EXECUTIVE BOARD Erin Spaulding President
Elizabeth Gordon Vice President of Operations
Welcome to the Achilles International – CT Chapter Volunteer Team!
Rachel Tressy Treasurer
Jo Bennett Secretary
ADVISORY BOARD Stephanie Blozy Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford
Laura Boogaert Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Rosemary Hokanson
Thank you for volunteering your time with Achilles International-CT Chapter! Volunteers are an integral part of the Achilles community and take on numerous roles. Many of our volunteers are experienced runners who function as guides for a disabled athlete during training workouts in their community and/or in races. Others may choose not to run or walk with an athlete but help with Chapter organization, fundraising, race-day logistics, and help represent Achilles at race expos and health fairs.
Glastonbury River Runners
Katie Joly Gaylord Hospital Sports Association
Chris Love Ex-Officio Board
Ryan McKeen
Connecticut Trial Firm
Beth Shluger Hartford Marathon Foundation
COORDINATORS Taylor Benedum Marketing
Mike Feinberg
While the general role is to accompany disabled athletes during a workout or race so the athlete can successfully and safely participate, ask any Achilles volunteer why they do it, and you’ll hear the same answer, over and over: they get back as much as they give, and more! The information provided in this handbook will be useful, whether you are a new or existing volunteer. Please take a few minutes to read through, as it will give you an overview of Achilles CT and what to expect. Stay up-to-date with Achilles events and races through our website www.achillesct.org, our Twitter feed @AchillesCT, and our Facebook page (so be sure to ‘like’ us) www.facebook.com/AchillesCT.
Website
Pam Frost Website/Social Media
Margaret Rorrio
Please feel free to reach out to me or any of the Chapter Leadership team with any questions or concerns.
Membership
Jen Burns
Shoreline Events
Best regards,
Christina Dunne Fairfield County Events
Kait Galdo
Greater Hartford Events
Jennifer Gonzalez Shoreline Events
Karen Green
Erin Spaulding, President Achilles International-CT Chapter
Greater Hartford Events
Carrie LaSpada Greater Hartford Events
Jessica Willis
Greater Hartford Events
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
OVERVIEW Achilles International-CT Chapter operates under the umbrella of Achilles International, headquartered in New York City. Your Achilles membership form is processed by Achilles International headquarters in New York City and by the Vice President of Operations/Membership for the Achilles CT Chapter. You will be entered into a database and connected with athletes with differing abilities and other Achilles guides/volunteers in your local community. There will be opportunities for local workouts, training groups, races, and social events organized by the Chapter Leadership Team. An Achilles CT t-shirt is included in your membership. The Chapter’s Membership Coordinator will be your primary point of contact, along with Event Coordinators who work with the Chapter Leadership Team in local communities. These dedicated people are also members of Achilles CT and volunteer behind the scenes to ensure that we are building and sustaining an Achilles community no matter where you live in the state.
Achilles CT Chapter Mission Our mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life. Sportsmanship An important mission of our athletics program is to teach and reinforce values relating to sportsmanship, competition, and fair play. It is expected that athletes, guides/volunteers, and spectators respect this mission by exhibiting appropriate behavior at Achilles workouts and events. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and is subject to your Achilles membership being revoked.
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
WHO’S WHO OF ACHILLES CT CHAPTER: President- Erin Spaulding
[email protected] (203) 641-1349 Oversees CT Chapter operations; liason to Achilles International Vice President of Operations/Membership- Elizabeth “Bee” Gordon
[email protected] Onboards new members; oversees membership orientation/training Treasurer- Rachel Tressy
[email protected] Oversees Chapter financials, fundraising, and athlete funding requests Secretary- Jo Bennett
[email protected] Oversees Chapter communication (website, e-newsletter, marketing) Membership Coordinator- Margaret “Grit” Rorrio
[email protected] Oversees athlete and guide matching and registration for races. Collaborates with VP Operations/Membership and shares email account. Event Coordinators-
[email protected] Work with Membership Coordinator to support members locally; help coordinate events in their region of CT. All share same email account for consistency. • Greater Hartford/East: Jessica Willis (Vernon) • Greater Hartford/West: Carrie LaSpada (West Hartford), Karen Green (Unionville) • Central CT: Kait Galdo (Middletown) • Shoreline: Jen Burns (Branford), Jen Gonzalez (Stratford) • Fairfield County: Christina Dunne (Stamford), Alicia Bingham (Stamford)
ROLES OF THE ACHILLES CT VOLUNTEER ACHILLES GUIDES Achilles guides function as an athlete’s eyes, ears, guide, and/or motivator in a workout or in a race. Our goals are to welcome Achilles athletes to the wonderful world of running, promote camaraderie, encourage and build self-confidence, and HAVE FUN! Guides are matched with athletes based on many factors, including but not limited to: pace per mile, availability, location to the athlete, and experience/comfort level. Note: new guides will be partnered with seasoned guides for their first workout and first race with an athlete as part of their orientation. We will do our best to assign you to athletes that run a pace similar to, or slower, than yours. Typically, we assign two, or more, volunteers to each athlete, especially with new athletes, blind athletes, or athletes with balance issues.
