Here is a brief description of the tasks to be done on the day of an event. Note that several of the tasks can be shared, such as one person doing registration for half of the meet and another person doing registration for the other half.

Registration

• Meet and greet each competitor who comes to the meet.
• Have each competitor sign the waiver form; if the competitor is not an adult, make sure that the supervising adult signs the waiver form.
• Find out what course the competitor wants to run. Show the menu of the day's events.
• Give out maps, clue sheets, punch cards and plastic bags.
• Collect entry fees.
• Loan compasses to any competitor who does not have one.
• If using preprinted maps, direct the competitor to the start (if competitor is experienced) or instruction area (for beginners).  If not using preprinted maps, direct the competitor to the map copying area.
• To do this task, you must arrive about 30 minutes before the beginning of the registration time window - we will be using a window of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Start

• Be sure the competitor has an appropriate map and that the punch card is filled out (Name, Course, Affiliation).
• Assign each competitor a starting time.  Try to keep 2 to 3 minute intervals between competitor starts on the same course.
• Record the time on the Courses Log and on the competitor's punch card.
• If competitors are copying from master maps, check that maps for beginner courses are copied correctly.
• Periodically, give the Courses Log to the person working the Finish.
• To do this task, you must arrive about 30 minutes before the beginning of the registration time window - we will be using a window of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Finish

• Record the finish time for each competitor.  Record the time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
• Collect the punch card from the competitor.
• Put the recorded time on the punch card and on the Courses Log.
• Calculate the elapsed time for the competitor and put this result on the punch card and the Courses Log.
• Verify that the punches are correct for the course. Record any disqualifications for mispunching or not completing the course.
• Keep alert for competitors who are overdue for their courses.
• To do this task, you must arrive at the beginning of the registration time window - we will be using a window of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Control and Water Put Out

There are always some controls which are not placed in the forest until the day of the meet.  Some of these may also be water stops.  Before the meet begins, a person must place these controls (and water).  Generally, the timing is such that these last controls should be in place one hour before the first competitor can start.  This makes it possible for those helping with the meet to go out on a course early, before the regular competitors.  To do the task of putting out controls, you have to be given the controls and a map for their placement prior to the day of the meet.  To do this task, you must arrive about 2 hours before the beginning of the registration time window - we will be using a window of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
 

Control and Water Pick Up

After all competitors are in, the controls for all courses need to be picked up.  This requires staying late, after the close of the meet.  A map of the controls to be picked up is provided by the meet director.  Controls are to be returned to the meet director, either later that day or at some predetermined date.  Water containers must also be picked up from the water stops.  These are to be returned to the meet director also.  To do this task, you must stay about one hour past the last finish time.
 

Signs and Ribbons and Misc.

Most meets have some signs put up to direct competitors to where they should park.  Usually a banner is used to mark the Start or Finish.  Sometimes ribbons are used to direct competitors to the start or to registration.  All these need to be taken down after the meet is over.  The registration site must also be dismantled after the meet is over.  To do this task, you must stay about 30 minutes past the last finish time.