| SWIM MEET VOLUNTEER NUMBERS & INFORMATION | |||
| Job | Time Commitment | # of Positions | Description |
| On Deck Positions | |||
| Safety Marshal | During warm-up, approx. 1 hour | 4 | The Safety Marshal shall be responsible to the Referee for all aspects of safety related to conduct during the warm-up period by ensuring that all appropriate warm-up procedures are followed |
| Timer | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 17 | 2 persons required per lane plus 1 spare for relief, identify swimmers in the assigned lane, record swimmer's split times and times using plugers and/or stopwatches |
| Chief Timer | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 1-2 | Accurate timing by the team of Chief Timekeeper & Assistant is necessary. • They must maintain a constant check on the accuracy and efficiency of Timekeepers. • Ensure Timekeepers are aware of and perform special duties: o Ringing of bells in distance events. o Capturing times for any official split requests. o Uncommon activities such as changing ends for single distance events |
| Inspector of Turn | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 9 | Observe swimmer for any infraction of technique in the various strokes and events during the turn. Infractions to be reported to the referee |
| Judge of Stroke | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 5 | Observe swimmer for any infraction of technique in the various strokes and events during the stoke and turn. Infactions to be reported to the referee |
| Starter | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 2 | The Starter shall give the command that begins each race, using a consistent tone and cadence. The Starter shall adapt to different levels of swimmers (level, age, para swimmers). • The Starter shall work collaboratively with the Referee to ensure that all swimmers have a fair start. • The Starter shall take notes of everything related to the start. • The Starter shall complete other duties as assigned eg. recall rope, act as Judge of Stroke if needed and if qualified, count laps in long distance, take sweeps, etc. • The Starter should be consistent and exercise good judgment, maintaining the confidence of the Referee and the swimmers. |
| Referee | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 3 | The Referee shall have full control and authority over all officials, approve their assignments, and instruct them regarding all special features or regulations related to the competitions. She/He shall enforce all rules and decisions of World Aquatics and shall decide all questions relating to the actual conduct of the meet, and event or the competition, the final settlement of which is not otherwise covered by the rules. Meets recommended to have a Meet Referee and 2 session referees |
| Office Positions | |||
| Admin Desk | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 1 | The administration desk receives and processes all the input for the competition. For example, athlete check-ins, relay names, deck entries, protest forms, and queries of time to name a few. |
| Chief Judge of Electronics (CJE) | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 1 |
The key responsibilities of the Chief Judge Electronics (CJE) are to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the official times assigned to EVERY swim.
• A CJE may be used when automatic timing equipment is in use. • The CJE shall observe the finish of each race and view the operations of the electronic timing equipment. • The official time is assigned by the CJE • The CJE may work with an Electronics Operator with the electronic timing equipment (i.e. ARES, Quantum, Colorado), or may act as the operator themselves • A Recorder shall be used in conjunction with the CJE • Only one role will determine the official time. A meet will not have both a Chief Recorder and a Chief Judge Electronics in place. |
| Recorder | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 1 | You will use the computerized swimming competition Meet Manager software (Hy-Tek or Splash) to: • Record and post results. • Set-up swim-off and official split events. • Score an event. • Know if a record time is set. • Re-seed heats and events (if requested by Referee and/or Meet Manager). • Focus exclusively on the task assigned without engaging in any distracting activities during the session. |
| Meet Manager | Full commitment to the meet plus the additional time for planning the meet | 1 |
The role of Meet Manager is to manage the meet, not perform every task and to delegate to individuals or teams of volunteers supporting specific functions.
• Prior to taking on the role of Meet Manager, you must make a personal commitment: o Availability of time (pre-meet, during meet, and post-meet). o Ability to delegate work to volunteers, maintain teamwork, and adhere to timelines. o Ability to monitor progress of multiple priorities. o Identify a Mentor Meet Manager to assist you throughout the process Prepare meet for sanctioning to Swimming Canada, compile entries, issue official results, and manage meet office |
| Officials Coordinator ** | Full commitment to the meet plus the additional time for planning the meet | 1 | Facilitate training of officials, update swim official database, officials rosters for swim meets |
| Other Positions | |||
| Awards** | Finals sessions, typically 3-4 hours | 1-2 | Label medals/ribbons for swimmers finishing in the top 8 of each event |
| Runner** | Duration of the session, typically 5 hours | 2 | Run timers sheets and disqualification slips to office, post results |
| ** no clinic required | |||
| pool deck position - clinic req'd | |||
| office position - clinic req'd | |||
| Committees | |||
| Hospitality | Full commitment to the meet plus the additional time for planning the meet | 4 | Creating a menu, finding sponsors to supply items, and organizing a hospitality room during the meet. |
| Awards & Prizes | Planning ahead of time for the meet | 4 | Finding medals & ribbons and prizes for heat winners, etc |
| Sponsorship | Organizing Sponsors and creating signage | 4 | Organizing Sponsors and creating signage |
©2026 SportsEngine, LLC. Powered by SportsEngine and owned by Medicine Hat Waves Swim Club.