Listed below is a brief description of each volunteer position that needs to be filled for every meet. None of the jobs are especially difficult and simple training is provided as needed; however, some of the positions do require attending special training sessions and some positions are better suited for our more experienced swim parents. All jobs are listed below in order to understand how our volunteers come together for a successful meet.

PRESELECTED & REQUIRED TRAINING POSITIONS:

*Note: some of these positions can be reassigned each season so reach out to the Team Manager if you are interested in learning for next summer*

STARTER : Starts each event with the announcement of the age and stroke and the words "SWIMMERS TAKE YOUR MARKS", pauses to make sure that all swimmers are motionless, and then gives an electronic sound or a blast of a whistle. He/She shall be the sole judge of FALSE STARTS and all false starts shall be restarted. Starters are located under the official tent next to the starting blocks. These individuals must be trained for this position.

STROKE & TURN JUDGE: Work in pairs on each side of the pool with one member of a pair being from each team. Judges only rule on infractions on their side of the pool. They observe strokes, turns, and finishes to see that swimmers comply with requirements for that stroke. Training is required for this position.

COMPUTERS/ DATA ENTRY: Responsible for entering data from time cards and verifying data entered. With this job, you see the race results before anyone else. Training is required for this position and assigned in advance. This position is located upstairs in the clubhouse.

ANNOUNCER: Located in the pavilion, this person works closely with the starter to keep the meet running smoothly. The announcer will need to anticipate flow based on the number of swimmers, the stroke, the number of lengths to be swum, and the age of the swimmers. Training is required for this position.

BULLPEN COORDINATOR: Supervises the waiting area (pavilion) for our swimmers who are ten and under during meets, helps to marks arms of swimmers with event/heat/lane, distributes event cards for relays, keeps track of swimmers - as best as they reasonably can - between events, and gets swimmers to staging on time with caps and goggles. This position is more important for the younger swimmers. This job is typically assigned in advance.

PARKING: Helps to organize cars upon arrival. Make sure cars are not illegally parked in front of resident homes. This position will require an early arrival to the swim meet to prepare parking cones.

MEET DOC PREP: Responsible for printing all of the home meet documents and assembling the timer binders. This task requires a detail-oriented person who is efficient with printing reports and organizing them. Document prep is for home meets only and must be completed on meet day before 1pm.

CONCESSIONS LEAD: Plans the food, orders and buys food, and then runs the setup and execution of the concession for home meets. Also plans and orders food for the practice meet.

MEET DAY CONCESSION PREP: Responsible for preparation of food and drink items that must be done on the morning of each home meeting. This includes buying ice and filling coolers with ice and drinks, cutting watermelon, making sauce, and any other preparations needed for concession.

FRIDAY DOUGHNUTS: Orders and picks up doughnuts prior to our Friday morning swim session. Doughnuts must arrive prior to 9:00 AM. All required job responsibilities happen on personal time outside of the dual swim meets.

OPEN TO ALL FAMILIES:

LANE TIMERS: Records the swimmer’s time. Each timer is provided a stopwatch and assigned a lane; there are two timers for each lane, a home and away timer. Both times are recorded and the average time becomes the official time. Timers are assigned to work for one half of the meet. This job gives you the best view of the pool and the swimmers during their races. A quick training is provided at the start of each meet.

BULLPEN ADULT SUPERVISION: Supervises the children (10U) in the pavilion to ensure good behavior, encourage them to clean up, and help with any emergencies.

STAGING: Receives swimmers as they line up for their event in the staging area. Confirms swimmers are present and in correct placements. Organization and quick thinking are helpful in order to move the swimmers along to the blocks on time.

STARTER ASSISTANT: Located next to the official’s tent, this role helps the starter and lead official keep track of event numbers on our number display. This job is assigned for one half of the meet.

RUNNER: Responsible for obtaining the completed event cards and DQ forms for each race from the timers and judges. The cards and DQ forms are sorted by event number and delivered to the scoring table. Runners should have good tennis shoes that work well on slippery wet surfaces. Assigned to work for one half of the meet. This job keeps you moving around at the poolside and the time passes quickly.

VERIFIER: This position is for away meets only. Works alongside the hometeam. Verifies the official time for each swimmer and verifies the computer results. Assigned to work for one half of the meet. With this job, you see the race results before anyone else.

HEAT WINNERS: Looks for the winner of each individual event heat and awards that swimmer with a small treat. Assigned to work for one half of the meet.

RIBBONS: Places labels on ribbons; sorts and files ribbons into swimmer file folder. Assigned to work the second half of the meet. This job keeps you sitting down and out of the sun but may require you to keep working for a short while after the meet is over.

CONCESSIONS: Sells concessions at home meets. Helps set up and tear down concession stand.The meet will be split into 3 overlapping shifts to cover setup, busy time, and cleanup.

SET UP + CONCESSIONS: Sets up the pool area for the swim meet. Moves deck chairs, tables, umbrella, starting blocks, sets up canopies, announcer stand and staging benches. This position requires an on time arrival of 4:00 PM on Thursday afternoons prior to home meets. This position requires lifting and moving of equipment. Closed toe shoes are required. After the pool is set up you will transition into the concession area until 6pm for setup and to open and start serving food. 

SET UP + PARKING: Sets up the pool area for the swim meet. Moves deck chairs, tables, umbrella, starting blocks, sets up canopies, announcer stand and staging benches. This position requires an on time arrival of 4:00 PM on Thursday afternoons prior to home meets. This position requires lifting and moving of equipment. Closed toe shoes are required. After the pool is set up you will transition into the parking lot to direct cars until 6pm.

CLEANUP: During the last few minutes of a meet the crew begins taking down and storing items in preparation for vacating the pool immediately after the meet. This requires taking down meet equipment and replacing all pool furniture. Volunteers are required to stay for the entire cleanup.