Swim Meet Volunteer Positions
Organizing and running a swim meet takes many volunteers. Here is a short summary of each volunteer position. For a more detailed description, open the folder for each position on the website. There are also printed folders for each position in the TSA office.
The positions marked with an asterisk * require special training. If you are interested in a learning a trained position, contact the any one of our Board Members. If you volunteer two sessions of a trained position at a TSA swim meet, the meet fees for one swimmer will be waived.
Meet Director* – The person(s) in charge of managing the volunteers and making sure the tasks required to set up, run, and tear down the meet are completed. Wears a yellow vest during the meet. Takes payment from coaches for meet fees.
Volunteer Check-In / Hospitality / Awards – Many times these 3 jobs are combined as they all are based in “the front of the house”, or at the pool entrance. There is a volunteer check in table at the pool entrance that also serves as a welcome table. The conference room to the right of the entrance is the hospitality room for coaches and officials. There is an area for labeling and separating awards from the meet in the back of the hospitality room.
Runner – Based mainly in the pool area by the media room and timing console table. Assigned to the Administrative Official and Meet Referee. Responsible for transferring meet documents around the pool area. Wears a blue vest during the meet.
Timer – Provides a manual back up for our automatic timing system for each heat of each event. Based behind each starting block with two timers assigned to each lane.
Meet Marshall – Enforces safety procedures including MAAPP 2.0 guidelines. Maintains order in the swimming venue. There are generally two Meet Marshalls per session, and they wear an orange vest during the meet.
Announcer – Sits in the control room with a clear view of the pool and near the Administrative Official. Communicates meet information to athletes and spectators over the speaker system.
Clerk of the Course – Based in the east end of the crash area and helps create a bullpen to organize swimmers in preparation for upcoming events. This position is mainly needed for 8 and under swimmers.
Timing Console* – Sits at the timing console table and runs the timing console.
Meet Referee – The head official responsible for making sure the meet runs on time and is fair and safe for all swimmers. The main person consulted for any concern or issue that arises during the meet.
Administrative Official / Referee – Responsible for the data management for the meet. Works at the computer in the media room or at the table by the timing console.
Deck Referee – Responsible for the pool and immediate surrounding area during the meet. Communicates with athletes with a whistle. They must sign all disqualification forms before they are sent to the Administrative Official.
Starter – Receives control of the heat of athletes from the Deck Referee. Gives verbal and / or hand and arm signals to the athletes in preparation for and during the start of the race. Starts the race using an automated starting system or hand and arm signals. Observes and identifies false starts and communicates with the Deck Referee.
Stroke and Turn Judge – Responsible for knowing and enforcing the USA Swimming Rules for each stroke during a swim meet. Identifies stroke infractions and disqualifies the athlete by filling out a Disqualification Record Form or DQ Slip.
