SRT VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Great Races Require Great Volunteers.
Sundown Race Team is built on the commitment of our athletes, coaches, parents, and guardians. Every season, our families contribute their time to help organize and operate WIJARA competitions.
Volunteering is an essential part of participating in SRT. It helps keep youth ski racing accessible, supports safe and well-organized competitions, and strengthens the community that makes our program possible.
Thank you for doing your part to support our racers and the entire WIJARA community!
1.0 SRT Parent and Guardian Volunteer Requirements
TWO VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS PER FAMILY
SRT requires each participating family to complete two volunteer assignments during the racing season:
- One assignment at our home race at Sundown Mountain.
- One assignment at an away race hosted by another WIJARA team.
These assignments help distribute race-day responsibilities fairly among participating families.
Register Early
With approximately 100 athletes participating in SRT in recent seasons, volunteer positions can fill quickly.
We encourage families to select their assignments as early as possible.
If your preferred positions are unavailable, contact the SRT Volunteer Coordinator or a board member. Additional opportunities may be available throughout the season.
New to Volunteering?
No problem!
Many volunteer positions require little or no previous ski racing experience. Race officials and experienced volunteers provide instructions and guidance to help new participants understand their responsibilities.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference.
2.0 How WIJARA Race Weekends Work
WIJARA competitions require a coordinated effort involving coaches, race officials, volunteers, ski area personnel, and participating families.
Race weekends generally feature two alpine racing disciplines:
Giant Slalom (GS)
A technical event featuring wider turns, higher speeds, and gates spaced farther apart.
Slalom (SL)
A technical event featuring tighter turns, rapid direction changes, and closely spaced gates.
Competitions are organized into age divisions, with separate courses or race groups as appropriate.
Multiple races may take place during a single weekend, creating numerous opportunities for families to volunteer.
How Long Does a Volunteer Assignment Last?
Many parent volunteer assignments last approximately one to two hours, although the duration varies depending on the position, race schedule, weather, and operational needs.
Some specialized positions require longer commitments.
Your Volunteer Coordinator will provide specific reporting times, locations, and instructions before the event.
3.0 Common Parent Volunteer Positions
The following positions are among the most common opportunities available to SRT families during WIJARA competitions.
Gate Judge (Gatekeeper)
Experience: Beginner-friendly
Location: Along the racecourse
Skis: Generally required
Gate Judges observe racers as they navigate assigned gates and record potential gate faults.
They also remain alert for course obstructions, damaged gates, and other safety concerns.
Gate Judges report their observations to the Chief Gate Judge and appropriate race officials.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents who want to learn more about alpine ski racing.
Learn more: See our All About Gate Judging guide.
Assistant Starter / Lineup Volunteer
Experience: Beginner-friendly
Location: Start area
Skis: Often required
Assistant Starters help organize racers according to the official start list.
Responsibilities may include:
- Checking bib numbers.
- Maintaining the correct starting order.
- Helping racers prepare for their turn.
- Supporting the Starter and Start Referee.
This position requires organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with young athletes.
Scoreboard Recorder
Experience: Beginner-friendly
Location: Finish area
Skis: Usually not required
Scoreboard Recorders help post race times and results as information becomes available from the timing team.
This position is a good introduction to race operations and typically provides an excellent view of the finish area.
Race Office Assistant
Experience: Beginner-friendly
Location: Race office
Skis: Not required
Race Office Assistants support the Race Administrator and other officials with administrative tasks.
Responsibilities may include:
- Helping volunteers check in.
- Distributing volunteer information.
- Assisting with paperwork and copies.
- Supporting race office communications.
- Helping organize materials throughout the day.
This position is particularly suitable for parents who prefer to work indoors.
Timing Assistant
Experience: Some training may be required
Location: Timing building or finish area
Skis: Usually not required
Timing Assistants support the timing team during competition.
Depending on the event and assigned responsibilities, they may help with backup timing, recording information, equipment preparation, or other tasks.
Accurate timing is essential to fair competition, making this an important race-day position.
Public Address (PA) Announcer
Experience: Basic race knowledge helpful
Location: Timing or announcing area
Skis: Not required
The PA Announcer helps keep spectators and families informed throughout the competition.
Responsibilities may include announcing:
- Racer names and bib numbers.
- Race times and results.
- Upcoming race activities.
- General event information.
This is a great position for someone who enjoys communicating and helping create an exciting race-day atmosphere.
4.0 Volunteer Coordination and Leadership
Some volunteer positions involve additional planning, experience, or responsibility.
Volunteer Coordinator
Location: Race office and event check-in area
Skis: Optional
The Volunteer Coordinator helps recruit, organize, and assign volunteers before and during race weekends.
Responsibilities may include:
- Maintaining volunteer signup lists.
- Confirming assignments and reporting times.
- Checking in volunteers.
- Helping new volunteers understand their responsibilities.
