THE GOLDEN RULES
1 Read ALL the pages of ALL this document as they have been updated since you last
organised an event. Also read the latest editions of :-
a. The Regulations of the Current Regularity Rally series.
b. Don Barrow ‘Code of Practice’ (attached).
c. MTC1 entry system instructions (attached),
d. clock set-up instructions (in club computer bag), and
e. results instructions (in club computer bag).
2 The Competition Secretary will issue with an organisers pack which contains all the
paperwork for you to run the event.
3 Please remember this Series is to be kept simple so that newcomers can be expected to
enjoy their first few events.
4 This is a Regularity Rally, not a navigational rally. The winners are found by reference to
how close they are to the ideal times.
5 When designing the route and navigation, use a paper map, not the internet version. The
paper map is only updated every few years, whereas the online version is regularly
updated.
6 Make sure the navigation is simple – use the HRCR guidebook. We are looking for accuracy
of plotting – not MENSA type clues. Remember, what seems easy navigation to you, will be
mind-bending to newcomers!
7 We will be including some plotting guides in each of the monthly editions of Highway, so,
be aware of the topic for the month your event takes place. Consult Phil Smith for details.
8 Get your navigation checked by a 3 rd party. You WILL read through your mistakes and
ambiguous navigation. There are club members who are good navigators who will not be
competing in your event.
9 If errors are found after the Final Instructions have been issued, issue a correction bulletin,
preferably by e-mail, giving the same information to all crews. If the error is found on the
day. Handwrite an update, and inform all competitors of this and where they can read it.
10 If you are not sure of something, don’t ignore or fudge it - ask the competition secretary for
help. He will either answer your question, or pass you on to someone who can.
11 Set up the clocks early on the day before your event. Check they are still synchronised later
in the day. If there is a problem, re-set that clock.

12 Have all the paperwork, club laptop, etc with you on the event.

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ORGANISERS’ NOTES

These notes have been created to standardise the organisation of regularity runs and also provide a
check list for organisers.
If you experience any problems whatsoever, please contact the Competition Secretary who will
allocate an experienced member of the club to help you out.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANISER:
OFFICIALS
1) Officials required
a) Secretary of the Meeting
b) Clerk of the Course

CREATING THE ROUTE
2) Plan the route to be about 60 miles total and aim to end around 1:30pm
3) Supply Start/Coffee/Finish locations & maps required to Webmaster for website 2 months before
event
4) Long stretches of narrow road without passing places and all rough roads should be avoided.
5) No gated roads – MSUK requires all gates to be marshalled.
6) No unsurfaced white roads – check public right of way status if using a white road. Private roads will
not be covered under most competitors insurance.
7) Send route map to the relevant MSUK Route Liaison Officer(s) (RLO) at least 8 weeks before the
event (see list at www.motorsportuk.org/resource-centre/Clubs-Organisers )
Kent - Roger Keene - qqwerty30@hotmail.com (h) 020 8310 2699 (m) 07771 714228
Sussex -Matt Fowle - mattmdfowle@yahoo.co.uk (h) 01730 814673  (m) 07748 020894
8) Keep route instructions straightforward as in the HRCR Navigation Handbook. Also, have one
section of the navigation the same as that featured in ’Highway’ for the month prior to your event.
Issue route by e-mail at the latest on the Wednesday before the event (Monday for the beginners
first 2 events – see Supplementary Reg 9) so that entrants can phone the organiser for advice or
seek clarification. Cut-off for queries should be Saturday 21:00.
a) Navigation must be based on what is to be found on the map (not what can be found by using
Google Maps or similar as this is not a tabletop rally).
b) If the road shows as a T-junction on the map, but road alterations have occurred, make your
navigation with what is shown on the map, and explain it as ‘NAM on road’.
c) If the route includes a feature that is not on the map, it must be described NAM.(e.g. LWR NAM
triangle).
d) Long way round means the longest way possible as per the instructions.

