• In most cases, the team volunteer coordinator will assign you to volunteer jobs for meets your swimmer is competing in. This will be done on a rotating basis so all parents have the opportunity to volunteer.

• If you prefer to sign up before volunteer assignments are released (usually 1-2 days before a meet), use the "Job Signup" feature in the specified swim meet calendar entry on the BOWS website. View step-by-step instructions here.

• All teams are required to provide one or more lane timer(s) for every swim meet. The number required for each session depends on how many swimmers are participating. 

• In some cases, parents may also be asked to serve as safety marshals or in other volunteer capacities.

• At minimum, parents should plan on serving as a lane timer and/or some other meet volunteer capacity for at least 2-3 meets per year.

What to Bring

• Competition swimsuit and goggles. “Tech suits” are banned by Hawaiian Swimming for age 12 and under. Visit the Hawaiian Swimming website for additional details. 

• White competition swim cap and practice swim cap as back-up. Swimmers will receive a white competition cap at their first meet.

• Minimum two towels and a BOWS parka or jacket to keep warm in between events.

• Sharpie for marking (for younger swimmers).

• Sunscreen, hats, folding chairs, cash for heat sheets.

• Plenty of water and light snacks. There might be food and drinks for sale (bring cash), but this is not a guarantee. 

• Screen free games and activities such as a book, deck of cards, card/board games, craft items, etc. There can be a lot of down time depending on how many and which events you are swimming. 

• Swimmers and families, please wear your BOWS t-shirts to show team spirit!

Swim Meet Rules

• Families should sit in the designated BOWS or spectator area. This may vary by pool and type of meet.

• Parents and other non-swimmers are not allowed on the pool deck at any time. Exception: volunteer lane timers, safety marshal, meet director, "tent parents," etc.

• Absolutely no photography allowed behind the diving blocks. 

• Parents should stay clear of the meet official tent and should not interact with officials at any time. If you have questions about your swimmer's participation in the meet, talk to your coach.

​Seating at VMAC

• ​If our team tent is set up on the VMAC bleacher side, parents may sit with the team. If our team tent is set up on the grassy side, parents are not permitted to sit with the team and must sit in the bleacher spectator area. This is because non-USA registered adults are not permitted on the pool deck, and there is no way to leave the grassy area without crossing the deck. This has not been enforced in the past, but is being enforced starting in 2023.

• Exception: Parents who are registered with USA swimming as non-athletes with completed background check and athlete protection training (APT) may sit on the grassy side as a "tent parent" to help swimmers get ready for events, etc. Tent parents will be required to get a wrist band from the officials area, with no more than 2-3 tent parents permitted per team. If you are interested in becoming a "tent parent," please contact the BOWS registrar at [email protected].