The COBRAS and the KHMTT take your safety, the safety of the racers and all other park users very seriously. The following ten question quiz will help you to review some of the most important volunteer duties and information you need to know regardless of what position you are assigned to. Passing score is 100%.
#1 Where do I go when I arrive at the park?
All volunteers must report to the volunteer coordinator at the Smoky Hill parking area before proceeding to their assigned station. The volunteer coordinator may change your station based on need. The volunteer coordinator also needs to know that you have arrived and will be manning your station.
#2 What time should I arrive at my assigned position?
Volunteers must be at their station on time.
First shift volunteers should check in by 4:15 and arrive at their station by 4:20. Second shift volunteers must check in by 5:40 and arrive at their station by 5:45 to relieve the first shift volunteer.
#3 When can I leave my position?
It is very important that your station is manned until you are relieved or you know for sure that the last rider has come past your station.
#4 What do I do if a rider goes down?
In the event a rider goes down, always verify if the rider needs assistance. If the rider is unconscious or is injured and needs medical attention, using your radio or mobile phone contact the Race Director immediately. If the Race Director is not available, contact either the Volunteer Coordinator or the registration table.
The KHMTT has a mobile EMS on a motorcycle that can respond to an emergency very quickly, much quicker than an ambulance or a paramedic not located in the park. The EMS has a radio, and the Race Director will contact the EMS either by radio or mobile phone and direct them to the scene of the accident. If you unable to radio directly to the Race Director, ask another volunteer via radio to relay your information to the Race Director.
When you report the accident, be sure to specify the exact location of the accident.
Do not attempt to move the victim, as you could inflict further injury.
Do direct any bicycle or vehicle traffic around the accident.
If the rider's bicycle has a flat or has a mechanical issue, you may either contact the Race Director or the Volunteer Coordinator to request a vehicle to come to pick up the rider and bicycle to be taken back to the Smoky Hill parking area.
#5 What do I tell participants if the weather turns bad?
It is very important that incorrect information is NOT relayed to the riders. Do not make any assumptions.
In the event of any situation where the race may be canceled or suspended, you will be notified either by radio or the volunteer coordinator will come by your station and inform you.
#6 Where do I park my vehicle?
CCSP requires that ALL vehicles be parked in designated parking areas. The only exception to this rule is the vehicle used at the finish line.
It is extremely important that all volunteers, participants, and spectators adhere to all park rules.
#7 What should I do if I will be late to the park and my position?
It is very important that all volunteers arrive in time to check in and be at their station on time.
If unforeseen circumstances happen (traffic, etc.) you must notify the volunteer coordinator as soon as you can so the volunteer coordinator can be sure your station is covered until you do arrive.
Be sure to contact the volunteer coordinator when you do arrive and check in.
#8 Do I have the authority to control motorists, cyclists and pedestrians?
Unfortunately, course marshals do not have any authority to force people to stop, make them slow down or stop bicycles and pedestrians that want to cross the roadway in front of a racer.
We do encourage you to stress to the vehicle driver, pedestrian or bicyclist the importance of waiting or at least proceeding cautiously through the intersection for their safety as well as the riders.
Most park users will follow your instructions, but not all. If they refuse, your job is to warn the racer that a vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian is causing a hazard and to proceed with caution.
Do not express any anger toward the person who will not follow your instructions.
#9 Do I need to carry a mobile race radio?
Your radio is a very important tool to be used as part of your job as a marshal.
If you are not sure how to use it, check with the volunteer coordinator or another volunteer who does before you go to your station.
Know how to adjust the volume so you can hear the radio at all times, and know how to transmit a message.
Test your radio before you leave the COBRAS tent, or as soon as you relieve the first shift volunteer. Radio checks are mandatory.
Answer any calls to you, including radio checks so that the volunteer coordinator knows that you have your radio and can communicate in case of an accident or if the race director or volunteer coordinator needs to contact you.
Acknowledge all radio message to you, keeping your response short and to the point.
If you hear a call to the race director or another station, and no one answers, take the initiative to forward the message, as there are a number of places in the park that the radios can't always reach. Therefore forwarding radio messages is very important.
Use your radio to report accidents or other events that require an EMS, USAC official or other business that is of importance to the safety of the race.
#10 If I am stationed at a course intersection or crosswalk what should I do when a racer approaches?
#11 What do I do if I witness a menacing motorist?
#12 What should I do if I don't know how to use a mobile race radio?
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