Our club is powered by dedicated parent volunteers who generously give their time to help create a fun, safe, and supportive racing environment for all riders and families. As a volunteer-run club, we rely on members to help during club nights, race events, and working bees throughout the year to keep the track maintained and ready to ride. Having plenty of helpers also allows everyone the chance to enjoy watching their own children and family members participate.

To help our club run smoothly, we ask that every member volunteer for at least three sessions each season.

The Gates Operator

Operates the BMX start gate system and ensures races begin safely and smoothly. The system calls: “OK Riders”, “Set”, “Riders Ready”, and “Watch the Gate”. The lights then run through a sequence with three audible beeps before the gate drops and the race begins.

Before raising the gate, the operator must ensure no riders are rolling through the start area. Once clear, call “GATE UP” and lightly press the red button.

Before starting each race:

• • Check that the track is clear. During the race meet, a green flag is raised.
• • If a yellow or red flag is raised, wait until the green flag is shown.
• • Ensure all riders are correctly positioned on the gate with feet in the proper starting position.

Once riders are ready:

• • Call “SET”.
• • Pause briefly in case a rider is not ready.
• • Lightly press the button to begin the start sequence.

If any riders roll through or are not ready, allow them to reset before restarting the process.

Call-up/Staging

The staging area is where riders are organised into their race groups (“motos”), assigned lanes, and prepared for their turn on the track. Riders are called into their race classes and grouped into gates of up to 8 riders. If there are more than 8 riders in a class, they will be split across multiple gates.

It is important that riders listen carefully for their names and cooperate with staging volunteers so racing can run safely and efficiently. Sprockets and striders may be supported by an adult at the gate until they are confident enough to balance independently. Staging volunteers are required from the beginning of the racing until the end.

• • The Caller is positioned at the bottom of the steps and announces the race class, rider names, and lane positions before each moto.
• • The Stager is positioned next to the gates and ensures all riders are present, lined up in the correct order, and waiting in the correct lane for their moto. They also must check that helmets are fastened, gloves are worn, and shoelaces are secure.

Before each race begins, staging volunteers confirm with the Gate Operator that all riders are correctly positioned and ready on the gate.

Flag Marshals

Marshals are responsible for monitoring the track and signalling any crashes, hazards, or hold-ups that may affect racing. 

Marshals should position themselves where they have a clear view of the track and are visible to the Gate Operator. 

Two flags are used during BMX racing:

• • Green Flag – Indicates the track is clear, and the Gate Starter may begin the next race.
• • Yellow Flag – Indicates a rider has fallen or there is an incident on the track. Racing must be paused and the next race held at the gate until the track is clear.

The yellow flag should remain raised until all riders and officials are safely clear of the track. Once safe, the marshal raises the green flag to signal that racing may continue.

First Aid

A qualified First Aider is required at each BMX event to provide immediate assistance to any injured or fallen rider. All First Aiders must hold a current First Aid Certificate.

Before going on duty, the designated First Aider should collect the First Aid backpack and Hi-Vis vest from the Registration Hut and position themselves where they can quickly access all areas of the track. 

During racing, First Aiders should closely monitor the track and Flag Marshals for any incidents. A yellow flag indicates a crash or issue on the track. At the first sign of an accident, the First Aider should move promptly to assess the situation and provide assistance where needed.

Please note: During sanctioned race meetings, riders must not be physically assisted if they intend to continue racing, as this may result in a DNF (Did Not Finish). This generally does not apply during club nights, when points are not recorded.

Canteen

The canteen is generally set up before the racing begins to ensure food is ready for families as they arrive at the track. The Canteen Manager will advise of any special menu items, costs and details on the night. The duties include assisting our canteen operators with taking orders, refilling fridges, helping with food prep and cleaning up at the end of the night.