Check out the descriptions below to get an idea of each role at a Club Racing event. If you are still unsure about which type of volunteer work you would like to do, just contact one of our Specialty Chiefs in the Race Board contact list on the Home Page to discuss it further. Volunteers can register at any event even if they have no experience. We will provide the basic training and pair you up with an experienced worker - over time you will grow into the position you like. Of course if your first choice doesn't meet your expectations there are many more to choose from. After the summaries below we have another section on how you can earn a Specialty License to work at race tracks across the USA.
Here's a taste of a typical SCCA Weekend Event
Flagging and Communications
This worker takes a position along the course and uses flags and hand signals to communicate track conditions to each driver. This position serves as first responder to any incident on the course, maintains the link between the steward and the drivers, and keeps the fun moving at all times. These people go home dirty.
Starters
If your idea of fun is to have all eyes focused intently on you while you savor your moment of total control, you'll have great fun being a starter. The starter also calls the end of the race, and is hooked into the communications network throughout.
Paddock
These dedicated marshals help get the racers situated for the weekend and help maintain a safe and orderly paddock for everyone's benefit. Since winners always like to show something for their efforts - they are especially glad to get the trophies these marshals hand out after the race!
Pit & Grid
Nobody gets onto the racing circuit without these marshals help. They control the practice, qualifying and race grids as well as police the pit lanes to keep everyone organized and safe.
Sound Control
No car makes a move without making some sound - and increasingly stringent local controls over excessive noise has led to an increased importance to stay within prescribed sound limits during on-track sessions. These marshals measure and record each car to help competitors and officials keep it legal.
Course Marshals
The race circuit often requires attention whether an incident created a problem or other conditions have developed a concern for drivers. These marshals help in clean-ups and removing disabled cars from the course.
Emergency Services
If you have training in medical response, fire fighting or vehicle recovery expertise, you can put your specialized skills to work by providing crucial event support. While there is nothing fun about emergency situations, these folks are the lifesavers.
Scrutineer/Tech
Scrutineers have real fun when they’re poking around under the hood. Pre-race safety inspections, preparation compliance, post-race inspections, mechanical teardowns. If you like to stick your nose in stuff, and know how it works, this is the job for you.
Timing and Scoring
These positions collect the numbers that tell the story – who drove how fast and in what place each driver finished the race. You’re on the computer, using advanced technology to measure, collate, verify and deliver the results.
Registrars
The registrar is the intake person. Meet and greet arriving participants and issue and verify their credentials. Be the first official face they see, point them to where they need to be and make sure everyone gets started on the right track.
Stewards
Run the show. Make sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to be doing. Verify that everyone knows the rules and follows the rules. Keep everyone safe. Solve problems. Make sure everyone gets real fun.
In summary, getting involved as a worker or official is as easy as going to a local event and volunteering to help. Workers are issued a license just like the competition drivers, and can work their way up through the ranks by participating at different events and gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to hold a national specialty license. SCCA licensed workers help staff most of the motorsport events held in the United States in one capacity or another. If you would like more information, please e-mail or call one of our Race Board members and express your interest. Each specialty has a Chief and you will find them in our Race Board contact list.
Once you get involved and find a specialty you like, getting an Official's License is the next step.
License Grades (the "fine print")
There are three grades of licenses that may be issued based upon levels of experience and participation. Any additional requirements for each specialty are outlined in that specialty’s Operating Manual. The three license grades are:
- Regional - This license is issued to all new members entering a specialty. It is the license grade held while training and developing the skills required by the specialty. The official will become moderately proficient in the core competencies outlined in the specialty’s Operating Manual. It is recommended that a Regional license be held for a minimum of two years with active participation. There are no minimum participation requirements to maintain the Regional License, however, an individual demonstrating outstanding ability and progress may be upgraded early.
- Divisional - The Divisional License is recognition of accomplishment within the specialty. The license grade is considered the "Standard of the Industry." The official will refine their basic core competencies as outlined in that specialty’s Operating Manual. The license holder will learn advanced skills and begin training in the managerial and administrative aspects of the specialty. The license holder will be competent in all non-managerial/non-administrative phases of the specialty. A minimum of 8 days of participation - typically 4 race weekends -is required to maintain a Divisional License.
- National - The National license is issued to officials who progress beyond the typical qualifications and accept the responsibilities of leadership. The license holder will demonstrate advanced general expertise in the specialty. The National license holder will have the knowledge to perform the managerial/administrative functions of the specialty including training and the chief of an event. A National license holder is expected to share their knowledge with new workers. The same participation requirements apply here - 8 days
Upgrades - All license upgrades will be approved by the Regional and Divisional Administrator of the specialty. A letter of recommendation outlining the meeting of the requirements and any additional qualifications of the individual will be sent from the Regional Administrator to the Divisional Administrator with the upgrade request.
