ACA racing events are an integral part of our youth cycling program. The experience provided to student-athletes is only possible because of the contributions of many volunteers. Did you know that to successfully put on a race, at each event we need over 170 volunteers between setup day and the end of racing? We hope that you’ll donate a few hours of your time — most spots are only 3-4 hours.
Volunteers may sign up for as many races as they wish. Every volunteer who signs up for three or more races will receive a special edition t-shirt! Wear it proudly as you volunteer at races throughout the season.
Please contact our volunteer coordinator if you have any questions.
RACE VOLUNTEER ROLES & DESCRIPTIONS
INFIELD SET-UP
Build the infield with a team of volunteers and race staff. A well built infield brings excitement to the event. You will be starting with placing pins and poles for snow fencing and course tape, and possibly erecting EZ UP tents. At the end of the day you will be placing flags and sponsor banners. It takes a full day, so you’ll be working with a quickly moving team. Unlike most race weekend volunteer positions you’ll learn all the skills as you go. Safety is key and we require gloves and eyewear so bring your own or use ours.
COURSE SETTING
As a course setter you will be marking the course for student-athletes pre-riding and racing. With the direction of the Chief Course Setter or Race Director, you will be placing markings to alert riders to turns, dangers and confirm they are on course. This involves you riding your mountain bike with a backpack full of course-setting supplies: course tape, signs, zip ties and small wooden stakes. You’ll have fun getting out on course with some fellow ACA supporters. Come well prepared with your mountain biking gear and bring clothing for a range of weather, as well as sunscreen, snacks and drinks.
INFIELD SET-UP
Build the infield with a team of volunteers and race staff. A well built infield brings excitement to the event. You will be starting with placing pins and poles for snow fencing and course tape, and possibly erecting EZ UP tents. At the end of the day you will be placing flags and sponsor banners. It takes a full day, so you’ll be working with a quickly moving team. Unlike most race weekend volunteer positions you’ll learn all the skills as you go. Safety is key and we require gloves and eyewear so bring your own or use ours.
PARKING / PIT ZONE VOLUNTEER
Be the first to welcome student-athletes, their families, coaches and supporters as they enter the race venue. Often there is just enough space for our growing league to park, so it’s important to park cars in an efficient manner. After parents park cars you can answer questions while setting the relaxed tone at the race. Be sure to come with layers of clothing appropriate for a range of weather, as well as snacks, water and sunscreen.
RACE REGISTRATION ASSISTANT
Greet student-athletes with a smile as they check-in at registration. Assist with processing racer registration and handing out numbers. This is a great way to meet student-athletes, coaches and parents from other teams.
MERCHANDISE SALES
Assist with sales of ACA apparel and product. These items will sit in boxes unless we can get some help selling them. Chairs and EZ-UP tents provided!
COURSE MARSHAL
Course marshals have an active role in ensuring safety on the course. Course marshals stand at key marshal points on the course to ensure everyone is safe and going the right way. Marshals have a variety of jobs on top of their primary tasks depending on their course marshal point such as: crossing guards, ACA representatives for other trail users, warning riders of upcoming obstacles and givers of encouragement. Radios are provided to communicate any problems or injuries. Course marshals also keep track of any outside support, rule violations and DNF riders. Course marshals can hike or ride bikes to their marshal points. Lastly, remember to cheer on those riders as they pass on by!
START LINE STAGING
For a volunteer, this is a very high-tension area with nervous racers queuing for their starts, and sometimes overly helpful supporters crowding in. Calm but assertive helpers are needed to keep the process orderly so that the races start safely and fairly.
SWEEP
Sweeps ride at the back of every race category and tend to any issues that may arise on the course with student-athletes in their assigned category. It is vital that sweeps stay with the last racer in their category. As a sweep, you will provide support and coverage for the entire course, including knowing where the last rider in the category is at all times. Your goal is to maintain neutrality during the race and not affect the natural outcome. This is a physically demanding role. Your endurance and ability must match the race you’re sweeping. Check in at the volunteer tent usually about an hour before your category starts, to receive your number plate and attend the sweeper orientation meeting. Bring your own bike, helmet and riding gear!
FINISH LINE SUPPORT
Finish line support volunteers ensure student-athletes finish strong and make a smooth transition from competing to reuniting with parents, coaches and teammates. The finish line is often the most hectic and is the most crowded part of the racecourse. Parents and teammates are crowding around to see their athletes finish and athletes come through exhausted, fatigued, and in need of someone to corral them out of the way. Finish line support volunteers allow athletes a clear, safe exit from the race course. A quick training session meeting at the finish line will orient you in this unique part of the course.
Help Your Team Stand Out and Look Amazing!
We are tracking volunteer signups and the more volunteers your team provides will help you earn rewards. Team credits may be applied to any product purchased from longtime ACA sponsor and supporter Strike Visuals – fully custom tents, flags, and more!
Here’s how it works. The total numbers of individuals affiliated with a specific team (selected from a dropdown menu during signup) who volunteer anytime during the ENTIRE race season is divided by the total number of registered student-athletes on the team to determine participation level (minimum six student-athletes on team).
- 65% participation earns your team a $200 credit.
- 75% participation earns your team a $300 credit.
- 85% participation earns your team a $400 credit.
For example, there are 20 registered student-athletes on your team. With 13 unique volunteers you reach 65% participation (13 ÷ 20); 15 achieves 75%, and 17 achieves 85%. Your team can provide all your support in one weekend or spread it over all 5 races throughout the season.
