If you’ve ever attended a large public service event, you might have noticed that there are many people involved in making it a success. From race directors to volunteers, each person plays an important role in ensuring that the event runs smoothly. We’ll take a closer look at the various roles involved in a public service event and the responsibilities that come with them.

Net Control (NCS):

The primary responsibility of the net control station is to coordinate group communications and ensure that all participants are on the same page. Typically, the net is run on a single frequency or repeater, and it’s directed to the NCS, who controls all communications. The NCS does not necessarily have all the answers, but their job is to capture and consolidate input from operators in the field for communications with race officials (generally via a “shadow” station).

Shadow:

The shadow operator is a critical role in ensuring that event officials have the information they need to make informed decisions. The shadow operator accompanies an official during the event, usually the “race director,” the person associated with the event who can make decisions or knows who to contact when questions arise. If you need information from an official, you will request that information from NCS, who will relay the request to the shadow to have an event official give an answer.

Water/Rest Stop:

Rest stop operators are stationed at fixed locations along the event route until all participants have passed. They are the first line of eyes and ears on the course, collecting information about the event’s progress and passing that information back to NCS. Operators at these locations typically watch and report the first event participant in each group, such as the first male runner, first female runner, first child, and any needs that the rest stop may have, like more water or trash bags.

SAG:

SAG stands for Support And Gear and is generally found in events like bicycle rides. SAG vehicles are mobile on the course and provide support to the participants. The support may include hauling bicycles and riders back to the finish line if their bicycle (or rider) becomes disabled for some reason, carrying extra tubes for the bicycle tires, carrying tools like a full-sized tire pump to assist riders in on-course repairs, and more. As a SAG operator, one generally serves double-duty as a SAG vehicle driver and provides communications about what they’re seeing on the course. With the mobile nature of these stations, it’s handy if they have the ability to run an APRS tracking device – this makes it easier for NCS to keep an eye on where everyone is and identify the closest responder available to assist someone on the course.

Observer:

The observer’s role is to watch the event’s progress and report back to NCS with any pertinent information. This may include traffic patterns, crowd sizes, or any other issues that may arise. Observers are not directly involved in the event’s operations but provide valuable feedback to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

Public service events require the coordination and cooperation of many people to ensure a safe and successful event. Each role is vital and has a unique set of responsibilities that work together to create a seamless experience for participants and organizers alike. Whether you’re a volunteer or a participant, it’s essential to appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in making these events possible.

In the Documents section of the TeamApp, we have a collection of PDFs that describe these Public Service Roles in more detail. Find them here: https://bcares.teamapp.com/clubs/465784/documents/961865-public-service-roles?expires_at=1688169599&list=v1. These PDFs a from another organization, so they are not necessarily our requirements, but they do provide a good overview of the positions and give you a good idea of what to consider bringing when you’re filling those roles.