| 1. Preface 2 .Contents 3. Chain of Command 4. Judges Stand 5. Dock 6. Course Patrol |
7. Pits 8. Safety 9. Front Line 10. Concessions 11. Finance 12. Communications |
13. Social Functions 14. General Instructions 15. Helpful Hints 16. Summation |
| At best, the activity on the judges stand is frenetic, and to the laymen,
confusing. The addition of unauthorized personnel on the stand is disruptive
to the conduct of the race. The manpower on the judges stand consists of
the following individuals: 1) Race Chairman 2) Referee 3) Photo-start operator 4) Radio operators 5) Meterologist 6) Boat Scorers 7) Boat Spotters 8) Boat Timers 9) Video replay operators 10) Pit phone operator 11) Press Liaison Officer 12) Announcer The Race Chairman controls the conduct of each event. Upon notification from the Pit Manager that all of the boats designated for a particular heat are in the water, the Race Chairman confirms that the course is in good repair, the patrol boats are in position, the paperwork from the previous race is complete, and the judges stand staff is ready; he then instructs the Dock Manager to fire the cannon, raise the "five-minute" red flag and start the clock. The heat has now been set into motion. During this five-minute period, the drivers are given the opportunity to start their engines, survey the course, time their starts and jockey for position, while waiting for the "one-minute" gun and the white flag. This also gives the spotters and timers adequate time to study the boats and numbers as they come by the judges stand. During this same period, the Race Chairman maintains his surveillance of the lake to make sure that a boat isn't " dead" on the course or some other circumstance has changed to render the execution of the heat hazardous. If all is satisfactory and the four minutes elapse without incident, the "one-minute" gun is fired and the white flag raised, indicating to the drivers that they must proceed to turn #3 (southeast corner), round the milling buoy (green and white marker in the corner) and sprint for the starting line. The drivers watch the clock and race for the line, being careful not to "jump" the starting gun. This is a critical moment for everyone concerned, since the danger of all the boats going into the first turn together is greater than at any other time. During the three-lap heat, the Chairman must stay apprised of the conditions, and if any instance jeapordizes the boats or drivers, he may 1) stop the heat, 2) admonish an offending driver after the heat, 3) disqualify the offending boat and driver. The referee stands at the Race Chairman's shoulder to guarantee that all APBA Rules are met during the execution of the heat. When each boat completes 2 laps, the green flag is displayed, indicating to the driver that he has one lap remaining. Once given the checkered flag, he passes the first marker past the starting line and turns into the infield, remaining there until all competitors receive the checkered flag. When the yellow flag is raised, they may return to the pits. After checking the video playback for reported infractions, the photo-start picture for "jumps", and allowing the scorers and timers to complete their tabulations, the procedure repeats itself. There is a Press Liaison Officer on the judges stand to assist the media during the event. He is there to make sure that the media does not interfere with the administration of the race, and to provide the latest information available to the press. This man is the person authorized to represent the club to the media. If someone wants to interview you, resist the temptation to be a hero and direct him to the Press Liaison Officer for clearance.
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| The dock area is that area immediately below and in front of the judges
stand. The number of personnel on that dock is limited to five people: 1) Clock operator 2) Cannon operator/flagman 3) Dock Manager/flagman 4) Course marker/repairman/flagman 5) Boat operator/marker repairman No personnel wearing the colors red, white, yellow or green are allowed on the dock during the race activities, since the flags of the aforementioned colors are used to communicate with the drivers. Too many persons on this dock obscure the drivers vision. The dock personnel receive their instructions directly from the Race Chainnan. Any course patrol boat dispatched to the dock cannot return to the course without confirming with the Dock Manager that the Race Chairman said it was safe to do so. The dock just north of the judges stand dock is allocated to Hal Elgin's Ski Team (entertainment during race delays). The conduct on this dock is also the responsiblity of the Dock Manager. The Dock Manager also dispatches the course marker repair crew to the damaged buoy on instructions from the Race Chairman.
