The Rally Marshals Handbook has been revised

[jim]

All current rally marshals and those who might be thinking about having a go, should download the guide and have a good read. The Handbook can be downloaded here

For those who'd rather not read this rather long document, I asked AI for a summary of the handbook to give you an idea of what it contains.

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Purpose of the Handbook​

The guide supports MotorhomeFun members who want to organise or marshal rallies and meets. It explains responsibilities, legal requirements, safety rules, and etiquette to ensure events are safe, enjoyable, and respectful to communities.

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Key Themes​

1. Meets vs. Rallies
   
   • Meets → Informal gatherings at licensed campsites. Attendees book/pay the site directly. The site owner holds responsibility.
   • Rallies → Held on unlicensed land (fields, sports grounds, pub land). MotorhomeFun’s camping exemption certificate allows these but places responsibility on the Rally Marshal for safety, spacing, facilities, and conduct.

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🏕 Organising a Meet​

• Pick a campsite (availability, grouping pitches, discounts).
• Post details on the MotorhomeFun forum (dates, prices, links).
• Track attendance and keep in touch with the site.
• Optional extras: shared coffee mornings, pub meals, or walks.

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🏞 Organising a Rally​

Choosing a Site​

• Options: campsites with rally fields, farmers’ fields, club grounds, schools, pubs.
• Avoid overuse (max 42 consecutive days, 60 per year).
• Check planning/legal restrictions.
• Respect local communities and cooperate if authorities object.

Rally Field Essentials​

• Sufficient size, level ground, safe access (≥2.5m entrance).
• Facilities: clean water, grey/black waste disposal, rubbish handling.
• If no bins, ralliers take rubbish home.
• Use Elsan points or main sewers (never soakaways) for toilet waste.

Preparation​

• Confirm venue & date before advertising.
• Avoid date clashes using the rally calendar.
• Send attendee lists to Admin for name badges.

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Role of the Rally Marshal​

• Accountable leader of the event.
• Responsibilities:
  
  • Enforce MotorhomeFun’s Code of Conduct.
  • Provide clear signage, directions, and marked pitches.
  • Welcome ralliers warmly
  • Manage parking & spacing.
  • Be flexible about neighbours/friends pitching together (if safe).
  • Encourage friendliness and avoid excessive formality.

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Respecting Site & Locals​

• Avoid noise and nuisance.
• Protect land, trees, livestock, and equipment.
• Pets must be controlled, on leads, and cleaned up after.
• Keep rallies fun but low impact.

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Social & Catering​

• Socialising is key—arrange at least one informal gathering (coffee morning, BBQ).
• Marshals may offer food but must:
  
  • Request fair donations (never out of pocket).
  • Follow hygiene rules (clean hands, gloves, proper storage).

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Emergencies & Safety​

• Fire safety:
  
  • Every motorhome should have an extinguisher.
  • Marshal’s priority: keep people safe, call fire brigade, prevent re-entry.
• Medical incidents:
  
  • Call 999 immediately.
  • Marshal should know nearest GP & A&E.
• Not-for-profit: rallies must break even; marshals reimbursed for expenses.
• Fundraising: allowed if transparent (receipts, public reporting).

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Safety Spacing​

• Minimum 6m between motorhomes (including awnings, pup tents).
• Each unit must have 3m of clear space around it.
• Emergency vehicles must access within 50m of every unit.
• Pegs set 9m apart ensures compliance.

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Becoming a Rally Marshal​

• Anyone can do it with support from MotorhomeFun.
• Start by assisting at a rally.
• Plenty of guidance and community backup available.

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Motorhome Etiquette Guide​

Key principles for ralliers and travellers:

• Respect countryside & locals (follow Countryside Code, support local shops).
• Stay legal (licensed campsites, no wild camping unless permitted).
• Drive considerately (know your motorhome’s size, let faster traffic pass).
• Leave no trace (dispose of waste properly, take rubbish home).
• Be a good neighbour (noise control, no blocking views, friendly attitude).
• Campsite etiquette: don’t trespass on pitches, respect curfews, control kids, keep dogs under control, avoid incessant barking, clean up at Elsan points.
• Pitching tips: doors ideally face away from neighbours, avoid killing grass, use breathable groundsheets.

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Conclusion​

Rallies are about fun, friendship, and freedom, but they depend on responsibility, respect, and safety.
By following the handbook, marshals and ralliers alike can ensure MotorhomeFun events remain enjoyable and sustainable for all.