Volunteer – there it is, the word most dread, but volunteering does not have to be dreaded, it is a lot of fun! Something many people do not know is that USA Swimming events, including swim meets, are run solely by volunteers. All the officials walking around the pool deck in white shirts, volunteers, all the parents and family members timing, running computers, walking the deck in yellow vests, etc. all volunteers. Your swimmer cannot practice, improve, or compete in the sport of swimming without volunteers. 

There are many opportunities to volunteer. Everyone can help contribute to the success of Nebraska Aquatics. Volunteers will be properly trained, and you will never be asked to do a task beyond what you are able. Many of the volunteer tasks are completed as a team.

Opportunities to Volunteer

  • Swim club board member – As a non-profit, member-governed, swim club, the NA board is a vital part of the swim club. Without board members there would not be a swim club. The board members are a collection of swim club parents from a variety of backgrounds working together to help NA run smoothly and support the coaches and swim club members.  
  • President
  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • At Large Members​
  • Club Events – Volunteer as necessary to help with the end of season banquet and other team social activities.
  • Swim meet - Hosting a swim meet requires the help of many volunteers. Volunteering for a swim meet is a lot of fun! You will get to know other parents and work together to provide a safe and fair swimming experience for all the swimmers. You are already attending the meet and this is your opportunity to be on the pool deck and be close enough to the competition that your swimmer can hear you cheering them on.
  • Become a Meet Marshal and help provide a safe and fun environment for the NA hosted swim meet. Click HERE for details.
  • Become a USA Swimming Official! No experience necessary to begin training to become an official! For more details click HERE

Below you will find many of the volunteer opportunities you can participate in at a swim meet. Don’t be intimidated by the tasks, the best way to learn is to jump in and give it your best.

Volunteer Title

Needed per Session

Task

Meet Manager

1

Coordinates meet and officials

Meet Announcer

1

Makes all meet announcements and announces each event’s swimmers and winners etc.

Programs

1

Works a table to distribute/sell programs to those attending.

Meet Set-up & Clean-up

4-6

Prior to the swim meet, help set up the pool area including installing timing pads and prepping the sound system and computer system. At the end of the meet, return everything to “pre swim meet” set up.

Runners

2

Walks the pool deck retrieving backup times from timers, finish judge paperwork, and other miscellaneous errands as directed by Meet Manager or Meet Referee.

Timers

16 timers

 

1 head timer

 

8 extra timers for 8 & under 25 yard events

One of the easiest jobs with the best seat in the house. No experience necessary! (Minimum age of 13 years of age or older.)

Finish Judges

2

Sits at the corner of the start end of the pool. Observes each race and records the order of finish.

Heat Winner Distributor

1

After completion of a race, approach the winner of the heat to give them their award.
Hospitality 2 In charge of the hospitality area.

Safety Marshal

4

(2 women/

2 men)

Helps to maintain a safe environment for swimmers and parents.

Meet Referees

1

Has full authority over all officials, assigns, instructs and qualifies them.

Starter

1

After the referee's signal, asks swimmers to take their mark and starts the race.

Stroke & Turn Officials

4-6

Must be familiar with the rules governing turns and touches for Freestyle, Breast, Back & Butterfly strokes.

Admin Referee (AO)

1

Responsible for data entry of all heats and swims throughout the course of a session.

Administration Computer

2

Records all the times, notes all DQs for all events.

Scoreboard

1

Operate the scoring system which updates the score board.