VOLUNTEERS

Our club is run by hard-workers that volunteer their time so everyone can have the opportunity to race and have fun. Being a club means we always need extra hands so we can also watch our children and family members having fun.

As well as the volunteers required for club nights and race events we also require help throughout the year for working bees to prepare the track and ensure it is rideable.

ROLE DESCRIPTIONS

​​STARTER (GATE OPERATOR)

The starter operates a device that calls: “OK riders”, “set yourselves”, “riders ready”, “watch the lights”. The starting lights then flash through a sequence, accompanied by 3 beeps from the mechanism after which the gate drops forward and the race starts.

  1. Prior to raising the gate the operator must first check no riders are rolling through. Once clear you then call ‘GATE UP’ and lightly press the Red button.
  2. Check the Corner Marshalls to ensure the track is clear for the next race (Green flag). If a Yellow or Red flag is raised wait until the Green flag is raised.
  3. Wait for all riders to be on the gate and with their feet in the correct location.
  4. Call out ‘SET’ and briefly wait for if anyone isn’t, then lightly press the Green button.
  5. Allow for any riders to roll through that want to the go back to Step 1.

STAGING (CALL-UP)

The staging area is where competitors in the upcoming races are assigned a lane number and are marshalled in race order ready for their turn on the track. This generally happens on the back of the start hill. Riders will be called into their various classes and organised into heats or “gates”. Each gate has 8 lanes and therefore 8 riders. If there are more than 8 riders in a class they will be split into multiple gates. It is essential that the riders listen carefully for their name to be called and cooperate with the staging officials so that the race meeting can run efficiently. Sprockets are allowed to be supported (usually an adult standing with a leg on each side of the rear wheel lightly assisting the stability of the bike and rider) until they are competent at balancing on the gate.

Staging Volunteers are required from the start of racing till the end.

  1. Collect the Moto sheets from the registration hut at the close of registration and once the motos have been drawn.
  2. Read out the Race Class (eg. 12yr Boys) then the riders and their gate position before each moto (John Smith, Lane 1).
  3. Ensure all riders are in the correct gate.
  4. Confirm with the Gate Operator that all riders are on the gate. 

MARSHALLS

Required for indicating if there are any crashes or hold-ups on the track that will disrupt racing.

Marshalls are required in position form the start of practice through until the end of racing.

  1. The marshalls are situated with a view of the track and in view of the gate operator. On the asphalt berm between the second and third straight is a good location with full visibility of the track.
  2. Watch over a race and raise a flag for any instances:GREEN FLAG – A green flag indicates that the track is clear and the starter is free to start the next race.YELLOW FLAG – A yellow flag indicates a rider has fallenRED FLAG – A red flag indicates riders on the track should stop racing immediately and return to the starting gate for a restart.

FIRST AID

At each BMX event a qualified first aid personnel is required to provide a 1st point of assistance to any fallen or injured rider. A valid First Aid Certificate is required.

First Aiders are required for practice gates till the end of racing.

  • Collect the First Aid backpack and Hi-Vis vest from the Registration Hut prior to going on duty.
  • Position themselves around the track with easy access to any potential accident areas.
  • Watch the racing and corner marshall (Yellow flag indicates a crash) for any accidents. At the first sign of a crash start heading towards the rider(s) and provide assistance where neeeded. NOTE: It is important not to touch or assist the rider or their bike if they want to continue racing as in a race meet this would result in a DNF(did not finish) score. On club nights this is not a issue as we are not scoring points.

SHOP

The shop is generally set-up to ensure food is ready for families as they arrive at the track. The head canteen operator will advise of any special menu items, costs and details.

To assist in the shop please be there by the start of registration.

  • Set-up of the shop.
  • Assisting our shop operators with taking orders, refilling fridges and ensuring food is ready.
  • Clean-up at the end of the night.

REGISTRATION (POINTS HUT)

On race day all riders must register (enter) at the start of the race meeting. Registration is where riders go to confirm that they are present and intend to race, confirm their plate number and the class they are riding in. It is essential that all riders register when they first arrive at the track, as the registration period is usually limited to specific times. Remember you must be able to produce your BMXNZ licence.

  • Hire Assistant – In charge of getting the right sized bike, helmet and gloves for the riders that require them. If they are new it is important to ensure their helmet is done up correctly and advise them to go slowly at first to get used to the bike.
  • Registration – Taking riders names and entering them into the BEM Software.
  • Cashier – Handling any payments for bike hire, registration and licencing.
  • Floater – Someone who can assist with any queries about BMX, the club, or help out in anyway needed.

FINISH LINE 

As the riders cross the finish line, the finish line officials will point at them as they pass by whilst calling out each competitor’s placing in the race. The riders then line up at the Points Hut in finishing place order, so that the official race results can be recorded. 

Required from the start of racing till the end of racing.

  • Positioned at the finishline with a clear line of sight.
  • Take note of rider positioning and help with any close calls. The first wheel across the line is the winner.
  • In large meets 2 finish line volunteers are required.

Thanks for volunteering your time to support our club.