|
SKI RACE VOLUNTEER FAQs
I am not an expert skier how can I possibly contribute to a ski race?
All of our racing events are held on intermediate (Blue) or beginner (Green) runs. If you can ski Big Dipper or Gypsy Queen at Silver Star, you can help with our course set-up and maintenance, gate judging or timing.
I can ski Gypsy Queen, but, I’m not a really confident skier.
There’s still an on-snow job for you! Gate judging, timing assistance, hand timing, time posting and bib collecting/sorting all require very little skiing activity and ALL of these positions put you in a location where you are participating directly in the race. If you are comfortable with electronics or using computer applications…. the timing shack may be the place for you!
I have no race experience, I wouldn’t know where to start….
There is no need to have a racing background (most volunteers don’t). “First timers” will work along side more experienced volunteers so they can learn what needs to be done. Most jobs simply require a willingness to help and in the case of some course work, a bit of physical strength. We will not put people in positions that they are not able to handle.
Gate Judging? Sounds too technical to me….
Gate judging is one of the most important jobs on the course. BUT the fundamentals of gate judging can be taught in a short period of time using some very basic demonstrations. If you know the difference between the tips and tails of a pair of skis, you can be a gate judge. First-time gate judges will be placed in locations where they monitor as few gates as possible and where visibility is good. We also try to ensure that first-timers have some extra help. When it comes to gate judging, experience is the very best teacher. “Speed” events such as the Over Hill Downhill and the K2 Nationals “Super G” are very easy gate judging assignments. Slalom events are quicker and require a sharper eye, but all of the same fundamentals apply.
What if I make a mistake?
There are no mistakes - only learning opportunities! Mistakes are made at every race, even by the most experienced volunteers. If mistakes are made, the team works together to rectify the problem and the race goes on. The highest priority on any race course is not timing, not the quality of gate judging and not the course set-up. It’s SAFETY. We all work hard to ensure that we never compromise volunteer or racer safety - achieving this simply means using common sense and listening to basic direction from the more experienced volunteers.
I don’t ski at all, where can I help?
For non-skiers, there are opportunities to contribute in the race office or with event support. If you are comfortable working with numbers, spreadsheets and can manage basic computer applications, race administration may be for you. The race office also requires 1 or 2 additional people to help assist with basic office duties.
Event support duties include organizing volunteer lunches and apres-ski volunteer appreciation as well as setting up banquets and assisting with the award ceremonies. The amount of event support required will vary depending on the event being held.
I’ve heard that volunteers are required for “camps” , why?
Camps are training opportunities for our athletes where we often set up race training courses and use timing equipment. Although we don’t need a fully manned course, it is often helpful to have a few extra people on hand to help run the camp. This is particularly true for the K1 speed camp where we need people positioned in key locations along the course to ensure that the course remains safe for the athletes.
What to Expect on a Race Course - CLICK HERE
What is the schedule like?
Every race schedule is different, but, generally….
Several Days (or weeks) before: the general course location is confirmed, safety netting is installed for speed events, timing equipment (wiring) is installed and the final equipment list is established.
Day or Two before: final wiring is installed, start and finish areas are constructed
Race Day:
7:30 AM- final course-set and course preparation
10:00 AM - First Race Start
1:00 PM - Second Race Start
3:00 PM - Race complete
4:00 PM - Tear-down and clean-up and complete
We need volunteers to support all phases of the race schedule!
Where Can I learn more?
Come see us upstairs at the club cabin on any of our regular training days (Sat or Sun). First thing in the morning, there is almost always someone around who will be very happy to answer questions or provide information regarding our upcoming events. OR contact any of our parent reps or executive members - they will gladly help get you started.
Also, the club will hold a 3 hour Level 1 Officials Course early in the season. This course reviews the basics of setting up a race course and reviews the fundamentals of gate judging. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of all members of the volunteer crew are reviewed in detail. This course is a great introduction to running race events.
The course follows the outline provided by the Alpine Canada Officials Program and is the first in a series of courses that have been developed to provide guidance and support to ski racing volunteers. More information regarding the officials program can be found at:
http://www.canski.org/webconcepteur/web/alpine/en/officialsvolunteers
|
