Volunteer Positions
ANNOUNCER: Announces first, second and final calls for each event. 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.
HEAD TIMER: Organizes and briefs the Lane Timers on their duties prior to the meet and is in charge of the lane timers throughout the meet. The head timer has the authority to remove and replace any lane timer, with the approval of the home meet director. Previous experience required for this position.
LANE TIMERS: Records the swimmer’s time. Each timer is provided a stopwatch and assigned a lane; there are three timers for each lane. All three times are recorded and the middle 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.
BULLPEN: Supervises the waiting area for a particular age group during meets, 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 the ready bench on time with caps and goggles. For most age groups, several parents will share this job. This position is obviously more important for the younger swimmers, and the pit parents for the youngest ages (6 & under and 7-8) are especially critical to the timely start of the meet. This job keeps you with your swimmer during the whole meet.
How To Assist With The BullPen
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 delivered to the scoring table. The job title is very descriptive. 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.
AWARDS: Places labels on ribbons; sorts and files ribbons into swimmer file folder. Assigned to work for one 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.
TAKE DOWN: 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. Away meets may also require transporting the equipment back to storage.