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| The course patrol is comprised of 15 boats, roughly, four boats assigned
in each of the three corners with at least three men in each boat. The manpower in each turn is comprised of the following individuals: 1) Boat operators/flagmen 2) Radio operator 3) Paramedic 4) Turn judge There are also approxiraately three other boats on the infield, without assigned positions. One contains the Course Patrol Manager and an observer, one contains a boat operator and visiting press, one contains a boat operator and doctor with emergency medical equipment. The boats and men assigned to each turn perform the following duties: 1) A turn judge (an individual in the APBA possessing racing experience) monitors the performance of the drivers. 2) The radio operator relays reported rule infractions from the turn judge to the Race Chairman and boat handling instructions from the Chairman to the course patrol boat operator. 3) The boat operator tows disabled boats from the course, delivers paramedics to the scene of accidents, and clears wreckage from the course on instructions from the Race Chairman. 4) The flagman relays messages from the judges stand to the drivers (red f lag: stop racing, yellow flag: return to pits) . 5) Paramedics go into the water to assist drivers who have flipped or been throwin from their boats. The press boat is the only boat allowed on the course containing non-essential
personnel. The course patrol is one area that looks like an enjoyable way
to watch the race, when in fact it is critical work in a potentially dangerous
area.
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| The pits are the nerve center of activity during the race. Since this
area presents the casual observer with the best opportunity to see the
boats close at hand, everyone wants to get in the pits. This factor alone
makes the Pit Manager and his crew work in the most chaotic of conditions.
The primary duty of this crew is to meet the schedule demands of the Race
Chairman. The crew consists of the following individuals: 1) Pit Manager 2) Boat inspector 3) Crane operators 4) Crane attendants 5) Phone operator 6) Scoreboard keeper 7) Pit gate attendants The Pit Manager and his crew arrive early, attempting to distribute the boats of the various classes evenly among the four cranes and situate them out of the way. As each heat is readied., the attendants check the boat for the APBA safety inspector's sticker and then instruct the crane operators to put the boat in the water. Once each of the crane attendants verifies with the Pit Manager that all of the boats designated for that particular heat are in the water, the Pit Manager notifies the Race Chairman, and the heat begins. While this heat is in progress, the boats from the previous heat are removed from the water and the boats racing in the next heat are placed in the water. This, of course, is an over-simplification of what the Pit Manager and his staff can expect. During the Sunday of Southland, 1977, 22 heats and four invitationals were run at an average of 11 minutes per heat. Now, add to that greuling schedule, 1) boats that failed on the course and were towed in, three heats later, 2) boats that for reasons of damage must be lifted from the water immediately regardless of schedule, 3) boats that have further distances to be trailered to the crane, 4) and 2,000 unauthorized visitors milling about, and one can easily grasp the imensity of their task. The pit gate attendants' job is to try to minimize this bedlam by keeping spectators out of the pits. He needs everyone's cooperation in holding down the number of unnecessary pit passes in circulation. The phone operator and scoreboard keeper provide the communication link between the judges stand and the pit staff, and owners and the drivers. |
| The Safety Manager's job may seem incidental in comparison with some
of the tasks previously described, but none is more important to the drivers
and the APBA. In fact, the Referee will not allow the Race Chairman to
start a race unless the safety equipment is on the premises and in position.
The Safety Manager's staff is comprised of the following individuals: 1) Safety Manager 2) Ambulance attendents 3) Firemen 4) Paramedics 5) Doctors The Safety Manager operates from the dock just South of the boat ramp, next to the North pit gate entrance. He must see to it that paramedics, litters and fire extinguishers are on the patrol boat, the doctor and his boat are on the water, and the fire truck and ambulance are in position. He must keep his ambulance near the dock, the dock clear, and impossible as it may sound, the road from the dock to Ninth Street clear. Then an ambulance is dispatched from the course, every member in the vicinity should help to expedite its departure. The race cannot continue until another ambulance is in position. Although the polioe are listed under the Safety Manager's jurisdiction, their manpower is distributed to front line, communications; pits, concessions, and finance divisions.
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| (Tickets, Fence, parking) The front line may not affect the administration of the race itself, but since we judge our success or failure in terms of dollars and cents for All Children's Hospital, everything depends on the gentlemen on the front line. The Front Line Manager's Staff consists 6f the following individuals: 1) Front Line Manager 2) Gate security men 3) Ticket salesmen 4) Fence patrolmen The Front Line Manager's greatest problem is distance. With the far flung and remote entrances, he must rely on individuals at each of these gates to deal with problems and act on their own initiative. It would be impossible to enumerate all the problems which the front line encounters, but here are those that, through, the years, are the most prevelant: 1) Vandals cutting the fence 2) Vandals removing a fence section 3) Vehicles parking in thru lanes 4) Individuals ignoring parking instructions 5) Numerous excuses for getting in free 6) Unwarranted requests for refund The Front Line Staff must be among the earliest to arrive at the lake. Avid fans will arrive at sunrise to get their favorite spot. Also, repairs have to be made to correct acts of vandalism from the previous day. This job requires a liberal quantity of dedication, since it is the furthest removed from the actual race activity.
