Volunteers are the life blood of sports and community groups. CS offers plenty of opportunities to become involved, plus the training and support needed.
Coaching and training
If a training session involves riders under 18, or vulnerable riders, or is development focused rather than purely for fitness or practise, then it is led by a qualified Coach. The CSF has two levels of Coach training courses, with specialisms in the pipeline.
Race day
CS matches rely on volunteers. Every match has a qualified Referee. The Flag Marshal (to wave the “last lap” and “race complete” flags) and Start Marshal (who starts the race) can be two people, or potentially one person.
Individual matches, or matches with more than two teams, often use a Pits Marshal to track the match score, communicate with the Referee, and let riders know that it’s their turn next. When the match is between two teams the managers usually fulfill this role between them.
Around the track
Need a job? We’ve got one for you. We like to keep the tracks flat and firm, and keep the surrounding areas tidy and weed free. With clubs having up to 40 loan bikes there’s always one that needs some TLC and a safety check.
Race days are more fun for all if an announcer can keep the spectators informed, and those cups of tea won’t make themselves.
If you’re proud of your club, something needs painting, and maybe that centre green needs a raised bed of flowers?
Community engagement
CS clubs regularly load up the bikes and run sessions on school playing fields and parks; to support community events such as fetes and shows, to provide more activities.
Sometimes the community comes to us; a school, youth group, company or other sports club may visit our tracks. Most clubs have enough loan bikes to host a large taster session.
For both, again we rely on Coaches and First Aiders, and all hands to the pumps!
Young Volunteers’ Award
The CSF encourages younger riders and family members to volunteer; as match officials, with coaching, or around the track.
Clubs log volunteering hours and the CSF makes Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for 12, 24 and 36 hours of volunteering.
Riders of 16 years and over can complete the Refereeing and Coaching courses, though they will assist an adult until they turn 18.
Welfare and safeguarding
All CSF volunteers in positions of responsibility with children or vulnerable adults complete a Safeguarding course, and have a DBS check.
The CSF provides its own Safeguarding course, and will accept equivalent courses as evidence of training.
The CSF will accept a DBS check equivalent to its own; that is:
- Role = Coach or Volunteer, as appropriate
- Level = Enhanced, with Barred list check
- Workforce = Child, or Child and Vulnerable Adult
(for reference, the British Cycling volunteer’s DBS check is equivalent)
DBS Update Service
Volunteers agreeing to a DBS check can sign up to the DBS Update Service, before or up to 30 days after a DBS certificate is issued. The service is free for volunteers.
Volunteers can then share their certificate number, and their date of birth, with organisations that they have given permission to check their status with the Update Service.