- Coordinating replacements when necessary.
- Communicating with race officials and team representatives.
The Volunteer Coordinator is often an experienced parent or guardian familiar with WIJARA race operations.
This is one of the most important behind-the-scenes positions at any race.
Chief Gate Judge (Chief of Gates)
Experience: Previous gate judging experience recommended
Location: Racecourse
Skis: Required
The Chief Gate Judge coordinates the Gate Judges assigned to the course.
Responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting Gate Judge briefings.
- Assigning volunteers to designated course sections.
- Explaining gate-passage rules and reporting procedures.
- Collecting Gate Judge cards or reports.
- Communicating potential faults to the appropriate race officials.
- Helping ensure Gate Judges understand their safety responsibilities.
This position requires a strong understanding of alpine racing and the ability to coordinate volunteers efficiently.
Course Crew
Experience: Skiing ability and course-maintenance experience may be required
Location: Racecourse
Skis: Required
Course Crew members help maintain safe and consistent racing conditions throughout the competition.
Tasks may include:
- Slipping and maintaining the course.
- Repairing damaged gates.
- Removing equipment or debris.
- Addressing ruts and deteriorating snow conditions.
- Assisting with course setup and cleanup.
Course Crew members work under the direction of the Chief of Course and other designated officials.
5.0 Specialized Race Officials
In addition to parent volunteer positions, WIJARA competitions rely on experienced race officials who oversee competition procedures, safety, timing, and results.
These positions generally require substantial alpine racing knowledge and may involve additional training or qualifications.
Chief of Race
The Chief of Race helps coordinate the overall operation of the competition.
Responsibilities include organizing race operations, coordinating personnel, and ensuring the event proceeds according to the established schedule and applicable rules.
Referee
The Referee serves as a race official responsible for reviewing competition matters, including reported gate faults and other rule-related issues.
The Referee works with other designated officials to help ensure fair competition.
Start Referee
The Start Referee oversees the starting area and monitors compliance with applicable start procedures.
Responsibilities may include:
- Monitoring starting order and procedures.
- Recording start-related incidents.
- Communicating with timing personnel.
- Reporting relevant issues to race officials.
Finish Referee
The Finish Referee oversees the finish area and monitors finish-related procedures.
Responsibilities may include:
- Observing racers entering and crossing the finish.
- Recording relevant incidents.
- Helping maintain a safe finish area.
- Communicating with timing personnel and other officials.
Chief of Course
The Chief of Course coordinates racecourse preparation, maintenance, and course personnel.
This includes ensuring that course equipment and maintenance crews are properly organized throughout the event.
Race Administrator
The Race Administrator coordinates essential administrative functions associated with the competition.
Responsibilities may include registration records, race documentation, results processing, and coordination with other officials.
Chief of Timing and Calculations
The Chief of Timing and Calculations oversees the timing operation and associated calculations.
Responsibilities include coordinating timing personnel, managing timing equipment and procedures, and supporting the accuracy of official race results.
Technical Delegate
Where appointed under the applicable competition rules, the Technical Delegate helps oversee the event’s compliance with established racing procedures and safety requirements.
Important: The specific officials required, their authority, and their qualifications depend on WIJARA’s current competition procedures. Not every event uses the same organizational structure.
6.0 Preparing for Your Volunteer Assignment
A little preparation makes race-day volunteering easier and more enjoyable.
Before Race Day
- Confirm your assigned position and reporting time.
- Review any training materials provided by the team.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Determine whether your position requires skis.
- Bring appropriate winter clothing and equipment.
- Know where to check in when you arrive.
Dress for the Weather
Many volunteer positions require standing outdoors for extended periods.
Bring warm, waterproof clothing, insulated boots, gloves or mittens, and appropriate head and face protection.
Hand and foot warmers can be especially helpful during cold race weekends.
Check In Before Your Assignment
Report to the designated volunteer check-in location and follow the instructions provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Some positions require a briefing before racing begins.
Stay Until Properly Relieved
Do not leave your assigned position without notifying the appropriate official or coordinator.
Race operations depend on volunteers remaining at their designated stations until their responsibilities are complete.
7.0 Questions About Volunteering?
If you’re unsure which position to select, need help understanding your assignment, or have questions about volunteer requirements, please contact:
SRT Volunteer Coordinator
SRT Board of Directors
Coach Mya Schaefer
We’re happy to help new families become familiar with the race-day experience.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SRT!
OUR RACERS COMPETE. OUR FAMILIES MAKE IT POSSIBLE.
Successful ski racing programs depend on much more than athletes and coaches.
They depend on parents and guardians who give their time, share responsibilities, support one another, and help create positive experiences for young racers.
Every volunteer assignment contributes to the success of our team and the broader WIJARA racing community.
Thank you for helping keep alpine ski racing accessible, competitive, and rewarding for the next generation of skiers.
Coach Mya
Sundown Race Team
