http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/TT-chief-...3967965.jp
TT chief marshal Roger Hurst resigns from post
RESIGNATION: Roger Hurst, 72, a marshal for 33 years and chairman of the TT Marshals’ Association for the past 15 years
"Having given lengthy consideration to the remarks made by the coroner after the recent inquest, I have no alternative but to resign from the position of chief marshal for 2008"
Roger HurstCHIEF marshal Roger Hurst has quit – becoming the latest casualty of the fall-out over the inquest into the TT triple tragedy.
Mr Hurst, 72, a marshal for 33 years and chairman of the TT Marshals' Association for the past 15 years, said he had 'no alternative' but to resign from the post after stinging criticism of him by Coroner Michael Moyle.
He had planned to step down as chief marshal at the end of the centenary TT last year but chose to stay on following the tragedy at the 26th Milestone in which a competitor and two spectators were killed.
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'Having given lengthy consideration to the remarks made by the coroner after the recent inquest, I have no alternative but to resign from the position of chief marshal for 2008,' he said.
He told Isle of Man Newspapers: 'Mistakes were made and not just by the marshals. Unfortunately you can't cover every scenario. You learn from tragedies in life.
'Things were set in motion at the MGP last year – problems highlighted by the coroner have been or are being addressed.
'Huge improvements have been made during recent years, both in marshalling standards and course safety. These improvements will continue to evolve each and every year.'
>> Read a pdf copy of Roger Hurst's resignation letter
>> TT deaths verdict: blistering attack on race management
20 March 2008
Mr Hurst, criticised by the coroner in his inquest report for apparently being 'complacent, self-satisfied and reluctant to accept what was glaringly obvious', paid tribute to the huge band of volunteers who gave up their time freely as marshals – and said he hoped they would continue to do so.
He said: 'The commitment and dedication shown by them is humbling and their support has been tremendous.
'Without continued support from the all-important marshals, those who wish to take part in the ultimate challenge would not be able to chase their dreams.'
Recording verdicts of misadventure last month into the deaths of TT competitor Marc Ramsbotham and spectators Dean Jacob and Gregory Kenzig, the Coroner concluded the lives of the two spectators could have been spared if the 26th Milestone had been properly signed and properly enforced as a prohibited area.
He described as 'untenable' the positions of officials and marshals whose conduct he seriously criticised and urged them to 'do the honourable thing' and have no significant further involvement in future races.
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