Volunteers
Make an Impact - Volunteer#
Supporting Athletes
By volunteering, you directly contribute to the success and development of speedskaters. Your assistance can help create a supportive and empowering environment for athletes to achieve their goals, improve their skills, and reach their full potential.
Building a Sense of Community
Volunteering in speedskating provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport. You can build relationships with athletes, coaches, fellow volunteers and parents, and fans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the speedskating family.
Personal Connection to the Sport
Volunteering allows you to become more deeply engaged with speedskating. You can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sport, its intricacies, and the dedication required by athletes to excel in it.
Networking Opportunities
Volunteering in speedskating opens doors for networking and making connections within the sports community. You may meet athletes, coaches, officials, and other professionals who can provide valuable insights, guidance, and potential future opportunities within the field of speedskating or related areas.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Volunteering can contribute to personal growth by challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone, take on responsibilities, and develop new skills. It can enhance your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Additionally, the act of giving back and making a positive impact can bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Contributing to the Sport's Growth
By volunteering, you play a part in promoting and expanding the reach of speedskating. Your efforts can help raise awareness about the sport, attract new participants, and ensure its continued development and sustainability.
Access to Events and Competitions
As an event volunteer, you often gain access to events, competitions, and practices that the general public may not have. This allows you to experience the sport up close, witness impressive performances, and be part of the excitement surrounding speedskating.
Learning New Skills
Volunteering offers a chance to acquire new skills and knowledge related to speedskating. Whether it's event organization, timekeeping, administration, officiating, or coaching techniques, you can develop valuable expertise that can be applicable in various aspects of your life.
Transform
Volunteering can be a transformative experience that helps you discover new passions, interests, and talents. It allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others, contributing to the betterment of society and fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Remember, volunteering is a two-way street. While you contribute to the sport of speedskating, the experience can also be personally rewarding, offering a chance for growth, connection, and making a positive impact on the lives of athletes and the speedskating community as a whole.
Volunteer Positions#
The Meet Director is responsible for coordinating all key positions and ensuring that every aspect of the event is covered. They may delegate tasks or personally arrange for help in different areas. The Meet Director must have thorough knowledge of the event and devote time to it. They coordinate with the venue, chairpersons, volunteers , and handle all details.
Short Track & Long Track
Recommended Skills
- strong organizational skills are crucial to plan effectively
- being able to multi-task and efficiently delegate responsibilities to a group of volunteers
- strong communication and interpersonal skills
- possess strong problem-solving skills, find creative solutions and quick decision making
Responsibilities
- identifying the specific volunteer positions requir3d for the event and create an organizational chart, ensuring all necessary tasks are covered
- assess expenses involved in the event and create an appropriate budget
- communicate budget guidelines to all chairs of volunteer areas
- actively seek individuals who possess required skills for certain positions and communicate the opportunities available
- assume leadership role, overseeing and guiding the execution of a successful event
- communicate and ensure volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities
- establish comprehensive time frames and schedules for various activities related to the event, including venue set-up, volunteer shifts, and tear down
- de-brief the event with key stakeholders
To ensure a smooth announcer performance, the organizer should provide announcers with a list of the entries so they can work on pronunciation. For major events, a spec sheet can be provided to enhance the announcers' commentary and make the meet more interesting for spectators.
Long Track & Short Track
Recommended Skills:
- knowledge about the racing formats and racing dynamics for Long Track and/or Short Track
- articulate, clear, and precise in announcing pairs, split times, and final results
- proficient in using and speaking into a microphone, adjusting volume as needed
- previous public speaking experience is preferred, but not required
Responsibilities:
- welcome spectators, officials, and athletes at the start of the competition, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere
- announce races, split times, and final results, providing accurate and engaging commentary. Share relevant background information on athletes to enhance the audience's understanding and connection
- utilize the PA system to inform skaters and coaches of pair/race changes, penalties and adjustments to the schedule in a timely manner
- proactively follow the racing schedule, ensuring smooth transitions and keeping the audience informed of any changes or delays
- celebrate personal bests and performances, acknowledging and highlighting the achievements of the skaters to create a positive and supportive environment
Long Track & Short Track
Recommended Skills:
- friendly, welcoming, customer service-oriented, creative, and attentive to volunteer needs
- ability to operate a coffee pot/machine and familiarity with measuring coffee grounds and water for a flavorful brew
- enjoyment of decorating, themes, and building a community atmosphere
- effective work under pressure
- previous experience in food service is preferred, but not required
Responsibilities:
- brew coffee for officials and volunteers before the start of races and refresh it as needed
- decorate the coffee cart and post notes of appreciation, serving officials as needed
- greet volunteers with a smile and provide a friendly atmosphere
