I’ve ever been to. 

sumdood
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3/19/2024 12:19am Edited Date/Time 3/19/2024 12:27am
C.Worthy wrote:
I flagged in 2013 and it was high 90s to maybe 100. Miserable. I went in 2012 when it was like over 110 and being a...

I flagged in 2013 and it was high 90s to maybe 100. Miserable. I went in 2012 when it was like over 110 and being a spectator that day with no shade was nuts! Hottest race I’ve ever been to. 

Dug through the archives, these were from 2012, yes it was stupid hot that day.  Prices, ufo umbrella, 2012 champ Blake Baggett (12), MA800 went 2-2 that day 

2012 Elsinore National price.jpg?VersionId=7HBuWO0S.usP mIo9AoInhpt 2012 ELSINOre national unmbrella

2012 ELSINORE BAGGET AND MUSQUIN.jpg?VersionId=if4rKu

2012 ELSINORE 800  2-2 for 2nd

3
3/19/2024 9:15am

 

Been there, done that, been yelled at, cussed out, run over and under compensated.....

289025 266737503352480 8203456 o

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3/19/2024 11:09am
Kanewel433 wrote:
🏁 Calling all volunteers! The 2024 Supermotocross season is underway and Flagger Finder is once again rallying volunteers to join our cause. Last year, thanks to...

🏁 Calling all volunteers! The 2024 Supermotocross season is underway and Flagger Finder is once again rallying volunteers to join our cause. Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we made significant strides in supplying volunteer flaggers to the majority of the 11 races in the series. Your feedback was invaluable, and we're committed to enhancing the experience this year!

We've discovered that while some tracks have established partnerships with local clubs to fulfill volunteer needs, there's still a demand for additional flaggers to ensure seamless operations. With ample volunteers, we can effectively segment the track, optimizing response times and maintaining rider safety. It's imperative to uphold the professionalism of our sport; no rider should ever have to wield a flag due to a shortage of trained personnel. Our foremost concern is rider safety, so while numbers matter, ensuring our volunteers understand flagging protocols is paramount.

Join us in safeguarding the thrill of motocross while embracing the responsibility of keeping riders safe. Let's make this season unforgettable for all the right reasons!

-KN

Kevin, 

I applied to all 11 rounds on the website last year, but I didn't receive a single response from anyone. At Colorado, I found and talked to Steve Burns, but he said that my name wasn't even registered through the website. Fortunately he remembered me from years past, so he welcomed me onboard. 

Then, at Unadilla, I bumped into Jerry from the AMA prior to the second motos, and he said something along the lines of, "we could have used your help out there today" because they were understaffed. I mentioned that I had signed up for all 11 rounds on the website, but I never received any responses. 🤷‍♂️ 

Since I travel to most of the rounds anyway, I generally offer flagger support when needed due to low volunteer turnout. However, I'm hesitant to commit to signing up through the website again if there are some communication hiccups between the website, the promoters and the AMA. 

 

3
Kanewel433
Posts
203
Joined
4/27/2017
Location
Summerville, SC US
3/21/2024 12:44pm
Kanewel433 wrote:
🏁 Calling all volunteers! The 2024 Supermotocross season is underway and Flagger Finder is once again rallying volunteers to join our cause. Last year, thanks to...

🏁 Calling all volunteers! The 2024 Supermotocross season is underway and Flagger Finder is once again rallying volunteers to join our cause. Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we made significant strides in supplying volunteer flaggers to the majority of the 11 races in the series. Your feedback was invaluable, and we're committed to enhancing the experience this year!

We've discovered that while some tracks have established partnerships with local clubs to fulfill volunteer needs, there's still a demand for additional flaggers to ensure seamless operations. With ample volunteers, we can effectively segment the track, optimizing response times and maintaining rider safety. It's imperative to uphold the professionalism of our sport; no rider should ever have to wield a flag due to a shortage of trained personnel. Our foremost concern is rider safety, so while numbers matter, ensuring our volunteers understand flagging protocols is paramount.

Join us in safeguarding the thrill of motocross while embracing the responsibility of keeping riders safe. Let's make this season unforgettable for all the right reasons!

-KN

Kevin,  I applied to all 11 rounds on the website last year, but I didn't receive a single response from anyone. At Colorado, I found and...

Kevin, 

I applied to all 11 rounds on the website last year, but I didn't receive a single response from anyone. At Colorado, I found and talked to Steve Burns, but he said that my name wasn't even registered through the website. Fortunately he remembered me from years past, so he welcomed me onboard. 

Then, at Unadilla, I bumped into Jerry from the AMA prior to the second motos, and he said something along the lines of, "we could have used your help out there today" because they were understaffed. I mentioned that I had signed up for all 11 rounds on the website, but I never received any responses. 🤷‍♂️ 

Since I travel to most of the rounds anyway, I generally offer flagger support when needed due to low volunteer turnout. However, I'm hesitant to commit to signing up through the website again if there are some communication hiccups between the website, the promoters and the AMA. 

 

Hey there blackfriday, it's Kevin from Flagger Finder.  I wanted to thank you for your feedback and take a moment address some of your comments above.  Could you please share your email with me via DM so I can look into the submissions from last year? 

As I mentioned in my latest post, some of the tracks had pre-existing contracts or arrangements which precluded them from needing, or in some cases, wanting, our help - Whereas other tracks welcomed our support.  So it was a mixed bag - but this is a new endeavor and we're challenging the status quo, so some resistance is to be expected. 

Steve Burns and I work very closely, so I'll link up with him and make sure your name makes it on the list for Thunder Valley this year, if you'd like. 

Jerry and I have worked together as well, and we've got his support, but he's not involved with Flagger Finder or specifically with Unadilla.  The contact I spoke with at Unadilla last year told me that she didn't think they would need any help from Flagger Finder, but a list of volunteers was provided to them anyway as a courtesy.  Who they call and who they don't, unfortunately I don't have much control over at this time - but I will take Jerry's feedback to them, and see if their position has changed this year.

I genuinely appreciate your comment, and would love your participation again this year. 

 

-KN

4
StillSmokin
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Edmond, OK US
3/21/2024 1:24pm Edited Date/Time 3/21/2024 1:24pm

Id rather flip burgers for $160 a day

1
3
Kanewel433
Posts
203
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4/27/2017
Location
Summerville, SC US
4/9/2024 12:58pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2024 12:58pm

Flagger Finder was featured on the MotoXPod Show last week - check it out.  Feature starts at 2:43:45

 

 

Kanewel433
Posts
203
Joined
4/27/2017
Location
Summerville, SC US
5/1/2024 5:00pm

Still seeking about 10-15 flaggers for most of the 11 tracks.  If you're able to volunteer and come help out at one of the upcoming races,  please let me know by signing up on www.FlaggerFinder.com   ASAP

 

-KN

1
J-Rock27
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34
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Location
San Diego, CA US
Fantasy
5/1/2024 7:00pm

Although I have flagged Glen Helen three times and enjoyed it, I actually prefer the freedom to mosey around to different sections as a fan because there is not much down time for the flaggers. Here is a comedic version of a friend who worked the entire 12 race series back in I believe 2001.   https://youtu.be/7UORHfjtyUU

1
5/1/2024 7:10pm

Why are unpaid volunteers used in a professional sport?

2
yod292
Posts
254
Joined
3/11/2024
Location
Alpharetta, GA US
5/1/2024 8:50pm

Why are unpaid volunteers used in a professional sport?

Pretty sure all the pro race flaggers are compensated somewhat well. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. 

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