i) If there are two or more options, put another clue in to clarify the route intended.
e) Use similar style descriptions (e.g. leave each grid square as follows:-L & R, E & W, T & B, U & D).
Do not mix these up. Include a list of descriptions in the Final Instructions.
f) Attached to these instructions is a page of Navigation Abbreviations in Excel format. These have
been designed to assist you when you create the navigation instructions. To do this – go to the
cell you wish to include in the navigation, right click on it, click on ‘copy, go to your navigation
creation page and the right click ‘paste’ where you want the icon to appear.
9) Legal maximum average speed is 30mph. Slow average speeds are required on narrow roads. Must
be no more than 20mph for roads under 4m wide (narrow yellows) and for any sections where the
speed limit is 20mph. It is OK to average this out over the whole of the Regularity section.
10) Speed changes – keep to a minimum – Reg A speed changes at TC’s. Reg B at TC’s or road junctions.
(See Reg 21)
11) The standard competitors Timecards provided with your organisers’’ pack can be amended to fit
your event.
12) Plan for marshal crews doing 2 controls each, ideally A1 + B1, A2 + B2 etc. If short of marshals, ask
Competition Secretary or Chief Marshal to put an email request out to members at least one week
before the event. If you are short of marshals, make each regularity a ‘self-start’.
13) For each Regularity Start/Time Control provide marshal with control location map (and photo),
direction of approach, opening/closing times and expected time of first car plus P number of clock
and entry running order. Opening time for time control is normally 15 minutes before Car 0, closing
time is 15 minutes after the expected time for the last car. The Main Time Control closes 30 minutes
after the expected time for the last car.
14) Start, coffee halt & Finish to be at suitable place where refreshment & toilet facilities available.
Allow about 45 minutes at coffee halt. Garden Centres are usually very busy, so best avoid these if
possible for the coffee halt.
15) If finish is at a pub for lunch – book well in advance and request a reserved area if possible.
16) Provide calibration check route close to start. It should be about 3-4 miles in length. When setting
this up, use the Don Barrow Code of Practice – attached.
17) Check your tripmeter against the calibration check route each time you run the route.
18) Start first car at 10:01 a.m.
19) 2 regularity sections, designated Reg A & Reg B
20) Regularity starts can be manned or self-start.
21) Maximum 5 ITCs per regularity section, designated ITC-A1, ITC-A2 etc. The results software cannot
compute more than this.
22) Time controls must be at least 2 miles apart. Do not site intermediate controls too soon after using
or crossing a main road – e.g. tell competitors that they’ll have at least the same distance travelled
on the A road, or ½ mile after.
23) Locate ITCs at least 500m from any residential properties if possible. There needs to be parking
space for the marshal’s car off the road so as not to cause undue congestion to other traffic. ITCs

should be away from bends or after a brow of a hill that could cause danger or congestion if a queue
forms and must not be on an A road, unless in a layby. As per the Highway Code there should be no
parking within 10m of a junction. (MSUK requirements as per NCR’s)
24) Consider use of Code Boards and/or passage checks and decide where these are to be sited on
route. Plenty of two letter Code Boards are supplied in the 12 Car equipment box as are Passage
Control and Time Control boards.
DOCUMENTATION
25) Once the RLO has approved the route, apply to MSUK for permit waiver. The Comp Sec will do that.
26) Once the Permit has been received contact the webmaster who will open the entry list on the MTC1
web site approximately 4-6 weeks before the event.
27) You will be given an access code that will enable you to see the entry list and keep it updated. There
are separate instructions attached.
28) The organisers and Competition Secretary will be informed automatically each time an entry is
made.
29) Email the Treasurer each time an entry is received. He will check payment and inform you when it
has been received so that you can mark MTC1 as paid.
30) There is a standard entry acceptance letter generated by MTC1.
31) Timecards, a list of potential marshals, etc will be included as part of the package sent to organisers
by the Competition Secretary about 12 weeks before the event.
32) Each entry must be checked to see they have been correctly completed.
33) After entries are received, check that the club cards, MSUK & insurance documents are correct.
Chase up any not submitted.
34) Marshals will also have to sign on on-line – no exceptions.
35) Email Final Instructions (with advance route plotting and calibration route) to competitors no later
than the Wednesday before the event (Newcomers to be sent theirs on the Monday, and the route
map on Wednesday. Include your contact details in case of queries. Also send a copy to your
marshals for information.
36) The Club has purchased a set of competition numbers to be issued on the day.
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT.
37) Make sure you have the 12 car rally box – usually kept by the organiser of the previous event.
38) Check you have enough TC, Code boards, etc
39) Check route a day or two before the event – if necessary, issue route amendments on the day.
40) Arrange for code boards to be put out (if not done so already) and collected.
41) E-mail to the Marshals -
a) Detailed map showing the position of their control.

