Part of your family’s involvement in the Ford Sayre Junior Alpine Ski Program is contributing to the running of races. Race entry fees help defray the cost of equipment, coaching, and program fees. Ford Sayre is proud of its reputation for hosting excellent races. Running ski races requires many people to ensure that events are run safely, fairly, and efficiently. Therefore, every family must participate. After the sign-up process, individuals will be assigned jobs that are best suited to their experience level. If certain races appear to be shorthanded and others overbooked, shifting of volunteers will be necessary. Thank you in advance for your support.
If you have any questions or concerns about race work, please reach out to the Race Work Coordinator (see below).
Race Work Commitment
Ford Sayre’s race work requirement is different for each age group. Please see requirements below. (Please note that this may change in future seasons.)
- Devo: 0 race work commitment
- U10: 1 race day per athlete
- U12, U14 & FSA: 2 race days per athlete
There is a family maximum of 4 races per season. Families who do not fulfill their race work requirement may be charged a $400 fee at the end of the season.
Race Work Coordinator Contact
Please notify the Race Work Coordinator for general questions and information about volunteering at races. The 2025/2026 Race Work Coordinator is the amazing Courtney Farrell.
Fulfilling Your Commitment
You are responsible for finding a substitute if you are unable to fulfill your commitment. The Race Work Coordinator must be notified of any substitutions you make for yourself 48 hours before the race via email. Not confirming your substitution 48 hours before the race will result in a fine of $100 being charged at the end of the season.
If you are unable to fulfill a race assignment, and not able to find your own substitute, you must email the Race Work Coordinator by 6:00pm on the Sunday preceding the race, and you will be charged $200 at the end of the season. This rule is true for each race you need to work. Backing out of your commitment after 6:00pm on the Sunday preceding the race will result in the loss of your total deposit.
Race Day Check-in
You must check in at the race registration table and sign a USSA waiver form. Checking in is required regardless of your position or experience. Do not go directly to the race shack. You must be on time. A $100 fee will be charged for late check in at the end of the season.
Race Work Roles
Chief of Race (Alpine Official): The Chief of Race, a member of the Race Jury, must be a licensed US Ski and Snowboard Alpine Official and is the official responsible for organizing the race, assigning workers, and directing and supervising the race and the work of all officials. In addition to their responsibilities to the Race Organization, the Chief of Race is a member of the Race Jury according to the International Competition Rules. He/she must know and understand the rules and answer technical questions, participate in Jury inspections and other meetings, and vote on questions brought before the Jury.
Chief of Course (Alpine Official): The Chief of Course is the official responsible for preparing the course and its safety features, operating the event, and supervising the cleanup immediately following the event. Successful completion of these responsibilities requires organization, leadership, personnel, and equipment. The Chief of Course will need to maintain communication with Ski Area Management to promote full cooperation between mountain and ski club personnel. They will need capable assistants, even for a small race. The Chief of Course must understand course preparation and be able to evaluate courses under his jurisdiction. Their responsibilities include the Start and Finish Areas and the actual race course. They are often called upon to manage equipment, repair timing, and communication systems.
Course Crew: Work includes installing, maintaining, and replacing gates, maintaining the race course, and installing and removing safety fences. Strong skiing skills and the ability to stay outside for long periods of time are required.
Chief of Timing and Calculations (Alpine Official): The Chief of Timing and Calculations (AO-TC1 or 2) is responsible for supervising the timing, communications, and calculations, and oversees the timers, recorders, and calculations, and coordinates the officials at the start and finish.
Primary Timer: Experience with current timing software is necessary. Responsible for operating the primary timing computer. Confirms and maintains communication with the starter through a headset. Communicates the proper start intervals to the starter.
Secondary Timer: Responsible for operating the backup timing computer.
Hand Timer (start/finish): Operate a handheld timer that records the time of day that a racer leaves the start/crosses the finish line. Used as a backup to the primary and secondary timing systems.
Announcer: Using a microphone, announce the athlete’s name and time as they cross the finish line.
Chief of Gate Keeping: The Chief of Gate Keeping (CG) is in charge of all gatekeepers. Before the race starts, the CG holds a meeting with all gatekeepers. They are given bibs, clipboards, pencils, and gatekeeping cards, and the rules and procedures are reviewed. The CG then meets all of the gatekeepers at the top of the course and assigns the gates. Just before the Start, the CG checks that all gatekeepers are in place, that each gatekeeper understands which gates are his/her responsibility, and that each gate has a gatekeeper. During the race, the CG continually checks on the gatekeepers to ensure everything is OK. At the end of each run, the CG collects the cards and reviews them with the Referee to see if there are any disqualifications (DQ’s).
Gate Keepers/Judges: Responsible for the supervision of one or more gates and should observe accurately whether the passage of a competitor was correct through the assigned gates.
Chief of Registration: Responsible for the registration of all competitors, including the distribution and collection of all race bibs. Should have a radio to communicate with the Chief of Race.
Registration/Bibs: Responsible for setting up registration at the race venue the morning of the race. Registration will collect the race fees, hand out lift tickets, and racer bibs. At the finish of the second run, registration collects the bibs from racers at the finish line.
Start Referee (Alpine Official): Responsible for controlling the start and making sure the rules of the start are properly observed.
Starter: Responsible for start command to the athletes as well as the accuracy of start intervals.
Round Up: Calls out the names of athletes to line them up for their start.
Finish Referee (Alpine Official): Controls the finish arena. Responsible for recording the order of finish of all racers who complete the course.
Non-Skier Roles: Workers who do not ski comfortably can help in the following capacities: Registration, Timing, Announcer, Finish Referee, Finish Hand Timer, or Gatekeeper on the bottom section of the course.