Parent volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our race events. We need approximately 20-25 volunteers to run a typical race event. Please consider dedicating a couple of hours of your time during the race. There are various ways you can contribute and some positions require limited to no prior experience. This is also a fantastic opportunity to watch the race while being involved in the event. Please see the list of duties and a brief description below.
At the Start
Starter
The Starter helps the Start Referee get the start area organized and ready for the athletes, as well as breakdown after the race. The Starter will be at the start of the race course for the entire event, communicating by headset with the Timing person to help keep the flow of the race going. The Starter gives the start command to the athletes when they start their race run.
This is a great spot to be if you like/are/have:
- Being with the athletes
- Like being outdoors - Skis are required to get to the start.
- Organized
Assistant Starter
The Assistant Starter helps line up the competitors in bib order at the start.
This is a great spot to be if you like/are/have:
- Being with the athletes
- Like being outdoors - Skis are required to get to the start.
- Organized
Start Referee ***USSS Certification required
The Start Referee is a non-voting member of the Jury and is listed in the paperwork as a Jury Advisor. The Start Referee is at the start for the entire event and record the bib number of each racer who starts (in the actual order that they start) and returns the document to the competition center at the end of each run. The Start Referee must be on duty during the inspection and the race. This is usually one hour prior to start and through completion of the race including any post event jury meetings.
This is a great spot to be if you like/are/have:
- Detail oriented
- Like being outdoors - Skis are required to get to the start
- USSS Certification required***
Hand Timer/Assistant Hand Timer
Hand Timer runs a stop watch for each racer at the start. Assistant Hand Timer records the times for each racer. Skis are required to get to the start.
On the Race Course
Head Gatekeeper
The Head Gatekeeper organizes and supervises the work of the gate judges - handing out clipboards, pencils, gate judge cards, assign gates, review rules and procedures with gate judges and collect the gate judge cards at the end of each run and deliver to the competition center at the end of each race.
This is a great spot to be if you like/are/have:
- Detail oriented
- Like being outdoors - Ability to ski is required
- Work well with people
Gatekeeper (Gate Judge)
The Gatekeeper keeps track of each competitor and decide whether a competitor has passed through a series of gate correctly or has committed a "fault" or has been obstructed. The Gatekeeper must be willing to work on the race course in potentially adverse weather conditions. Skiing ability is a plus! Hikers accepted. This position gives you a front-line view of the race course and the racer in action. Gate Judge Video.
Course Maintenance
Experienced skiing ability is required. Provide course maintenance and event assistance as directed during the event. Assist in putting up and taking down the B-net.
At the Finish
Finish Referee ***USSS Certification required
The Finish Referee is a non-voting (but essential) member of the Jury and is listed in the paperwork as a Jury Advisor. The Finish Referee stays at the finish line for the entire race and must be on duty during the inspection and the race. The Finish Referee record the bib number of each racer who passed through the finish line (in the actual order they pass through the finish). Skiing ability is not required but may need to hike to the finish area.
Hand Timer/Assistant Hand Timer
Hand Timer runs a stop watch for each racer at the finish. Assistant Hand Timer records the times for each racer. Skis are not required but may need to hike to the finish area.
Other Race Volunteer Positions
Announcer
The announcer watches the live-timing of the race on the screen in the finish building and announce the unofficial the athlete's name and times as they cross the finish line. Skis are not required.
Bib/Pass Collectors
Collect bibs and passes from racers as they exit the finish area after the end of the last run. The Bib Collectors will also sort and return bibs to the competition center at the end of the race.
Runner
The runner will be on call to help with things as needed. Skiing ability is required.
Registration Volunteers
This position helps with race registration and welcome & guide visiting racers/coaches at the start of the day.