Marshaling in the UK: plans and ambitions

In the UK, despite the restrictions associated with Covid-19, work continues to attract new people to the positions of marshals. Andrew Rose, the HMBIA certificated marshal told us about this. So far, this work is taking place online, but when the pandemic recedes, the work will go offline.

In the UK, despite the restrictions associated with Covid-19, work continues to attract new people to the positions of marshals. Andrew Rose, the HMBIA certificated marshal told us about this. So far, this work is taking place online, but when the pandemic recedes, the work will go offline.

As Andrew told us, he is the only certified marshal in the UK, but he conducted the work to help new marshals in the country. According to him, there is a Facebook group for people interested in becoming marshals, so hopefully, it will change in the near future. In this group, people can watch fights, ask questions, read HMB rules and regulations, discuss some situations that could happen in the lists, etc. Andrew thinks that it can be useful for new people to understand the marshal`s tasks. 

 “I’d like to have it so there are more marshals in the country, at the moment it’s a little awkward when there are tournaments, as we are using fighters of the opposite sex as line marshals. So having more dedicated Marshal staff would certainly help a lot and would mean we could hold higher-level Buhurt and Duel Leagues tournaments and make them as professional as possible”.

Of course, marshals and fighters in Britain, and throughout the world, have to grow into their combat shape. Britain is lucky, you can already organize mass events here. At the end of July, local athletes were able to organize The Tournament of Deeds, which also became the first event held within the Buhurt League with the Challenger status. Andrew worked there and held the position of a Knight marshal.

Andrew himself was brought to the marshal’s committee by a case, but he absolutely does not regret it. Of course, the experience of being a fighter helped him. 

“I had stopped fighting, had other things I wanted to do which meant I couldn’t train as much as needed, but I still wanted a way to help my club out so I went this route to help with being able to host tournaments”.

He already knew all the rules and regulations of our sport, but he had to work hard to prepare for the exam:

“We had a 1-day seminar that Antony Lamsdell organized with Sergey Myasishchev, the head of the Marshals Committee, to pass my theory. Then I traveled to Moscow to attend the Dynamo Cup 2019 where I had my practical test, whilst I was there I was told I also had to do an interview which was a surprise but it went well and I passed. I actually took my theory just because it was happening in my country and then took the practical marshal exam.

I like being a marshal, it’s more relaxed, and you can party a bit in the evenings, however, it is also pretty tiring being on your feet all day and you have to be quite responsible.

You cannot be mistaken in your decision, knowing that the outcome of the battle and the whole tournament depends on your observation, knowledge, and experience. After all, behind each fight, there are many hours of preparation, training, colossal work of the fighters on themselves, and the work of the whole team. you can’t let them down!”

We are confident that Andrew Rose will be able to convey to potential marshals with whom he works, the beauty of HMB sports, as well as all the pros and even cons of being a marshal at a tournament. And taking all this into account, people will consciously make their choice in favor of the yellow robes of the marshal and will do their work with love and understanding of responsibility.

We wish Andrew success in his work and look forward to meeting him at the lists.

HMBIA News

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