Principle
The general principle of a waiters race, a course des garçons de caféas they say in French, is simple: the waiters usually dressed with a white shirt and black pants and walk as quickly as possible while carrying a tray. Most of the time, the tray is placed with various objects such as glasses and bottles, and must be held with only one hand. The first waiter to cross the last line with the tray and all its content is declared the winner. Any attempt to infringe upon the rules may result in a penalty, or even disqualification.
Rules of waiters races
The rules differ depending on several parameters:
- the type of step authorized: walking or running path
- the type of route (ie through the streets or a race course that includes sprints and a championship route with eliminatories)
- the type of competition (either against other competitors or a race against the clock)
- the level of technicality skills required (measuring the amount of liquid at the arrival or simply the presence of all the elements of the tray).
- the obstacles along the course (obstacles testing the technical skills of the competitor with different penalties applying in case of failure such as jumps hurdles, slaloms and participate in speed drills, as to put new items on the tray).
A traditional waiters race doesn’t include obstacles; it has been designed only recently to make the race more challenging and entertaining.
Every type of technical challenge in the race reveals certain skills and offers the public an amazing show. The jumping of hurdles while holding their trays requires a great sense of balance, strength, and flexibility from the racers. The slalom is also one of the most common obstacles, probably because it is very easy to implement and because it can slow the speed of the competitors, while testing their mastery in balance. It is also possible to find stands arranged on the sides of the route to test the mastery of some professional movements, such as taking the top off a bottle off with one hand.
Labels
Races can generally be classified under three labels. The Official WaitersRace.com Labels are:
- “Traditional” waiters races,
- “Sportive” waiters races,
- “Funny” waiters races.
Exemplary behavior
If a particular waiters race has unsportsmanlike conduct, then the waiters have to comply with the code of good practices for their profession: they are to be gentlemen like in their action and therefore they must keep smiling and accept the decisions of the judges and honorably represent their profession.
Route
City
From the very beginning of its competitive history, waiters races have taken place along the most prestigious avenues of their cities. There are several reasons: first of all, the event is an homage to the professionalism of the waiters profession, and is only natural and courteous to give them the best avenue to display their skills in the city. Secondly, the race is a popular event and therefore needs the capability to support the large crowds that develop along the route. Lastly, the beautiful city avenues hosting a greatly entertaining event honoring the local waiters of the area is beneficial to the local economy.
On site
One of the latest aspects in the changing evolution of the competitive race has been the onsite race competitions. This is a race that takes place in a specialized area, usually a track, generally on a prestigious avenue, or park, or even around a square along beach front. The race takes place on a short distance route with technical challenges along the way. This kind of race is more sportive and includes obstacles. It is also easier to organize since the traffic doesn’t need to be stopped like in many streets of the city where contests are often held.
In door
Few races take place indoors. However, some organizers do have them indoors. This could potentially be a good scenario for hotels to consider.
