Charger Aquatics hosts two very large swim meets and 4-5 smaller events each year, and our parent volunteers are key to the success of each one. All CAQ families are required to participate at a minimum of six sessions, and there are many opportunities available to reach this goal. Some options are listed below, but there are also times when help is needed with other projects or social events. Parent contributions are vital to the success of the team as we strive to be the leaders in New Mexico Swimming and set the example for all other teams to follow.
Head Timer/Timer – Timers are key to a well run meet. The purpose of a competitive meet is for each swimmer to achieve times; therefore, these workers must be diligent and dedicated to ensure success. There are two timers per lane, each with a stopwatch, and first-time timers will receive instructions 15 minutes prior to the start of the meet.The head timer is responsible for supervising all timers during the meet, ensuring that their watches are functioning properly and replacing timers or watches when necessary. The head timer's watch is started for each heat and is used to replace any watch that may malfunction or that did not start during any given heat.
Runner
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Runners work on deck, shuttling forms (i.e. disqualification slips, results, etc.) from station to station during the meet, and also post results in various locations around the facility. These workers are literally "runners", and their efficiency keeps the events running on time........ wear comfortable shoes!
Timing System Operator
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The Timing System Operator is responsible for the automatic timing equipment, including the electronic starting system and scoreboard (if used), and will advise the Referee of any system problems that might affect the accuracy of times, or whenever a touchpad has failed to record the finish when a swimmer completes a race. THIS POSITION REQUIRES TECHNICAL TRAINING - contact the CAQ office if you are interested in learning to operate this system.
Computer Operator
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The Computer Operator is responsible for the official times, which are transferred from the timing system to the Meet Manager Program. They will be responsible for the input and seeding of late entries, relays, or any individual changes that might take place prior to the start of the meet. This volunteer must be in the timing system before the start of warm-ups for each session and needs to stay after the meet has concluded to verify results for each event. THIS POSITION REQUIRES TECHNICAL TRAINING - contact the CAQ office if you are interested in learning to operate this system.
Announcer
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The meet announcer should have a clear, pleasant voice and be able to function under pressure in the midst of a noisy crowd and a demanding referee. A knowledgeable swim-parent with a pleasing and professional "radio" voice, a willingness to help, and an impartial demeanor are all necessary qualities for this position. The function of an announcer is to state the facts (i.e. event, heat, swimmer's names, etc.), make general announcements, and be enthusiastic.
Safety Marshal
– Safety Marshals are required at every
meet to maintain order and safety in the swimming venue. This volunteer should be comfortable with occasional confrontation, and with enforcing rules to sometimes uncooperative visitors. Only swimmers, officials, coaches and certain volunteers are allowed on the pool deck; all others must remain in the upper level stands. Food and beverages are not allowed on the pool deck. The marshal must warn, order to cease and desist, or, with the concurrence of the Referee, remove from the venue anyone behaving in an unsafe manner or whose actions are disrupting the orderly conduct of the meet. To indicate their authority, marshals should be provided with an easily identifiable uniform clearly visible to all in the venue.
Concessions - These volunteers work in the concessions stand selling food and beverages to the swimmers and guests attending the meet. Division of duties usually works best as it tends to get quite busy at times (one person to handle money, one for heating up food, etc). Responsibilities include setting up and replenishing supplies, money collection, and maintenance and cleaning of all equipment and work areas.
Hospitality - These cheerful volunteers work in the lifeguard room on the pool deck serving food and beverages to coaches, officials and timing room personnel. Water and snacks are also delivered periodically to timers throughout the course of the meet. Other duties include set up of all meals and snacks, replenishing supplies, refilling ice chests, and clean up. Volunteers can also receive credit by providing the food items (in most cases homemade) for the meals served in hospitality.