b) Time that the TC will open., first car due, and closing timings for the Control.
c) Marshal’s check sheet
d) Instructions on how to operate the clock and change the PNo.
e) If Passage checks are manned – marshals should work as follows –
i) Competitors must stop at the Control (Rubber Stamp sign)
ii) Marshals will either:
(1) Show competitors a Code Board with 2 figures on it,
(2) Competitors should record this information on their Timecard in the next available space.
(3) Record the car competition number on their Marshal’s Timecard
(4) No Marshal signatures will be entered on the Competitor’s Time Cards
iii) or
(1) sign competitor’s Timecard in the next available space.
(2) Record the car competition number on their Marshal’s Timecard
iv) Competitors will then proceed with their journey.
42) Marshals are Judges of Fact.
ON THE MONDAY BEFORE THE EVENT.
43) Issue Finals to Beginners.
ON THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE EVENT
44) Issue
a) Finals with Navigation, etc to experienced crews
b) Marked maps to beginners.
THE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT.
45) Set up the clocks.
a) They are 30 years old and need to be handled with care.
b) Clock 1 is to be used at the Start of each Regularity as it is set up to count down the
competitor’s start time – do not use it at an Intermediate TC as it will not work!
i) If doing self-starts do not use Clock 1 anywhere else on the route. The Club’s Liege clocks are
used.
c) Clock numbers 2 – 6 are for the Intermediate TC’s.
d) Set these up as per the instructions which are kept in the laptop bag.
46) Set up the large clock. This should be prominently displayed at the Final Documentation desk on the
day.
47) Print the 12 competitors Time Sheets, Damage Declarations and police/public handouts. Attach
them to the chipped clipboards.
48) Check you have all the paperwork completed and with you ready for the day.
ON THE DAY
49) Put out the route calibration boards before 08:00.
50) Be at the start and open “Final Documentation” from 08:00 to:
a) Display
i) Master clock for competitors to set their own clocks.
ii) Sample code board, TC board.
iii) Final Competitors’ running order.
iv) Any information regarding changes to route, etc.
b) When marshals arrive –
i) Issue control boards, clocks, tabards etc to marshals.
ii) Ensure they know exactly where they are supposed to be – check with them on their map if
necessary.
c) When competitors arrive
i) Hand out
(1) Timing chipped clipboard containing
(a) Speed/distance instructions.
(b) Timecards for Regularity A & B
(c) Damage Declaration form
(d) Notice to give to Police/public who query what competitors are doing.
(e) written copies of any route amendments or supplementary instructions.
(2) Competition number plates.
d) 08:30 If any competitors have not arrived, phone them to see if they are still intending to
compete.
e) 08:45 – Marshals briefing
f) 09:00 – competitors’ briefing.
g) 09:15 - drive the route, putting out Code Boards, etc.
51) AT COFFEE
a) Make sure all competitors have arrived.
b) If anyone is missing, phone them to see if they are OK.
52) AT FINISH,
a) Collect from competitors:
i) Competitors’ clipboard

ii) Timecards for Regularities A & B
iii) Damage declaration form
iv) Competition number.
b) Collect from marshals
i) timecards from marshals
ii) clocks
iii) Control boards, etc
53) Pass blue master clock, timecards, and marshal check sheets to Results Team to produce results.
54) RESULTS
a) If it is possible to compute the results at the finish tell everyone that is what you are going to try
to achieve.
i) Announce when provisional results are ready and say that they will become final in 30
minutes if there are no queries within the next 15 minutes.
ii) After this period of time has passed,
(1) announce the results are Final, and present the awards ensuring a photograph is taken of
the winners collecting their awards.
(2) or leave the results team to compute the results.
b) If you are not able to compute the results at the finish, announce that they will be e-mailed to
the competitors & marshals and allow 24 hours from the time of posting the e-mail for any
queries to be raised, which will then need to be resolved before they become final.
RESULTS TEAM – this could be the organisers – Refer to the specific instructions which are in the laptop
case.
55) On the day before the start, or earlier:
a) enter onto the laptop –
i) the competitors’ information
ii) the ideal times
iii) the clock numbers
56) At the end of the event
a) Download the competitors chipped time boards to the Blue clock, and then transfer these onto
the computer (see instructions in laptop bag)
b) Add total number of Route Checks missed from both Reg A & B
c) Check all the data is shown on the results.
d) Cross check all figures with Competitors’ Timecards and Marshals check sheets. Where they

