RTR Run Group Promotion Criteria

[jakp993]

Gang,

As I indicated in previous posts, promotion criteria and procedures were the major topic at the 2007 RTR Instructor Clinic.

We had over 40 instructors attend the seminar.  We had a productive discussion and reached consensus on the criteria for promotion from one run group to the other.

As with anything that involves human judgement, these are inherently subjective and there will be differences in interpretation.  However, agreeing on criteria and the steps we will follow to improve our consistency are major positive steps.

We all agreed these need to be public.  I will be covering them in the classroom sessions, they will be posted to the website, and will covered in a der Gasser column.

However, you forum rats get to be first to see them.

We understand that by publicizing these we are inviting you to question why you have not been promoted since you may think you have met all of the criteria.  Knowing the criteria allows you to have a productive discussion with your instructor about your opinion.

However, please do not badger your instructor.  You will see that patience is an important aspect of all promotions and that patience needs to be seen both on and off track.

Here they are:

Promotion from Green to Blue - Required Skills[indent]Drives the line reasonably accurately and consistently
Drives at an appropriate pace for the Blue group
Inputs increasingly smooth
Makes few mistakes and self corrects
Calm and patient in traffic
Fully aware of corner stations
Anticipates slower cars in front
Does not give or accept late passing signals
Passes with good safety margins
Exhibits good manners and consideration
Displays full knowledge of procedures, flags, terminology
Is safe to drive alone
[/indent]Promotion from Green to Blue - other criteria[indent]Student must exhibit above skills at the beginning of the event
Student must have a minimum of 6 days at 3 different tracks within a year
Ideally a student will have experienced every track we run
[/indent]Promotion from Blue to White - required skills[indent]Demonstrates patience in potentially frustrating situations
Uses the full track consistently
Very smooth inputs, especially braking
Vision at least 3 seconds out
Carries reasonable momentum into corners
Practices smooth downshifting technique (e.g. heel & toe)
Demonstrates competent car control and recovery skills
Prompt and courteous passing signals
Good driving record for two events minimum
Calmly deals with fast traffic and close passing
Completely safe without an instructor
Demonstrates full compliance with Region DE philosophy
[/indent]Promotion from Blue to White - other criteria[indent]Typically a season’s worth (16 - 20 days) of experience in Blue
Must demonstrate White ability at more than one track
Must successfully complete a “test drive�? in White
    Assigned instructor takes student out in White to observe behavior
    This is an observation session with no instruction provided
Must get 2nd opinion from another RTR instructor
    Assigned instructor asks another RTR instructor to take student out for an
        observation session in White
    Student graduated to White if both instructors agree
Assigned instructor completes event with student in White
[/indent]Promotion from White to Black - required skills[indent]Exceptional track awareness
Exceptionally smooth inputs
Demonstrates patience, can control ego
Anticipates vs. reacts
Calmly deals with wide variety closing speeds
Readily adapts to new & changing conditions
Drives at appropriate pace for Black group
Comfortable in close to race conditions
[/indent]Promotion from White to Black - other criteria[indent]Must be able to keep pace in Black
Typically a minimum of a season’s worth (16 - 20 days) of experience in White
Believe student has capability to be an instructor
Must complete check out ride in Black with designated check out instructor
[/indent] Steps to achieve consistency[indent]Criteria made public
Out of Region instructors require 2nd opinion from RTR instructors for all graduations
Promotion from Green to Blue
    Any RTR instructor can decide
    2nd Opinion optional
Promotion from Blue to White
    Any RTR instructor can initiate
    2nd opinion from any RTR instructor required
Promotion from White to Black
    Any RTR instructor can initiate
    2nd opinion from designation check-out instructor required
Graduation notebook
    One page per student - similar to log book
    Must be completed by assigned & 2nd opinion (if required) instructors

[/indent]There you go - no more mysteries

Take care,
Jack