So you want to get involved...

Midweek "Dollars" :

To encourage more volunteerism, we are introducing a volunteer rewards program called "Midweek Dollars". For every two hours volunteered (approximately the duration of a Monday or Tuesday night event), you receive an actual $10 bill of Midweek currency. Amit's face might even be on it. Midweek Dollars can be redeemed for club shwag (jerseys, shorts, tshirts, hats, gloves, skinsuits, socks), reduced entry fees at club events, maybe even a bike tune-up or discount from one of our sponsors. Currently, 90 Dollars is the value of a jersey ($90 = one full race day).

Midweek Dollars are transferable, meaning you can give them away, trade them, or make bets with them (although we don't encourage gambling). The ways in which you collect your Bucks is up to you, so have fun and start saving!

Keep in mind that the following list of volunteer roles (both ongoing and for race-day) can be modified to better suit your skills.

Race-day Volunteer Positions :

Course Marshals (in shifts, all day)

Protect the integrity of the course by controlling people and vehicles from crossing the course
Answer questions from the public; direct racers to sign-in, parking etc.
Direct emergency vehicles entering the course
Advise emergency medical services of any incidents at marshal’s post
Warn oncoming racers of any incidents up ahead, to avoid secondary crashes

Parking and traffic control marshals (in shifts, all day)

Stop unauthorized vehicles from entering at points where road is closed to traffic
Direct authorized vehicles safely onto course (in direction of race, behind the riders)

Registration (from 2 hours before first race to start of last race)

Handle sign-in of pre-registered racers, day-of registrations, kids and community race registrations, and data entry, as instructed by race officials
Check racing licenses and race numbers of participants; collect fees from day-of registrants; issue citizens permits and collect insurance waiver forms
Convey sign-in sheets to staff at Start/Finish area in time for each race

Runners (in shifts, all day)

Carry papers and messages between Registration and Start/Finish areas
Take race results from Start/Finish area to posting location

Set-up crew (starting 3-4 hours before 1st race)

Start/Finish area (stage, etc.)
Course hazards (sweep course, position hay bales, set pylons and mark other danger zones)
Banners & posters (hang along race route and spectator areas; can be done the night before)

Tear-down crew (immediately after last race, approx. 1-2 hours)

Dismantle stage, remove all course markers (hay bales, pylons etc), take down posters and banners

Announcer (all day, potentially shared by two people)

Educate public about racing strategy and tactics, inform of progress of each race
Broadcast race results (after race officials have approved them)
Make sponsor announcements

Protocol (all day)

Organize prizes to be distributed (items and money)
For points races, calculate cash value of primes won by individual racers (using information from race officials) and make up prize envelopes
Manage awards ceremonies by ensuring presence of winners and sponsors to make awards, and informing announcer of results to be broadcast

Ongoing volunteer roles (not limited to race day) :

Advertising and promotions (3 weeks before race, 3-4 hours)

In area near race site, distribute posters and flyers to local businesses
Aim is to increase participation in kids/community races and bring out spectators

Sponsor liaison (peak time 4 weeks leading up to race, and 1-2 days before plus during race)

Ongoing communication with sponsors who have already committed to supporting the club
Address sponsors’ questions and needs (e.g. booth set-up logistics and locations, electricity supply, parking, support staff)
Coordinate re: sponsor’s products to be given as prizes, and any banners with sponsor’s logo
On race day, make sure things go smoothly, take photos of sponsor’s booth, arrange presence at award ceremonies
Post-race follow up (thank you letter, solicit feedback, send photos, invite to club activities)

Public relations (peak time 8-12 weeks before race, variable time commitment)

Draft and distribute press releases and press kit
Research and write articles for promotional materials (e.g. interviews with racers; insights on racing and cycling)
Keep in regular contact with a variety of media outlets (print, radio, TV), arrange promotional interviews with racers as event approaches
Collect newspaper clippings and tape of all media coverage
Manage media on race day e.g. to ensure access to racers, rides in race vehicles, explain racing principles, etc.

Course manager (peak time day before & day of race, plus planning 3-4 weeks before)

Handle logistics for race course, including planning for: policing, emergency medical services, course and stage layout, podium, rental/transportation of equipment and materials, 2-way radios, staffing
On race day, meet with facility staff to ensure all is done according to plan (e.g. barricades placed correctly)

Chief Marshal (start 4 weeks in advance, peak on race day)

Responsible for safety of course
Before race day, review course, identify spectator & traffic patterns, figure out marshalling needs
In late spring, contact schools to recruit students as volunteer marshals (community service)
Schedule marshals for 2 hour shifts rotating along the course
Arrange food and drink for marshals, and transportation along course if necessary
Hold information meeting for marshals (preferably before race day)