differ, the Competitors’ Timecards take preference unless there is an obvious error there.
e) The organisers will publish the Provisional results – if possible, at the end of the event. however,
if there are issues that may take some time to resolve, tell competitors the results will come out
by e-mail and let them go home.
f) They become Final 30 minutes after publication if done at the end of the rally, or 24 hours after
publication by e-mail and then the final results.
AFTER THE EVENT
57) Ask the Competition Secretary to complete the “Signing on Declaration Record” found on the MSUK
website.
58) Send copy of Final results to webmaster.
59) Remove the batteries from the clocks. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT.
60) Ensure all clocks, chipped timing boards and other equipment are put back into the 12 Car
Equipment Box. Inform the Competition Secretary if there is a shortage of items in the box. Pass to
Organiser of next event or the Competition Secretary.
61) Arrange for presentation of Awards at next event if results are not Final on the day..

Tasks usually done by Competition Secretary:
 Apply for MSUK Permit (at least eight weeks before event) and insurance cover Phil
 Arrange MTC1 and links to organisers. Phil/Steve
 Arrange call out for marshals (if requested by Organiser) Grahame
 Complete the MSUK return within 48 hours of the event. Phil

Tasks usually done by Webmaster:
 Insert event details (Organiser, Start/Coffee/Finish locations & maps used) on website and
update entry list as entries received.
 Put results onto web site. Steve

Tasks usually undertaken by Newsletter Editor
 Ask someone to do write up for Highway Sue

Tasks usually undertaken by the Treasurer
 Notify Organiser as and when entry fees are received Brian
 Pay Insurance premium when invoice is received from REIS Brian

Contact details:
Webmaster: Steve Thompson streetcar.blackpalfrey@gmail.com
Competition Secretary: Phil Smith phil.blackpalfrey@gmail.com

Treasurer: Brian Millen brianjmillen@ymail.com
Newsletter Editor Sue Watson sue.blackpalfrey@gmail.com

CLUB EQUIPMENT
The club has a box which contains everything in the way of hardware needed to run an event. At the end
of each event it is handed over to the next organiser.

​

The Don Barrow Code of Practice

All events whether Stage, Road or Regularity Rallies should adhere to a standard 'Code of
Practice', so that the Competitor who also uses the same 'Code of Practice' can achieve a far
better and accurate result.

Organisers.
Many Organisers fail to grasp the vital importance of providing an exact 100% (cast iron
guaranteed) measured distance for all competitors to set up their Tripmeters. Therefore, certain
important rules have to be adhered to, these apply whether you are setting up in Kilometres or
Miles.
When measuring an exact known Mile or Kilometre, it is imperative to use an Electronic
Tripmeter set up in its Calculation Mode - so that an exact Distance can be recorded and
replicated in pulses per Mile or Kilometre. As an example, if an Electronic Tripmeter in
Calculation Mode, records 1997 Pulses to the Mile, as against 01.00 Mile (Normal Running
Mode measuring Miles) on the Tripmeter Display - you can clearly see that by setting up your
new Test Distance in Calculation Mode, using the known 1997 Pulses, will be more accurate
than using 100 units to replicate. Because
at 1997 each measured Pulse = 31.72" (2.64' or .81 Metres)
at 100 each measured 100th of a mile = 633.60" (52.80' or 16.24 Metres)
This shows that an organiser using the Normal Running Mode, could actually proceed beyond
the 01.00 Mile displayed on the Tripmeter, by up to 52.79' (16.24 Metres) before the Tripmeter
registers 01.01.
Therefore it's imperative to use the Tripmeter in Calculation Mode. Get this wrong - especially
on Regularity events and you will have a lot of disgruntled competitors to contend with. It's just
as easy to get it right, as it is to get it wrong!
Imagine a Competitor setting up their Electronic Tripmeter exactly to the Organisers set
Measured Mile, which is incorporating an error, and then competing on a Regularity Section of
50 Miles in length. Their Timing would be 'way out' let alone having to adjust the Distances in
the Road Book to suit all the Junctions etc.

