Race Duties

WPRC is a volunteer organization run by parents for the benefit of our children and the PARA racing community as a whole. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to organize a successful race. No one race duty is more important than the next. It is a team effort, and when everybody does their part, races run quickly and smoothly, and the kids have fun!

Volunteering for a WPRC race not only helps your child, but it will also introduce you to the many different aspects of ski racing, and to a host of new people with whom you will have an instant connection: your kids and their love of skiing. We encourage you to become familiar with a number of the different roles outlined below. Challenge yourself as our children do everyday on the race hill!

Course

There is no better place to watch a race than right next to the action. These race duties along the course are all outside jobs. Bundle up, and be ready for the weather. All of these jobs require skiing and a pass will be provided for volunteers coming from non-Epic race programs.

Head Gatekeeper

Description: Coordinates gatekeepers by running the gatekeeper meeting (usually 8:30 am) and assigning gates each run. Gatekeepers must be in position and assigned gates prior to the start of forerunners. During the race, fill in for gatekeepers that need to a break and resolve gatekeeper inquiries / issues. At the completion of each run, collects gatekeeper cards and presents them to the race administrator and referee. At the end of the race, collect and store gatekeeper supplies in the base of the timing hut. No certification is required.

Report Time & Location: 8:00 am at the bottom of the timing hut

Supplies: Needs to gather gatekeeper supplies and have them ready for the gatekeeper meeting at 8:30 am. Gatekeeper supplies include bib, backpack, clipboard, pencil, and gatekeeper cards. Should also have a race radio to communicate with race jury.

Requirements: Should be a WPRC parent. Must have enough experience as a gatekeeper to provide direction to other gatekeepers. Must be a skier.

Gatekeeper

Description: Front row seat to all the racing action. Stand on the race hill with clipboard and record skiers who miss gates. Typically responsible for 4-6 gates. Must be a skier, have warm clothes, and basic drawing skills with gloves on. At the completion of the run, make sure head gatekeeper collects your cards and be available / contactable in case the race jury has any questions.

Report Time & Location: 8:30 am gatekeeper meeting

Supplies: Bib, backpack, Stop the Bleed kit, clipboard, pencil, and gatekeeper cards. All provided at gatekeeper meeting.

Requirements: No experience necessary. Must be a skier. Please watch the USSS gate judge video.

Note: There is an opportunity for 1-2 gatekeepers on the lower course to be non-skiers, but please check with the head gatekeeper (or the Volunteer Coordinator) before signing up.

Course Maintenance

Description: Responsible for keeping the race track free loose snow and as smooth as possible for the racers. Ski through gates during race (between racers) to even out the ruts. Must be a strong skier, proficient at snowplowing, and good with a rake. After a course reset, start slipping the course as soon as the course is reset to help remove cross-ruts and burns from the prior course.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am start slipping the course. (If available, assistance with crowd control and b-net setup is always appreciated starting at 7:00 am.)

Supplies: Snow rakes and shovels available on left wall in WPRC get shack.

Requirements: Strong skier.

Start & Finish Setup

Description: Install outside start and finish timing equipment and wiring. In the finish this includes aligning the finish beams and putting up the posts, finish banners, wedges, photocells, communication headset, and hand timing plunger. At the start, this includes, setting up the start with posts, banners, wand, pole pads, communication headset, and hand timing plunger. After testing timing and communications are functioning properly, install crowd control ropes and poles along length of course. At the conclusion of the race, remove and stow all timing and communication equipment at the start and the finish. Wind up and store crowd control ropes and poles.

Report Time & Location: 7:00 am at timing hut

Supplies: Timing and communication equipment - finish equipment is stored in timing hut, and start equipment is stored in start shack.

Requirements: WPRC member. Knowledge of timing systems. If you want to learn, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Start

There is no better place to feel the nerves and excitement of ski racing than at the start. These race duties are all outside jobs. Bundle up, and be ready for the weather. All of these jobs require skiing and a pass will be provided for volunteers coming from non-Epic race programs.

Start Referee

Description: Observes and controls the start. Records bib numbers of racers as they start. Rules on false starts and racers who do not adhere to start order, etc... Communicates with race jury and responds to "Stop / Starts" over race radio. Handles rerun requests at the start, and slots reruns in when appropriate. At the completion of the race, brings paperwork and returned bibs to the timing hut.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am at the start. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Race radio, clipboard, pencil, start referee sheet, forerunner bibs, and start lists for self and workers at start.

Requirements: USSS Alpine Official license. Jury Advisor (JA) or Referee (RF) certification. Must be skier.

Starter

Description: Gives voice commands to racers to start. For Slalom (SL), "Ready, Go." For Giant Slalom (GS), "10...5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go." Wears communication headset and coordinates with the Primary Timer who is in the gate and when to send the next racer.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am at the start. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Communication headset. Should be setup by the Setup Crew. Wear or bring a hat to keep your head and ears warm while wearing the headset.

Requirements: Must be a skier.

Racer Lineup

Hand Timer (Start)

Finish

Watch all the action unfold from down in the finish arena. These race duties are all outside jobs. Bundle up, and be ready for the weather. Skiing is not required for these jobs. In fact, many workers like to shed their ski boots for warmer snow boots. On sunny days, bring sunglasses. You'll be staring right up at the sun as it sets behind the start.

Finish Referee

Description: Observes and controls the finish. Records bib numbers of racers as they finish. Communicates with race jury and calls "Stop / Starts" in the finish. Clears finish before resuming race. Handles rerun requests and instructs racers when reruns are issued.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am at the start. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Race radio, communication headset, clipboard, pencil, finish referee sheet, and start list.

Requirements: USSS Alpine Official license. Jury Advisor (JA) or Referee (RF) certification.

