ORRA counts on the unwavering support of our volunteers to help make each hosted regatta and our club run smoothly. Here are a list of volunteer opportunities that ORRA is looking for help. As the year goes on, more opportunities will be posted!
*Members! It will be stated in the SignUp Genius description if these hours DO NOT count towards the 32 hour volunteer commitment.
View the ORRA’s Volunteer Policy Here
What is a regatta and why am I being asked to volunteer?
Why does Oak Ridge Rowing Association and the Atomic Boosters need volunteers?
The Oak Ridge Rowing Association is a non-profit (501c3) organization. We host and hold regattas as our primary fundraiser. We need volunteers to make our regattas successful. The proceeds from our regattas keep our programs affordable, pay the majority of our bills, help us buy and maintain all our equipment, and the race course. Without our regattas, the cost of our adult and youth programs would be significantly higher.
First “Regattas” are what our races are called. In the spring, we do sprint races, and in the fall, we do head races.
Sprint Race – these are typically races that take place in the spring to early part of summer and are either 1000 meters or 2000 meters in length. The boats race from start to finish and either move on to the next stage or, if the race is a final, they place and medal (win bronze, silver or a gold medal).
Head Race – these are typically races that take place in the fall and are 2 – 3 miles long. The boats start using “staggered” starts, and the fastest boats in each category will medal.
This is where you, the rower, parent, brother, sister, neighbor, etc come in the regatta picture. ALL support positions are staffed by you – THE VOLUNTEER! ORRA has two full time employees – They busy year-round: planning, coordinating and coaching. Besides these folks, the Board of Directors (volunteers too) and a couple of part time coaches (most of whom have full time jobs), the regattas are entirely VOLUNTEER planned, organized, and run. In addition to the regattas, there are “ORRA Workdays” in the months, weeks and days leading up to regattas. During these workdays, volunteers start getting the race course installed (we have to install and remove the course and components as our permits require – in other words, we can’t just leave the race course in all the time. Also on these workdays we do all the clean-up and prep before the regattas.
Usually one of the first regattas of the year is SIRA (Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association). ORRA “hosts” this regatta for SIRA, we provide the venue, the equipment, and the volunteers to hold the event. A couple weeks after SIRA, ORRA holds its first regatta of the year – Dogwood. We do everything we do when we “host” a regatta for another organization and, additionally, we coordinate the referees and race registration.
Often, one of our greatest volunteer needs is Launch Drivers. Launch drivers, for the most part, follow each race from the start to the finish. It’s a great way to see the races! A referee will be in the boat with you and let you know exactly what to do and when to do it.
If Launch Driving is not your cup of tea – there are plenty of other volunteer positions available. Most positions have “on the job training” and if they need an experienced volunteer, it will be indicated.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one shift either! Many two or more shifts – it’s exciting and fun, and it all goes to a good cause – your rowing club.
When reporting to volunteer, check-in at the “Volunteer Tent” setup directly in front of the boathouse.
Atomic Boosters Volunteer Info
Atomic Boosters’ primary mission is to support youth athletes during regattas (home and away!). This group of volunteers keeps the athletes hydrated, fed, and as comfortable as possible. To ensure the best support, Boosters holds several fundraising activities for meals, special team purchases, and to help defray the costs of more expensive travel regattas.
It is imperative for new parents to get involved and learn the ins and outs of being an Atomic Booster. Volunteer requests are often easy needs (like manning the athlete support tent, help cook meals at regattas, and set up/tear down the tent). Boosters will send volunteer needs and additional information via email and no experience is necessary to help out.
So, to sum it all up, ORRA runs on volunteers (you, your athlete, your family and friends can all volunteer!) Please watch for volunteer sign-ups and help where and when you can. Still have questions? E-mail volunteer@orra.org or atomicboosters@orra.org!