Suggestions to improve racer starts/membership – Discussion Outline

Category 5: Personal involvement/commitment/contacts– “Welcoming environment”

Issue:  Provide a welcoming environment on race day for new racers, by having individuals available to provide information re: where to go, how to check in at registration, how to inspect a race course, race etiquette and basic racing rules, what to do during a race if you fall or are interfered with, etc. 

Background:  Club, league, or college racers may not be familiar with USSA race format, etiquette, or even when/where to register for FWM races, costs, etc.  Others may be intimidated, or not realize that we would like to help them get started with FWM. Many of us started because of one individual taking the time to show us the ropes.

Benefits: Individual FWM racers, serving as “mentors”, may help to encourage new racers to race, or to join FWM.  Potential racers would appreciate having someone assigned as a “mentor”, and who can answer their questions, give course tips and rules, and get them to the start. The FWM member can introduce the new racer to others in his/her class, and make them feel a part of our organization.

Barriers:  FWM individuals may be reluctant to give up their pre-race time to serve as a mentor, inspect with the new racer, and show them around.  Pre-race coordination will need to occur to recruit volunteer mentors, familiar with the area, course, etc.

Possible solutions: 

1.  Have volunteer mentors lined up for each race registration morning  (WHO?)

2.  Try out a few “welcome races” with willing volunteers/mentors in 2006/7 

3.  Have several FWM and new racers inspect course with knowledgeable racer.

Discussion/Recommendation:  Insititute now?  More information needed?  Who?

Which of these can be instituted easily?

What other information is needed? 

Who to take lead getting information or making contacts, if lead person is needed?