For-Profit Volunteers

I know, loyal readers of my blog are possibly tired of hearing about triathlons so frequently.  Take comfort, after this upcoming weekend in Madison, WI, I have no more triathlon related events until May or so.

After reading my post from Sunday again, I was concerned that I was being a bit harsh and mean spirited.  I regularly read two online forums dedicated to triathlons [I don’t post, just lurk there].  It seems quite a few other people had some severe criticisms of the race as well.  People were lamenting about many of the same things I mentioned, but gave their own spin on things.  Reading those comments lessened the guilt I had about possibly being overly critical.

I do want to clarify one thing, though.  I was tough on how the parking was run.  I was rightfully frustrated with how that was handled in its entirety from planning to execution.  However, I am always grateful for the volunteers that are out on the course.  They take time out of their lives just to help the competitors.  I haven’t yet volunteered for a triathlon, but I will do so this weekend.

I have developed my own criteria that I will apply to future volunteer opportunities for endurance events.

*First rule*

I will not volunteer for a race ran by a for-profit company.  If the race management company / title sponsor is looking to keep the extra revenues above the expenses of the event, why shouldn’t I get a cut of it?  This is in the same vein as unpaid internships, which one could possibly argue should be illegal.  Fortunately for me, the insurance industry doesn’t believe in unpaid internships.

My experience has been that about half of the events are run by non-profits and half not.  Some events have been run better than others, but I don’t think the profit variable has correlated with my overall experience; they seem independent.

*Second rule*

My other life events come first.  If I am planning to race in that event or have something else planned, that will come first.  I don’t think that is unreasonable and I’m sure many events understand this.

*Third rule*

If you are a non-profit group and I dislike what you stand for, obviously you can’t expect me to help you out.  Of course, very few groups are affected by this.

*Fourth rule*

I’m not driving all over just to be a volunteer.  I’ll only do it if it is local.  Fairly obvious one.

All that said, I am violating the first, second, and fourth rules by volunteering for Ironman Wisconsin this weekend.  The World Triathlon Corporation will make a lot of money off the event, I have to put everything on hold this weekend and even take a day of vacation on Monday, and I have to drive for many hours on Friday and Monday just to get there and back.  However, I don’t think I am being hypocritical.  I am being paid, just not monetarily.  What I get in return is the guarantee that I will be able to purchase a racing spot for 2014.  The race is very popular and sells out in only a few minutes in most years.  It is not much in terms of compensation, but it is not zero, and that is good enough for me.