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| The single largest source of revenue during the two days of racing
is derived from the Concessions. The logistics of purchasing, transporting,
preparing, serving, and selling 12,000 hotdogs, hundreds of gallons of
soda and coffee, thousands of programs, popcorn, t-shirts, hot chocolate,
and all the paper goods and condiments that accompany these sales, requires
an inordinate amount of man-hours. This task is further complicated by
operating out of portable, temporary facilities. Not only does the Concession
Staff have to concern themselves with the aforementioned logistics, but
they must be ever conscious of security. If a van is left unlocked, or
a cooler left out, or supplies left unguarded in an area accessible to
the. public, these oversights could cost the organization hundreds of dollars
in man-hours and material. Throughout all of this confusion, the staff
must remain cool and personable while dealing with the patrons. The Concession
Manager's Staff is comprised of the following individuals: 1) Concession Manager 2) Food procurers and delivery men 3) Food preparers 4) Cashiers 5) Field vendors 6) Equipment security men Another detail, but certainly not the least important one, is the individual concession staffer's ability to meet consumption demands at peak times and to anticipate the demand at other times.Crystal ball gazing is a prerequisite for a good performance.
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| Fortunately, the ranks of our organization include bank officers and
accountants. This professional expertise makes the Regatta beneficiary
of sound fiscal planning. The Finance Manager's duties during the race
itself are four-fold: 1) Payment of cash transactions that cannot be billed after the Regatta (i.e. emergency allocations, prize money, certain concession items, etc.) 2) Counting and disbursement of "starting" money for concessions and ticket sales. 3) Collection and accounting of daily receipts. 4) Security. The Finance Manager and his staff will handle nearly $3, 000 in transactions during the race, which is indicative of the responsibility in this staff's area of concern. The Finance Manager's Staff is comprised of the following individuals: 1) Finance Manager 2) Accountants 3) Cashiers 4) Runners 5) Security guards
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| Having read this far, you must be aware that the single greatest requisite
for these varied activities to function and interact smoothly, is the need
for a sophisticated communications network. Wherever possible, telephone
and radio links have been set up between the numerous areas of concern.
A staff of telephone repairmen and a radio technician are on hand at the
foot of the judges stand to effect repairs when and if needed. Remembering that if something can go wrong it will, the Communications Manager is stationed at the judges stand with runners (if all else fails). He is the clearing-house for lost souls, lost messages and lost workers. He keeps abreast of manpower allocations and, if an area is short, he will redirect an idle worker to that area. If an individual has completed his assigned task or was not assigned a race day task, he should report to the Communications Manager so his talents can be put to use were they are most needed. The Communications Staff is comprised of the following individuals: 1) Communications Manager 2) Telephone linemen 3) Runners |
| Since every member is involved with every social function (as a participant),
traditionally this area receives the most criticism. With manpower needs
being most critical at the lake, the Social Functions Manager at the Ramada
Inn is usually overworked and understaffed. He's spending $8,000 on food
and beverages and entertaining 750 people for three nights. As with Concessions, logistics and organization is the Social Functions Manager's greatest concern, and the cooperation of the Hotel staff, his greatest time consumer. He must ascertain that all is in readiness when the hoards descend on the Hotel. A race cannot exist without drivers, owners and equipment. Their impression of our Regatta, and their willingness to participate in ensuing years, is influenced not only by the administration of the race, but by the entertainment as well. The Social Functions Manager also handles such diverse details as pre-race registration, room reservations, VIP and sponsor relations, trophy and prize money presentations, and entertainment. His staff generally consists of three or four assistants. Social Functions Equipment* 1) Tables and Chairs 2) Signs 3) Registration Forms 4) Events tickets 5) Trophies *This is a partial list. Enumerable equipment is provided by the "host" Hotel. |
| Once given an assignment for the Regatta, you should know how your
task fits into the scheme of things. Every task has particular "Do's" and
"Don't's" and rules that apply only to that job. These will be given to
