VOLUNTEERS

Announcer

Broadcasts the races by announcing who is racing and what placements they’re in as they compete. Makes general announcements to update spectators. The announcer keeps the tempo of the event moving and overall acts as the lead for the other event staff via two-way radios.

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Registration 

• Basics: Registration check in and membership renewal/creation. This position uses the USABMX computer software and includes confirming the racers plate number and calculated age, and marks a “Yes” next to everyone's name to make sure they are accounted for before the Race Director does final moto prep. Includes accepting cash and credit card payments and accounting for each in the digital payment gateway.

• Advanced: Creation of events in Race Manager software, scanning of waivers and submitting final Track Operator Reporting Forms (TORF). The submission of the TORF certifies rider points and initiates our track payment to USA/BMX.

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Gate Operator

• Basics: operates the gate during sanctioned practices/race events. Communicates with other volunteers via radio to coordinate gate timing and observes riders on the track/watches to make sure that the racers are safe before initiating gate sequence.This position should also take a quick look to make sure racers helmets are buckled  and wheels are aligned properly in the gate.

  • Any rider in the gate having difficulties, not ready to race  or questioning another rider’s lane position or safety  equipment can only put that race on hold by placing their  front wheel over the gate. This action must take place  before the starting cadence begins. 

  • The only riders that may be assisted at the starting gate are  those 5 years old and younger. This assistance shall only  include the rear wheel being placed between the assistant’s  legs. No hands may be used to prop the rider up and any  pushing off will result in the rider’s disqualification. 

• Advanced: Preps (fuel, test, safety check, setup of generator etc.) gate before event, and puts away equipment for the gate after races/practices.

 

Staging

Usually 1 to 2 positions, organizes racers into their appropriate motos & lanes on time in the staging area. References moto sheets so they are aware of the racers moto and lane number, communicates with the announcer in the case of missing riders, or incorrect number plates.

 

Corner Officials

Helps to ensure the safety of the racers on the track. Helps riders become untangled from bikes and calls for first aid as needed. Volunteers can assist riders with their bikes during a crash, but should not advance the rider in any form during assistance. In the case of riders making or contesting illegal moves, assists the track operator in making a call by providing input of the occurings from their perspective.

 

Finish Line

Typically, two+ volunteers at each race and three+ at larger events. Finish Line volunteers are responsible for writing down plate numbers of racers as they cross the finish line on moto sheets for the use of race scoring during each round. In total point races, tallies point totals. Head scorer located at the finish line along  with enough assistant scorers necessary to accurately call  race finishes. All of the head scorer’s decisions regarding  finishes and scoring are final. 

• The finish line should also note riders that missed their moto, injuries, and disputes or disqualifications. 

• After each moto Scoring, Announcing, and Staging Volunteers discuss any discrepancies, make adjustments on moto sheets, and overall make sure all moto sheets are ready for the next round.

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Track Maintenance

Keeps the track maintained during race/practice nights. Wets dust, rakes, fills divots, also ensures the track is left in a clean and tidy condition including emptying/collecting garbage and recyclables.

• Rock Walk: Volunteer walks the entire track and picks up and removes rocks and other hazards from the track.

• Watering: Is responsible for taking the hoses out of the sea can and hooking it up to the water tap and waters the corners and track to keep the dust down. This happens before racers ride, which then helps with track packing during the race.

• Sweeping: sweeping loose or excess dirt off of the main track area. Smooths  excess so that it can be watered and packed.

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Trophies/Awards

Using final scoring from Finish Line, volunteers distribute and track who has claimed their awards based on their final score/finish placement. Typically, riders are marked off of the sheets as they claim their award. Adding SS for saver stamps, T for trophy, or BB for bike bucks helps keep track of rider payouts.

The scoring sheets are left in order at the registration desk and then used for scoring.

If there are any discrepancies regarding scoring found while handing out awards, it should be brought to the head official or the track operator immediately. This will ensure the correct award is passed out going forward, and most importantly, that the scoring is correct when entered into the computer and sent to USABMX.