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Volunteering with SRA
Volunteers are critical to the mission of Saratoga Rowing and we are honored to have so many rowers, families, parents and alumni as part of our volunteer team. The organization is built upon a community atmosphere, and our volunteers are the driving force behind the success of SRA programs and regattas.
We do ask that all members contribute volunteer hours. More details are sent out each season as to needs and requirements. We have many opportunities to get involved, it’s a great way to support the club, learn more about our sport and get to know others in the SRA community.
Many ways to get involved!
Take a look below at the many ways you can volunteer for our events.
Questions? Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Connor Toomey for more information at sra.togavolunteers@gmail.com
01
Safety Launch Team
Crew Chief: Dan Eldridge
Safety launches are located throughout the course and follow (chase) races in the spring, prepared to rescue/assist rowers in need. Boat driving experience is valuable, but we need some riders too. We are always looking for boat owners willing to work with their boats. VERY helpful. (On water)
02
Start Marshals
Crew Chief: Aaron Dahl
Organizing rowers on the water at the start of races. Boat driving experience is valuable but NOT necessary; we need many assistant riders for this job. Great view of the rowers as they prepare to start the race!
03
Timing
Crew Chief: Lauren Johns
Several types of jobs within the timing setting allow for people with different interests and skill sets. General skills should include an ability to focus despite distractions, good attention to detail, and good eye, ear, and hand coordination. Working on this crew does have the additional bonus of working in the timing hut to get out of the unpredictable weather conditions.
04
Lee's Park Traffic Control
Crew Chief: Heidi Meidenbauer
Traffic control at Lee’s Park works to keep drop-off and shuttle traffic flowing and guide pedestrian traffic. Flexible hours all day and early bird hours if you like to be up and done early! Various positions are available to fit all personality types but assertive personalities can be quite helpful!
05
SRA Boathouse Traffic Control
Crew Chief: Mike Huchro
Stationed at the entrance to the SRA parking lot. Limited parking in the SRA lot, direct cars to drop kids off, and park at the Racino or on the street. Busy early mornings but bring a chair, a hat….and a book to read or a friend to chat with as things get quieter!
06
Racino Parking
Crew Chief: Sue Sampanthar
This is an extra special parking crew where we need a couple of people at the offsite spectator parking location at Saratoga Racino! Spectators will be able to pay and ride a shuttle over to the racecourse. In this role, you will be collecting money and handing out wristbands before spectators hop on the bus. Grab a friend to sign up with or meet some new people. Your car will be close by so you'll be able to help at the regatta and also be warm and dry!
07
Docks
Crew Chief: Jon Kirchherr
Create and manage docking systems located at both the State Boat Launch and 550 Waterfront. These roles are key to keeping the regattas running on time. On this crew, there will be one person per dock to manage incoming and outgoing boats while others schedule and manage calling races to launch, and record crew launch/recovery times to ensure the accuracy of crew location. Rowing experience is helpful but not essential. On the job training provided!
08
Registration
Crew Chief: Jennifer Hussey
Assist with team packet preparation, prepare bow numbers, check waivers, staff booth Friday PM, Saturday AM, and Sunday AM. A couple of people staff the info table with basic information on races --event schedule, crew chiefs, diagrams of a site, Saratoga Springs, and contact numbers for key regatta staff.
09
Green Team
Crew Chief: Scott Clark
Patrol the regatta sites to manage garbage pickup. We generally work in teams of two, using a motorized cart, and we are able to take quick breaks to watch and cheer for races. We need workers who are willing to get a little dirty and are able to communicate in a friendly but assertive way with visiting teams. Gloves and supplies provided!
10
Food Tent
Crew Chief: Laurie Keniry
Help keep our volunteers AND rowers nourished and energized! Set up tent and equipment by the SRA docks, prepare food, and staff Food ent to feed Regatta Officials and SRA Volunteers. Shoppers needed to shop during the week. People willing to clean up, break down tents and equipment and wash dishes after regattas are always needed.
11
Awards & Medals
Crew Chief: Kristi Kempf
Prepare trophies and medals in advance of races; staff awards table during races and hand out appropriate awards to winners.