you by your Manager. There are, however, rules that apply to every worker at the Southland Regatta. Read these rules and practice them in the execution of your job. Violation of these rules can result in irrevocable damage to Northeast Exchange, All Childrens' Hospital proceeds: and the Southland Regatta. 1) When wearing the blue jacket, you represent Northeast Exchange to the public, the APBA and All Childrens' Hospital. Be certain that your conduct is befitting that burden of responsiblity. 2) The City of St. Petersburg, The APBA, and the Northeast Exchange avow there will be no intoxicating beverages consumed during the execution of these races. A violation of this rule could bring an end to Southland Regattas for now and forever. There is no division or worker who is exempt from this rule. 3) When given a specific time and place to report for work, be there on time. Since we do not have two persons for every job, your punctuality is critical to the conduct of the race. 4) If you are off work and "spectating", don't abuse the privileges accorded by your jacket. When in the pits, you are under the Pit Manager's jurisdiction. Do not go on the judges stand, in the finance trailer, or on the dock unless you have specific business there or were invited by the respective Manager. Your presence there can only lend to the confusion. 5) You are a worker, not a babysitter. If you and your spouse both work, make arrangements for your children and relatives that will not hinder the quality of your performance or the performance of others. 6) Your friends will undoubtedly ask to borrow your pit passes. If you relent, you are only contributing to the consternation of the Pit Manager and his crew. Do not lend out pit passes. 7) The Concessions Staff is instructed to feed workers free of charge. This is a privilege extended to workers only. Do not pick up food for children, friends and relatives. You are consuming food that represents profit to the Regatta. 8) If your job brings you in the proximity of the water, remind offending patrons not to throw trash or debris into the lake. The smallest amount of paper could prove costly to the drivers and their equipment. 9) The customer is not always right. If you have a confrontation or witness a confrontation with an offensive patron, seek the aid of a police officer and he will dispatch the matter for you. 10) Stay in your assigned area, performing your assigned task, until your Division Manager releases you from duty. Just because your area is "slow" doesn't mean you are not needed at your post. 11) At the end of the day's race activity, everyone is in a hurry to get to the social functions. Take an extra moment before leaving your assigned area to make sure that all signs, equipment, and supplies are safely under lock and key. Don't assume that since you weren't asked to do so that someone else will take care of it. We lose hundreds of dollars to pilferage every year. 12) When you arrive at the lake, be prepared personally for every contingency so you will not have to leave the premises and return several times. You and your vehicle will only add to the congestion. |
| If you are assigned to one of these particular divisions, here are
some additional ideas to help make your job easier and more comfortable: 1) Course Patrol Arrive very early to launch boat; tie-off at judges stand and park car and trailer out of the way. Be prepared to spend the entire day on the lake with no opportunity to come ashore. Take food, beverage (non-alcoholic), convenience can, and whatever else is needed to be comfortable. Once positioned, do not move your boat unless told to do so by the Race Chairman or the Course Patrol Manager. Be alert. You cannot assume the drivers are watching where they are going or even that they are capable of avoiding your craft. If a boat flips in your vicinity, throw the red flag and notify the Race Chairman immediately. He will give you your next instructions. Be mindful of your wake. Many accidents and flips have been caused by boat wakes. 2) Course Patrol/Dock/Pits Bring a change of dry clothes. You may not plan to get in the water, but that doesn't mean you won't end up there. 3) All divisions Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, chapstick, a hat and anything else needed to protect you from a day at the races. 4) Pits For the most part, the owners/drivers are pretty nice people, but a few of them will try to tell you how to do your job. If they don't like the treament or service you've given them, tell them to speak to the Pit Manager, and Keep Smiling. 5) Front Line/Concessions Do not turn your receipts over to a runner unless you know him personally or were told to do so by your Manager. If your job assignment is on a shift, arrive prior to your starting time. You may have difficulty getting through the traffic. If not, you'll be able to pitch-in elsewhere. 6) Front Line Bring along a pair of work gloves. Extensive fence repair work may be required during the day. |
| Needless to say, the Southland Regatta is an undertaking of the greatest
magnitude. Including volunteer and paid help, it takes 185 people two days of hard work to produce the best Limited Hydroplane Regatta in the World. If you are assigned a task which is unfamiliar to you, listen up and cooperate with your manager. He was chosen for his job because many years of success (and failure) have taught him the best way to implement his divisional responsibilities. There are no"good" jobs at the Southland Regatta ...only hard jobs ...thankless jobs ...your job. Your job is a task that you are certain nobody appreciates, everybody thinks is easy, and only you give a damn if it's done properly. Hopefully, this document has illustrated the complexity of such an undertaking, and how important your job is to our success. Good Luck! Stu Smith Southland Steering Committee |
| Thanks to Brent McLean for providing this Operations Manual. |