Where is the rally held?
Some volunteer jobs are at the Headquarters (Antelope Valley Fairgrounds). Most positions, for example amateur radio and timing control workers, are "up in the hills" on dirt fire roads in the Angeles National Forest mountains south and southwest of Lancaster, California.

How long is the rally? Do I stay overnight?
The rally runs from Friday evening through Saturday night, with a break Friday night. Volunteers living near the Antelope Valley (for example, Saugus or the San Fernando Valley) often choose to drive home for the Friday night break. Others stay at or near the headquarters hotel - there are a lot of choices in many price brackets. Still other workers only work one day, although this is not usually the case.

Do I need experience? Special skills?
Many positions on the rally involve helping experienced workers and you can learn how to do them "on the job." This includes working radio positions, sales, putting up banners, and so on. Working timing controls such as starts and finishes controls requires some practice beforehand and we ask workers to attend our Worker Training and Thank You Barbecue two weeks before the event for some hands-on training.

Will I get paid?
Typically only medical personnel on performance rallies receive any compensation. Everyone else is a volunteer. Every worker who signs up before the event will receive a nice event T-shirt (sizes small through XXX Large).

Can I bring my kids?
Children are welcome to come help their parents as long as they are not in high-risk areas such as start and finish controls. However, a parent must sign a release and waiver of liability form.

What gear should I bring?
Volunteers may encounter just about any weather conditions, from snow to blazing heat, sometimes in the same event weekend! They also should be prepared to do their job late at night. Here is a helpful list so you can "come prepared":

• Liquid refreshments (more than normal, both hot and cold)
• Food (especially if you are working all day)
• Clipboard, pens, pencils, paper
• Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries (including for radio)
• Warm clothing - hat (wool or ski type), gloves, warm socks (wool or ski type), boots, rain and wind gear, warm coat - layers work best
• Sunscreen and hat, chapstick
• Lawn chairs
• Plastic bag to take your trash out

What are the vehicle requirements?
Since you will need to drive a ways on a dirt road for most jobs, it is best to have a vehicle with adequate ground clearance and a decent amount of tire tread. The roads aren't that rough on many stages, however, and we can find a job for you on pavement or just off of it if you don't have an appropriate car. In some cases you may be able to ride along with someone else instead.

What weather should I expect?
Usually it is windy during the day and cold at night. Sometimes it is very hot during the day and very cold at night, or even foggy. In other words, since it's spring, be prepared for anything!

Why should I do this?
Most people volunteer to work performance rallies because they love the sport and enjoy being part of it. Some like to spectate - being a spectator area marshal works well for them. Others enjoy the challenge of being on a timing crew and actually meeting the rallyists. The radio crews enjoy practicing their hobby and developing skills needed for handling emergency situations. There's something for everyone, whether you're a "people person" or like working by yourself. You'll be part of a very big team putting together a very well-run event, and there's a lot of satisfaction in making it happen!