AGP Frequently Asked Questions

BECOMING AN AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX OFFICIAL

I want to volunteer at the Australian Grand Prix. What do I do?

You can apply to be a volunteer official at the Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix by visiting the AGP Officials page of the CAMS website, and following the link to the online application form.

What if I don’t have any motor sport officiating experience?

There are some roles at the Australian Grand Prix that are appropriate for volunteers with no motor sport officiating experience. Volunteers placed in these roles are not required to move into competition areas, are provided with information and training and are located with other experienced officials that can provide them with guidance. These roles are limited however we try to accommodate everyone where we can.

Some volunteers have gained appropriate experience as part of their occupations (e.g. medical and fire teams) that help with placement at the event.

What is the date of the AGP?

The 2012 Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix has been set for 15-18 March 2012.

Are there any paid positions at the AGP?

All motor sport officials are volunteers and there are no paid positions in this area. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation hires event staff in the areas of catering, security and cleaning for the event that are paid positions. You can view available positions in the Employment section of the Australian Grand Prix website here:  http://www.grandprix.com.au/default.aspx?s=employment

Why do I need a CAMS Officials Licence?

You need a current CAMS Officials Licence to officiate at any CAMS sanctioned motor sport event in Australia. Your CAMS Officials Licence (together with your sign on at the event) ensures you are afforded coverage under CAMS insurances while participating in the event. More detail on CAMS insurance can be found here: http://www.cams.com.au/About/Insurance.aspx 

How do I get a CAMS Officials Licence?

The best way to obtain a CAMS Officials licence is via the website (click here) or by contacting CAMS Customer Service on 1300 883 959. If you have never had a CAMS Officials Licence before, you will need a Trainee Officials Licence form. Fill out all sections of the form except for Section 2, and take the form with you to your first CAMS motor sport event. With the disclaimer on the form signed by you, this becomes your Trainee Licence for that first event. At the conclusion of the event, your supervising official must complete Section 2 of your form (signing off on your motor sport officiating activity). Once this is done you may submit this to CAMS as per the instructions on the form. On receipt of your form CAMS will email you a link to the Introductory Officials Module. Successful completion of this online course will then allow CAMS to process, print and send to you your General Officials Licence.

If you have a CAMS Officials Licence and it has expired, you will need to download a renewal form from the website or phone CAMS on 1300 883 959 to obtain a form.

OFFICIALS REGISTRATION

I have submitted my volunteer application. When will I know if I have been accepted as an official?

Applications for the 2012 AGP close on 30th November 2011. Allowing time for processing, you should receive confirmation by mid-December.

How am I allocated a role at the AGP?

Roles at the Australian Grand Prix are grouped into what we call Teams. You will be allocated to a Team based on your previous experience and whether you have indicated to us that you would like to do a particular job. For example, experienced firefighters will most likely be placed in the fire team.

When will I find out my track allocation?

You will be informed of your role and position on the track in an AGP Newscast in February.

How and when do I collect my uniform and credentials for the event?

The AGP Credentials Office opens for approximately one and a half weeks prior to the event to allow officials to collect their uniform and credentials. The Credentials Office is located near Gate 10 at the Albert Park Circuit, off Fitzroy Street.

Opening times and directions for the Credentials Office will be communicated to you well in advance via the AGP Newscasts, along with your Credential Collection form that you will have to take with you when picking up your uniform and credentials.

What if I don’t have a photo for my credentials?

All new officials will need to supply a passport style photo for their credentials. This can be emailed to agpofficials@cams.com.au or posted to AGP Officials Coordinator, PO Box 147 Caulfield East VIC 3145.

Returning officials will still have a photo in the system, however if you would like a new one please feel free to send one in.

If, for some reason, you are unable to supply a photo prior to the event, you can have it taken at the Credentials Office when collecting your passes. Please note that this option can be slow and the Credentials Office gets very busy meaning increased waiting times. Every effort should be made to submit a photo beforehand.

What happens if I can no longer attend the event?

If you can no longer attend on one or all of the days, you should contact the AGP Officials Coordinator immediately on 1300 883 959 or agpofficials@cams.com.au

What should I do if my contact details change?

If your contact details change (including phone number, address or email address) please let the AGP Officials Coordinator know as soon as possible on 1300 883 959 or agpofficials@cams.com.au

What uniform will I have to wear?

Uniforms vary depending on the job you are doing. Most officials are required to wear overalls supplied by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, including all trackside marshals, scrutineers and support paddock marshals.

Others are issued with polo shirts, pit shirts or senior’s shirts depending on the role.

What should I do if my uniform is damaged or no longer fits?

If your uniform is damaged or no longer fits you, you should report it to the AGP Officials Coordinator as soon as possible, who will arrange for you to swap it for another one when you collect your credentials.

AT THE EVENT

When do I have to be there?

Volunteer officials should be available for all four days of the event (Thursday to Sunday). Sign on and lunch collection will begin at 8am each morning, with the main briefing to begin at 9am. You should be at the circuit by 8am to allow time to sign on, collect your lunch and get organized for the day prior to the start of the briefing.

Where do I go once I am at the circuit?

All officials must assemble at the Muster Tent each morning to sign on, collect lunches and for the main briefing of the day. The Muster Tent will be located on the Ross Gregory Oval, adjacent to the Stuart King Pavilion and to the right of Gate 10 as you enter the circuit. From there, following the morning briefing, you will make your way to your location around the track for the day.

Is there car parking at the AGP?

There is very limited car parking at the AGP for officials. You must apply for a car parking pass to park in the Village Green car park and will receive instructions on how to do so in your AGP Newscasts. Due to the small amount of parking made available for officials, we give preference to officials who can carpool with the most fellow officials.

To make this process easier for new officials and those who may not know many other officials, this year we have started an AGP Carpooling Service. To find out more and to register for this service email agpofficials@cams.com.au  

What happens if I ride a motorcycle?

Motorcycles do not require a car park sticker. Your AGP race official’s photo credential will allow you to park your motorcycle at the Village Green car park.

Do I get tickets for friends and family?

Each official is given 2 guest passes for the event for family or friends. They are General Admission passes and one of these (not both) grants access to the officials’ end of race celebration.