Volunteering is one of the best ways to support the club. Without our volunteers, we simply couldn’t run!

Contact the Volunteer Director for more details.

 

Regatta Volunteers

The competitions in our sport can't run without a team of volunteers making it happen. For regattas hosted in our division (Western Ontario Division), Burloak will be called on to provide some of the volunteers each day. We have a history and reputation of coming through with helpful, positive, and well-trained volunteers for these regattas, and it's a great way to get your volunteering done while being part of the event!

Below is a brief summary and description of key volunteer positions required at a typical regatta:

Boat Drivers (Note: boat operators must have a Boat Operators permit; the Division will pay for Boat Operators Permit fees)

  • Safety Boats – Operate boats on the fringe of the course to pick up paddlers who have fallen out of their boats.
  • Referee Boats – Follow down the lanes behind the racers to allow the Referees to monitor each race.
  • Starter’s Boat – operate the boat so the Starter can get the racers lined up properly for the start of each race

Spotters: 1 per safety boat

  • Keep an eye on the racers - and alert driver to paddlers who have fallen out of their boats.
  • Assist paddler to board safety boat.
  • Pick up paddles and blocks as necessary.
  • Secure race boat for return trip to shore.

Finish Line Judges

  • Responsible for writing down the finish order of the racers. The racers each have a lane number marker on their boats. As they cross the finish line, the judges simply write down the lane number in the order of the finish. The finish line judges must agree on the finish order. In the event of a disagreement, the judges refer to the video replay.

Timekeepers

  • Time keepers operate the manual timing device. The timekeepers will get the start of the race from the Starter and then mark the race times as the racers come across the finish line. The timing device will print out a list of the race times which the timekeepers hand to the Chief Official.

Results Officials

  • Must be comfortable working with Microsoft Excel. The results officials get the race times from the Chief Official and enter the times into a spreadsheet provided.
  • Second person to calculate Burgee points.

Announcers

  • Responsible for using the PA system to inform spectators of the race on the course plus the names and lanes of the racers.
  • Will make general announcements such as calling coaches to the judges stand, lost & found, food services etc

Assistant Starter

  • Provide assistance to the Starter as requested
  • Identify the boats for upcoming races
  • Communicate any scratches etc. to tower
  • Hold 2-way radio for starter

Video Operators

  • Responsible for operating the video replay computer. The computer is connected to a tripod video camera, and has recording/playback capabilities via the installed software.

Awards Co-Ordinator

  • This person(s) would be responsible for ensuring the awards (medals, snowballs) are available for the presenters during the awards ceremony, or distributing directly to the winning crew

Results Runners (a great job for younger kids!)

  • Responsible to obtain results and advancements from the Results official, and post them on the designated results boards.

Info Tent Host (if required)

  • Checking in Volunteers
  • Selling of race cards
  • Provide Tower officials with beverages/snacks
  • Helping set up officials’ lunch
  • Helping out the results runner & awards coordinator
  • Other related duties as needed

Officials

  • This can include: judges, finish line judges, on-water referees, starters, boat control officials, and others.
  • All officials at regattas, right up the Olympics, are volunteers as well. If you're interested in getting trained as an official, ask us about how to make that happen.

Note: as a regatta volunteer in any capacity, you are expected to be neutral! You should not be cheering on any crews while at your station.