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Alpine Race Day

Putting on an alpine race takes many hands!  A typical race needs between 20 to 25 people.  Some positions require more training than other positions.

The USSA website is also a great resource for parents/community members to learn more about the what it takes to put on a race and about ski racing in general.  Read the ski-racing-101 Race Day post for a brief overview about race day. 

On Snow:

Hand Timer Finish - 12 Credit Hours

Every race requires two hand timer volunteers, one at the start and one at the finish line. The hand timer at the start must have ski equipment to get to and from the start. Both hand timers will meet with Head Timer to sync the clocks and get briefed on the job. Each volunteer will have a clock with the running time and a clip board to write down times. Every time an athlete opens the wand at the start and crosses the finish line the hand timer will record that time! We do this as back up if our main timing system had issues.

Starter - 8 Credit Hours

The starter assists the Race Director to set up and test the timing at the start before the race begins. During the race the starter in on a headset in communication with the timing room and is responsible for sending athletes down the course when necessary.

Assistant Starter - 8 Credit Hours

The assistant starter works outside at the start/top of the race course. The Assistant Starter is responsible for organizing athletes in their start order and assisting the Starter in whatever way helps the race run in an efficient manner! Qualifications: detail oriented, work well under pressure, organized, good trouble shooting skills and working outdoors.

Runner - 8 Credit Hours

The runner works with the Race Administrator to take start lists, etc. from the office to all officials & coaches on the hill after each run. You will need to ski efficiently to and from the race course and in the venue.

Certs Needed:

Cert Needed - Start Ref - 8 Credit Hours

MUST HAVE A REFEREE LICENSE Start Referee works in conjunction with starter and race director to keep the race moving in a safe, professional, and efficient manner. Qualifications: Detail oriented, work well under pressure, outdoors in the elements all day, must be on duty during inspection (usually is one hour prior to the start), is a licensed USSS Alpine official as a Ref, is a non-voting member of the race jury and basic knowledge of start timing equipment.

Cert Needed - Finish Ref - 8 Credit Hours

MUST HAVE A REFEREE LICENSE Finish Referee works in conjunction with the Race Director and start ref to clear the course and stop the start depending on safety and flow of the race. The finish ref is stationed at the finish line and is the official of the bottom part of the course and finish arena. Qualifications: Detail oriented, work well under pressure, finish ref is responsible for verifying that all racers cross the finish line and recording it. This person is a licensed USSA Alpine Official as Referee, is a non-voting member of the race jury and has basic knowledge of the finish timing equipment.

Not On Snow:

Hand Timer Start - 12 Credit Hours

Every race requires two hand timer volunteers, one at the start and one at the finish line. The hand timer at the start must have ski equipment to get to and from the start. Both hand timers will meet with Head Timer to sync the clocks and get briefed on the job. Each volunteer will have a clock with the running time and a clip board to write down times. Every time an athlete opens the wand at the start and crosses the finish line the hand timer will record that time! We do this as back up if our main timing system had issues.

Lunch Prep & Delivery - 8 Credit Hours

Purchase and provide a hot lunch or bag lunch for 25 volunteers. Shopping list will be provided by Dani, budget max of $150, save receipt for reimbursement. Lunches must be ready to go and dropped off by 8:30am the day of the race.

Bib Collector & Organizer - 8 Credit Hours

The Bib Collector will be stationed at the exit of the finish coral to take athletes bibs after 2nd run. Once all bibs are collected, they must be organized inside the race office in preparation for the next day’s race. For most GS & SL races your job will start at the beginning of the 2nd run but for a SG you may be needed earlier in the day. Dani will email the expectations and schedule to all volunteers a day or so before the scheduled volunteer day!

Announcer - 8 Credit Hours

The announcer is responsible for communicating race times as well as sponsors and other items of interest to the public over the speaker. Announcer is an indoor job! Qualifications: clear voice over microphone, work well under pressure, ability to work in a team environment.