What is a Race Official? What do they do? Who can become a Race Official? Read on for all the answers…
I think I’d like to be an official… Can I get a taste of what’s involved?
Sure – try one of our ARDC Startline Days – a FREE information day for aspiring competitors and officials, which takes place behind the scenes at one of our ARDC race meetings (ie. NSW Motor Race Championship, ARDC Supersprint).
I want to be an official! Do I need any kind of licence or accreditation?
Yes you do. The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), is the regulatory body for motor sport in Australia. They provide licences and accreditation for motor sport officials. There are many types of licences depending on your particular area of interest, and many levels depending on your skill set and experience.
How do I get a CAMS Officials Licence?
You need to apply for a CAMS Trainee Licence
Bring the form along to your first event.
How much will it cost for the licence and the training?
Obtaining a CAMS Officials Licence does not incur any cost, neither does any of the training that is made available to you.
What will I be doing?
There are many areas and positions that as a motor sport official you could be participating in. We here at ARDC have a STARTLINE Program that can explain all the options that are open to you, or you can to to the CAMS website and check out the options there.
How long do I have to be ‘on duty’
Most events are Saturday and or Sunday. You can choose what days you would like to attend, and yes they can be easily changed if your circumstances change. You do not have to attend both days, it is your choice, but most officials love it so much the come both days. Sign-on begins at 7am and cars on track normally at 9am each day. Most racing days conclude around the 4.30-5pm mark, but some special events can vary their times.
Will I get food and drink while I’m there?
We here at ARDC do provide coffee/tea at breakfast, with the ever popular mini muffins making an appearance. We provide you with lunch in an esky bag, and try to keep you hydrated all day with plenty of water. Of course, if you would like to bring extra nibbles to munch on throughout the day, you certainly can do that. We also have a great BBQ after the event, or on the Saturday night if a two-day event, to say thanks and enable you to hang around with your mates to have a beer a wine, or just a nice cold soft drink and chat about the day.
How do I gain entry to the events?
When you register your availability with us, a season hard card is issued to you. You will also receive a Guest card so that you can bring a friend along to the events. They obviously cannot work with you on the day, but they can come and enjoy the event.
Where do I park? Is my car in the public area while I am on duty?
Our officials always enjoy a specific safe parking area as close to the sign-on areas as we can get them. You will also be given an official car pass which you stick on your windscreen to make sure you get into the events and the special parking area smoothly and quickly.
Do I have to wear anything in particular?
The only thing we ask to start with, is that you are covered from wrist to neck to ankles in something like jeans and a flame retardant top that does not clash with a flag colour. Once you have been with us for a few meetings and have decided this really is for you, we do have official shirts that we distribute from time to time to our officials. It does depend on what area you choose to be in as to what you need to wear – please ask us!
Will I be left on my own from the beginning?
No, of course not. We make sure that we set you up with a ‘buddy’ who will help you get through your first few times as an official. Officials tend to like to help ‘newbies’ as they very clearly all remember their own first experiences. We all look after each other. We have to; this is a dangerous sport and that fact cannot be forgotten.
How much does being an official pay?
Being a motorsport official does not ‘pay’ any monetary wage. But it does give you:
o the opportunity to get into motorsport events for free
o be up close and personal to the action
o be an integral part of something much bigger than just the individual
o lifetime friendships with fellow ‘motor sport tragics’
o more fun and good times than you can ever imagine!
Where do I sign up!
Go to our ARDC Officials Portal
Register a Profile
Register your availability.
It’s that easy! Emails will be sent to you after you submit each of the above confirming your action.