Volunteer Committee and Position Descriptions

HOCR Volunteers are responsible for every part of the regatta from welcoming guests to our hospitality venues to managing river traffic, from providing lunches and snacks to fellow volunteers to handing out medals and trophies to our winners, from providing first aid support to running timing stations across the race course. With such a vast array of needs, there is a position to fit any skill set.

There are opportunities available the week before, the week after, and, of course, race weekend! Do keep in mind, that we receive more applications each year than we have available positions. Our volunteer committee leads are volunteers themselves, and while we appreciate all interest in volunteering, we are not able to accept every applicant. An application does not guarantee a position.

Below you will find descriptions of each Race Operations Committee and the role their volunteers play to carry out the vital functions of our event.

Any questions, please email volunteer@hocr.org

• Announcing

  The Announcing Committee provides live race commentary at six points along the race course. Some of this commentary is also broadcast over the livestream. Announcing volunteer teams consist of Announcers and Spotters, with both people taking on each role during a shift. Members of the team should have a good knowledge of rowing and the HOCR, should be able to speak clearly, provide insightful commentary, and convey excitement and enthusiasm throughout the event.

• Awards

  The Awards Committee is responsible for the awarding of all medals and trophies for the Head Of The Charles Regatta. Our volunteers help celebrate the race winners at awards ceremonies throughout the weekend, organize the trophies for display, award medals to all eligible finishers, and help all athletes and spectators celebrate the successes of the regatta’s events. Our volunteers are cheerful, organized, self-starters, with a love of the sport and the regatta. Volunteers are asked to engage with competitors and spectators alike, and help assist with general information about the regatta, the awards, and the committee’s work. We ask that all our volunteers bring a positive and celebratory attitude to our work together!

• Back-Up Timing

  Volunteers for Back-Up Timing provide manual timing as a back up to computer timing systems. They coordinate stopwatches at the start and finish and later communicate their results to Regatta Headquarters.

• CBC Facilities

  Volunteers for the CBC Facilities Committee work at the Cambridge Boat Club. We welcome people and manage club access for members and guests, we keep spectators off the docks and ramp, and, on the entry level floor, we monitor and remove trash and maintain basic supplies in the bathrooms.

• Communications

  The Communications Committee supports the communications equipment of the regatta’s Race Operations. Volunteers help to manage the distribution, collection, and support of bullhorns, radios, mics, and laptops.

   

• Computer Timing

  Computer Timing is responsible for ensuring a fair and accurate time is provided for each of the over 12,000 competitors. The Timing volunteers are stationed at one of the five timing stations along the course – Start, Riverside Boat Club, Weld Boathouse, Cambridge Boat Club, and the Finish line. Our volunteers use computers and iPads to record times – all volunteers receive training. No experience necessary!

• Course

  The Course Committee is responsible for setting, maintaining, and cleaning up the race course buoys. Prior the race weekend, we place all buoys to mark the entire course. Throughout the weekend, we check the accuracy of buoy locations and make adjustments, as needed. At the conclusion of racing, we remove and store all buoys, lines, tethers, and anchors.

• Cyclists

  Cyclists act as the regatta’s bike messenger team, working closely with all committees to deliver results, lunches, refreshments, messages, and small equipment.

• Emergency Services First Aid

  In coordination with local emergency services, we staff the on-land first aid stations for the regatta. We have stationary tent locations, as well as bike and walking patrols.

  Current First Aid and CPR training required.

• Emergency Services Ham Radio

  In coordination with local emergency services and other Race Operations committees, we manage the radio communication of the Regatta to ensure the smooth handling of emergency situations. Volunteers are stationed on either land or water (boat).

  Ham Radio experience required.

• Emergency Services Lifeguards

  Lifeguards assist is ensuring the safe operation of the regatta. Our lifeguards are stationed on the water throughout the race course for water patrol and rescue services.

  Current lifeguard certification is required.