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
Achilles athletes have a wide range of disabilities. Guides will also be given information about the athlete with whom they are matched prior to meeting them for a workout and/or race. It is critical that guides and athletes have good, open communication as trusting relationships are built. When you are assigned to an Achilles athlete, don’t be afraid to ask the following, while still maintaining respect and confidentiality: • • • • •
Do you have any specific challenge? Have you been exercising/walking/running? What is your exercise experience? Do you use any special equipment? If yes, what do you use? (e.g. tethers, cane, braces, crutches, prostheses, wheelchairs) What are your goals? How can I best help you meet those goals?
As an Achilles guide, you may do any of the following: • • • • • • •
Participate in training workouts with an athlete in your local community, providing companionship and positive feedback. Provide guidance and running advice during workouts and/or races. Help with race-day logistics (e.g. packet pick-up, equipment transfer). Participate in the race alongside the athlete with whom you’ve been training. Be paired with an athlete for a race or training who matches your pace, goals, and experiences (e.g. distance running, triathlon, etc.). Help the athlete with transportation to/from a workout or race if they do not drive and cannot find a ride within their own network first. Help transport the athlete’s racing equipment if you have a larger vehicle
GENERAL VOLUNTEER Not a runner but still want to make a difference? There are a variety of ways to volunteer with Achilles “off-road” as well! The role of the volunteer is varied and the rewards are endless! : • • • • •
Help organize training workouts in your area with local Achilles athletes and guides. Assist the Chapter Leadership Team with administrative tasks such as: athlete recruitment, race organization, race day support, fundraising, social events, representation at race expos, area health fairs, etc. Have a special talent or interest to share (e.g. graphic design, marketing, fundraising, grant writing, event planning, etc.)? Join one of the many committees and help provide leadership to the Chapter. Help with race-day logistics (e.g. packet pick-up, equipment transfer, course marshal, starting line/finish line support, cheer squad). Help the athlete with transportation to/from a workout or race if they do not drive and cannot find a ride within their own network first.
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
• •
Help transport the athlete’s racing equipment if you have a larger vehicle. Volunteer at our own race, the Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility 5K/10K/Fitness Walk and Kids Run on July 23rd (all hands on deck!)
NOTE: There are many opportunities for a high school or college student looking for community service hours and non-profit experience! WHAT ARE NEXT STEPS? • •
• •
Attend one ‘Membership Meeting’ (online or in person) as the final part of your orientation to Achilles CT (schedule will be sent by Membership Coordinator). The 2017 races for Team Achilles CT will be posted and volunteers are asked to provide availability to guide in order to facilitate the matching process. Please note that every effort will be made to match you to an athlete, but is not always guaranteed. Our primary communication mode is email. Please check your spam settings and accept Achilles CT emails. Check our website and social media frequently. We post all of our events and workouts on our website www.achillesct.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AchillesCT. You will also receive emails and our monthly enewsletter with Chapter updates.
TIPS FOR ACHILLES GUIDES Running with an Athlete: •
• • • •
You are running for the athlete, not yourself. Most race directors provide complimentary registration for guides. Depending on the race director, guides may or may not be timed or appear in the results. If you need a time for your own training, you may elect to register yourself in the event and still serve as a guide. Provide encouragement and positive feedback to the athlete. Your job is not to help the Achilles athlete increase endurance or speed; meet them where they are at so that he/she has a positive experience. If your athlete becomes tired, encourage him/her to walk or take a short break. You may be asked to carry hydration or fuel for the athlete during a workout or race. As a guide, you’re not expected to provide anything except running companionship and course navigation. If anything else is requested, bring it to the attention of your chapter leaders. When running or walking through a crowd, you may need to alert other participants of your presence to keep your athlete safe. Please see the attached ‘Tips for Sharing the Road’ for the expected etiquette.
