Volunteers

At the heart of the Minnesota Cycling Association are volunteers. From coaches, to race volunteers, to the folks behind the scene helping get more kids on bikes in the great state of Minnesota—we couldn’t do it without you!

Aside from coaching, the majority of our volunteer needs occur at races in August–October. If you are interested in being a race volunteer, read on below for descriptions of available volunteer positions, then click the sign up to volunteer button! 

Watch for our MCA News email for when volunteer sign-up begins for 2023.

Sign up for MCA News here.

Sign up to volunteer for races here

Race volunteering is both fun and rewarding. We need over 300 volunteers at each race to provide an awesome experience to all the student-athletes! Scroll down for descriptions of each volunteer position.

Race Volunteer Position Descriptions

ANNOUNCING ASSISTANT
Announcing play a vital role in the fun atmosphere of our races. This role allows the race announcer to be organized and focus on keeping up the energy level. You’ll be giving the announcer all the information they need to announce student-athletes names and team as they cross the finish line.

CATEGORY SWEEPS
Sweeps ride at the back of every race category and tend to any issues that may arise on the course with students in their assigned category. It is vital that sweeps stay with the last racer in their category. EMT, ski patrol experience, or first aid training/experience is strongly preferred.

As a sweep, you will provide support and coverage for the entire course, including knowing where the last rider in the category is at all times. Your goal is to maintain neutrality during the race and not affect the natural outcome. This is a physically demanding role. Your endurance and ability must match the race you’re sweeping.

Check in at the volunteer tent usually about an hour before your category starts, to receive your number plate and attend the sweeper orientation meeting. Bring your own bike, helmet and riding gear!

TRACKSIDE COURSE MARSHAL
Trackside Course Marshals have an active role in ensuring safety on the course. Course Marshals stand at key marshal points along the course to warn riders of hazards, direct riders, ensure fair play and provide rapid response to incidents.  Course Marshals may also act as crossing guards and/or MCA representatives to other trail users. A note pad is provided to keep track of any outside support, rule violations and riders who abandon the race. Course Marshals can hike or ride bikes to their marshal points. Lastly, remember to cheer on those riders as they pass on by!

ROVING COURSE MARSHAL ON BIKE

Similar to the Trackside Course Marshal position, the Roving Course Marshals on Bikes keep the entire course safe by reporting incidents and injuries while circling the whole course or specific areas assigned by the Chief Course Marshal. EMT, ski patrol experience, or advanced first aid training/experience is strongly preferred.

As a rover, you will provide support and coverage for the entire course across multiple races. Your goal is to maintain neutrality during the race and not affect the natural outcome. This is a physically demanding role. It requires riding multiple laps and making sure your presence on the course is not interfering with the race. Your endurance and ability should match the races you’re covering.’

Please bring your own bike, riding gear and helmet!

COURSE MARSHAL ASSISTANT

Provide assistance for the Chief Course Marshall. Role is positioned at the Course Marshal tent.  Check in course marshals, sort/assign Course Marshal equipment, and complete required documentation.  Help keep the course marshall process fluid and seamless! 

COURSE TAKE DOWN – ON BIKES

As soon as the last rider in the last race of the day goes on their final lap, we start takedown and clean up of the race course itself. Volunteers who bring their bikes (and helmets!) takedown the course markings and clean up the course, using packs provided by the MCA to gather up ribbon, signs, and other race-related debris. 

CROSSING GUARD

Crossing Guards are vital to protect the racers and keep the course clear of spectators and vehicles.  Crossing Guards stationed where the racecourse crosses a road will stop vehicle traffic until a break in the race provides passage for the vehicle without interfering with the student-athletes and the race. Crossing Guards stationed along the race fencing in the start/finish areas of the race will monitor specific crossing points for spectators.

INFIELD/COURSE SET–UP

Build the infield with a team of volunteers and race staff. A well-built infield brings excitement to the event. You will be starting with placing pins and poles for snow fencing and course tape, and possibly erecting EZ UP tents. At the end of the day you will be placing flags and sponsor banners. It takes a full day, so you’ll be working with a quickly moving team. Unlike most race weekend volunteer positions you’ll learn all the skills as you go. Safety is key and we require gloves and eye-wear so bring your own or use ours.

INFORMATION TRAILER

Volunteer will assist in or near the Information Trailer.

  • Greet student-athletes with a smile as they check-in at registration.
  • Help coaches sign up for team sites – early morning
  • Assist with replacing lost number plates
  • Handling of Lost and Found items
  • Merchandise Sales and Promotion
  • Occasional errands throughout the race venue

MEDICAL SCRIBE

Assists the medical support team completing incident reporting forms and documentation. Experience in the medical field including completing medical paperwork preferred. Personality that allows volunteer to be able to continue to complete the role while medical staff provide first aid to injured athletes. Understanding of HIPAA privacy concerns a plus.

PARKING VOLUNTEER

Be the first to welcome student-athletes, their families, coaches and supporters as they enter the race venue. Often there is just enough space for our growing association to park, so it’s important to park cars in an efficient manner. After parents park cars you can answer questions while setting the relaxed tone at the race. Be sure to come with layers of clothing appropriate for a range of weather, as well as snacks, water and sunscreen.

START LINE/STAGING

For a volunteer, this is a very high-tension area with nervous racers queuing for their starts, and sometimes overly helpful supporters crowding in. Calm but assertive helpers are needed to keep the process orderly so that the races start safely and fairly.

TIMING/SCORING ASSISTANT

The scoring assistants provide a critical role to keep track of the action moment by moment. The chief scorekeeper will guide you and the rest of the team in the positions of number caller and hand jammer. Be sure to come prepared with appropriate layers for a range of weather, as well as snacks and water. We also recommend a hat and sunglasses.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT

The volunteer assistant will manage volunteer race sign-ins and waivers, direct volunteers to assigned locations, communicate shortages, rebalance assignments if necessary.