First-time Volunteers

Stage rally would not exist without the dedication, enthusiasm, and resources of our volunteers. Hundreds of people donate their time and energy to make sure the event runs smoothly and safely. We would love to have you get involved! 

It takes a while to set up and tear down a stage, so be prepared to spend the day out in the woods.

Here are some suggestions for items to bring to the rally:

 

• Dress for all types of weather (especially warm clothes)

• Have a full tank of gas in your car

• Bring lots of food and water

• Bring something to pass the time with (book, games, etc.). There will be downtime while the stage is being set up.

• Sunscreen, bug spray, T.P., umbrella

• Camp chairs

• Paper/pen to log cars that pass your location

• Headlamp or flashlight if it's a night stage

• Cell phone and charger - some stages may have cell reception but don't count on it

• FRS radios if you have them

 

Below are some volunteer worker descriptions:

 

Road Marshals

A majority of the volunteers needed are road marshals. They are positioned well before the start of the first competition car to help set up the stage and secure the stage for safety. A marshal is placed at a road or trail intersection to make sure any non-rally traffic does not enter the stage while the event is in progress. No experience is necessary and it's a great way to get a good view of the action!

 

Spectator Marshals

Spectator marshals are assigned to advertised spectator areas. They are important in directing traffic in parking areas as well as making sure spectators are safe and in approved viewing locations. They often are in great viewing areas so the marshals get to enjoy some racing action while managing the crowds. Spectator marshals should have good people and crowd control skills.

 

Control Zones

Start and Finish Control are in charge of checking in competitors, filling out time cards and logs, and starting cars. They are also crucial for recording times as cars finish. Experienced volunteers can be paired with novice volunteers or the stage captain to receive training. This is a fun position to see the cars up close and meet the drivers and codrivers if there is a bit of down time.

 

Stage Captains

Experienced volunteers who organize and lead the stage crew for an assigned stage. A stage crew is made up of road marshals, communication workers, control workers, etc.

Stage Captains are familiar with the format of running a stage, training volunteers, timing, communication, and setting up the control zones. A stage captain may have multiple stages assigned to them during the day, so the stage crew can run the same stage again or sometimes they may have to relocate to a different stage. Stage captains must be detail oriented and have good organizational skills. A HAM radio license is a plus.

 

Communications

A licensed HAM radio operator with a minimum of a Technicians license is crucial for running the event. Examples of duties for a radio operator are calling cars who have started and finished a stage in the control zones, road marshal, and logging cars to help locate a car that has not finished a stage, and running the net control of race communications.  If you are a licensed HAM radio operator we want to hear from you.

 

Service Volunteers

Service Marshals, control workers and HAM radio operators work together to ensure the smooth running of service (where competitor teams are located to work on the vehicles).

 

Novice volunteers can also help in various ways such as registration, marking stages with banner tape and arrows (about one to two weeks before the event), recce patrol (usually the day before the event) and gathering sponsorship swag. Please contact us if you would like more information on how to help out in these ways.