VASRA Volunteer Opportunities

Helps athletes get out of boats at the dock at the bottom of the hill. May include squatting or laying down, can be strenuous position.

*Finish is at the grandstands and race finish

*Boathouse is near athlete's area (close to volunteer check-in area)

 - Set up concession stand supplies. This may involve some lifting of heavier items.

You will be posted on the roadway that the van drives from parking lot C to the finish line, at the bottom of the hill where the road is especially narrow. This important safety job ensures pedestrians do not walk in the roadway, where vans are driving. The road and trail are separated by a rope and it's your job to remind pedestrians to stay off the paved road. You should bring a chair, book, snacks, and water.

You will be assigned to a Dam Guard as their launch driver. You are driving a boat, not a van. You will patrol the lower reservoir, near the dam, to ensure rower safety and to prevent shells from venturing too near to the dam. You must be in place before the first shell arrives at the start. You are under their control. Hand signals will most likely be used. Please do not wear red clothing.

You will be assigned to a Regatta Marshal (usually a Judge/Referee) as their launch driver. You are driving a boat, not a van. You are under their control. Hand signals will most likely be used. Please do not wear red clothing.

Requires significant experience driving launches in addition to the launch driver training. You are driving a boat, not a van. These drivers must be approved by a coach prior to driving Referees. You will be assigned to a Regatta Judge/Referee as their launch driver. You are under their control. Hand signals might be used. The Judge/Referee will be standing in the boat while following races - it is critical that these drivers have experience or practice driving a launch with someone standing.

You will collect the required money ($3 one way) from persons wanting to ride the van down to the regatta site. USRA officials, Regatta Directors, and LOC staff may ride for free.

-Working on the Start Platform - remain on the Start Platform for duration of shift. 

-Help align the shells to be in proper position for the start.  

-Before the start of each race, you will lie down on the plank that extends out from the platform and reach out your arms to catch the stern of the shell coming into your lane.  

-You will be on the platform for the entire shift without bathroom access, but you will have a view of the start of each race.

Work at the finish line. Help determine shell timing and placement. Need to be able to operate a stopwatch effectively in order to time the split time for the shell in an assigned lane. Math skills adding Base 60 (Time) are a requirement. Do not wear red. 

Although the finish line is covered and has walls, the front of the building is exposed to the elements. Due to wind and lack of sun exposure in the morning, it is often colder inside than the ambient temperature outside - please dress warmly in layers. Finish Line staff are expected to refrain from cheering and directed not to share results outside the finish line environment until they have been certified by the Chief Judge at Finish.

Before the regatta you will be assigned to move racecourse equipment, facilities, and people up and down the race course