• FALS Dock Logistics

  Dock Logistics plans the size, number, and location of all docks along the race course. We oversee the assembly and installation of all temporary docks before the regatta, and the removal and storage of dock pieces at the conclusion of racing.

• FALS Operations

  We at FALS OPS are here to safely and efficiently help guide the boats and athletes into and out of the launch areas and on and off the docks.  We also perform safety checks on launching boats, and help carry oars on and off the docks.

• FALS Parking

  We are responsible for the registration and parking of over 130 trailers at the FALS area on the Thursday and Friday of the Regatta. We also provide location information for each trailer to help competitors and spectators find their teams’ trailer. At the conclusion of racing, we help to oversee the safe departure of all trailers.

• Hospitality

  We provide boxed lunches and other refreshments to the HOCR volunteers and staff throughout regatta weekend. We are responsible for the packing and distribution of the lunches to volunteers and committees across the entire regatta area.

• Information

  Information provides general race information, results, directors, trailer locations, and other information to spectators throughout race weekend. We have several locations across the regatta and local area. Customer service experience is helpful but not required.

• Launches

  Our volunteers drive launches to support race operations or provide general support at the dock. All volunteers must undergo training. . Please select a minimum of one full day shift or two morning/evening shifts when applying. Morning/evening shifts are for dock support.

  Drivers must possess power-boating skills and experience

• Network Technology

  Network Tech supports the technological infrastructure of the regatta including managing the installation, maintenance, and support of printers, computers, computer-connected displays, and wireless networks. Prior to the regatta, we install the components for the wireless network throughout the 3-mile race course.

• Para Rowing Advisory

  Volunteers assist para rowers in getting on and off the water to make their regatta experience as smooth as possible. Para Committee volunteers will assist in the launching and landing of para rowers by helping as needed with rowing equipment, guiding rowers as needed to and from the dock and helping manage para athlete mobility equipment (prosthetics, crutches, wheel chairs, etc).

• Regatta Spotter

  The Regatta Spotter committee is responsible for capturing downstream traffic data which is used by the Race Committee to help set the schedule each year. Regatta Spotters play an important role in optimizing the schedule and identifying pre-race traffic bottlenecks.  Spotters use a tablet with a custom application that includes all bow numbers for each event. Bow numbers are on chicklet size squares that are tapped when a bow passes their checkpoint. The tap registers the timestamp for that boat. Typically we staff two locations on the river with several Spotters. Usually Spotters work in pairs, one tapping, the other with binoculars to assure an accurate spot of a boat. Our shifts are 4 to 5 hours long, and your ability to maintain focus, tell a few jokes, and have a good time is important!

• Registration

  We are responsible for preparing and distributing athlete registration packets. Prior to the regatta, we assemble and organize all athlete race materials including bow numbers, bibs, and competitor information. During the regatta, we manage the check-in process, compliance, and distribution of race packets for all athletes.

• River Control

  We maintain the easy and safe flow of all on-water operations, in regards to crews practicing and racing. We operate both on-water and on-land stations.

• SADL (Singles and Doubles Launch)

  We coordinate the operations at SADL including assembling docks, assisting rowers, managing traffic flow, and breaking down the dock. The weekend prior to the regatta, we assemble and install the docks; during the weekend, we manage the traffic flow, assist athletes, and maintain the launch and landing patterns; at the conclusion of racing, we remove and disassemble the docks.

• Start

  Our Committee’s role is to manage the process of starting all 12,000+ competitors racing more than 2500 boats in 6+ dozen events, on time and safely. Our target is to begin all races within 5 seconds of the appointed and published minute. Momentary varying from this is permitted, but only for reasons of safety. The Start Line group operates, with radios, binoculars, and iPads from the crew coaches’ office located upstairs at the BU DeWolfe Boathouse, the boat bay and on the BU dock. We’re in constant contact with safety marshals stationed in launches in the competitor warm-up area, but we don’t join them in the boats. We also coordinate with the HOCR Backup Timing group stationed on the BU Balcony. We are responsible for getting all races off on time, in a safe and organized (AND FUN!!) fashion as well as announcing each competitor or team.

