Volunteer Opportunities

The North Bay Canoe Club isa volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization, with a proud history of providing canoe/kayak programs that combine fun and competitive performance at local, provincial, national and international levels since 1968. The efforts of Parent volunteers have been key to this longevity and success and we need each member to contribute to maintain it.

Regatta Volunteers

Regattas have the greatest need for volunteers, including those hosted by other clubs. As the parent of a Sprint Racing athlete, you are required to complete at least 2, 4-hour shifts at one of the regatta positions listed below, which helps us ensure that we have enough volunteers to run our regattas safely.  It takes 50+ volunteers to run a full-day regatta.   

Your kids work & train hard for weeks & months to prepare for these competitions – and it is important for all parents to be prepared to support your kids by participating in the conduct of our regatta’s.

The information provide here is designed to provide parents with a clear understanding of the volunteer roles involved in a regatta, helping you feel confident in your ability to fulfill these duties. 

Officials

There are a number of specialized roles that require certification; We encourage all parents to achieve a basic certification – which will enable you to participate in key support roles in a competition (Starters assistant, Boat Control Assistants, Timers,  Announcer, Results management, Finish Line Judges, Video Operator etc);
Interested persons can then seek additional certification in the following positions: Chief Official, Chief Finish Line Judge, Competition Secretary, Finish Line Judges, Boat Controller, Starter, Referees

Boat Drivers (must have a Pleasure Craft Operator's Certificate)

  • Safety Boats  – Operate boats on the fringe of the course to pick up paddlers who have fallen out of their boats. Typically 4 per regatta
  • Referee Boats  – Follow down the lanes behind the racers to allow the Referees to monitor each race. Typically 4 per regatta 

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 (Typically 4-6 per regatta)

  • 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

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 officials 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 are available for the presenters during the awards ceremony
  • The person would ensure the podium and flags are ready

Results Runners (Great job for young kids!)

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

Info tent host

  • Variety of duties including:
    • 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

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

Club Operations Volunteers

In addition to regattas, there are may other volunteer opportunities to help with the day-to-day operations of the club:

  • Spring & Fall Cleanups :  (putting docks & motor boats in/out, cleaning building, general organization, etc)
  • Boat & Paddle Repair: (fibreglass patches, seam repair, rudder repair, paddle refinishing) 
  • Building Maintenance: (boat racks, minor plumbing & electrical, roof and eavestrough, door maintenance)
  • Board of Directors (monthly meetings, club governance)
  • Committee Membership (Hiring, Strategy, Budget, Regatta Planning)
  • Fundraising (Soliciting Donations, planning campaigns)
  • North Bay Regatta Preparation
    • Course Installation and Removal
    • Site preparation and take-down
    • Snack Bar Volunteers
    • Media Contacts
    • Photographer
  • Trailer towing to regattas
  • Photography and Video Production
  • Article preparation for local Media
  • End-of-Season Banquet planning