HELPING OUT PROGRAMME
The HOP is how we ensure that all members contribute more-or-less equally to the fulfilling of the club’s obligations arising from its affiliation to British Cycling, the Surrey League, Cycling Time Trials, et cetera, as well the organising of our own rides and events. It is compulsory for members to register each year. Without club-level support, these organisations and grass-roots cycle-sport would not exist and before we formalised the process, the burden fell on a few committed members.
Early each year we work out what events and rotas we have to support for the following 12 months and then ask members to commit to helping at them. It is not arduous but does require a few hours of your time plus your commitment to attend the event(s) / rota turn(s) that you select.
Most members find HOP rewarding and fun. They enjoy making a contribution to the running of the club and meeting members they might not know so well. If you are worried that you are missing out on ride-time, consider riding out to marshal one of our road races in Surrey.
A small number of members have pre-agreed dispensation* (eg some students and distant members. See FAQs below).
Lastly, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve the HOP, we would welcome your feedback.
FAQs
What are my volunteering options?
The options vary year to year, but typically include:
- Oxfordshire and Surrey League Road Races - marshalling, catering, signing on or driving.
- London Dynamo Road Race, our Time Trials, our Hill Climb and our Club Championships – similar duties to the above.
- Race Team Assistant to our ‘Directeur Sportif’ - assist our Race Team manager to support our racers at ‘National B’ races.
- Club Ride Rotas - Park Rides / Newcomers’ Rides, Sunday Rides and Juniors Park Rides – turns at marshalling and/or riding during a 12 month period.
- Crystal Palace Criteriums– marshalling on Tuesday summer nights.
- Club management – as a Committee member, manager of an event / rota or other designated role.
How do I register for HOP?
HOP is launched with a Dynamo newsletter and on the Forum with links to the registration system.
What if I joined the club part of the way through the year?
Do not worry if you joined the club part of the way through the year; if required, we will be in touch with you to ask you to sign up and explain the process.
*What if I am Under 18; Under 23 and in full time education outside London; a Distant Member?
If you have membership in one of these categories, you are not required to help out, nor are you required to register. We know who you are.
Can I pay more and not have to help out?
As useful as the extra subs used to be to club funds, we no longer have the capacity to provide this kind of dispensation from helping out.
Named Member of our National Race Team
We are proud of our club’s racers. Our top-flight have to train especially long and hard to get a place in our squad. And often travel out of region to represent us in National B competition. We gladly spare them additional time to formally help out.
What if I sign up for an event but then find that I cannot attend?
We understand that plans change but if this happens to you, please let your event manager know as soon as possible and you must accept responsibility to find a replacement. Non-attendance or not finding a replacement puts events at risk of cancellation and is very bad for the club’s reputation. It is also likely to lead to an inquiry and possible sanction.
What if I do not help out over the course of the year?
If you do not help out, you may be sanctioned, and find that your membership renewal application for the following year is refused. This is at the committee’s discretion. It is very possible you will not be reminded to Help Out, nor warned if you have overlooked to register or failed to show at your nominated event or rota. So do be vigilant.
What if I a health condition or extenuating circumstances that prevent me from helping out?
Special Dispensation is available on a discretionary basis. Please contact us or contact our Welfare Officer in confidence.
What if I have a question that is not dealt with above?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.