MEET VOLUNTEERS

Running a swim meet requries a lot of people. In addition to the officials, general meet volunteers are needed. You do not need to get certified for any of these positions. Being a meet volunteer is a great way to see how swim meets are run and you get a great view of the competition pool. The following positions are ones that York needs to fill for each of the meets we host. Some of the positions are specific to Mini Meets (8&under meets). York will send out links to sign up to volunteer in advance of the meet. You will also receive instructions on how to volunteer for other meets that York attends. For some meets, the host clubs will ask you to come down to the deck to volunteer on meet day. It varies. Please read the emails you receive about upcoming meets. Look for the volunteer information.

***If you have any questions or concerns, please contact York's Meet Director/Manager: Kristin Bryant Wolff ([email protected]) with any questions regarding being a Meet Volunteer***

Head Timer

The head timer has two watches and stands where they can observe all of the timers (usually at the side of the pool). They will start 2 watches at the beginning of every heat when they see the strobe go off. If a lane timer fails to start their watch (or if the wathc malfunctions), the Head Timer will bring the lane timer a new watch. Before competition begins, the head timer will also work with the starter to ensure that there are enough timers and that they are in position before the start of the session. Sometimes, the Head Timer will be asked to colllect the lane timer sheets at the completion of each event.

Lane Timer

The lane timer starts a stop watch at the beginning of each heat (upon seeing the strobe). They stop their watch and press the plunger (depressing the plunger stops the electronic timing system). They show the time to the recorder who write the time on the lane timer sheets.

Recorder 

The Recorder verifies that the correct swimmer is at the blocks by refering to the lane timer sheet. They do not have a watch (typically) but they do press a plunger at the end of the race. They record the watch times. The recorder should also make notes on the lane timer sheet if they know a swimmer has swum in the wrong heat.

Lane Organizer

The Lane Organizer is an essential volunteer at our mini meets. A Lane Organzier will be assigned to each lane. This person is responsible for lining up the swimmers in order. They will have their own soecial meet programs listong only the swimmers for their lane. The Lane Organizer does not have a stop watch.

Runner

The Runner is responsible for collecting the lane timer sheets upon the completion of the event. They organize them in lane order (1-8 for example) and take them to the table. Sometimes, a runner may be asked to post results or "run" paperwork to specific locations.

Clerk of Course

The clerk of course volunteer helps stage (put the swimmers in order) before they reach the blocks. When used, the clerk of course consists of several volunteers who stage multiple heats and then one volunteer escorts the swimmers to the start end of the pool. 

Marshal

The role of the Marshal is to ensure safety on the pool deck. You will get to wear a really cool vest. The Meet Director with coordinate with the Meet Referee to discuss you responsibilities and where you need to stand. 

Hospitality

The Hospitality Volunteer is responsible for maintaining the hospitality room where Officials and Coaches go to get snacks, meals, and drinks. You will restock, help set up, and supervise the area.

At-Large Volunteer

The At-Large Volunteer will work where needed. Be prepared to work anywhere. If a timer is needed, you may be handed a stopwatch.

Awards Volunteer

The Awards volunteer helps to put labels on and organizes the awards (ribbons and/or medals) that are given out to swimmers. For the larger meets (York's March Madness Invitational, for example), you may be in a room off of the pool deck. You will have the opportunity to see you athletes swim. Don't worry