All New Hampshire race programs host races as part of their commitment to the New Hampshire Alpine Racing Association. These races provide funding for our program and help to keep the cost low. Race work days are an opportunity for parents to get to know each other better and to view their children (or older racers) in a competitive race.

Race work requires a full day on the mountain. Race workers meet early am and a typical race ends at 3:00 p.m. (Some earlier, some later) Each race worker is required to attend at least one training session annually. These sessions are typically 2-3 hours and are held during the dry land training in the fall or during early December.

Through your participation in running races you will gain a better understanding of the skill of your child and the demanding sport of ski racing. Many alumnae and alumnae parents return to help run our races...once you work a few races and join the camaraderie of "race day" you will understand why.

Race Work Sign Ups for 07/08 Will be online and available in November. See Family Registration page for details.

Race Day Job Descriptions

Based on USSA Competition Regulations, published in the Competition Guide

Chief of Race

Certification Requirements: USSA AO Card, a Chief of Race Certification is recommended. Race Committee approval is required for this position. USSA Chief of Race Study Guide

Job Description: The person in this position runs the race. He/She controls the work of all officials. This position is also a member of the Race Jury (with the Referee and the TD).

Chief of Course

Certification Requirements: A USSA AO Card is required for this position. A Chief of Course Certification is recommended. Race Committee approval is required.

Job Description: This person is responsible for the preparation of courses in accordance with decisions of the race committee and the jury. Should be familiar with local snow conditions and terrain concerned. Should make sure that the numbering and marking of the gates are done within the required time. Must be familiar with the set-up and maintenance of all electronic timing and communication equipment.

Chief of Timing and Calculation

Certification Requirements: A Chief of Timing and Calculation Certification is recommended. Race Committee approval is required. Basic USSA Timing & Calculations Study Guide; Advanced Study Guide

Job Description: This person is responsible for the coordination of officials at the start and finish, including timing and calculations. Responsible for quick and accurate calculations of results; supervises immediate duplication of unofficial results and publication of official results after expiration of protest time

Start Referee

Certification Requirements: A USSA AO Card is required for this position. A Competition Official Certification is recommended.

Job Description: This person makes sure the rules for start are properly observed; determines violations against rules for equipment and immediately takes measures provided for by rules. At the end of the race, reports to the Referee the names of competitors who did not start, have made false/late starts or other infringements. Assists the Start Hand timer.

Finish Referee

Certification Requirements: A USSA AO Card is required for this position. A Competition Official Certification is recommended

Job Description: Supervises the section between the last gate and the finish. Supervises the proper crossing of the finish line. Records the order of finishing of all racers who complete the course. Assist the Finish Hand timer. Should be able to communicate immediately with the start and finish at all times.

Main Timer

Certification Requirements: A USSA AO membership is recommended. Race Committee approval is required. Basic USSA Timing & Calculations Study Guide; Advanced Study Guide

Job Description: Responsible for running the primary timing computer. Works with the Chief of the Race maintaining the proper race intervals. Calls for the start of all competitors.

Backup Timer

Certification Requirements: A USSA Card is recommended. Race Committee Approval is required.

Job Description: Responsible for running the backup timing computer. Typically this person is training to become a Main Timer

Chief Gate Judge

Certification Requirements: This position does not require a USSA AO Card, but it is recommended. Approval of the race committee is required.

Job Description: Organizes/supervises work of Gate Judges; designates gates to supervise; places them in position. At the end of the first run/end of race, will collect fault cards for delivery to Referee. Should deliver to each Gate Judge material needed; be prepared to offer assistance either to keep spectators off the course, or to help maintain the course.

Chief of Registration

Requirements: Position is reserved for injured and or non skiers. Race Committee approval is required.

Job Description: Responsible for the registration of all competitors. Distributes and collects all race bibs. Must be available from 7:00AM through the Awards Ceremony.

Mid Station Phones

Requirements: Race Committee Approval is required.

Job Description: This position is usually manned by the Chief of the Race or a Chief of Race Trainee.

Inside Recorder

Requirements: Position is reserved for injured and or non skiers. Race Committee approval is required.

Job Description: Assist the Main Timer, the Chief of Timing and Calculations, and the Race Secretary with data entry.

Registration/Announcer

Requirements: Position is reserved for injured and or non skiers. Race Committee approval is required.

Job Description: Assist with the distribution and collection of all bibs and entry fees. Announces unofficial race results while the race is in progress.

Registration/Leader Board

Requirements: Position is reserved for injured and or non skiers. Race Committee approval is required.

Job Description: Assist with the distribution and collection of all bibs and entry fees. Records unofficial race results on the Leader Board while the race is in progress.

Starter

Job Description: This position is responsible for warning signal and start command as well as the accuracy of the intervals between these signals.

Start Roundup

Job Description: Calls competitors to the start in the correct order.

Hand Timers

Job Description: Separate and independent timing is required. Individuals operate stopwatches and register times of all competitors at the start and finish.

Course Worker

Requirements: Course Maintenance is a very physical job. Strong skiing skill is recommended.

Job Description: Assist the Chief of Course with the preparation, maintenance, and removing of the race course. Work includes installing, maintaining, and replacing of gates; maintaining the race course; installing and removing of "B – Nets"; installing and removing the timing and communication equipment.

Gate Judges

Job Description: Responsible for the supervision of one or more gates; should observe accurately; whether passage of competitor was correct through his or her assigned gates. Training is provided for all gate keepers before the start of each race. Every gatekeeper must attend the training video. This is a very good job to sign up for if it is your first exposure to ski racing.