Volunteer Positions
Below is a quick list of normal positions available at a stage rally. All positions are important, and we need many people in every role. Please note that volunteering for Saturday (rally day) is an all day commitment. We will provide you with water, snacks, and a lunch free of charge. You’ll also get event swag and some great stories to tell your friends on Monday!
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.
Qualifications: No qualifications really, but a Course Marshal should have reliable transportation.
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).
Control 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.
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, paramedic, respiratory therapist, or EMT with valid and current license or a qualified First Responder.
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 capable SUV 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.