Motorsport UK is changing the requirements for Stage Commanders.
The latest edition of the Stage Rally Safety Requirements says:
2.10.9. From 2027, all special stages must have a licensed Stage Commander. Non-licensed Stage Commanders may be used only when shadowed by a licensed Stage Commander, or when the Deputy Stage Commander holds such a licence.
For this year (2026) everyone who had a Stage Commander grade on their marshals registration was entitled to apply for a Stage Commander licence. Our current understanding is that people who have a 2026 Stage Commander licence will be able to renew it for 2027.
However, if you don’t currently have a Stage Commander licence and want to become a licensed Stage Commander we believe you will have to attend a training session. We believe that Motorsport UK are arranging dates for these sessions.
If you want to become a licensed Stage Commander, or want refresher training, I would urge you to email volunteers@motorsportuk.org asking when there will be Stage Commander training – that should get your name on to a list of potential attendees (and might influence where the training is offered).
David