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
Running with a Visually Impaired Athlete: • • • •
• •
Run beside your athlete. If you are in front, even slightly, the athlete can trip on your feet. The athlete may or may not use a tether, which is simply a shoestring with a loop on either end. Hold onto the loop with your hand. Do not tie it around you, or your athlete's, wrist, which could be dangerous if either of you fell. In the beginning, have your athlete hold your elbow, or hold the tether closely to your athlete’s hand. As you get more comfortable with your athlete, you may loosen up, allowing more distance between you. Key phrases/thoughts: "GENTLE RIGHT/LEFT” to indicate a gentle curve in the path “90 DEGREES” or “SHARP LEFT/RIGHT” “TIGHTEN UP” tells the athlete to get close, and hold your elbow as you navigate a narrow or congested passage (bridges, biker coming, etc.) “STOP” when both guide and athlete need to stop quickly (dog/car/obstacle darts in front of path) Give an estimated distance to the top or bottom of a hill, bridge, curb, etc. Otherwise, just look at the landscape, and tell your athlete what you see! Bridges, trees, golfers, other runners, bikers, creek, sunset, etc.
Running with a Wheelchair or Hand Cycle Athlete: Some of our beginner wheelchair/hand cycle athletes require a guide on the road with them for navigation, assistance with technical difficulties (e..g chain derailment, flat tire), help at aid stations, and moral support. We recruit bike guides whenever possible, otherwise runners with a sub-7:30 min/mile pace and cycling experience is preferred (including proficiency with repairs). • • • •
A flag at standing eye level height is required. Safety helmets must be worn by Achilles athletes on wheels. Many pushrim wheelchair and handcycle athletes are fast. Don’t be surprised when you can’t keep up downhill. You will usually catch up with them on the inclines where they need more support. Some races do not allow guides on bicycles on the course. The race director will be contacted by the chapter leader in advance of the event…never assume!
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
TIPS ON SHARING THE COURSE We share the following information with the mainstream running community on our website, and it is also sent to race directors to raise awareness. We are aware that despite our best efforts to raise awareness, these are not always followed. Despite the actions of others we expect Achilles athletes and guides to maintain sportsmanlike conduct on the course and report all concerns first to the Chapter President. Remember when you are wearing our shirt you are an ambassador of the organization. Important ways to recognize and respect your fellow athletes with disabilities: •
As a runner, you likely enjoy the sense of freedom you gain when you set out by yourself on a run. But, being part of a large, organized road race is a very different experience! There may be a few challenges even experienced runners may not anticipate when running with athletes with disabilities.
•
Achilles International is an organization that helps people with disabilities safely and equally compete in mainstream athletic events.
•
Athletes could be on the course in a hand cycle or racing wheelchair, running on a prosthetic leg, or be a hearing, visually or mobility impaired athlete running with a guide. Our athletes and guides wear neon yellow shirts for visibility. The words BLIND/DEAF RUNNER and GUIDE are in bold letters on the front and back of their shirts. As a fellow runner, please be aware of the following guidelines to help support these inspiring athletes and ensure they have a safe and successful race:
•
Be aware of athletes with disabilities on the course and take caution not to swerve or stop suddenly in front of them.
•
Never tap a disabled runner on the shoulder, even to congratulate them, as it can lead to a startle or loss of balance and subsequent fall.
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Respect the tether. If you see a rope (tether) connecting two athletes, or see a shirt that says “GUIDE” closely leading another runner, DO NOT break through the tether or cut the pair off.
•
Wheelchairs should pass on the left, so keep to the right if you see one approaching. Many hand cycles will have fluorescent orange or yellow flags to identify them. The majority of wheelchair racers will be well ahead of the lead runners; however some may be mixed in the pack.
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
•
Reduce the volume on your headphones, if you use them, so you can be aware of your surroundings. It is important that you hear verbal cues or announcements from wheelchair athletes, other athletes with disabilities, or their guides.
