Volunteer Race Crew

Each season, there are typically over 300 participants enrolled in TSC alpine programs. As such, there are upwards of 600 parents who are all needed to help put on the many club events that take place throughout the season. The coordination of this number of volunteers requires a fair amount of organization in order to ensure everyone has a positive experience and the tasks are shared fairly amongst the group.

Events

TSC usually hosts 10 races during a typical season: starting in January through to March. The organization of these races takes the committed effort of all staff volunteers and parents. For those new to ski racing, it can be quite overwhelming and intimidating. However, rest assured that it does not take a long time to understand ski race organization. Taking official courses can help tremendously and as such all new parents are expected to take at least their Level 1 course.

Race Volunteering

​All the races hosted by TSC Staff are assisted by parent volunteers. Thus if you have a child who is racing, you will be expected to help out in some capacity. If you have two children racing in the same race, your volunteer obligations for that race increase accordingly. This is a fun way to meet other parents and watch your child perform while keeping busy with your own same-age peers. A number of volunteer positions [both on and off the hill] are available that best suit your interests and abilities. The volunteer coordinator will help match your talents and availability with the club's expectations.

Officials Courses

​The National Alpine Officials’ program is a structured and integrated program involving four levels of Officials. It is administered by the Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) National Officials Committee which includes Officials and Chairpersons from the Provincial Sports Organization (PSO) level. Given the requirement of parents to help organize WMSC races, all parents are expected to complete their Level One Officials Course. The course is organized at the start of the season and can be completed in just three hours.

Level One is a basic course prepared for race volunteers with little or no experience as alpine race officials. The goal is simple: To inform you about alpine ski racing. The different types of race events will be explained, how they are organized, the required personnel to run a race and the roles and duties of those involved. You will receive information on timing and learn the responsibilities of the Gate Judge. You will see examples illustrating diverse situations. The main objective is to allow all Level One Officials to better understand the fundamental aspects of alpine ski racing. All sports are regulated by a set of rules, and alpine skiing is no exception. However, during this course, only the necessary rules of this level will be presented, and in an informal manner.

Level Two is a detailed introduction to alpine ski racing and the roles and duties of various Officials positions. It is a fairly intensive course that does not repeat the material covered in Level One and does require some prior knowledge and experience in order that the material covered is absorbed to the best advantage. It takes 8 hours and includes a one-hour exam. On completion of the Level Two course, participants assume leadership positions within races, such as Chief of Course, Start Referee or Chief of Administration.

Level Three is an interactive one in which there is emphasis on discussion and exchange of ideas, opinions, and experiences by the participants and the instructor(s). The course is designed for Officials with considerable practical experience. It covers rules to particular disciplines as well as the work and duties of the Jury and Technical Delegate in detail. Also covered are the duties of senior Officials, course preparation, maintenance and setting, as well as calculations of points and penalties. Throughout the course, participants take part in many case studies taken from actual experiences and will be asked to make decisions on these as well as participating in Jury decisions. It takes 12 hours and includes a two hour open book exam.

Level Four: In order to become a Level Four Official, it is necessary to be recommended to the National Officials Committee by the PSO (Provincial Sports Organization) Officials Chair. Level Four Officials are the most experienced Officials, having showed a superior level of ability.
 
The Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Race Volunteer
Most parents find volunteering for a race to be a fun and rewarding experience. However we ask that you respect the following guidelines:

• Make sure that at least one parent volunteers for each day of the race as well as at least one day of the set-up weekend.

• If both parents cannot volunteer all day because of other obligations, even portions of the day will be appreciated.

• If you have volunteered for a position please ensure you show up. Many people are relying on you to be there. If an emergency arises and you’re not able to make it please contact your crew chief [you will be given their phone number ahead of time] as soon as possible.

• If you want to see your child race, consider being a course worker. That way you will be right on the course when your athlete races.

• Do not slip the course just before your athlete races and then disappear. While there is nothing wrong with slipping just before your child so you can meet them at the bottom of the course, please be aware that other racers are depending on you to return to the start to the course as soon as possible.

• If you are volunteering in the start area, please let the coaches do their job and manage the athletes. Parents often do more harm than good at the start of a race, despite their best intentions.

• If you do not know what to do, just ask a more experienced parent. No one has any expectations that you be perfect.

• Do not worry about carrying clothing [pants and jacket] down to the bottom of the course for the racers. The boys and girls ski at different times and usually perform this role for each other.

• Please avoid using your cell phone during the race. It can be distracting for the racers and other volunteers.
   

Volunteering at Away Races

​Although we are under no obligation to volunteer when another mountain hosts a race, often they rely on TSC parents to help. In addition, volunteering means you are typically supplied with a lift ticket and you can get to see your athlete race on the hill. Typically other clubs require course workers and gate judges.