Rally Volunteer Needs
The following is a list of the most common workers needed for our rally. Each is described briefly, along with the qualifications of each (generally not much), and the volumes we need of each. The latter gives you a sense of where our biggest needs are.
One thing that is common across all of the positions, is they are all full day commitment. If you can’t work both days, that’s fine, we can still use you one day. Most jobs will have you in or near your vehicle most of the day.
Radio Operator
Radio operators are needed at the start and finish of every stage, in service, at a spectator area, at various places along a stage. A radio operator stationed along the stage route would also act as a “course marshal” (see below), but might be staged somewhere where we are aware communications might be needed.
Qualifications: You most posses a valid/current Ham radio operators license, have a working ham radio that can function on the 2m band; preferably a mobile unit (handhelds are acceptable, but not ideal).
Typical need: About 30+
Course Marshal
A Course Marshal is stationed along a stage route at an intersection, driveway or other path. The course marshal’s job is to ensure that no unauthorized or local traffic gets onto the stage once it is closed, as this could pose a danger to all involved. In some cases, a course marshal may encounter spectators that show up at an unofficial spectator point, and the marshal can suggest official spectator locations, but then ensure those that remain are kept at a safe distance from the course. This is a great position for those that want to see racing action as cars pass by each minute. But, it could be a lonely position if you are working alone, and don’t encounter any local spectators/residents.
A Course Marshal is stationed along a stage route at an intersection, driveway or other path. The course marshal’s job is to ensure that no unauthorized or local traffic gets onto the stage once it is closed, as this could pose a danger to all involved. In some cases, a course marshal may encounter spectators that show up at an unofficial spectator point, and the marshal can suggest official spectator locations, but then ensure those that remain are kept at a safe distance from the course. This is a great position for those that want to see racing action as cars pass by each minute. But, it could be a lonely position if you are working alone, and don’t encounter any local spectators/residents.
Qualifications: No qualifications really, but a Course Marshal should have reliable transportation.
Typical need: About 100+
Spectator Marshal
A Spectator Marshal is assigned to an official spectator area. There, they help set up the area, by placing banner tape as directed, and then ensure the spectators stay within approve areas, and most certainly off of the course. A Spectator Marshal may also help direct spectator vehicular traffic and ensure parking rules are followed to maintain lanes for emergency vehicles. This is a great position for those that want to see racing from a known good vantage point and love the energy of a crowd.
Qualifications: No qualifications necessary, should be comfortable with directing/guiding people.
Typical need: About 50+
Start/Finish Workers
Start/Finish crews help check in the competitor’s cars and log in/out times, and start the cars. At the finish, they may man the finish line to log completion time and complete log sheets. This is a great position to get to see the cars and drivers up close, and get some insight into the scoring/timing of a rally.
Qualifications: No qualifications necessary, should have reliable transportation.
Typical need: About 50+
Medical
Medical workers are needed throughout the day, and are stationed at the start of every stage, in service, at spectator areas, etc. These workers ensure medical assistance is available in the unlikely situation where a spectator, competitor or crew member is injured. These workers would provide medical assistance until additional medical support could be provided by ambulances stationed nearby. This is a hard position for us to fill as it requires medical training, please pass the word to anyone you know that might be qualified and willing to help at the rally!
Qualifications: Must be a doctor, nurse, EMT, etc. with valid and current license
Typical need: About 10+
Heavy Sweep
Sweep vehicles/personnel are needed to help competitors who might have encountered a mechanical problem or have left the course. A sweep worker would be stationed at the beginning of each stage and would be dispatched down the stage after it is complete, to assist getting any disabled competitor vehicles back onto the stage road, and move them to somewhere where they crew can come and get them. A sweep worker is not expected to be a mechanic and repair a competitor’s car. While this position doesn’t require a Ham radio license, since this person needs to be able to communicate, rather than pairing them with a Ham radio operator, we typically offer these few positions to those that have a Ham radio license and capable vehicle.
Qualifications: Must have a full-frame, 4wd vehicle (generally a Jeep or truck), recovery tools such as straps, clevis, basic tools, etc. A winch is a plus. As mentioned above, Ham radio license is also a plus.
Typical need: About 5
In addition, we are always looking for people to join the committee, to provide assistance in new ways or shadow to transition into existing roles. We don’t want the committee to get burned out, so we need to have new blood into the committee! This does require a significant amount of work throughout the year, but especially during the few months prior to the event, to attend meetings, work independently, visit residents, test communications, etc.