•
Be alert and aware that you are sharing the course with athletes who share the same drive, determination, and love of running as you do, but who need an extra degree of mindfulness!
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
ASK NOT WHAT YOUR CHAPTER CAN DO FOR YOU, ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR CHAPTER! With the exception of the Chapter Leader, Achilles CT is entirely run by a team of dedicated and talented volunteers! The money that we spend on races and other events comes from our own fundraising efforts! Whether you are an athlete, guide, volunteer, or past donor, this is OUR CHAPTER and we can all contribute in some way to make it even better! Here are some other ways in which you can make a difference: -HELP US FUNDRAISE TO COVER ATHLETE EXPENSES Training to race a big event such as Boston or NYC Marathon? Training for your firstever race with an Achilles athlete as a guide (any distance)? Please consider fundraising for Team Achilles CT! The Chapter has an Activegiving.com account and it is easy to build a fundraising page to share with your personal contacts and through social media. Many of our athletes and guides have raised thousands of dollars for Achilles CT….those funds help Team Achilles CT athletes get to the starting lines. Please consider paying it forward…even if you can’t make a personal contribution, your family, friends and contacts who support you can help make a difference in your honor! Please contact the Chapter Treasurer for more information and to help set up your personal fundraising page @
[email protected]. Other Ways to Help Fundraise: Cash or check donations are always welcome. Checks can be made payable to Achilles CT Chapter and mailed to: Achilles CT Chapter PO Box 2302 Branford, CT 06405. All donations are tax-deductible. 1. Make a personal donation. Large or small, every donation counts. Please consider giving. 2. Share our fundraising efforts with others. Social media is a powerful tool! 3. Determine if your employer has a charitable giving or volunteering program, and if so, please consider submitting Achilles CT. 4. Attend our fundraising events and invite others!! The more the merrier!
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
-PURCHASE TEAM ACHILLES CT APPAREL When you join Achilles, you will receive a free t-shirt from the Chapter to wear during workouts, races and events. Want to expand your Achilles CT wardrobe AND support the CT Chapter? We have Achilles CT long-sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale (100% profit), as well as an online store selling Achilles CT running jackets and hats. 25% of the online sales is donated to the CT Chapter by our store manager, Magnakleen of Meriden. To purchase jackets and/or hats visit http://www.achillesct.org/#!achilles-ct-apparel/c3ab. To purchase a long-sleeve tshirt/sweatshirt email
[email protected].
-REFER AN ATHLETE INCENTIVE The Achilles CT Chapter is always looking to welcome new athletes! Word of mouth through your connections or wearing your Achilles CT shirt is free advertising! ☺ Refer a new athlete and the Chapter will send you $25…it’s that easy! Note: The new athlete needs to officially join Achilles CT by filling out a membership form and waiver. He or she must give your name as a referral! For more information or to refer an athlete, please contact
[email protected].
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
ASSUMPTION OF RISK Participation in athletic activities often includes intense competition and poses the potential for serious, catastrophic, or life-threatening injury. Participants (and/or parents/guardians) are urged to consider that there are inherent risks and hazards associated with athletic participation. Risks vary from sport-to-sport and can occur under direct supervision and with use of proper safety equipment. As part of their registration, all volunteers must read, sign and return the Achilles CT liability waiver below. Achilles Connecticut Volunteer Agreement: " By signing below I confirm that I have read the Volunteer Handbook, and agree to adhere to Achilles CT guidelines. I understand that failure to adhere to the guidelines may jeopardize my membership in Achilles CT. I agree to release and hold harmless Achilles International and Achilles International-CT Chapter including its employees, owners, affiliates, agents, officers, directors/coordinators, volunteers, from all liability for injury, death, property loss or damage which results from my participation in a recreational activity. Print name: ___________________________________________________________ Signature:
___________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact (name): ______________________________________________ Emergency Contact (phone): _______________________ Date:
________________
This signed waiver is required every year you are an Achilles CT member. Please return to
[email protected] or mail to: PO Box 2302 Branford, CT 06405 For office use only:
Received and Approved by: ______________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Achilles International, Connecticut Chapter
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P.O. Box 2302
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Branford, CT 06405
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[email protected]
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www.achillesct.org
