Pathfinders Trials Motorcycle Club
Every Event Starts With Volunteers
Riders compete, but volunteers make the event possible. Pathfinders relies on club members, families, officials, former riders and supporters giving their time to help.
Find Your Place
Ways You Can Help
Open any role to see what is involved and whether experience or accreditation is required.
Before the Event
Planning and Course Preparation
These volunteers turn a date and a property into a safe, organised trials event.
Event Organisers Coordinate the event from early planning through to event day.
Event organisers bring the people, paperwork and practical arrangements together. They may liaise with the property owner, confirm officials, coordinate permits, arrange equipment and make sure the event is ready to run. Organisers are supported by the committee and do not need to complete every task themselves.
Section Setters Design, mark and test sections for the different rider grades.
Section setters select suitable terrain, place markers and boundary tape, consider safety and weather, and adjust sections after testing. Good sections are challenging, fair and appropriate for each class.
Course Clearing and Venue Preparation Help clear access, prepare the venue and carry equipment.
Volunteers may clear fallen branches and vegetation, prepare parking or camping areas, place direction signs, carry section equipment and assist setters. A few hours before an event can save the regular organisers a substantial amount of work.
Essential Event Roles
Observers, Officials and Safety
These roles support fair scoring, safe competition and compliance with the event permit.
Most Needed Observers Watch each section attempt and record the rider’s score.
Observers are essential to competitive trials. New observers are shown how the scoring system works, how to use the scoring equipment and who to contact when uncertain. Pathfinders provides an appointed official to support observers throughout the event.
Clerk of Course Oversee the sporting and operational conduct of the event.
The Clerk of Course coordinates officials and volunteers, oversees the course, conducts the riders’ briefing, manages operational issues and works with the Steward to ensure the event follows the permit and regulations.
Steward Provide independent oversight of the event.
The Steward reviews documentation, inspects the venue and course, monitors compliance, deals with significant sporting matters and completes the Steward’s report. The Steward works closely with the Clerk of Course while maintaining independent oversight.
Race Secretary and Event Administration Manage entries, sign-on, event records and administration.
The Race Secretary checks entries, licences and memberships, manages rider and official sign-on, prepares event documentation and maintains the records required before and after the event. Administrative helpers can assist with checking information and directing participants.
Technical Inspectors Check motorcycles and required rider equipment before competition.
Technical inspection may include motorcycle condition, brakes, controls, kill switches, number plates, helmets and protective equipment. Helpers can also prepare the inspection area and manage rider flow.
On the Day
Event Support
These practical roles keep the event moving and make the day easier for riders, families and officials.
Rider and Official Sign-On Assistance Guide riders and volunteers through the morning sign-on process.
Sign-on helpers direct people to the correct area, assist them to find their records, check that signatures are complete, answer basic questions and refer licence or entry problems to the Race Secretary.
Setup and Pack-Down Set up club equipment and help leave the property clean and tidy.
Volunteers may set up tables, shelters, signs and administration areas, distribute observer equipment, collect markers and pack club equipment away. Staying for an extra half hour after the event makes a genuine difference.
Catering and Volunteer Support Help prepare food, drinks and support for volunteers.
Where catering is provided, helpers may prepare or distribute lunches, organise drinks and water, support observers and officials, manage supplies and keep the area clean.
General Event Helpers Take on the small jobs that keep an event running smoothly.
General helpers may deliver equipment, replace section markers, direct parking, check on volunteers, carry messages between officials or help resolve minor event-day problems.
Behind the Scenes
Results, Communications and Venue Support
Not every volunteer role happens inside a section. These people help record, promote and protect the event.
Scoring and Results Monitor scores, resolve missing information and publish results.
Scoring volunteers may monitor digital scoring, follow up missing scores, review rider statuses, check unusual results and assist with event results and championship standings. The Event Management System handles much of the calculation, but people are still required to supervise the process.
Photography, Social Media and Communications Share club activity and help promote future events.
Communications helpers can take event photos, prepare Facebook updates, share results, collect information from officials, update the website and recognise landowners, observers and volunteers.
Property Owners and Venue Support Help the club use and protect the property responsibly.
Property owners and venue helpers may identify access restrictions, advise on parking and camping, support preparation, protect sensitive areas and report concerns before or after an event. Every participant shares responsibility for leaving the property in good condition.
A Great Place to Start
Try Observing at One Event
You do not need to be an experienced rider. We explain the scoring, provide equipment and have an official available to support you during the day. Observers currently receive $80 toward travel costs, lunch and a drink.
Everyone Has a Part to Play
Ride. Compete. Volunteer. Belong.
Even a few hours can make a genuine difference. Tell us what you are comfortable doing and we will help find a role that suits you.
Contact the Club