- assist in setting up the Hall of Fame Room on select weekends for lunch/dinner after races
- bake or help prepare breakfast treats or snacks for the volunteers
- clean up and empty the coffee pot after the competition
Long Track
This position will only be utilized for Mass Start and Pack Style Races
Short Track
Recommended Skills
- organized, communicative, able to instruct and work with skaters of all ages
- can use and speak into a microphone clearly
- previous leadership experience preferred, but not required
Responsibilities
- call groups to the heat box in advance; check-in/confirm each skaters presence prior to each event
- attempt to locate missing, late, or absent skaters using the PA system
- coordinate with referees to send heats to the starting line on time
- pro-actively follow the racing schedule
- inform competitors of their starting position using heat cards from Competitor Steward
- announce any additional information or instructions as determined by the Chief Referee
Long Track
Recommended Skills:
- proficient skating skills, including forwards, backwards, and changing directions on speed skate
- effectively work under time constraints and pressure
- strong ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- attentiveness to announcements, schedule changes, and adaptability
Responsibilities:
- prior to the start of races, set out blocks on the metric long track lane lines
- safely reposition any kicked blocks when it is safe to cross the race track
- communicate with officials regarding ice repairs and retrieve slush buckets at the beginning of each competition, positioning one at each apex in the infield
- coordinate and collaborate with other block chasers to efficiently fulfill all responsibilities
- perform any other duties assigned
- report to the Block Chaser Corner Chief and/or Assistant Referee
Short Track
Recommended Skills:
- proficient skating skills, including forwards, backwards, and changing directions on speed skates
- ability to bend down, squat, and carry a 5-gallon bucket weighing up to five pounds on ice
- effectively work under time constraints and pressure
- strong ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- attentiveness to announcements, schedule changes, and adaptability
Responsibilities:
- prior to the start of races, set out blocks on the metric long track lane lines
- pick up and relay blocks on race lanes only before and after a resurface.
- safely reposition any kicked blocks when it is safe to cross the race track.
- communicate with officials regarding ice repairs and retrieve slush buckets at the beginning of each competition, positioning one at each apex in the infield.
- coordinate and collaborate with other block chasers to efficiently fulfill all responsibilities.
- perform any other duties assigned.
- report to the Block Chaser Corner Chief and/or Assistant Referee.
Long Track
In long track this position is mostly utilized to produce a web stream.
Recommended Skills:
- prior experience with video cameras and their operation is helpful but not required
- imagination and creativity in determining what would be interesting and engaging to the viewership
- extended periods of standing might be required
Responsibilities:
- capture video footage of the ongoing races, ensuring the skaters are followed and their actions are effectively recorded
- utilize the zoom function of the camera to capture the best picture
- maintain focus and framing while capturing the footage
- follow any specific instructions or shot requirements provided by the director or referee
- remain attentive and responsive to the race dynamics
Short Track
In short track, the primary purpose of video footage is to feed the video replay system, which assists referees in making accurate calls.
Recommended Skills:
- prior experience with video cameras and their operation is helpful but not required
- imagination and creativity in determining what would be interesting and engaging to the viewership
- extended periods of standing might be required
- understanding of short track race dynamics and the importance of qualifying positions
Responsibilities:
- capture video footage of the ongoing races, ensuring the skaters are followed and their actions are effectively recorded
- follow any specific instructions or shot requirements provided by the director or referee
- utilize the zoom function of the camera to capture the best picture
- maintain focus and framing while capturing the footage
- remain attentive and responsive to the race dynamics
Long Track
Recommended Skills:
- familiarity with the location of starting lines for each metric distance
- knowledge of which color armband corresponds with each lane line (red outer, white inner lane)
- ability to work effectively under time constraints and pressure
- stays positive and works well on teams; communicates effectively with other volunteers and officials
Responsibilities:
- retrieve armband bag from Meet Director before the start of races
- locate and set up armband bag on infield near star line for each metric distance, following the racing schedule
- distribute the appropriate colored armbands to competitors in each pair
- confirm lane lines with skaters, ensuring they wear the correct color armband (ultimately the skater's responsibility)
- assist in keeping track or and inventorying the armbands after the conclusion of the competition
- return the armbands to Meet Director
- report to the Meet Director and/or Referee of any issues
Short Track
In short track no such position exists.
Long Track
This position assists the referee to notice and identify andy rule violations.
Recommended Skills:
- familiarity with basic rules of the official racing lanes and finish lines for each distance
- understand which color armband corresponds to which lane, to identify infringements
- quick and accurate decision making
- positive teamwork and effective communication with other volunteers and officials
Responsibilities:
- identify any infringements made by skaters in relation to leaving the official race lanes, kicking a block or interfering with another skater
- follow the instructions of the referees on what they would like you to oversee and report
- report any infringements to one of the referees immediately following the race; if you are unsure still report what you observed
- focus on both skaters on the track for the period they are crossing your zone of responsibility
Short Track
This position is not existing in short track.
Join in on the Fun!#
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