Volunteer Opportunities:

As the parents of swimmers on the team, you are part of this very special organization. Your responsibility to the swim team, the swimmers, and the Marlins community is to actively participate in the swim program. The WCAY Marlins Swim Team depends on the support of 100% of our parents and families.

Because of the numerous opportunities that exist, there is something for everyone. Although some positions, such as officiating, require special training and certification (which is provided for interested parents by the YMCA), most positions just need your time and talents. Stopwatch timers, place judges, score keepers, and many other positions need to be filled during the season. For those of you who like to organize, consider a Coordinator position. Whatever you do, rest assured that you play an important role in the functioning of our organization.

Each parent or guardian must volunteer for at least 2 meets and 1 session at Championships.  We will be keeping track of your volunteer hours so we can recognize your hard work and dedication to the program. 

Timers:
During a swim meet there are always two timers per lane. Stopwatches are used as back-up for an electronic timing system. When the race starts you would just click the start button. When the swimmer comes in and touches the wall to end the race, you would just click the stop button.

Place Judge:
There are two place judges, one from each team. As a race finishes, the place judge records the order of finish for all lanes.

Runner:
After each event has been completed, the runner collects the finish times from the timers, gathers the place judges’ cards and any DQ cards from the officials, and delivers the information to the scoring table. Great for people who don’t like to stand still!

Scorer:
Head scorer (Home team) enters initial meet lineups and any changes. Swimmers’ times and order of finish are recorded by the electronic timing system and relayed to the timing console, then accepted by Head scorer. Head scorer generates report at end of meet. Visiting Team provides a second scorer for oversight of the scoring process. 

Console Operator:
The console operator controls the electronic timing system for each heat. The console operator must ensure the proper number of swim lengths are captured by the timing system and must ensure each heat is correctly captured by the timing system and that the timing system is ready for each heat.

Snack Bar Coordinator (Home meets):
This is a large source of revenue for our program. The Snack Bar coordinator oversees all purchases/donations (food, drinks, paper products) for upcoming meets. Recruits concession helpers and outlines their responsibilities. Coordinates the set-up of the concession area prior to meet (tables, coolers, pricing…) and breakdown at the end of the meet. Returns all revenues to the Head Coach for deposit.

Snack Bar Helpers (Home meets):
Assist the Concessions Coordinator with whatever is needed for operation of the snack bar for all Home meets - purchases, set up, service, clean up...

*** You must be certified to perform the following duties. Training is available through the YMCA at the start of each season.

Stroke and Turn Judge:
A stroke and turn judge is given an area of the pool they must observe, specifically looking for any stroke infractions. If they see any issues, the referee must then determine if the infraction is indeed a disqualification for that heat . Each team provides 2-4 Stroke & Turn Officials for every meet. Stroke & Turn officials must be Level I certified. Training is available through the YMCA

Starter:
The starter is responsible for starting each heat of a swim meet. Starters must be certified Level II. Training is available through the YMCA, but you must have Level I experience before taking level 2 certification.

Referee:
The referee is responsible for all aspects of the running of a swim meet. The referee must be certified Level II. Training is available through the YMCA, but you must have Level I experience before taking level 2 certification.

Contact Dave Acker if you are interested in becoming a certified YMCA Swim Official. ***