Volunteers to play a vital role in resuming events

On a typical Interschools event day, up to 50 volunteer officials are needed on the various resort competition courses to create a fair and safe event for everyone involved, supporting the race start and finish protocols or acting as gate judges. 

Even more volunteers are involved behind the scenes, either in administrative roles, managing school teams or finding other ways to contribute. Without their hard work and dedication, running events on snow would simply not be possible. 

Many of those volunteers are parents who want to be involved in their kids’ sporting passion, like Jo McKenzie and Edwina Seaton.

“My kids all raced so I got involved because of them,” said Jo, an Interschool volunteer who has been helping the event organisers for almost 15 years. 

“I started with Interschools and then also supported FIS races and other children’s competitions. I think most kids appreciate when their parents get involved in their sport and it also gives you more things to talk to them about.

“Personally, I like to keep myself occupied so I’ve always preferred to be working on the course rather than just standing on the side watching them.”

Edwina also got involved with Interschools through her children, before falling in love with the concept behind the event and the atmosphere out on the snow.

“What I love the most is having the opportunity to see kids have a go,” Edwina said. “They’re excited, they cheer each other on. Of course they all want to win, but the environment is always very positive. 

“Interschools brings together public and private schools and unites kids from all over the state through an amazing learning experience. Amongst other things, it promotes a sense of camaraderie and it’s great for team-building as well.

“I really love the fact that you can be part of something that’s really special with your kids,” she said. 

The positive sense of community around Interschools is an appealing factor that keeps bringing volunteers back. That’s one of the reasons some parents stay involved in the event long after their kids have finished school and no longer take part in the races.

“I had the opportunity to get to know all these wonderful people through Interschools and they have become good friends. Now there's always a great joy when we're in each other's company, and it all stems from the kids,” Edwina said.

Despite the fact that so many people like Jo and Edwina give up their time for free to make these events happen, more volunteers are always needed to support or replace those who can no longer participate because of other commitments. 

Jo and Edwina recognised that sometimes people don’t get involved because they overestimate the requirements of volunteer roles, or the amount of time and commitment expected of them. This idea is often a misconception and, as Jo explained, there is always a role for everyone and everyone can contribute.

“This is something that I’ve always tried to tell people, as the kids can’t ever find enough volunteers. There is always a role and some of them are not arduous at all. Sometimes even small things like counting numbers or reading bibs really help with running the events,” Jo said.

“I didn’t know much at the beginning,” Edwina confirmed. “In fact, when I started I really enjoyed the whole concept of learning different things, like how to start a race, how to finish a race, how to be on a gate,” she said.

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of all competitions in 2020, the Australian snow community is now looking forward to the domestic season and the return of snow sport racing at all levels. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic means some people might still be deterred from going back to volunteering because of health concerns and other similar considerations.

“I would still say to them, give it a go!” Edwina said. “Just be mindful of the protocols we have learned to accept as part of our everyday life.”

Jo agreed that this is an important message to share with all people who are thinking about volunteering, or are having doubts about returning to the sport.

“Don't think like you can't contribute, because you can,” she said. “Even if it is just for one event, get out there and do your bit. Make a difference.”

Are you interested in volunteering during the 2021 domestic season? Get in touch with Snow Australia.