Important Notes
It's no use quoting the measured Distance Starts opposite the telephone box, this is not
accurate enough.
Or that it's at a white marker post in the grass verge, these can be moved by locals or other
competitors.
Although you may be breaking the law, paint the road with a White Line or Dot exactly at the

Start and Finish
Obviously remove immediately after the event or paint over
Or use a permanent roadside fixture to another permanent roadside fixture, irrespective of the
Distance.
If the above Test Distance given is 1.750, ÷ your Trip Readout by 1.750 to give your Trip switch
set up.
Once set, all other Course Cars should set their Tripmeters in Calculation Mode to this
Distance.
And every time any Course Car carries out further surveys on the Route.
The longer the Test, maybe 2 or 3 Miles, the better the accuracy
Ideally the test should be on a straight piece of road. However if not, use a racing line on your
side of the Road at all times.
Obey ALL road Markings, especially at T Junctions and X Roads etc.
Specify which approach lane and directions to use at Roundabouts.
If using a circular circuit - Use anti - clockwise for driving on the LH side of the road (UK) - Use
clockwise for RH Countries
This ensures the defined route and measured distance is adhered to more closely.
Use a permanent roadside fixture in a lay-by and back to the same fixture, irrespective of the
Distance.
If the Test Distance is 7.780, ÷ your Trip Readout by 7.780 to give your Trip switch set up per
01.00 Miles / Klms.
Route info
All Secret Timing Points should be sited exactly at the pre-measured Control Points mark if
possible, as above.
When making a Road Book, simply record the Total Distances only at Junctions/Controls etc.
By using a DB Tulip Road Book Editor disc, all Inter Distances are automatically generated.
Competitors
At the Start of every event, always set up your Tripmeter in Calculation Mode to measure the
Test Distance
Keep a log of all your known Pulse Settings
Pay special attention when measuring the Test Distance
Don't be satisfied with your first run, always treble check.

Page 11 | 1

Follow all the above Important Points and you will soon improve your skills.
Copyright - Don Barrow - 2002

​

Blackpalfrey MCK 12 Car Regularity Rallies

Using MTC1 – For Organisers

Also see the ‘Using MTC1 – For Competitors’ instruction sheet.

MTC1 will be set up specifically for your event, with you as the organiser.
As entries are made you will receive automated emails confirming an Entry or update to an
Entry.
You will also receive automated emails when competitors or marshals have signed-on.
You will be sent a link to the Admin Page of MTC1, together with a Username and Password.
This Admin Page is specific for your event.

From the Admin Page of MTC1 :-
To Accept an Entry
Select Entry Accept/Payment - this will show a spreadsheet of each competitor’s Entry details.
Click on the ‘Change’ icon in the first column (the 2nd icon) for the Car Number you wish to
accept.
Select ‘Accepted’ (13th option) from the left-hand list and then select Yes from the dropdown
box.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save
Repeat for all competitors when they have provided all the necessary Entry information.
Once this is done the Entry on Blackpalfrey’s website will automatically be updated to say
Completed and Accepted.

​

To Check Competitor Insurance
Under the ‘Insurance’ heading select Check Competitor Insurance – this will show a
spreadsheet of each competitor’s insurance details.
It will list drivers own insurance details. Do not ask them for a copy of their policy. Within the
Entry Form is a tick box for them to confirm they have the appropriate insurance for this event.

To View Uploaded Documentation and Accept Signing-On Submissions
N.B. The following heading will only be available provided the ‘Competitor Signing-On' option is
showing on Blackpalfrey’s website.
Under the ‘Covid Competitors’ heading - Select Check and accept competitor signing-on
submissions – this will show a spreadsheet for all competitors.
1) Uploaded documentation can be viewed and checked from the second ‘Files Uploaded’
column.
2) When all information (Insurance, MSUK Licence, Club Card and Signing-on signature) is
present and correct for both Driver and Navigator Signing-On can be accepted for that
Entry by clicking on the ‘Change’ icon in the first column.
a) Select ‘Signed-On’ (4th option) and select Yes from the dropdown box.
b) Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Save.
c) N.B. Cars marked as Signed-on will go to the bottom of the list!

Once this is done the Entry on Blackpalfrey’s website will automatically be updated to say
Signed-On.

​

Instructions for Marshals to Sign-On using MTC1

You may wish to send your marshals the following instructions for Signing-on :
Go to Blackpalfrey’s website at www.blackpalfrey.club
Select ‘Regularity Runs’ from the top menu bar.
Select ‘February Regularity Run’
Select the red ‘Entry List’ tab
Select ‘Official/Marshal Signing-On' on the right-hand side
Complete the form and submit it.

If you have any problems Tony Michael from Chelmsford MC is very helpful.
His email address is arm@chelmsfordmc.co.uk