RACE DAY VOLUNTEER POSITION Descriptions

Each available volunteer position that LSC must fill at home races includes a brief description below. Some positions require no previous experience or certifications, while others require USSA certification.

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All volunteers must sign in with Member Services, and sign out after the competition to receive volunteer credit! Please note that volunteers are not permitted to compete or forerun.

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STARTER - ON HILL - MUST SKI OR SNOWBOARD TO YOUR POST

The "Starter" stands directly next to the starting line, tells the racers when to go, talks to the timing shack on a cool headset, and resets the wand at the starting gate.

Responsibility: Be at the start 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the race; repeat the correct cadence for each racer to start. Close the wand after each racer goes through. Communicate with the timing shack via a headset.

Demands of the job: Stand for long times in variable weather. MUST be able to ski or snowboard, and have adequate clothing to remain at the start for extended periods of time. Must be able to stoop to close the wand after each racer and be comfortable using a headset.

 

ASSISTANT STARTER - ON HILL - MUST SKI OR SNOWBOARD TO YOUR POST

The "Assistant Starter" is located in the start corral before the starting gate. This position has a start list in hand, and calls out the bib order to line up the athletes for their starts. This is especially important during the second run when race (bib) numbers are starting out of order. Should be at the start 30 minutes before the start of race.

Responsibility: Keep several racers (who are "on-deck") in line at all times so that the pace of the race is maintained. Communicate with Start Referee if a racer has not shown up for his or her start.

Demands of the job: Call racers’ numbers and/or names to let them know they have to get lined up (having a voice that carries is helpful!) Notify the Start Ref of any racer on the start list who is not present. This job takes place at the top of the course; skiing or snowboarding is required.

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START/ FINISH HAND TIMER and RECORDER - ON HILL - MUST SKI OR SNOWBOARD TO YOUR POST

The "Hand Timer" is located at either the start or finish line. With a stopwatch and clipboard in hand, they will mark down the time of each racer as they go through the starting gate or finish line, and their bib number. If we have extra volunteers, you may have an assistant who writes down the times and bib numbers for you, making your job a little easier. The "Recorder" is not guaranteed. You will be trained the morning of race day before going getting into position. 

Responsibility: Positioned at the start or finish line, running a stop watch and recording the stop watch time for each racer. 

Demands of the job: Standing or kneeling for an extended period of time. You record the racers bib number and focus on each athletes start (or finish) with the intent to be consistent and accurate. Hand times are used every race to verify electronic times and replace an electronic time in the event of computer failure. Skiing or snowboarding required.

 

COURSE CREW - ON HILL - MUST SKI ALL DAY (SNOWBOARDING IS NOT PERMITTED)

"Course Crew", also referred to as a 'slipper', helps out on hill with carrying gates, fixing holes, and smoothing out (slipping) the course. This is a great position if you prefer to be moving all day and skiing the course. You must understand the safety measures and race etiquette that go with being on Course Crew. 'Slipping' the course requires you to slowly ski 'pizza/snowplow' around each gate to help smooth out the surface. You must stay aware of your surroundings and ski off the course when a racer is coming down. You must move to the side and come to a complete stop while they pass you. You can then continue 'slipping'. 

Responsibility: Arrive early, booted up and ready to roll as soon as first chair. Course crew assists with the entire race set up, maintenance and tear down. Course crew must be present at each reset of the course. Course crew reports to the Chief of Course. They slip, shovel and rake the course to keep the track smooth. They also replace broken gates. These folks may also help set up B-nets, finish and start arena, and other fences. Their day ends when all equipment is put away. Sorry, but this position requires skis - snowboarding is not permitted on the race course.

Demands of the job: Physically able to ski all day, often in a side-slip or snowplow. Able to carry equipment and nets while skiing. Course crew is first on the hill and last to leave, making this a higher time commitment job than most.

 

START/ FINISH REFEREE - ON HILL - MUST SKI OR SNOWBOARD TO YOUR VOLUNTEER SPOT

MUST HAVE A CURRENT USSA CERTIFICATION

Current USSA certification is required. Click here to learn more about becoming a certified referee.

WORKING 1 DAY IN A POSITION THAT REQUIRES A CERTIFICATION WILL AWARD YOU 3 DAYS OF VOLUNTEER CREDIT!

Start Referee oversees other volunteers at the start, including hand-timers and starter/ assistant starter. Start Ref is responsible for announcing “start / stops” on the radio and clearing the course. Must document each racer that starts, notify timing and jury of any changes to the order of the racers starting, and provides bibs to racers who do not have one. Start Ref communicates with jury members via the jury radio, and opens and closes inspection of the course by racers. They are responsible for building and maintaining the start properly and that a level start ramp exists. They make sure the start fences are properly built and maintained, and assist with setting up starting equipment.

Finish Referee is responsible for the finish area and for documenting each racer that crosses the finish line, watches the last 2 gates due to additional rules that apply to these gates, verifies a clear course before racers are sent and is a jury adviser when protests are made by racers that are disqualified. Responsibilities also include that the finish is built properly and maintained.  

Responsibility: Ensure that the start and finish lines are marked correctly. Particular attention to protection and course security. Further responsibilities are that the start and finish fences above and below are built and maintained properly.

Demands of the job: Maintains focus on the race, knows correct radio protocol and communicates as needed with other jury members. Takes forerunners’ course report before reach race. Must be prepared for any weather with adequate clothing, etc. Ensures the forerunners and race begin on time by coordinating with timing, course crew, chief gate judge and officials.

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ADMIN ASSISTANT - OFF HILL - PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO CANNOT SKI OR SNOWBOARD

This position is incredibly busy at the beginning of the day, becomes progressively slower, and then busy again at the end of the day. Responsibilities are fluid and depend on what is needed for that specific event. Responsibilities could possibly include assistance with tickets sales, customer services, and organization of race bibs in the morning and end of the day. Because this position requires less overall movement, LSC requests that you leave this position available for volunteers with injuries, or for folks with otherwise limited mobility.

Responsibility: Be ready first thing in the morning to assists with any task that is required for that day, and stay until the very end of the day to organize bibs. This is an all day position that requires you to be OFF HILL.

Demands of the job: Being a forward-facing representative for the ski club to the racer public. Potentially operate a credit card swipe device. Organization and distribution of racer bibs. May assist with volunteer lunch and snack distribution as well.

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LUNCH - OFF HILL - COMPLETED THE DAY BEFORE RACE DAY AND DROPPED OFF AT 7AM ON RACE DAY

The "Lunch" role requires the volunteer to follow detailed instructions to (1) pick up lunch ingredients at the grocery store, (2) put together approximately 50 sandwiches at home the day before race day, and (3) drop off sandwiches, case of water, and box of chips to Race Admin at 7am the morning of race day. You must bring your grocery receipt at drop off to receive a reimbursement check in the mail.

Responsibility: Grocery shop a head of time based on a detailed shopping list (emailed to you the week of the race), spend time putting together meat and vegetarian sandwiches the night before race day, and coming in early to drop off lunches by 7am on race day.