Fischer, Jim E (Corvallis)

Hey folks,

I'm putting together a clinic on 1/13 in Corvallis to train up folks to work events as officials. Specifically, we will focus on what we call road or motor refs...folks who officiate from cars driven behind the field during a race. Our pool of experienced officials is drying up, and we need an infusion of new folks to keep the sport healthy. Four experienced officials have offered their time to help make this happen.

If there is sufficient interest, we can also do a simultaneous session for Judging (working the finish line). The Judging clinic will involve setting up of the finish line, finish line cameras, running software and capturing the finish and reporting results. Brian List has offered to run this portion of the clinic.

Officials get compensated for their mileage, their time (to some degree) and usually get grub for working a race. Working as a road ref is also a good way to race AND help out. Since most races have two sessions (AM & PM), you can race in your session, then help officiate during the other. You don't have to give up racing to work as an official!

Plan for 1/13:
In class/lecture - 1-1/2 hr slide presentation in the AM.
Field work - 2-3 hrs in the field working a mock race. (Folks not attending the training will be needed for this.)
Wrap-up: After the field work, we'll regroup to answer questions and review.

I've received e-mail from one person interested in this training. Our team, Pacific Power, will have many folks attending to help with Cherry Pie. If there are other teams out there putting on events, or who have members who wish to help at other events, this is a great opportunity to get some valuable "hands-on" experience before stepping up to help at a real race!

We don't have sufficient numbers of officials. With so many races every season, burnout is a constant problem. Please help keep racing safe and thriving in Oregon!

Let me now if you'd like to be involved!

Thanks,

Jim Fischer
541.990.8979
jim.fischer@hp.com