• Sustainability

  We are the Sustainability Heroes of the regatta! We are one of the newest and largest committees, with a focus on championing the regatta’s sustainability efforts. Our volunteers are stationed throughout the race course and vendor areas. We work closely with the spectators, athletes, and general public the ensure compost, recycling, and refuse are diverted to the appropriate destinations. Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, in 2023, we reached a diversion rate of 48.5%  – the highest to date – AND collected a record number of recyclables!

• Umpires

  The Umpire team is responsible for the safe and fair running of the regatta. With over 75 umpires across 17 stations, the Umpires provide and important role in the regatta. In addition to spotting crews and assessing penalties during racing, Umpires are responsible for hearing and adjudicating appeals, assembling and distributing Umpire information and supplies, buoy setup, and post-regatta breakdown.

• Venue Management Pre-Event Support

  In the week leading up to the regatta, Pre-Event Support volunteer assist in all phases of set-up and preparation. High energy and attention to detail are a must. Responsibilities will vary depending on availability.

• Venue Management Venue Support

  Volunteers will assist with all phases of set-up, and running of events at FALS and Weld sites during the HOCR. Strong Customer Service skills, high energy and attention to detail are a must. Responsibilities will be based on overall availability.

• Venue Management Regatta Clean-Up

  In the days following the regatta, volunteers will assist with all phases of regatta breakdown including signage removal, collecting any left items, packing items away into trucks.

• Venue Management Reunion Village

  Reunion Village is a gated site, located in the middle of the course and racing action. Volunteers at RV help with set-up and breakdown, as well as check-in for alumni tents, manage the entry, ticket sales, and gate traffic of attendees. Strong Customer Service skills are a must.

• Venue Management FALS Bar

  FALS Bar volunteers will be assisting with all phases of the set-up, running and breakdown of this very popular site. This gated location is in the middle of the Rowing action and at the very center of the excitement. Strong Customer Service skills a must. You must be 21 years of age or older to work this site.

• Venue Management Corporate Hospitality Staff

  On-site support assistance on the HOCR Race weekend at the Race Directors’ Tent. Job responsibilities include set-up and breakdown of this key hospitality site, along with front desk management, assisting with the clearing of tables, recycling and disposing of trash and compostable materials, answering guest questions, and overall acting as HOCR host ambassadors. Requires good interpersonal skills, a basic knowledge of the event and the ability to work on multiple days/shifts. These are the prerequisites for volunteering at this VERY important site. If you are interested in volunteering with the Corporate Hospitality Staff, please email volunteer@hocr.org

• Venue Management Eliot Bridge Enclosure Hospitality Staff

  On-site support assistance at the Eliot Bridge Enclosure. Job responsibilities include set-up and breakdown of this key hospitality site, along with the main entrance management, assisting with the clearing of tables, recycling and disposing of trash and compostable materials, answering guest questions, and overall acting as HOCR host ambassadors. Requires good interpersonal skills and a basic knowledge of the event.

• Venue Management Transportation Crew

  The Transportation Crew is responsible for the safe and timely movement of people and equipment. The Transportation Crew requires signing up for a minimum of 2 shifts. There will be an orientation of transportation routes. Volunteers should be familiar with the area, and who can ride with our professional van drivers to ensure that everyone on board gets to their stops and gets picked up as needed at the end of racing, over the 3 days.

  You must be able to lift 25 lbs, be over the age of 25 and hold a valid driver’s license.

• Volunteers

  The Volunteer Committee is responsible for volunteer check-in and the distribution of volunteer premiums for over 2,400 volunteers. We are often the first on-site point of contact for our volunteers, so a positive and welcoming attitude is essential.

• Weigh-In

  We are responsible for accurately weighing-in all lightweight rowers and ensuring that they are under the maximum weight set by the Regatta.