A successful and fun Pinewood Derby is highly dependent on the work of the "Pinewood Derby Committee." Begin to assemble this group of volunteers early in the Scouting year. It is important to try to bring in several Pinewood 'veterans' to maintain the continuity you get from 'experienced people' who know what works (and what doesn't.) Conversely, it is very important to recruit some 'first-timers' as well. They'll be running the Derby in a couple of years! The following job descriptions illustrate the responsibilities of each functional position:
 

• Chairman :
  This individual is responsible for all Committee coordination activities. Strong organizational, motivational, and leadership skills are required here. The Chairman will typically host two or three meetings in the months prior to the Derby to collect and coordinate the status of all of the other Committee members, and to assign/coordinate additional tasks. During the races, the Chairman will also act as the behind the scenes coordinator of the event, coordinating solutions to all unforeseen 'emergencies' should (when) they arise.
   

   

• Master of Ceremonies :
  The MC is the Committee 'mouth' during the Derby. He / she announces all races and racers, all results, and all other general communications during the event. The MC also presents all trophies, certificates, and medals to event winners during and after the Derby. Your Cubmaster is a good bet for the Master of Ceremonies.
   

   

• Rules Team :
  This team is responsible for the creation, approval, and distribution of the 'car construction' and 'race procedure' rules. Don not underestimate the importance of doing a quality job here. The Rules Team can consist of all interested Pinewood Derby Committee members. Key players in the process is the Derby Chairperson, the Registration Team, and the Trackmaster Team, even though all committee members can participate. To learn more about rules and procedures, please visit our pages on "Pinewood Derby Rules."
   

   

• Sponsors Team :
  The Sponsors Team is responsible to locate local businesses and organizations that will contribute decoration items, 'giveaways,' and raffle goodies. It is amazingingly simple to get community support for your event. Remember though... if you are a BSA unit, and you plan to make a profit from your race, a Unit Money-earning Application form (BSA A-136) must be filled our by the Unit, and approved by the Council prior to accepting donations of 'goods' from local businesses. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view this form. You can download it FREE here.)
   

   

• Construction Clinics Team :
  You should run two car construction clinics prior to your Derby. The first about 6 to 8 weeks prior to the races, and the second about 2 to 3 weeks before. These are hosted by individuals that understand woodworking, tool safety, and Derby car construction techniques.
   

   

• Pit Crew Team :
  A team of individuals that come together during the race to assist with wheel / axle lubrication and any car repairs that might be necessary should cars 'fly' off of the track, or get dropped, etc. This is also a good 'second job' for your Construction Clinics Team.

   

• Track Setup and Repair Team :
  Also known as the "Trackmaster Team." Try to get at least one individual to fill this role for EACH track used for your event. They assemble the tracks and timers in the weeks before the race, and effect any repairs that might be necessary. During the races the Trackmasters are also responsible for keeping the tracks fast-and-smooth.
   

   

• Registration Team :
  We typically require that cars be turned in for impound before our Derbies. This occurs on a Friday and Monday afternoon one week prior to the races. We have two individuals responsible for check-in, weighing, and conformance to our rules on duty during this period. These individuals MUST be very familiar with the car construction rules. This can be a 'tough' job!
   

   

• Starters :
  Two to three individuals per track are responsible for staging and starting cars, and ferrying cars from the 'finish-line' to the 'starting-line' during the races.
   

   

• Decorations Team :
  These individuals are responsible for all Derby-day decorations. This involves decoration acquisition from purchased sources, and locating businesses that are willing to donate decorations. Auto parts and tire shops are GREAT sources! On the eve of Derby day the Decorations Team is responsible for arranging all event decorations. Check out their handiwork here!
   

   

• Finishers :
  Two to three persons per track are responsible for working the finish-line during the races. This job involves judging car finish order (as a backup for the electronic timers) and ferrying cars to the start-line. Check out our "Finish Line Team."
   

   

• Refreshments Team :
  This Team of two or three persons are responsible for the purchase, set-up, and sale of snacks during the event. Typically, the Pack should take in slightly more funds than their refreshments outlay.
   

   

• Crowd Control / Cub Escorts :
  Our Den Leaders are each responsible for helping their Cubs with race day logistics (and behavior.) They also help with some of the more difficult lessons that Cubs learn about 'sportsmanship' during the races!
   

   

• Results Chart Team :
  This year our "Results Chart Team" developed elimination charts based on the "Perfect-N" method with each car racing the same number of times in each lane, and each car racing the same number of times against each other car. This method was used at three levels: the 'Den,' the 'semi-finals,' and the 'finals.' To report current race statistics to all participants and families, our "Results Chart Team" developed a large felt-Velcro chart that included a personalized Velcroed car symbol for each racer and special areas for each Den and race category. As race data comes in from the Finish-line Teams, they are reflected on the Results Chart. This allows participants see what is coming up next and illustrates each Cub's current status. This REALLY works well!
   

   

• Awards Team :
  The awards team is responsible for developing an award program for the races, and moving it through an approval process by the Cubmaster and Committee Chairman. The awards person then purchases trophies and medals, and coordinates the making of certificates. We award trophies for the six fastest cars, medals for first thru third place in each Den, and really nice personalized certificates, pins, patches, etc. for all participants.
   

   

• Cleanup Team :
  All of our Committee members (and maybe some volunteer parents) help with post-event cleanup.