Ski Cross Volunteer Event Positions

Welcome Volunteers! On behalf of the Canadian Ski Cross Team, we are "stoked" [excited] that you have shown an interest in volunteering with Canada Ski Cross.  Keep in mind that races will need to go on regardless of weather conditions, therefore be prepared to work long hours and in some cases in foul weather. Regardless of your position, it is considered bad form and unsafe to use your poles while on course. You will not need them and if you are uncomfortable without them it won't take long for you to get used to skiing with out them, in fact you'll learn to ski better. Some volunteers will be required for pre-race or "build days", others during the race and some for "strike" [or tear down] days. While volunteering it is expected that everyone will assist with any and all departments to ensure a successful build, race and tear down. Loading and unloading equipment on/off snow cats is a duty that can be expected by virtually all on snow volunteers.

Below is a summary of some of the different positions you may be asked to fill depending on the size of the event:

Position

Description

Banner Crew

The Banner Crew will assist in the inventory, assembly, installation and tear down of all course branding.

  • Ability to ski with cumbersome objects.
  • Ability to operate drills and light equipment.
  • Attention to detail with a constant evaluation of the overall look of the race course, start and finish areas.
  • Ability to understand "Camera point of view" in events that are televised.

Stewards/Crowd Control The Stewards / Crowd Control are there to ensure spectators, athletes and the public are where they should be and have the information they need to participate or enjoy the event.
  • Must have ability to communicate with general public and those involved in the event in a professional and polite manner.
  • Must be able to answer questions about the schedule of events and what is happening during the competition.
  • Knowledge of the Mountain, facilities and amenities is an advantage.
  • Must be able to foresee problems before they arise and communicate to diffuse the problem.

Course Crew The Course Crew will work directly with the Chief of Course and Assistant Chief of Course to assemble and build all course aspects and features. They may also be asked to assist the Fence Crew, Banner Crew and Slip Crew if necessary. The Course Crew is responsible for the delivery of all materials, installation and post race strike of all race materials.
  • Race and course build experience is a plus.
  • Should learn to foresee problems with course conditions and remedy them.
  • Must be able use all necessary tools needed to install race build material.
  • Loading and unloading equipment on/off snow cats.
  • Must be able to operate a variety of course build and maintenance tools [i.e. rakes, shovels, and sometimes a chain saw or park monkey]

Slip Crew The Slip Crew will work directly with the Assistant Chief of Course to ensure course conditions remain consistent throughout training, qualifying and the race. They will also assist in the post race strike of race build materials.
  • Must be strong skier and be able to ski at higher speeds or in a snowplow for long periods of time.
  • A helmet is HIGHLY encouraged when on Slip Crew.

Fencing Crew

[A-Net, B-Net,

C-Net or "Spec Fence"]

 

The Fencing Crew is responsible for carrying out the tasks assigned to them by The Chief of Course. This shall involve setup and tear down of the fence, and general labour as required. Responsibilities may include:
  • Netting preparation, set up before and tear down after event.
  • Fetching supplies as needed.
  • May be asked to ski with at least 50 lbs.
  • Willingness to use a drill is necessary.
  • Fencing set up and construction work
  • Crews should be mobile in their line of duty, skis or snowboard.
  • Report hazards or problems to The Chief of Course.

Race Office Assistants

Race Office Assistants may be asked to help with general administration, copying, typing, posting of results, respond to team enquiries, volunteer packages, radio sign in/out management. Having your own laptop for your use only in the race office is an asset.

 

Meal Volunteers

Assist in coordination and delivery of lunch arrangements for our volunteers and officials. Deliver bag lunches and/or distribute vouchers.

 

Drivers

Drivers may be required to pick up/drop off equipment, supplies and/or F.I.S. Officials at the airport, suppliers. We will provide vehicles for this purpose or compensate you adequately.

 

Media Office Assistant

The Media Office Assistant's will work with Media Coordinator or The Chief of Competition and may be responsible for organizing the media, sponsors and/or the VIP's.

 

Protocol Assistants

The Protocol Assistants will help with the coordination of Official Ceremonies and Award Presentation. May include; flags, stand, backdrop, presenters, script, medals and trophies.

 

Bib Assistants
The Bib Assistants will manage and direct the distribution of race bibs to the athletes and ensure all bibs are available at the start prior to each heat, training run and practice run.
  • Must be able to track all bibs distributed to the racers.
  • Must be able to communicate with the racers that their bibs need to be returned after each heat race, end of the training day and post qualifying.
  • Must ensure the retrieval of all race, training and qualifying bibs.

Runners

Runners must posses advanced skiing ability required due to the expedient nature of this position.

 

Finish Judges

The Finish Judges work with the direction of the Chief of Finish, The Technical Delegate, The Referee or The Chief of Competition. The Finish Judges assist in determining the order of finish of the competitors in each heat. They also assist the jury with rulings concerning Disqualification "DSQ", Did Not Finish "DNF", and Did Not Start "DNS".

 

Finish Assistants

The Finish Assistants will help out in finish area with things like the official notice board, equipment control and doping control or other duties as required.

 

Timing Assistants

The Timing Assistants are typically responsible for hand timing and/or assisting the Chief of Timing in setting up the timing equipment. Timing experience is generally required.

 

Start Gate Assistants

The Start Gate Assistants will work with the Chief of Start/Starter in the coordination of start procedures and start gate operation.

 

Gate Judges

All Gate Judges must be able to communicate by radio to The Referee, The Chief of Competition, Chief of Start, and or The Technical Delegate. All Gate Judges must be familiar with the rules governing a Ski Cross Competition and in particular those rules governing disqualifications "DSQ's" and intentional contact. A Gate Judge must observe accurately whether the passage of the competitor was correct through their area of observation and immediately report both in writing and by radio any gate faults or breaches of the rules. Training will be provided.

 

Start Area Assistants Manage start lists in start area to identify racers and advise when they are required to report to the start.
   
   
   

 

Here is a brief description of the Competition Organizing Committee /Leadership Positions:


Organizing Committee "OC"

This is the group of people who come together to organize and produce the event.

Race Director

Usually a F.I.S. appointed official who is present during high level competitions (World Cup, Olympics) to help run the show.

Technical Delegate

The Technical Delegate or "TD" is the primary official representing the F.I.S. at any competition. They cannot be from the country hosting the event unless there is extenuating circumstances. It is his/her responsibility to ensure a safe and fair competition.

Chief of Competition

Chief of Course

Competition Secretary

Chief of Finish

Chief of Timing and Scoring

Course Preparation Crews

Slip Crew Leaders

Chief of Scoring

Hand Timers

Chief of Timing

Judges Assistants

Chief of Start

Starter and Assistant Starter

Chief Steward

Announcer

Client Services Coordinator

 

Do you want to learn more?

Check our "What is Ski Cross" page:

http://www.ski-cross.ca/What-is-Ski-Cross

FIS Wiki Site:

http://wiki.fisski.com/index.php/Overview_of_Ski_Cross

http://wiki.fisski.com/index.php/Ski_Cross_Courses

http://wiki.fisski.com/index.php/Ski_Cross_Glossary

http://wiki.fisski.com/index.php/Ski_Cross_Rules

http://wiki.fisski.com/index.php/FAQ_Ski_Cross_Ski_Suits

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skicross

Ski Cross "Terms & Lingo" page:

http://www.ski-cross.ca/Ski-Cross-Terms


If you have any further comments or questions please email volunteer@ski-cross.ca.