Crowd Control

Description: One person stands either side of the finish corral at openings where the public crosses. Prevent skiing public from crossing race course as racers approach the finish. Once racer has come to a stop, allows public to cross. Authoritative voice a plus.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am at the finish. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Bamboo pole from WPRC gate shack

Requirements: None

Hand Timer (Finish)

Video / Live Stream

Description: Set up and monitor the live stream video camera at the back of the finish. During the race, monitor live feed and address issues as they arise. At the completion of the race, take down and store equipment.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am in finish area

Supplies: Video camera and tripod stored in Timing Hut.

Requirements: Technology savvy with ability to trouble shoot connectivity issues.

Bib Collection

Description: Collect bibs from racers during the last run at bottom of race hill. Persistence at getting attention of distracted teenagers recommended. At the completion of the race, gather all bibs and organize on a table in the top of the timing hut. Please note that some bibs may be turned in at the start (i.e. racers who did not show) or to the race secretary. Put all bibs into numerical order by color set. Inform the race secretary of any missing bibs from the sets. Store bibs in Timing Hut.

Report Time & Location: Close of the last run's inspection, be in place and ready to collect bibs in the finish area.

Supplies: Hamper for collecting bibs. This is typically stored in the top floor of the Timing Hut.

Requirements: WPRC member.

Timing Hut

For those that prefer inside jobs, the Timing Hut is your calling. Skiing is not required for these jobs, and warm layers are only required for trekking out for lunch or bathroom breaks. On sunny days, bring sunglasses. You'll be staring right up at the sun as it sets behind the start.

Primary Timer

Description: Run the show! Operate computer software to time the race. Make adjustments in the timing software as anomalies occur (such as DNF's, reruns, false start or finish pulses, or racers who start out of position). Take notes on changes and keep Secondary Timer in sync with adjustments. Communicate via headset with Starter to find out who is next in the gate and instruct when to send the next racer. At the completion of each "race," close out timing file, save timing file to shared drive, and open next race file. This role requires experience and a cool head under pressure. Primary Timers typically gain experience as Secondary Timers before being put in the hot seat.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Computer, timing devise, note sheet, and pencil. Sunglasses are highly recommended on sunny days.

Requirements: WPRC member. Must be computer-literate and experience with Vola timing software. Cool under pressure.

Secondary Timer

Description: Do as the Primary Timer does. Operate computer software to time the race. Make adjustments in the timing software as anomalies occur (such as DNF's, reruns, false start or finish pulses, or racers who start out of position). Take notes on changes and confirm changes with the Primary Timer. At the completion of each "race," close out timing file, save timing file to shared drive, and open next race file.

Anyone interested in becoming a Secondary Timer should first attend the Timer Training session over Christmas Camp and then serve as a "Timer in Training" for one race.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Computer, timing devise, note sheet, and pencil. Sunglasses are highly recommended on sunny days.

Requirements: WPRC member. Must be computer-literate and experience with Vola timing software. Cool under pressure.

Timer in Training

Description: Get hands on experience with timing a race with the support of veteran timers. Sit next to the Secondary Timer and watch a veteran in action. Once comfortable with the software and timing procedures, take a turn in the Secondary Timer seat while the veteran looks over your shoulder to provide guidance. By the end of the day, you should be comfortable working independently as a Secondary Timer.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: None.

Requirements: WPRC member. Attend the Timer Training session over Christmas Camp to gain an introduction to how timing and the software works. Coordinate with the head of timing (or the Volunteer Coordinator).

Backup Timer

Description: Fill in for the Primary or Secondary Timers if they are unable to fulfill their obligation. Typically utilize this role for racers later in the season as people's schedules become more uncertain or challenging.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut...if needed

Supplies: None.

Requirements: WPRC member. Coordinate with the head of timing (or the Volunteer Coordinator).

Hand Timer Recorder

Description: Record bib number and time of day for all start and finish pulses from the hand timers. Pulses will enter the Timey device from the start (C0) as well as from the finish (C1). Recorder needs to keep track and note bib numbers and record the corresponding time of day for each racer. Provide times to race secretary when needed (typically for forerunners, first racer, and last racer). Good handwriting is a plus.

No experience required, but the ability to read a Timey devise will be necessary. Instructions will be provided. If interested in learning more about timing, this is a great introductory role to learn what goes on in the Timing Hut and how timing a race works.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Hand timer sheet for start, hand timer sheet for finish, and pencil.

Requirements: WPRC member. No experience required.

Announcer

Description: Make announcements over P.A. system during race, including "gate-by- gate" coverage. Announcements will include, who is in the start, who is on course, and times of finishers. Should be proficient at pronouncing unusual names.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am top floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Computer, start list, and microphone. Sunglasses are highly recommended on sunny days.

Requirements: None

Scoreboard

Description: Set up and monitor the TV displays for LiveTiming at the bottom of the Timing Hut. During the race, monitor the displays, make sure the appropriate instances of LiveTiming are showing, and address issues as they arise. At the completion of the race, take down and store equipment.

Report Time & Location: 9:00 am bottom floor of the Timing Hut. For second run, be in place and ready to go as course closes for inspection.

Supplies: Computer.

Requirements: Tech savvy.

Lunch Coordinator

Description: Feed the race workers! Organize and serve food for ~60 volunteers and coaches. Food will be setup under the tent outside the Timing Hut, and should be ready by the completion of the first run. WPRC will reimburse for reasonable costs. Please coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Report Time & Location: 10:30 am outside the Timing Hut.

Supplies: Food and drinks.

Requirements: Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss details.

Western Pennsylvania Race Club (WPRC) is a successfully run ski program based at Seven Springs. The club has been in operation since 1962. WPRC promotes the development of youth athletics through alpine ski racing.

P.O. Box 153
Melcroft, PA 15462

info@wprcskiteam.org